Mike Futa is reportedly staying with the Los Angeles Kings for the foreseeable future.

The assistant general manager has signed a multi-year contract extension with the club, according to the Los Angeles Times' Curtis Zupke.

Futa has been considered for several GM vacancies over the years, most recently with the Carolina Hurricanes before they decided to shift Don Waddell into the role. Futa was also as a reported candidate for the Buffalo Sabres' job that went to Jason Botterill last May.

The Kings promoted Futa to assistant GM in April 2017.

He previously served as the team's vice president of hockey operations and director of player personnel, and has been in the organization for the last 11 seasons.

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Salary-cap complications have shifted the majority of moves in the hockey world from the trade deadline to draft weekend, and fans could be in for another whirlwind this summer with plenty of big names reportedly on the market.

With that in mind, let us play the role of matchmaker and consider the perfect landing spot for each of the 10 biggest names who could be dealt this offseason.

Erik Karlsson - Vegas Golden Knights

Possible return: 2019 1st-round pick, F Alex Tuch, F Cody Glass, D Nicolas Hague

Reports indicated that the Vegas Golden Knights and Ottawa Senators nearly pulled off a blockbuster ahead of the most recent trade deadline, so a little more time may be all that's needed to complete the biggest NHL trade in two years.

Golden Knights general manager George McPhee hasn't been shy about his desire to add a puck-moving defender, and there's no better option on the planet than Erik Karlsson. While the Golden Knights were expected to take a slow and steady approach toward building their roster, this year's results likely rewrote their playbook, meaning Vegas could part with a handful of the prospects and draft picks it accumulated last summer.

Vegas could also make the deal more palatable for the Senators by taking on the expensive Bobby Ryan. Such an option was considered at the deadline, and could be brought up again if these two teams rekindle their trade talks. Meanwhile, there are no assurances Karlsson is ready to sign a long-term extension in Ottawa, so bringing back a first-round pick in next year's draft, plus three former high picks, would be an impressive haul for Senators GM Pierre Dorion.

Ryan O'Reilly - St. Louis Blues

Possible return: 2018 1st-round pick (29th overall, from Jets), F Robert Thomas, D Vince Dunn

It's difficult to understand why the Buffalo Sabres would consider parting with Ryan O'Reilly, one of the game's best two-way pivots, but the trade chatter just won't go away.

Brought to Buffalo three offseasons ago, the hope was that O'Reilly and Jack Eichel would lead the Sabres back to the postseason, but it's yet to happen, and under second-year GM Jason Botterill, changes could be afoot.

The St. Louis Blues are a promising potential fit. Few teams so obviously lack a top center, and GM Doug Armstrong has already indicated he's got the green light to correct the longstanding issue. Given that St. Louis is set to contend now, parting with young players like center Robert Thomas and left-side defenseman Vince Dunn - who can both immediately slot into the Sabres' lineup - could be a fair price. The Sabres could also parlay Winnipeg's first-rounder from the Paul Stastny trade into an upgrade elsewhere on the roster.

Phil Kessel - Minnesota Wild

Possible return: F Jason Zucker, F Kirill Kaprizov

All Phil Kessel has done since arriving in the Steel City is win two Stanley Cups and follow that up with a career-best 92-point season. But alas, one of the league's premier snipers finds his name in the rumor mill once again.

There are a few things to consider: While Kessel is coming off a career year, it was likely an outlier, since he typically produces around 70 points per season. There's also the matter of his contract, which carries an affordable $6.8-million cap hit but also contains a no-trade clause, meaning Kessel can limit potential trade partners to eight teams of his choosing.

Fortunately, the Minnesota Wild were on that list the last time around, and likely stand to reappear given Kessel is a Minnesota Golden Gophers graduate. There's also the presence of new Wild GM Paul Fenton, who may look to quickly put his stamp on the squad. For the Pittsburgh Penguins, parting with Kessel would free up the dollars to upgrade their weakened blue line, which took a hit following a handful of recent departures. The Wild could offer an intriguing prospect in KHL forward Kirill Kaprizov, plus winger Jason Zucker, whose 33-goal output last season was only slightly outpaced by Kessel.

Max Pacioretty - Florida Panthers

Possible return: 2018 1st-round pick (15th overall) and F Nick Bjugstad

Much like Karlsson, Max Pacioretty was among the biggest names reportedly available at the trade deadline, and while a deal never came to fruition, the Montreal Canadiens could re-investigate that possibility this offseason.

The Habs would undoubtedly like to add a top center, but it's unlikely they can acquire one by dealing a player who suits up at a less valuable position - particularly a scoring winger coming off his lowest goal total in five seasons who's under contract for just one more year.

There have been questions about Pacioretty's ability to perform in the spotlight, so moving to a quieter market - like South Florida - could help get his game back on track. For a young Florida Panthers squad that could use an offensive boost of its own, Pacioretty could be the perfect addition. In return, Florida could offer its first-round pick - assuming Pacioretty's willing to sign an extension - plus hulking forward Nick Bjugstad. After years of injury troubles, Bjugstad finally put together a healthy campaign last season, but may still benefit from a fresh start. His ability to play either wing or center seems like a match for Montreal as well.

Jeff Skinner - Los Angeles Kings

Possible return: 2018 1st-round pick (20th overall) and F Alex Iafallo

After missing the playoffs a year ago, the Los Angeles Kings crept into this year's postseason, but you may not remember it since they barely found the scoresheet. In a four-game opening round sweep to the Golden Knights, the Kings were shut out on two occasions and managed just three goals total.

That followed a 239-goal campaign - the lowest offensive output of any playoff team save the Anaheim Ducks, who tallied just four fewer - so it's likely not a stretch to assume that adding some top-line offense is at the top of GM Rob Blake's shopping list.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner is reportedly on the trade block, with an asking price of a first-round pick and a prospect. If Los Angeles prefers to keep its prospects in tow, the team could instead offer young forward Alex Iafallo, who made his NHL debut last season. It would also make a deal more palatable for the Kings if Skinner, an unrestricted free agent in 2019, signs a long-term extension with his new club.

Mike Hoffman - Calgary Flames

Possible return: 2020 2nd-round pick, F Sam Bennett, D Rasmus Andersson

A deal between two Canadian clubs could have Mike Hoffman packing his bags for a trip west.

Built to win now, the Calgary Flames own one of the league's deepest blue lines, and an aging netminder in Mike Smith who provided stability between the pipes last season. The problem was Calgary's inability to find the back of the net, as only four clubs scored fewer goals. That's why GM Brad Treliving should call his Ottawa counterpart as the Senators eye a shakeup.

While Calgary doesn't have many draft picks to part with - three already went to the New York Islanders for rearguard Travis Hamonic - the Flames could put together a package of young talent that piques the Senators' interest. Former fourth overall pick Sam Bennett has yet to translate his junior numbers to the NHL, but could benefit from a fresh start. Calgary's embarrassment of riches on defense should also limit the sting of dealing away the promising Rasmus Andersson.

Justin Faulk - Chicago Blackhawks

Possible return: 2018 1st (27th overall, from Predators), F Marian Hossa, D Chad Krys

It'll take some creativity on the part of these two GMs, but a swap that would send Justin Faulk and Scott Darling from Carolina to the Chicago Blackhawks makes some sense for both clubs.

Chicago's blue line, once the team's strength, lacks both depth and top-end talent, and Faulk would help the Blackhawks begin to improve their defensive core. Darling is expensive, but he has a history of success in Chicago and could step into the starting job should injuries continue to trouble Corey Crawford.

As for the Hurricanes, the deal allows them to walk away from the Darling experiment - he's due nearly $12 million over the next three seasons - and clear a spot for a new goaltender, taking on Marian Hossa's cap hit in exchange. Hossa is owed just $1 million over each of the next three seasons. Carolina also lands Boston University defenseman Chad Krys, who is ready to turn pro, and the first-rounder that Chicago originally received for Ryan Hartman.

Chris Tanev - Toronto Maple Leafs

Possible return: 2018 1st-round pick (25th overall), F Josh Leivo, D Connor Carrick

It's no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs need to upgrade their blue line, particularly if a top-pairing, right-shot defender is available. Enter Vancouver Canucks defender Chris Tanev, a mobile and positionally sound rearguard who could play alongside Morgan Rielly.

While Canucks GM Jim Benning has long been adamant that Tanev is not for sale, his tune may change if a rival team puts a first-round pick on the table. That's part of the offer here, as the Maple Leafs move their earliest selection in the coming draft.

Accumulating picks and young talent should be the name of the game for the rebuilding Canucks, while Carrick also helps fill a role on their rejigged back end.

Tyler Johnson - Arizona Coyotes

Possible return: 2019 2nd-round pick, D Pierre-Olivier Joseph

Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman has decent cap flexibility this summer, with about $12 million in wiggle room once next season's ceiling is announced. But the challenge for Tampa Bay arrives a year from now, when elite winger Nikita Kucherov is due for an extension and is likely in line to double his current $4.7-million salary.

Yzerman's most pressing issue is how he'll create the room to retain the Russian star. One option is flipping forward Tyler Johnson, who signed a seven-year extension with the Lightning last offseason.

Johnson's role as the team's second-line center has been usurped by Brayden Point, who's on a cheap entry-level deal, and the 27-year-old has a full no-trade clause that kicks in July 1 - so if Yzerman's going to move Johnson, the time is now. A prime landing spot could be the Arizona Coyotes, who need a middleman behind Derek Stepan and some insurance for up-and-coming pivot Dylan Strome. Could the Lightning be interested in QMJHL defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph, a first-round pick by Arizona a year ago and the brother of Lightning prospect Mathieu Joseph?

Philipp Grubauer - New York Islanders

Possible return: 2018 1st-round pick (12th overall, from Flames)

Newly minted Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello hasn't been shy about fixing up his team's goaltending in the recent past - near the end of his tenure with the Devils, he parted with a top-10 pick to bring in Cory Schneider from the Vancouver Canucks, and one of his earliest moves upon arriving in Toronto was sending first- and second-round picks to the Ducks for Frederik Andersen.

Could one of Lamoriello's first acts on the Island be upgrading the team's woeful goaltending? After the tandem of Jaroslav Halak and Thomas Greiss struggled, New York is ripe for an upgrade, and could target Washington Capitals backup Philipp Grubauer. The 26-year-old restricted free agent has shown he has the chops for the top job and could be attainable thanks to Washington's cap crunch. The Islanders' second first-round pick, added in the Hamonic trade, should be enough to close the deal.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Vancouver Canucks prospect Olli Juolevi will undergo a microdiscectomy procedure for a disc in his lower back, the team announced Monday.

The defenseman began experiencing discomfort during offseason training, and surgery was determined to be the best course of action after he consulted with the team's medical staff.

An update on his recovery time will be provided after the surgery.

Though he's still only 20 years old, Juolevi has failed to live up to the hype of a fifth overall pick so far. He's the only player chosen in the top 11 of the 2016 draft that has yet to appear in the NHL.

After a two-year OHL career with the London Knights, Juolevi spent this past season in Finland's top professional league, picking up 19 points in 38 games. If he's healthy by training camp, he should be in line to compete for a spot on Vancouver's blue line next season.

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In the 1994 Hollywood film, "Tin Cup," Roy McAvoy, played by Kevin Costner, waxes poetic about the U.S. Open as he begins his own preparations to qualify for the tournament.

"It’s open. Anybody with a 2-handicap or better has got a shot at it. Just got to get through a local and sectional qualifier, and unlike Doral or Colonial or AT&T, they can’t keep you out. They can’t ask you if you’re a garbage man or a bean picker ... If you qualify, you’re in," he says at one point.

What about a cancer survivor?

What about a full-time NHL referee?

If you’re Canadian Garrett Rank, you hit on those last two points.

You also hit on the first one, as Rank was co-medalist at his sectional qualifying site on June 4 to earn a spot in his first U.S. Open.

His 2-under-par score was enough to obtain a spot alongside 77 others who earned an opportunity to play in the second major of the year on the PGA Tour via 12 qualifiers around the world in early June.

Rank first began playing golf as a youngster in Elmira, Ontario - about an hour-and-a-half from downtown Toronto with a population of 12,000 - and went to the University of Waterloo near his hometown rather than accept any offers in the United States. He earned a degree in economics and was named Athlete of the Year in 2012.

His career as a referee began at age 14 when he decided working at a rink was an easier way to make $20 than flipping burgers. He kept it up during school and once he stopped playing golf at the University level, someone approached him in his town to ref the junior league.

From there, he worked his way up the ladder, eventually earning a spot in the Ontario Hockey League for three seasons. He'd sign an NHL contract in 2014, gaining some experience in the American Hockey League at its outset.

In a 2015 interview with The Canadian Press, Rank recalled how his first NHL game went, and could only laugh.

He said he had settled in pretty well, but on the game's first goal at about the five-minute mark, a video review was called.

"They reversed our call on the ice," Rank said. "That was pretty funny. Looking back though, it helped settle me down."

The 2017-18 season was his second full year in the big leagues. He was on the ice for 73 games and called three playoff contests, including during the eventual Stanley Cup-champion Washington Capitals’ first-round series against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

He managed only four rounds of golf during the hockey season, but with Rank’s pedigree - he was runner-up at the U.S. Mid-Amateur in 2012 and won three consecutive Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur titles from 2014-16, losing in a playoff a year ago in a bid for an unprecedented fourth straight - he was able to return to a qualifying site he had played in four years ago and earned a spot in one of the year's biggest golf tournaments.

"I knew it was a super hard golf course and it was that day," Rank said in a recent telephone interview. "The greens were super fast. There was a lot of water, a lot of trouble. I knew I would have had a better shot shooting around par versus going somewhere else and trying to shoot 8- or 10-under."

Rank has a reliable, compact swing, according to Golf Canada’s Men’s National Team head coach Derek Ingram. Ingram oversaw the Canadian golf contingent at the 2015 Pan-Am Games that included Rank and European Tour pro Austin Connelly and he continues to receive swing videos from Rank via text message. Because Rank's swing isn’t very complicated, he says there isn’t a need for a lot of extra work.

"I love it," said Ingram of Rank’s swing. "It’s a low-maintenance golf swing. It’s very sound."

But despite the accolades on the course, on the ice, and from fellow golfers ("If you look up the word 'beauty' in the dictionary, I think there is a full-color photo of Garrett Rank there," says Ingram) his entire life was upended in 2011 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Rank says the diagnosis was difficult to accept at that point in his life, but he didn't allow himself to succumb to the pressure.

"I thought to myself, 'You’re a young athlete in great shape. You’re a good kid. You never did anything to deserve this.' I always thought of (the diagnosis) as a lie, or that it wasn’t actually true. That helped push me along," he said.

Rank had just one procedure and has been monitoring it since then, but he now has a clean bill of health.

Ingram believes Rank's dedication to taking care of his body separates him from other amateur-level golfers, which is part of the reason why he’s had such success despite being away from the sport for long periods during the year.

Rank said he hadn’t been to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, the site of this week’s U.S. Open, prior to the tournament getting underway but did watch some of the 2004 coverage - the last time the storied layout played host - on television and has a sense of the robust scale of the course.

But Rank maintains he’s the kind of golfer who enjoys shooting around par, hitting long irons into greens and just playing steady golf.

"U.S. Open golf stacks up well for me," he said.

Ingram agrees as he’s seen Rank play well in USGA-type events before, where par is a good score. Rank is one of the most accurate drivers of the ball he’s seen, which will be a major benefit this week with the rough grown long just off the fairway.

"He drives it straighter than most people hit their 7-iron," said Ingram. "He’s a streaky-good putter too and I would say the course does suit his style of game very well."

Rank is one of 20 amateurs in the field at this year’s U.S. Open, many of whom are up-and-coming golfers with long collegiate resumes who've qualified, or the cream of the crop from last year who earned their spots thanks to their finishes at high-level events around the world in 2017.

But Rank, an unassuming Canadian much older than most, will be right there with them this week.

His story belongs in a Hollywood film as it just seems too good to be true.

But true it is.

Adam Stanley has written about golf since 2011 for PGATOUR.com, LPGA.com, and the Canadian Press, among other organizations. He's also a frequent contributor to The Globe and Mail. Find him on Twitter @adam_stanley.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL's silly season is right around the corner.

With teams on the brink of the annual tradition of overpaying in free agency, so too approaches the buyout window, in which some clubs will look to rid themselves of past contract blunders.

Here's a look at each team's most likely candidate to be bought out over the next month.

Click here for Eastern Conference candidates

Central Division

Chicago Blackhawks: Brandon Saad

Blackhawks fans might call for the head of Brent Seabrook, but the fact is he'd still be owed between $3.3 million and $6.8 million to not play for the team. As for Saad, buying him out would allow them to nearly wipe out his entire contract.

For a team strapped for cash it makes the most sense, the question is will Stan Bowman be willing to buy out a player he gave Artemi Panarin up for just one year ago?

Colorado Avalanche: Colin Wilson

Wilson has not been able to replicate his 2015 success where he potted 20 goals and 42 points with the Nashville Predators. The Avalanche are on the up swing and in order to further progress they might be better off spending their money on someone more reliable.

Dallas Stars: Jason Spezza

After putting up a respectable 50 points in 2017, Spezza saw his production nearly slashed in half with 26 points in 10 more games. Spezza was made a healthy scratch on several occasions, so things could be done for him in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild: Tyler Ennis

Making $4.6 million, Ennis was still made a healthy scratch down the stretch and for four of the Wild's five playoff games. Over the last three seasons he's scored just 16 goals in 147 games. Enough said.

Nashville Predators: Nick Bonino

The likelihood of the Predators buying out anyone is low, but if they are to buy out someone, Bonino makes the most sense. Bonino is a third- or fourth-line center making over $4 million and just put up his lowest point total in six years.

St. Louis Blues: Vladimir Sobotka

The Blues may have just brought Sobotka back from the KHL, but Doug Armstrong has gone on record saying that he's going to be active in free agency and the trade market in the hopes of bolstering the team's forward core. If that's the case, cap space and roster space up front will be needed and Sobotka makes the most sense to go.

Winnipeg Jets: Dmitry Kulikov

Paying over $4 million for a bottom-pairing defenseman just doesn't make sense. With Jacob Trouba, Connor Hellebuyck, and Josh Morrissey among the team's nine pending RFAs, the club could use some extra cash.

Pacific Division

Anaheim Ducks: Corey Perry

Perry's days as a dependable 30-goal scorer appear to be in the rear-view mirror. What's more, he's struggled come playoff time the last couple seasons and at $8.625 million it might be worth turning the page on Perry. His buyout would see him get paid for six years but for four of those he'll be owed just over $2 million.

Arizona Coyotes: Marcus Kruger

Kruger doesn't necessarily break the bank for the Coyotes, but with just one goal in 48 games last season with the Carolina Hurricanes (a more skilled team), Arizona might be better off ridding itself of his contract and spending the money elsewhere.

Calgary Flames: Troy Brouwer

Brouwer gets paid the fourth-most among Flames forwards, but this past season finished ninth among them with just six goals. A buyout would save the team $3 million this season, which would certainly go a long way.

Edmonton Oilers: Zack Kassian

As is the growing trend among buyout cases, Milan Lucic might seem like the best candidate, but the Oilers would still have to pay him between $3.2 million and $5.7 million for the next five years.

Kassian on the other hand averages the least amount of ice time among all regular forwards and his production reflects that.

Los Angeles Kings: Dion Phaneuf

Phaneuf had a decent stint in L.A. after being acquired from the Ottawa Senators, but for a team that needs to free-up money in an attempt to bolster its offense, Phaneuf might have to serve as a scapegoat.

San Jose Sharks: Paul Martin

The Athletic's Kevin Kurz reported on Saturday that there is a "strong possibility" that Martin gets bought out. After spending time between the main club and in the AHL last season and the potential to save just shy of $3 million in 2018-19, it certainly makes sense.

Vancouver Canucks: Ben Hutton

Loui Eriksson is the contract the team should try to get off the books, but with it so heavily weighted in signing bonuses, it doesn't make sense for the club. Meanwhile, Hutton's production has declined over the last two seasons, and didn't even manage to score a goal this past campaign.

Vegas Golden Knights: Tomas Tatar

The Golden Knights paid a ton to acquire Tatar at the deadline, but after under-performing and serving as a healthy scratch mostly during the playoffs, it might be in the team's interest to free-up more cap space to do some big-game hunting in free agency or via trade. Cough ... cough ... Erik Karlsson.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

While the glitz and glamour of the NHL's free agency period primarily surrounds the unrestricted free agents on July 1, several players with restricted rights should garner considerable attention this summer as well.

Whether the expiration of an entry-level contract or the end of a bridge deal, numerous teams face important decisions on key RFA's. Negotiations can take the entire offseason, bleed into October if a player holds out, or require a third party should discussions reach arbitration, which no one wants.

With that in mind, here are 10 players to keep an eye on this offseason whose next deals will have a significant impact on the future of their respective organizations.

Mark Stone - Senators

Throughout a truly dismal season in Ottawa, Stone was one of the few bright spots. In typical 2017-18 Senators fashion, however, he only appeared in 58 games because of injury, but made the most of his limited availability with 62 points.

What should the team do?

Stone has developed into one of the NHL's premier two-way forwards and is an asset the Senators need to prioritize, especially considering the cloudy future of captain Erik Karlsson. General manager Pierre Dorion needs to offer Stone, 26, a long-term contract worth at least double what he's made annually on a wildly team-friendly pact over the last three seasons.

William Karlsson - Golden Knights

Karlsson's 43-goal outburst was the embodiment of the Golden Knights' miraculous inaugural season and he picked a great time to emerge as a star on Vegas' top line, setting himself up for quite a raise.

What should the team do?

As electric as Karlsson looked in his first opportunity in an increased offensive role, Vegas should be wary of giving him a blank check. Scoring 40-plus goals in today's NHL is no easy feat, but Karlsson shot 23.4 percent - the highest mark in the league. While he's the youngest of the trio, putting Wild Bill in the range of his linemates on a five or six-year deal worth roughly $5 million seems reasonable.

Jacob Trouba - Jets

Two years after declaring and ultimately rescinding a trade request out of Winnipeg, Trouba is up for another deal. The 24-year-old had multiple injuries throughout the season, but showcased his value night after night in the Jets' top four, averaging over 21 minutes per game in both the regular season and playoffs.

What should the team do?

Firstly, make sure any grievances are in the past and be certain Trouba is committed to Winnipeg going forward. If he is, lock him down to a long-term deal with a hefty pay increase. With Dustin Byfuglien pushing 34, Trouba's role is only going to grow on a team primed to contend for the Stanley Cup for years to come.

Connor Hellebuyck - Jets

Speaking of key contributors to the Jets' success, Hellebuyck erased any doubts about his future as a No. 1 NHL netminder with his best season yet - one that earned him consideration as a Vezina Trophy finalist.

What should the team do?

This is a no-brainer. Salary figures may prove to be a tad contentious but both sides will be looking for a lengthy contract extension.

William Nylander - Maple Leafs

Nylander put forth his second consecutive 61-point season in 2017-18, proving once again to be a key cog in one of the most potent attacks in the NHL. His next contract is one of several tasks for new GM Kyle Dubas, along with potential extensions for Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, as well as finding reinforcements to shore up the blue line.

What should the team do?

Dubas and the Leafs would be best served to avoid a bridge deal for Nylander, as signing him to a long-term deal prevents the possibility of him requesting a more lucrative contract a couple years from now should his production increase. The Maple Leafs won't have cap space forever, and keeping Nylander's number down while they can will only help once the crunch hits.

J.T. Miller - Lightning

After joining the Lightning at the trade deadline, Miller contributed 18 points in 19 games, but saw his production dip in another disappointing playoff exit for Tampa Bay.

What should the team do?

If Miller were unrestricted, he'd surely be one of the bigger names available, but Steve Yzerman faces a difficult decision with the 25-year-old. Tampa has extensions for Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy on the horizon, and won't be able to sink long-term dollars into a player like Miller - as valuable as he may be. Does he accept another short deal to stick around, or could we see a trade?

Matt Dumba - Wild

Dumba came into his own for the Wild in 2017-18, setting career-highs in average ice-time (23:49), goals (14), and assists (36) upon the expiry of a two-year bridge contract signed in 2016.

What should the team do?

Dumba is one of few young players on the Wild roster, and new GM Paul Fenton should consider unloading some salary to ensure he can offer the 23-year-old a long-term deal.

Darnell Nurse - Oilers

Nurse continues to acclimate himself to the pros and showed promise by appearing in all 82 games, while setting a career-high in points and ice-time.

What should the team do?

The 2018-19 campaign marks the beginning of Connor McDavid's mega-deal, so maneuvering the salary cap effectively is of the utmost importance for Peter Chiarelli and Co. While Nurse is a solid piece on the back end, both parties could probably agree on a bridge deal to give Nurse a chance to cement his status as a foundational piece.

Dylan Larkin - Red Wings

Larkin erased a miserable sophomore slump with a tremendous Year 3 to conclude his entry-level contract, leading the lowly Red Wings with 63 points and proving he's a piece worth prioritizing for Detroit's rebuild.

What should the team do?

Ken Holland has handed out numerous ugly contracts over the last few years, but has a chance to stabilize things with a proper evaluation for his top center. Like Nylander, Detroit is better off avoiding a bridge deal and locking up their star before he demands more.

Tomas Hertl - Sharks

The Sharks' attack felt the effects of losing Joe Thornton for nearly half the season, but Hertl managed to set a new personal best with 22 goals and backed it up with nine points in 10 playoff contests.

What should the team do?

After Evander Kane secured $49 million over seven years on the strength of 26 solid games with the Sharks, Hertl will likely be looking for some long-term security as well. His payout won't be as gainful, but as a key top-six contributor, a four-to-five year deal worth around $4 million annually doesn't seem so bad for either party.

(Photos Courtesy: Getty Images)

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals are celebrating their Stanley Cup win by letting out years of frustration with a helluva party.

By knocking off the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 of the final, the Capitals sealed the first championship in franchise history, putting to bed the narrative that the team's underachieved since it entered the NHL 44 years ago.

So it's little surprise that Ovechkin, his teammates, and Capitals fans are taking full advantage of the opportunity to celebrate. Here's what he's been up to.

'Get some beers'

It's hard to put into words what it means to win the Stanley Cup, but the Capitals captain was pretty succinct when he suggested how fans should mark the occasion.

When they first met

First there was the Conn Smythe Trophy, and then NHL commissioner Gary Bettman presented Ovechkin with the Stanley Cup. It hasn't left his hands much since.

No time for losers

What's winning without a rendition of "We Are The Champions"?

A trip through a casino

You have to be lucky in Vegas, and some fans were, getting a close-up look at Lord Stanley as Ovechkin took a quick detour through the MGM Grand.

The traditional champagne shot

Countless beverages have been poured from the Stanley Cup, but it's hard to imagine a more common choice than some smooth champagne.

Tuckered out

Ovechkin grabbed a cat nap on the trip back to D.C., but didn't let the Stanley Cup out of his grasp.

The 1st pitch

Ovechkin must be thankful he didn't pursue a career in baseball.

Hoisting it again and again

Washington sports fans showed plenty of love for the Stanley Cup as Ovechkin proudly displayed the silver mug at Saturday's Nationals game.

Take another drink

Home to Georgetown University, this D.C. neighborhood was a natural choice for a classic college move.

The summer of Ovi

Ovi and a few of his teammates made a splash.

Partying with the first daughter

Spending some time with Ivanka Trump might be a strong sign that a trip to the White House is in the Capitals' future.

More singing

Practice makes perfect, as Ovi and his teammates take another crack at their new favorite song.

A show for the fans

The Capitals won't have a Stanley Cup parade until Tuesday, although a few fans have already gotten some face time with hockey's ultimate prize.

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Silly season is right around the corner.

With teams on the brink of the annual tradition of overpaying in free agency, so too approaches the buyout window, in which some teams will look to rid themselves of past contract blunders.

Here's a look at each team's most likely candidate to be bought out over the next month.

Metropolitan Division

Carolina Hurricanes: Scott Darling

Darling made it quite clear this season he isn't cut out to be a No. 1. Under Tom Dundon, the team will be looking to make a splash, and that includes a new goalie tandem.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Brandon Dubinsky

This season, Dubinsky saw a 25-point drop, a consequence of scoring half the goals he did in 2017. He was also reported to be dealing with a personal issue that could be career-ending; a buyout might be best for all parties.

New Jersey Devils: Travis Zajac

Zajac is currently the longest-serving Devils player, but his production has taken a drastic hit and $5.75 million is a lot of money to put up for fewer than 15 goals a season.

New York Islanders: Casey Cizikas

Andrew Ladd would make sense here, but he gets a lot of his money in signing bonuses, which doesn't make a buyout very feasible. As for Cizikas, who hasn't hit double-digit goals his entire career, buying him out saves nearly $2.5 million.

New York Rangers: Marc Staal

Staal is not the No. 2 defenseman he once was. With just eight points this year, his offensive numbers aren't there. The Rangers are already vowing to make changes to their core, and he could be the next to go.

Philadelphia Flyers: Andrew MacDonald

The near-$4 million in cap space the Flyers would open up in buying out MacDonald is a better asset off the ice than he has been on it. The Flyers have ample defensive prospects in their system more deserving of a spot in the lineup.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Carl Hagelin

Once part of the infamous HBK line, Hagelin has never been as successful again as he was during the Penguins' 2016 playoff run. With 30 goals over the last three years and a $4-million cap hit, the Penguins could better use that money.

Washington Capitals: Brooks Orpik

In Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights, Orpik scored his first goal in 220 games, that about says it all. Given his high cap hit and the fact the Capitals will be looking to lock up John Carlson at season's end, a buyout could be in the cards.

Atlantic Division

Boston Bruins: Adam McQuaid

McQuaid has served as a healthy scratch this year, playing just 38 games (mostly due to injury) while averaging the least amount of ice time among Bruins defensemen who have played at least 15 games.

Buffalo Sabres: Zach Bogosian

Bogosian has no business making over $5 million per season. The Sabres need a drastic upgrade to their defense corps, so what better way than by losing Bogosian and adding projected No. 1 pick Rasmus Dahlin?

Detroit Red Wings: Darren Helm

The Red Wings have a number of names that could appear on this list, but Helm is probably the one least likely to rebound in his production. The club could also afford to get a little younger.

Florida Panthers: Jamie McGinn

The Panthers' forward contingent is still chock-full of young talent and with more in the system likely to challenge for roster spots, the team is going to need to make room. The extra $2.33 million doesn't hurt.

Montreal Canadiens: Karl Alzner

Alzner's deal has been flawed since it was signed. He's a bottom-pairing defenseman being paid way out of that pay range. Buying him out will help the Canadiens better address their defense corps.

Ottawa Senators: Marian Gaborik

Whether due to injury or a drop in play, Gaborik's production has not been there for the past four seasons. Of course, saving over $3 million is just the kind of move Eugene Melnyk wants his team to make.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Dan Girardi

The Lightning need to shed some salary with four pending RFAs, and Girardi would see the team shed salary without losing an overly valuable asset.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Matt Martin

The fact is that Martin isn't getting playing time and is taking up $2.5 million in salary. Though buying him out won't save the Maple Leafs a ton of cash, at this point, it's better for both parties to take different directions.

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.