The New Jersey Devils' 2015 sixth overall pick, Pavel Zacha, was assigned to the AHL on Friday after failing to record a point in the first 10 games of the regular season, the club announced.

Zacha had become a regular for the NHL club the past two seasons, skating in 139 games and producing 49 points.

The 2015 NHL Draft was loaded with talent, as Ivan Provorov, Zach Werenski, Timo Meier, and Mikko Rantanen were selected after Zacha, in that order. Other players taken in that first round include Jake Debrusk (14), Mathew Barzal (16), Kyle Connor (17), Thomas Chabot (18), Brock Boeser (23), Travis Konecny (24), and Anthony Beauvillier (28).

In the same transaction, Kevin Rooney was also assigned to the AHL, while Kurtis Gabriel and Brett Seney were recalled from Binghamton.

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Winnipeg Jets forward Brendan Lemieux was assessed a match penalty during the second period of Friday's contest against the Florida Panthers for his hit on Vincent Trocheck.

Afterward, Lemieux dropped the mitts with Panthers defenseman Mackenzie Weegar.

Trocheck appeared shaken up on the play, but did remain in the game. Here's a look at the hit from another angle:

Lemieux is no stranger to the penalty box, as he amassed 170 PIMs in 51 games with the AHL's Manitoba Moose last season. Lemieux's father, Claude, was known for playing with an edge during his 1,215-game NHL career.

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The Nashville Predators got a glimpse of their goaltending future over the past two weeks, and it was awfully bright.

Pekka Rinne has been the face of the Predators for over a decade. He's their anchor between the pipes and, as P.K. Subban put it following last year's playoff exit, "the backbone of this team." But the remarkably durable Rinne missed about two weeks due to injury before returning to action Thursday night against Tampa Bay.

His short absence opened the door for 23-year-old Juuse Saros - Rinne's eventual successor - to serve as Nashville's No. 1 netminder, and the results were positive. Saros went 4-2-0 with a .922 save percentage, a 2.49 goals-against average, and one shutout.

That solid play wasn't a fluke, as Saros owns a .922 save percentage and a 2.43 goals-against average in 56 career games as a backup.

Interestingly, the young Finn's appearance doesn't exactly scream franchise goaltender, as it's rare to see a goalie under 6-foot-3 in today's NHL. Rinne, for example, is 6-foot-5 while Saros checks in at just 5-foot-11, which likely contributed to him slipping to the fourth round of the 2013 draft. Yet, despite his small stature, the latter has enjoyed success at every level, getting by with reflexes, athleticism, competitiveness, mental toughness, and a high hockey IQ.

Given so few late-round picks pan out, drafting Saros is already a win for the Predators, but the selection could prove even more important next season and beyond.

Potential cap issues

Rinne, who turns 36 on Saturday, will be an unrestricted free agent following the season, and while the Predators would surely like to have the reigning Vezina Trophy winner back, the salary cap may get in the way.

Nashville's projected cap hit for next season is slightly above $64 million, according to Cap Friendly. Under the current $79.5-million cap, that gives the team just over $15 million in projected space, making it highly unlikely the front office will be able to meet Rinne's demands, especially considering he's already one of the league's highest-paid goalies:

* As of Saturday

In addition to Rinne, the Preds have six impending free agents, including RFAs Kevin Fiala and Ryan Hartman - two players that general manager David Poile likely views as part of his long-term core. But perhaps more importantly, Roman Josi's contract expires after the 2019-20 season, and he could realistically demand Drew Doughty money (eight years, $88 million) as an unrestricted free agent heading into his age-30 season.

Simply put, it's improbable that Nashville will re-sign Rinne, unless he's willing to take a significant hometown discount. The team plays in one of the league's smaller markets and is surely aware of the risks that would come with signing an aging goalie to a big-money contract, even if it's short term. And with plenty of goaltender-needy teams out there, there will likely be more than one general manager who's willing to pony up for Rinne.

Meanwhile, Saros' contract doesn't expire until after the 2020-21 season, and having a starting goaltender who makes just $1.5 million would give Poile plenty of flexibility to retain key players and use the remaining money to improve the rest of his roster.

The Predators are arguably the NHL's deepest team and they're in win-now mode with Rinne in goal - as they should be. But while the sample size of Saros' starting stint is admittedly small, all signs point to him being ready to succeed as the No. 1 after being groomed for years behind one of the best in the business.

We'll only know for sure once Saros is actually handed the crease, but it seems the Predators have the goalie they need to remain a legitimate Stanley Cup contender once the sun sets on Rinne's time in the Music City.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Yanni Gourde to a six-year extension carrying a $5.166-million cap hit, the club announced Friday.

Last year marked Gourde's first full season with the Lightning, in which he finished third in NHL rookie scoring with 64 points in 82 games.

"Yanni personifies our team's identity with his speed and relentlessness on the ice and his strong character off of it," Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois said in a statement. "He is proof of how far hard work and dedication can take you, and we look forward to him continuing his career in Tampa Bay."

Gourde joined the Lightning as an undrafted free agent in 2014.

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Florida Panthers netminder Roberto Luongo will make his return to the crease Friday versus the Winnipeg Jets in the second game of the NHL Global Series in Finland.

Luongo has not suited up since Florida's season opener, when teammate Frank Vatrano fell on his leg midway through the second period. It was later announced he'd miss two-to-four weeks with an MCL injury.

In his absence, the Panthers have turned to backup James Reimer, who suited up Thursday in the first of a two-game set against the Jets. Across eight appearances, Reimer has posted just one win and a .885 save percentage. He allowed three goals on 35 shots in Thursday's loss to Winnipeg.

Luongo returns with the Panthers in an early hole, as the team sits last in the Eastern Conference with a 2-5-3 record.

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One rather obvious candidate leads the pack, while several other familiar faces have stated cases of their own as the Hart Trophy race has begun to take shape.

Here's an early look at the top candidates to be named the NHL's most valuable player this season.

ATOI = Average time on ice
SCF% = Percentage of scoring chances generated by the player's team with him on the ice at 5-on-5
CF% = Percentage of shot attempts generated by the player's team with him on the ice at 5-on-5
HDSV% = Save percentage on high-danger shots
GSAA = Goals saved above average (calculated by applying a goaltender's save percentage and total shots faced to the league average save percentage)

5. Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

Corey Crawford's return has provided the Blackhawks with a measure of stability in the crease, but Kane's early-season exploits have been the biggest reason why the wheels haven't fully fallen off in Chicago.

He's tied for the league lead in goals, ranks first in even-strength markers (10), sits atop the NHL in shots on goal (64), and finds himself in the top five league-wide in the points race.

As long as the Blackhawks are in the mix for a playoff spot with Kane producing at this rate, he belongs in the Hart discussion.

4. John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks

Where would the Ducks be without Gibson? Only the Ottawa Senators have allowed more shots on goal per game, and yet Anaheim has the eighth-best goals-against average, thanks in large part to their No. 1 netminder.

The Ducks have only mustered 2.36 goals per game, the third-worst output in the NHL, and yet they're only two points out of the early playoff picture.

Gibson's goals saved above average mark leads the league, and his impact on Anaheim's fortunes is significant. Simply put, they'd be toast without him.

3. Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche

Yes, Mikko Rantanen is the NHL's points leader, but it's MacKinnon who is the driving force behind the Avalanche's lethal top line.

MacKinnon was the Hart runner-up last season, and he's picked up right where he left off, factoring in on three of Rantanen's five goals and 12 of Rantanen's 16 helpers.

He's also helped Gabriel Landeskog explode out of the gate, assisting on five of Landeskog's 11 goals.

2. Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins

Sometimes, it's hard to truly appreciate how valuable Malkin is on a club that also boasts Sidney Crosby, but there's no denying Malkin's impact.

The Russian sniper is piling up nearly two points per game so far, and while Crosby has been producing dependably as well, Malkin's been playing on another level.

He's the first Penguin to notch at least 20 points through the first 11 contests since Mario Lemieux did it in 2002-03, and Malkin is the biggest reason Pittsburgh sits atop the Metropolitan Division.

1. Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

No skater arguably carries his club more than McDavid, who set an NHL record by factoring in on the Oilers' first nine goals of the season. Edmonton has 36 goals on the campaign, meaning the 21-year-old superstar has been involved in more than half of them.

McDavid also leads all NHL forwards in ice time, and he's tied for third in both goals and points as the Oilers occupy a playoff spot early on.

If he maintains this level of play while helping Edmonton get back into the postseason, he'll be the clear choice to hoist the Hart for the second time in three years.

Honorable mentions: Rantanen, David Pastrnak, Auston Matthews

(Analytics courtesy: Natural Stat Trick)

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Jeff Vinik believes his team has a chance to play in one of the NHL's international games next season.

The Tampa Bay Lightning owner told The Athletic's Joe Smith that while nothing is finalized yet, they are "close" to landing a spot in Stockholm next November.

Tampa Bay boasts a pair of Swedish players in reigning Norris Trophy winner Victor Hedman, as well as veteran blue-liner Anton Stralman.

"We’ve got a shot at it," Vinik said Thursday. "We’ve got Victor and Anton, (so) that would make a logical choice for us."

A league representative agreed with that sentiment and confirmed the team has made its desire known.

"We obviously understand the natural fit that this club would have if they were participating in a game in Sweden," NHL chief content officer Steve Mayer told Smith in an email. "The club has expressed interest. We will see what we can work out."

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman revealed Thursday that the league has tentative plans to bring games to Sweden, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Switzerland in 2019-20, with Stockholm and Prague potentially hosting regular-season contests.

The Lightning haven't played outside North America since October 2008 when they lost to the New York Rangers in Prague.

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Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard has been assigned to the Ontario Hockey League's London Knights, the team announced Friday.

In a corresponding roster move, the Oilers have recalled blue-liner Kevin Gravel from the AHL's Bakersfield Condors.

Bouchard appeared in seven games with the Oilers, a stretch that saw him register his first NHL goal against the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals.

The Oilers selected Bouchard with the 10th overall pick in last year's draft. He recorded 87 points in 67 games for the Knights last season.

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As a hockey fan, few things are more fun than a roster filled with young, fast, up-and-coming players. For instance, Team North America captivated the sport's international community at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey by giving us a taste of the future.

With that in mind, we decided to use our imagination and build a 25-man roster - 13 forwards, nine defensemen, and three goaltenders - using only the best under-25 players in the world.

There's no cap limit and no consideration of specific forward positions or whether a defenseman shoots left or right. We're simply picking the top players in each category. So, without further ado, here is theScore's All-Under-25 Team (career stats as of Nov. 1):

Forwards

Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

Age: 21
Drafted: First round (No. 1 overall), 2015
Accolades: Hart Memorial Trophy (2016-17), Art Ross Trophy (2016-17, 2017-18), Lester B. Pearson Award (2016-17, 2017-18), First-Team All-Star (2016-17, 2017-18)

Any list of this sort that doesn’t begin with this generation's GOAT should be considered invalid. McDavid performs unreal feats on a nightly basis, outworking opponents (and often teammates) while outskating literally everyone.

Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche

Age: 23
Drafted: First round (No. 1 overall), 2013
Accolades: Calder Trophy (2013-14), Second-Team All-Star (2017-18)

Don't let recent ho-hum seasons from the Avalanche fool you - the things MacKinnon can do with the puck (at blazing speed) are phenomenal. He was a Hart Trophy finalist last season and is on track to reach similar heights in 2018-19.

Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs

Age: 21
Drafted: First round (No. 1 overall), 2016
Accolades: Calder Memorial Trophy (2016-17)

From his deceptive release to his elite hockey IQ to his sheer size, Matthews combines all the factors that scouts drool over into one player, and kicks them up a notch. There’s a reason he made Team North America before he ever played an NHL game. Meanwhile, a hot start this season prompted talk from some corners that Matthews could actually be better than McDavid, and while most realistic observers recognize that’s an overstatement, tongues are wagging nonetheless.

Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres
Age: 21
Drafted: First round (No. 2 overall), 2015

Ignore the injuries and look at Eichel's dominance when healthy. He's simply one of the best young forwards out there, with all the necessary tools to be a legitimate first-line center. Alongside new linemate Jeff Skinner, Eichel just might be able to turn things around for the Sabres (if he can stay off IR).

Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers

Age: 23
Drafted: First round (No. 3 overall), 2014

Draisaitl's not just the perfect complement to McDavid on the Oilers - he’s a formidable player in his own right. The 23-year-old is dynamic with the puck despite not being the best skater around, and will likely finish second behind McDavid in points again this year.

Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators
Age: 24
Drafted: First round (No. 11 overall), 2012

As Forsberg continues to grow as a player, it’s difficult to believe David Poile acquired him in 2013 for Martin Erat and Michael Latta. The 24-year-old Forsberg is one of Nashville’s top offensive weapons - scoring some truly ridiculous goals - and he puts in the work to boot.

Sebastian Aho, Carolina Hurricanes

Age: 21
Drafted: Second round (No. 35 overall), 2015

Aho’s current 12-game assist streak is tied for the longest to begin a season in NHL history, but that’s not why he makes this list - it's just gravy. Aho’s dangerous every time he’s on the ice, thanks to his high-end hockey smarts and speed.

Patrik Laine, Winnipeg Jets
Age: 20
Drafted: First round (No. 2 overall), 2016

A pure goal-scorer who garners comparisons to Alex Ovechkin (time will tell if those bear out), Laine rarely misses when he takes his shot - both on the ice and when he’s talking to reporters. He’s also a high-end playmaker who possesses great hands.

Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers

Age: 23
Drafted: First round (No. 2 overall), 2013

Pundits like to crow about the Panthers' captain being underrated, and Barkov is certainly one of the top centers in the NHL. His elite hockey sense allows him to play - and succeed - in literally any situation.

David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins
Age: 22
Drafted: First round (No. 25 overall), 2014

With 11 goals already this season, Pastrnak's a key piece of one of the best lines in hockey. He's also front and center in the Bruins' long-term plans. The 22-year-old is an elite scorer (69 goals across the last two seasons) and pairs his strong vision with a high enough skill level to execute what he sees.

Mikko Rantanen, Colorado Avalanche

Age: 22
Drafted: First round (No. 10 overall), 2015

Alongside linemates MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog, the 22-year-old Rantanen is embarrassing the rest of the league right now. He leads the NHL in points with 21 (MacKinnon's next with 18) and is well on his way to following up last year’s stellar campaign with an even better one. Rantanen’s high-end playmaking skills combined with his finishing ability make him an offensive threat on a nightly basis.

William Nylander, Toronto Maple Leafs
Age: 22
Drafted: First round (No. 8 overall), 2014

Don’t let Nylander’s contract impasse distract from the sublime offensive ability he displays every time he steps onto the ice. And he’s not just a "skilled winger," as he also played some center last season, displaying his versatility. Overall, Nylander's hockey sense, agility, and excellent hands (all of which he can use at top speed) set him apart.

Jack Hughes, U.S. National Team Development Program
Age: 17
Drafted: Eligible in 2019

Much like Matthews making the Team North America roster before entering the NHL, Hughes makes ours. His inclusion as a 17-year-old may be contentious, but think of him as this team’s 13th forward. Hughes' skill level and hockey IQ are sky-high, and seeing him alongside the rest of these players would be a treat.

Defensemen

Seth Jones, Columbus Blue Jackets

Age: 24
Drafted: First round (No. 4 overall), 2013
Accolades: Second-Team All-Star (2017-18)

There’s a reason Jones was, for a time, considered the potential No. 1 pick in 2013 ahead of MacKinnon. He's the engine that makes the Blue Jackets go, and he checks off every box necessary for an elite top-pairing defenseman. There’s a good chance you’ll see Jones receive at least one Norris Trophy before his career is over.

Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets
Age: 21
Drafted: First round (No. 8 overall), 2015

Werenski - an incredibly smart player and an excellent skater - forms an elite defensive pairing with Jones in Columbus. He managed to post 16 goals and 21 assists in 2017-18 despite playing most of the campaign with a shoulder injury that ultimately required offseason surgery.

Jacob Trouba, Winnipeg Jets

Age: 24
Drafted: First round (No. 9 overall), 2012

Trouba's immense value to the Jets is evidenced by the fact that he’s had multiple contract disputes (arbitration this past summer and sitting out/asking for a trade prior to the 2015-16 season) but is still in Winnipeg. The 24-year-old is mobile for a big guy and shuts down opponents with regularity. Meanwhile, offense will never be his calling card, but Trouba can produce when necessary.

Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins
Age: 20
Drafted: First round (No. 14 overall), 2016

McAvoy proved last season that his playoff debut with the Bruins wasn’t a fluke. Between his stellar shot, high-end vision, and love of physicality, McAvoy will be leading Boston's blue line for years to come. Bonus: He can handle playing in just about any situation.

Ivan Provorov, Philadelphia Flyers

Age: 21
Drafted: First round (No. 7 overall), 2015

Provorov ended last season tied for the league lead in goals by a defenseman (17), and the Flyers don’t hesitate to match him up against their toughest opponents. The youngster is poised, quick, and very smart - ideal traits for a defender in the modern NHL.

Aaron Ekblad, Florida Panthers
Age: 22
Drafted: First round (No. 1 overall), 2014
Accolades: Calder Memorial Trophy (2014-15)

You won’t see Ekblad on many highlight reels or at the top of the scoresheet, but he's effective in difficult top-pairing minutes. The former No. 1 overall pick is smart, a strong puck-mover, and possesses an impressive shot.

Morgan Rielly, Toronto Maple Leafs

Age: 24
Drafted: First round (No. 5 overall), 2012

Rielly is intelligent, mobile, and poised - the kind of player who could make any blue line better, including Toronto's. Last season, he managed to break 50 points despite skating alongside Ron Hainsey against top competition most nights. That's quite an accomplishment in itself.

Mikhail Sergachev, Tampa Bay Lightning
Age: 20
Drafted: First round (No. 9 overall), 2016

The speedy, tenacious, and highly skilled Sergachev can dominate a shift. While he could stand to gain some consistency, he still netted 31 points as a rookie and will look to build on that this year.

Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres
Age: 18
Drafted: First round (No. 1 overall), 2018

It’s still early for Dahlin, but when you’re constructing a superteam, you want guys with all the tools. Dahlin certainly has those tools, and it’s safe to assume we’ll see them put to good use this season. Even though he's just 18, the Swede is confident in his own abilities and doesn’t hesitate when making decisions. His hockey IQ, agility, and stick-handling skills allow him to succeed in any situation.

Goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning

Age: 24
Drafted: First round (No. 19 overall), 2012

A 2017-18 Vezina Trophy nominee, Vasilevskiy might be the platonic ideal of what a goaltender should be in today’s game. He’s smart, tracks the puck well, and can dominate when his team needs it. A fun stat: Last season, Vasilevskiy went 6-1-1 in games following a shutout.

Matt Murray, Pittsburgh Penguins

Age: 24
Drafted: Third round (No. 83 overall), 2012
Accolades: Stanley Cup champion (2015-16, 2016-17)

With two Stanley Cup wins under his belt by the age of 23, Murray’s resume is already top-notch, while his hockey IQ and size allow him to appear unstoppable on many nights. Last season was difficult - Murray’s dip in play coincided with injuries and the loss of his father - but his talent is undeniable.

Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators

Age: 23
Drafted: Fourth round (No. 99 overall), 2013

Pekka Rinne’s protege is, in his own words, patient when it comes to the number of games he plays per season, but Saros is nipping at Rinne’s heels. The 23-year-old isn't big like most goalies tend to be right now, but his instincts are elite. And with a bit more seasoning (and many more starts), perhaps Saros will follow in Rinne’s footsteps when it comes to Vezina nominations.

Hannah Stuart keeps a close eye on both drafted and draft-eligible prospects and can usually be found trying to learn more about hockey analytics. She has previously written for FanRag Sports, The Hockey Writers, and Hooked On Hockey Magazine, and can also be found at High Heels and High Sticks. Find her on Twitter at @HockeyWthHannah.

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