This afternoon there is growing concern that a former first-round pick might have to abandon playing hockey in North America due to a lack of interest. The NHL offseason is the beginning of a career for many young stars in the NHL. It can also be the end of the journey for a player who once was looked at as a promising young talent. This summer that could be the case for former Edmonton Oilers top prospect Kailer Yamamoto.

Edmonton Oilers first round pick may be done in the NHL after getting no offers

Previously, we looked at some great picks by the Maple Leafs in the past. Now, it’s time to look at some of the worst draft picks since 2005. The players in this list did not turn out to be what they were expected to be when they were drafted. Some players were drafted while other players went on to have much better careers and were selected after. Here are four players that the Maple Leafs probably regret drafting, in no specific order.

Toronto Maple Leafs Worst Draft Picks Since 2005

All 82 games in an NHL regular season count the same, but some dates on each teams’ slate stand out as must-watches for various reasons. Whether it’s because a long-time player is returning for the first time as a member of an opposing team, because of a budding or long-standing rivalry, or because a new franchise is coming to town, some games just have more hype around them than others.

5 Must-Watch Winnipeg Jets Games in 2024-25

Dallas, TX

Pro Hockey Rumors

The Dallas Stars are still mulling over contract details with defenseman Thomas Harley, the team’s final restricted free agent. Stars general manager Jim Nill isn’t phased by negotiations carrying into August, sharing with Lia Assimakopoulos of The Dallas Morning News that he’s confident talks will ramp up soon and Harley will re-sign. Nill added, “We’re having healthy communication. We’re having talks. … We’re going to get him signed. I’m not too concerned.”

Stars GM confident team will re-sign rising defenseman

ClutchPoints

Entering the 2023-24 season, the Vancouver Canucks were several years removed from their last appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They had gone through a handful of head coaches as well as notable overhauls of their roster. Not many realistically expected them to be a force in the Pacific Division, but the team had other ideas.

Canucks' biggest roster concerns heading into 2024-25 NHL season

Philadelphia, PA

Detroit, MI

Jonathan Bailey of Philadelphia Hockey Now offered a story this week about three UFA players the Philadelphia Flyers should be looking at. It is a reminder that there are always leftovers in the UFA marketplace in August and September. Some of those players could plug holes on various teams. Bailey’s...

The Daily: UFA Market Still Has Players; One Year After Karlsson Trade

With every passing season, the Montreal Canadiens get in better salary-cap shape. Since general manager Kent Hughes’ debut, that’s been generally true as he attempts to build the team based on his offensive-minded vision for the team. It’s an assumption, but a pretty safe one that vision doesn’t exactly include being pressed up to the ceiling as a direct result of bad contract after bad contract.

5 Worst Canadiens Contracts for 2024-25 Season

On Episode 517 of Spittin’ Chiclets, the boys are joined by the Finnish legend himself, Teemu Selanne to talk about his fears of entering the NHL before he became an all-time great.

The Finnish Flash Teemu Selänne Tells Spittin' Chiclets How He Was Once Scared To Play In The NHL

Anaheim, CA

We’re about a week into August, the final month of the NHL offseason without any on-ice activity. Outside of a second straight surprise selection with their draft choice, the Anaheim Ducks have not made much noise. In fact, it’s been rather silent. It’s concerning, but we should probably give general manager Pat Verbeek the benefit of the doubt that in the midst of the relative silence, he is working to ensure the future of his franchise is set up for success.

Ducks’ Offseason Trades Revisited: Bobby Ryan

New York City, NY

New York Rangers on The Hockey News

There is currently not a big market for Kaapo Kakko's services, which is why he remains with the Rangers.

Kaapo Kakko Reportedly Not Coveted By Opposing Teams

Chicago, IL

The future of the NHL has never looked brighter due to the increase in talent across the league. While generational talents Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane, and Alexander Ovechkin can be attributed to the league’s success at the turn of the century, the future lies on the backs of Connor McDavid, Connor Bedard, and others. The Connors were arguably the two greatest prospects to ever be selected in the NHL Draft, and while they have an eight-year age gap, comparing their rookie seasons can better contextualize who will have the better future.

Comparing Connor McDavid & Connor Bedard’s Rookie Seasons

Forever Blueshirts New York Rangers News

As if Igor Shesterkin needed any more support in his bid to become the highest-paid goalie in NHL history, NHL […]

Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin named top goalie by NHL Network

While at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton, Alberta, Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff spoke very candidly about the younger players on the roster. According to TSN, Cheveldayoff said, “The ball’s in their court. If you’re a young player in our organization right now, it’s all in front of you, there for the taking.“

Jets GM makes strong statement about Winnipeg's younger players

Columbus, OH

FanSided

The offseason of change continues for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Over the last couple of days, word has leaked out that the team has removed Mark Recchi from his post as assistant coach. This closes the book on what we can only call a disasterous hiring by the team. After...

The Mark Recchi experiment turned out to be a disaster for the Columbus Blue Jackets

Welcome to the Daily Hockey Trivia for Aug. 7, 2024. This is a daily series that will test and challenge your knowledge of the modern and historical aspects of NHL hockey. Each day will have three multiple-choice questions with an answer key at the bottom of the page. Each question...

Daily Hockey Trivia – Swedish Goals, 100 Points & Golden Knights

The Toronto Maple Leafs are shifting their strategic focus under new GM Brad Treliving, moving from a high-scoring offense to a more defensive-minded approach. The decision comes after a season where the team scored 303 goals, ranking second in the NHL but finished third in the Atlantic Division due to a defensive weakness that saw them allow 263 goals. Treliving's offseason moves emphasize bolstering defense and goaltending, though questions remain about their scoring depth after losing key players. The Maple Leafs must balance these shifts while hoping for internal growth from younger players to maintain offensive production.

Maple Leafs Shift Focus to Defense Under New GM Treliving

The rebuild rankings following the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline were tough to evaluate. There was a lot of movement and a handful of fringe teams that made it difficult to put them on the list to begin with. The Vancouver Canucks graduated from the rankings as a team that was in contention for the Stanley Cup. The Ottawa Senators made their return. The Philadelphia Flyers weren’t on the list as they looked competitive at the deadline (that was fool’s gold) and by the end of the season, it was clear they were a rebuilder.

NHL Rebuild Rankings: 2024-25 Preseason Edition

Breakaway On SI

The Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly close to a new contract with Cole Sillinger.

Blue Jackets Closing in on Cole Sillinger Deal

Denver, CO

Ross Colton’s name has been involved in trade rumors this offseason and one trade pitch sees the Stanley Cup-winning forward being dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Colorado Avalanche acquired Colton in the summer of 2023 from the Tampa Bay Lightning, after scoring the Cup-clinching goal in 2021. He signed a four-year $16 million deal, but due to Colorado being up against the salary cap, he has been considered a potential trade target.

Trade Pitch Has Maple Leafs Acquiring Stanley Cup Champion Forward From Avs

The preliminary round continued in the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, with a couple of teams in “must-win” games after playing just one game apiece. The United States and Finland faced off as 0-1 teams in Group B. On the flip side, Czechia was trying to ride the momentum from their 2-1 victory over the United States on Aug. 5.

2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Day 2: Czechia Rolls, United States Bounces Back

NewsBreak

Canucks’ GM Patrik Allvin Has Aced Free Agency in His Tenure So Far

The Vancouver Canucks have seen a lot of success under the leadership of Patrik Allvin so far. Since he was hired as general manager (GM) on...

Canucks’ GM Patrik Allvin Has Aced Free Agency in His Tenure So Far

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