The World Junior Championship can often be a tournament dominated by 19-year-olds, but it also pr...

<p>The World Junior Championship can often be a tournament dominated by 19-year-olds, but it also presents an opportunity for draft-eligible players to boost their stock with a strong performance.</p><p>The 2025 tournament is loaded with high-end, draft-eligible talent, including the projected top three picks in the upcoming draft. That doesn't even include 16-year-old phenom Gavin McKenna, who was omitted from this list because he's not draft eligible until 2026.</p><p>However, the depth is lacking. A likely North American-heavy Round 1 means fewer opportunities for draft-eligible players to participate in this tournament because Canada and USA are the toughest teams to crack. A pair of notable projected European first-rounders, Anton Frondell (Sweden) and Radim Mrtka (Czechia), were left off their respective nation's teams.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>But without further ado, we rank the top five players eligible for the upcoming NHL draft who are competing at the 2025 World Junior Championship in Ottawa.</p><h3>1. James Hagens, United States <strong>🇺🇸</strong>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758298/cropped_GettyImages-2178024666.jpg?ts=1733076860" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758298/w220xh124_GettyImages-2178024666.jpg?ts=1733076860 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758298/w320xh180_GettyImages-2178024666.jpg?ts=1733076860 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758298/w640xh360_GettyImages-2178024666.jpg?ts=1733076860 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758298/w768xh432_GettyImages-2178024666.jpg?ts=1733076860 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758298/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2178024666.jpg?ts=1733076860 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Miller/ISI Photos / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>P</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Boston College (NCAA)</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Position: </strong>C<br><strong>Birthday: </strong>Nov. 3, 2006<br><strong>Draft projection: </strong>1st overall</p><p>Hagens has long been considered the cream of the crop of the 2025 class, though he isn't exactly a shoo-in for the No. 1 pick as Macklin Celebrini was a year ago and Connor Bedard was in 2023. But a strong performance at this tournament - especially against other players competing for top spot - would go a long way in further cementing his status as the best player in the draft.</p><p>He'll have a great opportunity to shine in Ottawa, as he projects to center USA's top line between his Boston College linemates Gabriel Perreault and Ryan Leonard - both of whom are among the best players in the tournament after helping the Americans capture gold in 2024.</p><p>Prior to joining B.C., Hagens paced the U.S. National U18 Team with 102 points in 58 contests while ranking second with 39 goals last season. His 187 points across two years with the development program are the <a href="https://www.usahockeyntdp.com/records">fifth most</a> all-time, trailing only Utah Hockey Club captain Clayton Keller, San Jose Sharks rookie Will Smith, New York Islanders prospect Cole Eiserman, and New Jersey Devils superstar Jack Hughes.</p><p>The New York native was a final cut from the United States' world juniors roster last year, likely because of the team's depth up front and his young age. Hagens has some experience on the international stage, though. He was a beast at the IIHF World U18 Championship in the spring, recording nine goals and 22 points in seven games to establish a new single-tournament record while helping the Americans to a second-place finish. Nikita Kucherov was the previous record holder after going off for 21 points in 2011.</p><h3>2. Matthew Schaefer, Canada <strong>🇨🇦</strong>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759711/cropped_GettyImages-2187369916.jpg?ts=1733710090" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759711/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187369916.jpg?ts=1733710090 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759711/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187369916.jpg?ts=1733710090 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759711/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187369916.jpg?ts=1733710090 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759711/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187369916.jpg?ts=1733710090 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759711/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187369916.jpg?ts=1733710090 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Miller/ISI Photos / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>P</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Erie Otters (OHL)</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>22</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Position: </strong>D<br><strong>Birthday: </strong>Sept. 5, 2007<br><strong>Draft projection: </strong>Top 3</p><p>Schaefer is widely considered the top defenseman in the draft and a legitimate challenger for the No. 1 pick if he continues to ascend. Despite a slow start to his OHL season after missing the first nine games with mononucleosis, he's already surpassed his point totals (three goals and 14 assists in 56 games) from his rookie campaign.</p><p>He boasts easily projectable traits that give him a high prospect floor. He's arguably the best skater in the draft, equal parts explosive and agile. Combine that with a 6-foot-2 frame and good instincts offensively and defensively, it's easy to understand why a team picking first overall might have a tough time passing on Schaefer.</p><p>Despite being the only '07-born player on this list, Schaefer projects to play a key role for Canada. During recent practices he was partnered with Oliver Bonk - Canada's only returnee on the back end - on the team's second defense pair and was quarterbacking the top power-play unit.</p><p>The blue-liner is chasing his fourth gold medal in what will be his fourth international appearance. He finished atop the podium at the World U17 Hockey Challenge in 2023 as well as this year's IIHF World U18 Championship and Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Schaefer particularly impressed at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in August, where he was largely considered the best player at the event while donning the "C" for Canada.</p><h3>3. Porter Martone, Canada <strong>🇨🇦</strong>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758297/cropped_GettyImages-2187658101.jpg?ts=1733076575" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758297/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187658101.jpg?ts=1733076575 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758297/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187658101.jpg?ts=1733076575 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758297/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187658101.jpg?ts=1733076575 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758297/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187658101.jpg?ts=1733076575 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758297/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187658101.jpg?ts=1733076575 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Miller/ISI Photos / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>P</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Brampton Steelheads (OHL)</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>54</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Position: </strong>RW<br><strong>Birthday: </strong>Oct. 26, 2006<br><strong>Draft projection: </strong>Top 3</p><p>Despite coming in at No. 3 on our list, don't sleep on Martone, who has a legitimate chance to hear his name first on draft day.</p><p>Martone is hard to miss when he's out there. His skills as a budding, physical power forward are a factor of course, but he's also listed at 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds. Despite his large frame, he still skates quite well.</p><p>That physical maturity could help Martone excel in this tournament despite being an underager. He's primed for an opportunity to do so, skating on Canada's second line during recent practices.</p><p>Martone enjoyed a strong 2023-24 campaign, finishing with 33 goals and 71 points in 60 contests for the Steelheads. Stunningly, he's only 18 points away from surpassing last season's total, and he's played in 34 fewer games.<strong> </strong>Martone has also been held without a point in only three games so far in 2024-25 and has registered<strong> </strong>17 multi-point contests. That hot run has him second in OHL production, behind only Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit.</p><p>This will be Martone's first world juniors appearance, though he did captain Canada to a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF World U18 Championship. He finished second on the team with 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) in seven outings, trailing only McKenna.</p><h3>4. Victor Eklund, Sweden <strong>🇸🇪</strong>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758304/cropped_GettyImages-2165368735.jpg?ts=1733077726" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758304/w220xh124_GettyImages-2165368735.jpg?ts=1733077726 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758304/w320xh180_GettyImages-2165368735.jpg?ts=1733077726 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758304/w640xh360_GettyImages-2165368735.jpg?ts=1733077726 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758304/w768xh432_GettyImages-2165368735.jpg?ts=1733077726 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758304/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2165368735.jpg?ts=1733077726 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Miller/ISI Photos / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>P</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Djurgardens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Position: </strong>LW<br><strong>Birthday:</strong> Oct. 3, 2006<br><strong>Draft projection: </strong>Mid-1st round</p><p>The younger brother of San Jose Sharks forward William Eklund, Victor Eklund has already accomplished something his sibling never did: represent Sweden at a World Junior Championship.</p><p>This won't be Eklund's first time on the international stage, either, as he previously donned the tre kronor at the 2024 U18s and the 2022 U17s, winning a bronze medal at the former.</p><p>Eklund shares several of the same characteristics as his brother. While a bit undersized at 5-foot-11 and 161 pounds, he's a highly talented offensive winger. Eklund is a better playmaker than he is a finisher, despite having more goals than assists this season. He's a gifted skater with a high motor.</p><p>Some scouts have Eklund going in the top 10, while others project him in the 20s. This tournament presents a huge opportunity for him to prove he's worthy of a top-10 pick.</p><h3>5. Logan Hensler, United States <strong>🇺🇸</strong>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760193/cropped_GettyImages-1995327867.jpg?ts=1733953454" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760193/w220xh124_GettyImages-1995327867.jpg?ts=1733953454 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760193/w320xh180_GettyImages-1995327867.jpg?ts=1733953454 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760193/w640xh360_GettyImages-1995327867.jpg?ts=1733953454 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760193/w768xh432_GettyImages-1995327867.jpg?ts=1733953454 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760193/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1995327867.jpg?ts=1733953454 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Miller/ISI Photos / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>P</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Wisconsin (NCAA)</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Position: </strong>D<br><strong>Birthday: </strong>Oct. 14, 2006<br><strong>Draft projection: </strong>Mid-1st round</p><p>Hensler doesn't project to play a huge role on a loaded U.S. roster, but being named to the team as a draft-eligible player is impressive nonetheless.</p><p>As a right-shot, 6-foot-2, 196-pound defender with mobility, Hensler's toolkit is tantalizing. He has top-four defenseman potential in the NHL, especially if he continues to grow. While he isn't dynamic offensively, his length and feet make him a reliable defender.</p><p>Hensler boasts prior international experience. The Woodbury, Minnesota, product helped USA capture silver at the 2024 U18s, and he donned the stars and stripes at the 2022 U17s.</p><p><strong>Keep an eye on:</strong></p><ul>
<li>G Jack Ivankovic 🇨🇦</li>
<li>D Carlos Handel 🇩🇪</li>
<li>F David Lewandowski 🇩🇪</li>
<li>G Michal Pradel 🇸🇰</li>
<li>F Jamiro Reber🇨🇭</li>
</ul>

CHESTNUT HILL, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 10: James Hagens #10 of the Boston College Eagles skates against the Maine Black Bears during the third period during NCAA men's hockey at Kelley Rink on November 10, 2024 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. The Eagles won 3-0.

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Ranking the top 2025 draft-eligible players at WJHC

Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson did not re-enter Monday's loss to the Vegas Golden Knights a...

<p>Anaheim Ducks goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2074" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2074">John Gibson</a> did not re-enter Monday's loss to the Vegas Golden Knights after taking the blade of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9921" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9921">Tanner Laczynski</a>'s stick to the mask.</p><p>The veteran turned aside all 11 shots he faced before being struck by the Golden Knights forward during the late stages of the opening frame. The Ducks ruled Gibson out with what they called an upper-body injury.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ducks goalie John Gibson is forced to leave tonight's game after the blade of a Vegas player's stick goes into his mask ⤵️ <a href="https://t.co/6lTfhWGkYa">pic.twitter.com/6lTfhWGkYa</a></p>— Victory+ (@victoryplustv) <a href="https://twitter.com/victoryplustv/status/1871401572988580279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9753" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9753">Lukas Dostal</a> entered the game in relief and surrendered a shorthanded goal to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2971" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2971">Tanner Pearson</a> in the final minute of the first period.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Gibson came into the contest with a 5-5-1 record, .906 save percentage, and 3.01 goals against average on the campaign. He missed the beginning of the season after undergoing an emergency appendectomy in September. </p><p>The 31-year-old is once again on the trade block this season. The Carolina Hurricanes have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3157882" href="https://thescore.com/news/3157882">reportedly</a> spoken to the Ducks about Gibson.</p><p>He's under contract for two more years after 2024-25 with a $6.4-million cap hit.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 23: John Gibson #36 of the Anaheim Ducks reacts after taking an inadvertent stick in the eye during the first period against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on December 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Ducks' Gibson doesn't return after taking stick to face

Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine suffered an upper-body injury during Monday's 5-4 loss to...

<p>Montreal Canadiens forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5587" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5587">Patrik Laine</a> suffered an upper-body injury during Monday's 5-4 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. </p><p>There was no update postgame on the severity of his injury.</p><p>It isn't clear how Laine got hurt, but he collided with Jackets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13813" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13813">Dmitri Voronkov</a> early in the first period. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Patrik Laine touches the puck and the boos rain down in Columbus. <a href="https://t.co/3RXtL755jH">pic.twitter.com/3RXtL755jH</a></p>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1871349193312272427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Finn played 6:15 of ice time in the opening frame. Montreal initially listed Laine as questionable to return, though he missed the remainder of the game.</p><p>Laine's 2024-25 debut was delayed until early December due to a preseason knee injury, but he's been a bright spot on the ice for the Habs ever since. He racked up eight power-play goals in his first nine games of the campaign before taking on Columbus.</p><p>The sniper spent the last four seasons with the Blue Jackets before being traded to Montreal in August. Laine <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3168918" href="https://thescore.com/news/3168918">said</a> prior to Monday's contest that his old team was "too comfortable" with losing.</p><p>Blue Jackets defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5520" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5520">Zach Werenski</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3169422" href="https://thescore.com/news/3169422">responded</a> to Laine's comments after the game, calling them "unacceptable."</p><p>The Canadiens don't play again until Saturday against the Florida Panthers. </p>

COLUMBUS, OHIO - DECEMBER 23: Patrik Laine #92 of the Montreal Canadiens warms up prior to a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on December 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Canadiens' Laine suffers upper-body injury vs. Blue Jackets

It's a holiday miracle.   The Buffalo Sabres picked up a dominant 7-1 victory over the New York I...

<p>It's a holiday miracle. </p><p>The Buffalo Sabres picked up a dominant 7-1 victory over the New York Islanders on Monday night, ending their losing streak at 13 games.</p><p>Captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7216" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7216">Rasmus Dahlin</a> led the way with a career-high<strong> </strong>four assists, while 20-year-old forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12704" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12704">Jiri Kulich</a> starred with his first-ever two-goal game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Couldn't feel better than I do right now," Dahlin said, according to <a href="https://x.com/LLysowski/status/1871410207240163668">The Buffalo News' Lance Lysowski</a>. "We battled for a long time now, and finally it went our way.</p><p>"When you do the right things over and over again, good things will happen to you. It's up to us now to keep this thing going and not be satisfied about one win. We have a long way left, we just got to keep going."</p><p>The skid marked the Sabres' third-longest losing streak in franchise history, trailing only an abysmal 18-game run in 2020-21 and 14-game slump in 2014-15. </p><p>Buffalo's last victory before Monday's trouncing was Nov. 23 against the San Jose Sharks.</p><p>"I think when you go through something like this, a journey that's awfully painful, when you come out of it, you should be a better team," head coach Lindy Ruff <a href="https://x.com/BuffaloSabres/status/1871398286294122571">said</a>. </p><p>The Sabres found the back of the net five times before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1756" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1756">Kyle Palmieri</a> got the Islanders on the board in the final minute of the second period. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5611" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5611">Tage Thompson</a> then notched an empty-netter in the third period after New York pulled <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7301" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7301">Ilya Sorokin</a> with 10 minutes remaining.</p><p>Kulich potted the game's last goal almost six minutes later with Sorokin back between the pipes. </p><p>"We should be embarrassed, honestly, in front of our fans to do that," Islanders forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3009" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3009">Bo Horvat</a> said of the lopsided loss, per the <a href="https://x.com/ethan_sears/status/1871394770666635360">New York Post's Ethan Sears</a>. </p><p>The Islanders are now in last place of the Metropolitan Division with a 13-15-7 record. The New York Rangers have the same number of points (33), but they've played in one less game.</p><p>Buffalo, meanwhile, is still in the basement of the Atlantic Division with a 12-19-4 record. The Sabres will return from the break Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks.</p>

ELMONT, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 23: Jason Zucker #17 of the Buffalo Sabres is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal against the New York Islanders during the second period at UBS Arena on December 23, 2024 in Elmont, New York.

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Sabres end losing streak at 13 with win over Islanders

Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov was ejected from Monday's clash against the Florida...

<p>Tampa Bay Lightning superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3322" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3322">Nikita Kucherov</a> was ejected from Monday's clash against the Florida Panthers for a knee-on-knee collision with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a>.</p><p>The incident occurred late in the first period. Kucherov was handed a five-minute major and a game misconduct after a review. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nikita Kucherov was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for kneeing Matthew Tkachuk. <a href="https://t.co/0sdE7gSgOb">pic.twitter.com/0sdE7gSgOb</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1871360538992837078?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Tkachuk needed help down the tunnel, but he returned to action in the second frame - much to the joy of Panthers fans. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Matthew Tkachuk is back on the ice and Panthers fans are LOVING it 👏 <a href="https://t.co/5ZSR6QtPwL">pic.twitter.com/5ZSR6QtPwL</a></p>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1871364918194458955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"That's who he is," Panthers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a> said of Tkachuk's return, per <a href="https://x.com/JamesonCoop/status/1871395194001924175">NHL.com's Jameson Olive</a>. "He's incredible. He's not going down easily. You can count on him. He's going to come back no matter what. He's a true, true warrior. He battles through a lot of things."</p><p>Florida head coach Paul Maurice echoed Barkov's sentiments. </p><p>"He just knew we needed him back," he <a href="https://x.com/JamesonCoop/status/1871395570629415383">said</a>. "He wasn't at 100% obviously. ... He tried to figure out a way tonight and we appreciate that about him."</p><p>Kucherov scored the game's opening goal before being tossed from the contest. Tampa Bay won 4-0 to draw even in the home-and-home set against its state rivals.</p><p>Lightning forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5633">Brandon Hagel</a> thinks his team made a statement with the victory. </p><p>"You look back at this game, especially if we make that push to the playoffs, I think this is the game you can look back at," he said, per the <a href="https://x.com/EddieInTheYard/status/1871398579652465089">Tampa Bay Times' Eduardo A. Encina</a>. "Also, this builds momentum going forward. I think everyone grew as a player, and everyone can tap the guy beside him and trust him after a game like this."</p><p>Kucherov entered Monday's slate with 49 points - tied for the fourth most in the league - in 29 contests.</p><p>Tkachuk, meanwhile, ranked second on the Panthers with 13 goals and 35 points in 30 showings before taking on the Lightning. </p><p>Kucherov was suspended one game for boarding Columbus Blue Jackets defeseman Markus Nutivaara during the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs. </p>

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 19: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the St Louis Blues at Amalie Arena on December 19, 2024 in Tampa, Florida.

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Kucherov ejected for kneeing Panthers' Tkachuk

The New York Rangers are still trying to find answers for their first-half struggles after limpin...

<p>The New York Rangers are still trying to find answers for their first-half struggles after limping into the Christmas break with a 5-0 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Monday.</p><p>"Every game, it feels like it has to happen that night," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2089" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2089">Vincent Trocheck</a> said, per <a href="https://x.com/MollieeWalkerr/status/1871300089173745978">The New York Post's Mollie Walker</a>. "Just seems like we get down early or we get down at any point in the game and we just fold. That can't happen."</p><p>Trocheck added: "We've got to show more heart. We should be embarrassed," according to <a href="https://www.lohud.com/story/sports/nhl/rangers/2024/12/23/ny-rangers-postgame-takeaways-another-pathetic-nj-devils-nhl/77170936007/">USA Today's Vince Z. Mercogliano</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Rangers mustered just 12 shots on goal in the defeat, their lowest total since posting 11 shots in a 4-0 loss on March 21, 2003, also to the Devils.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a>, the longest-tenured Ranger, missed Monday's contest as a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3168848" href="https://thescore.com/news/3168848">healthy scratch</a>. New York head coach Peter Laviolette explained the call postgame, saying, "We just need more."</p><p>"At the end of the day, we're not playing a brand that we need to play in order to be successful," he said, per <a href="https://x.com/MollieeWalkerr/status/1871299406374519212">Walker</a>. "He's a guy that we count on to help deliver that. For me, those conversations aren't easy, but that's the decision that I made today."</p><p>Superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4530" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4530">Artemi Panarin</a> was a man of few words when asked what he made of his longtime teammate's benching.</p><p>"I don't know what to say," he said, according to <a href="https://x.com/vzmercogliano/status/1871301662255837584">Mercogliano</a>. </p><p>The Rangers have lost 13 of their last 17 games and risk falling to last place in the Metropolitan Division if the New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets win their games Monday.</p><p>The reigning Presidents' Trophy winners return to action Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. </p><p>"We get a break now," Rangers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7383" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7383">Ryan Lindgren</a> said, according to <a href="http://x.com/MollieeWalkerr/status/1871298192710754755">Walker.</a> "We've got to look at ourselves in the mirror here and come back really hungry because this is just not winning hockey we're playing right now. It's miserable for us, it's miserable for the fans. It's time to figure it out."</p><p>The Devils added insult to injury Monday by showing footage of Rangers fans cheering when New Jersey took <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8594" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8594">Jack Hughes</a> with the No. 1 pick at the 2019 NHL Draft. New York landed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8593" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8593">Kaapo Kakko</a> at second overall. </p><p>The Rangers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3094932" href="https://thescore.com/news/3094932">traded</a> Kakko to the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">OH MY GOD.<br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJDevils?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJDevils</a> just played the video of Rangers fans cheering when Jack Hughes got drafted.<br><br>Jack bursted out into laughter when they showed him on the jumbotron. <a href="https://t.co/a3bwQogl5j">pic.twitter.com/a3bwQogl5j</a></p>— Daniel Amoia (@daniel_amoia) <a href="https://twitter.com/daniel_amoia/status/1871289626637517262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Hughes played coy when asked if the clip put a smile on his face. </p><p>"I don't know. I don't think it, no," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/devils/video/jack-hughes-post-raw-12-23-24-6366384289112">said</a> with a laugh. "Unless the camera caught me."</p><p>The Devils have taken the first two games of the season series against the Rangers. The rivals face off again on Jan. 9 and April 5.</p>

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 23: Paul Cotter #47 of the New Jersey Devils and Vincent Trocheck #16 of the New York Rangers exchange words during the first period at Prudential Center on December 23, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Rangers looking for answers entering Christmas break: 'We just fold'

Capitals forward Pierre-Luc Dubois was happy to get some revenge on his former team during Washin...

<p>Capitals forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5588" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5588">Pierre-Luc Dubois</a> was happy to get some revenge on his former team during Washington's 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday. </p><p>"It feels good," a smiling Dubois <a href="https://x.com/Capitals/status/1871010335739822443">said</a> with a chuckle. "It feels a little extra special." </p><p>He added: "You just want to win. You remember a little bit of the things that happened last year and all you want to do is win. This group is extremely resilient. It wasn't easy, but we got it done."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Dubois recorded two assists in the victory, bringing his season total to 25 points (five goals, 20 helpers) in 33 contests. He's on pace to hit the 60-point mark, a feat he last achieved in 2022-23 with the Winnipeg Jets. </p><p>The Capitals have also handily won his minutes at five-on-five, dictating 56.6% of the shots, 58.6% of the expected goals, and 60.8% of the high-danger chances while outscoring teams 29-17, per <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/playerteams.php?fromseason=20242025&amp;thruseason=20242025&amp;stype=2&amp;sit=5v5&amp;score=all&amp;stdoi=oi&amp;rate=n&amp;team=WSH&amp;pos=S&amp;loc=B&amp;toi=0&amp;gpfilt=none&amp;fd=&amp;td=&amp;tgp=410&amp;lines=single&amp;draftteam=ALL">Natural Stat Trick</a>. </p><p>Washington has provided Dubois with a fresh start after a rocky 2023-24 season in Los Angeles. </p><p>The Kings landed him on an eight-year, $68-million extension in a sign-and-trade with the Winnipeg Jets in June 2023, but Dubois didn't meet expectations: He mustered just 40 points in 82 games and fell out of favor in the top six before being traded to the Capitals almost one year after he was acquired by Los Angeles.</p><p>Kings general manager Rob Blake took <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2928998" href="https://thescore.com/news/2928998">some of the blame</a> for Dubois' disappointing stint in California, saying that "it wasn't a great fit." </p><p>The 26-year-old is tied for the team lead with 13 points in 15 games since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> was injured in mid-November.</p><p>"I mean I think it's all the guys in here and the coaching staff, the confidence that they've put in me to just come in and be myself and just go play," he said when asked about his success. "I've been in situations with good players and I'm just having fun out there with everybody."</p><p>Dubois wasn't the only Capital facing off against his former team - defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6358" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6358">Matt Roy</a> spent the first six seasons of his career with the Kings.</p><p>"(Roy and Dubois are) unbelievable teammates, first of all," Washington forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10973" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10973">Aliaksei Protas</a> <a href="https://x.com/Capitals/status/1871009077259644991">said</a>. "They fit in right where we need them. ... We're so happy to have them. They look better in red, for sure." </p><p>Washington is Dubois' fourth team after he was drafted third overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2016. He requested a trade from both Columbus and Winnipeg. </p><p>Next up for the Eastern Conference-leading Capitals is a clash against the Boston Bruins on Monday. </p>

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 14: Pierre-Luc Dubois #80 smiles with Brandon Duhaime #22 of the Washington Capitals after the team wins a game against the Buffalo Sabres at Capital One Arena on December 14, 2024 in Washington, D.C.

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Capitals' Dubois: 'Extra special' to win vs. Kings

Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark suffered an upper-body injury during the first period of...

<p>Ottawa Senators goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3922" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3922">Linus Ullmark</a> suffered an upper-body injury during the first period of Sunday's 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers.</p><p>Head coach Travis Green revealed postgame that Ullmark's back had tightened up and the team "felt it was best he came out," per <a href="https://x.com/SunGarrioch/status/1871041800275976507">Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch</a>. </p><p>Ullmark played the entire frame and made six saves on seven shots before being replaced by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9225" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9225">Leevi Merilainen</a> to start the second period. Ottawa announced that Ullmark wouldn't return to the contest soon after. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 2023 Vezina Trophy winner had found his game of late, winning his last seven appearances while sporting a league-leading .967 save percentage and 0.99 goals against average over that span.</p><p>Ottawa won its last six games heading into Sunday's outing, and Ullmark was in net for all but one of them. Merilainen started Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks in the first half of a back-to-back. </p><p>Usual backup <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2978" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2978">Anton Forsberg</a> has been unavailable since suffering an injury in warmup on Dec. 14 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. </p><p>The Senators acquired Ullmark from the Bruins in June in exchange for netminder <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/3855">Joonas Korpisalo</a>, forward <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/10467">Mark Kastelic</a>, and the 25th overall pick in the 2024 draft, which Boston used to draft forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14972" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14972">Dean Letourneau</a>. </p><p>Ottawa inked Ullmark to a four-year extension with an $8.25-million cap hit in October. It'll kick in during the 2025-26 campaign.</p><p>The 31-year-old owned a 12-7-2 record and a .916 clip on the season before getting injured in Edmonton.</p><p>The Senators don't play again until Saturday against the Winnipeg Jets. </p>

OTTAWA, CANADA - DECEMBER 14: Linus Ullmark #35 of the Ottawa Senators looks on during warmup prior to an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Canadian Tire Centre on December 14, 2024 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Ullmark left streak-snapping loss to Oilers with back tightness

Bernhard Langer and 24-year-old son Jason Langer beat Tiger and Charlie Woods in a playoff to win...

<p>Bernhard Langer and 24-year-old son Jason Langer beat Tiger and Charlie Woods in a playoff to win the PNC Championship on Sunday. </p><p>Bernhard made eagle on the first playoff hole to clinch the win.<strong> </strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bernhard Langer is INCREDIBLE!<br><br>The 67-year-old walks it off in playoff <a href="https://twitter.com/PNCchampionship?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PNCChampionship</a> 🏆 <a href="https://t.co/JIAfMrSuaW">pic.twitter.com/JIAfMrSuaW</a></p>— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsTour/status/1870953061549523137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>This is the duo's second consecutive victory at the event and fourth overall (2014, 2019, 2023, 2024). Bernhard, 67, also won the Del Webb Father/Son Challenge with his son, Stefan, in both 2005 and '06.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I've said a long time ago that this is the fifth major for me because I love this tournament," Bernhard said, per <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3upnyYLDhs">Golf Channel</a>. "I just love playing with my kids ... Whether I win or not, it's always a great time."</p><p>Team Langer carded 13 birdies and one eagle for a sparkling 57 before the playoff.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Total to par</th>
<th>Round 2 score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Team Langer*</td>
<td>-28</td>
<td>57</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Team Woods</td>
<td>-28</td>
<td>57</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Team Duval</td>
<td>-23</td>
<td>58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Team Harrington</td>
<td>-23</td>
<td>61</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Team Singh</td>
<td>-23</td>
<td>62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Team Lehman</td>
<td>-22</td>
<td>62</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Won on first playoff hole</em></p><p>Tiger was in pursuit of his 83rd PGA TOUR victory to surpass Sam Snead for sole possession of first place on the all-time wins list. The 15-time major winner's last title came at the 2019 Zozo Championship.</p><p>Though the Langers were the victors, Team Woods provided plenty of excitement Sunday, with the 15-year-old Charlie bagging his first-ever ace on the fourth hole.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Charlie Woods just made his first ever hole-in-one!!<br><br>📺: GOLF Channel <a href="https://t.co/yEvN3HuYWP">pic.twitter.com/yEvN3HuYWP</a></p>— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1870881184735187309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It was awesome," Charlie <a href="https://x.com/PGATOUR/status/1870951821604192343">said</a>. "No one made a mistake today. So that was the most fun I've ever had, and on top of that, I made an ace. I don't think I can top that." </p><p>Tiger and Charlie shared an embrace after the electric moment. </p><p>"That's one of the (best) highlights that we've ever had," Tiger said. "We were talking about it earlier, on the hole previous, he made his first eagle, right? And now he just made his first hole-in-one. It was a magical two-hole stretch.</p><p>"I'm just so happy for him and for the enjoyment we had as a family. To be out there with Bernie and Jason, it was a lot of fun."</p><p>Tiger underwent his sixth back surgery in September, which forced him to pull out of last month's Hero World Challenge, the event he hosts annually in the Bahamas. </p><p>He only made five appearances last season: the Genesis Invitational and the four majors. Tiger had to withdraw from the Genesis due to illness, and he missed the cut in all other tournaments except for the Masters, where he finished 60th.</p><p>The 48-year-old walked all 36 holes at the PNC Championship and hit some clutch shots, but he maintained that he's far from tip-top form.</p><p>"I'm nowhere near competitive shape. I'm a great scramble partner," Tiger said with a laugh. "We made a great team this week, and that's the whole joy of it."</p><p>Team Woods may have fallen short this time, but Bernhard is confident the pair's time at the PNC Championship will come. </p><p>"I know most of you would have loved to have Tiger here, and Charlie. I know, I know," a smiling Bernhard said as the crowd cheered. "I'm convinced they're going to win this several times in the near future. They're just too good. </p><p>"I mean, Charlie bombs it, and he's got the whole game. He putts great, and we know what Tiger can do. So it won't take them long, I promise you that. But we're thrilled to be here."</p>

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 22: Bernhard Langer of Germany and his son Jason Langer react on the second green during the second round of the PNC Championship at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club on December 22, 2024 in Orlando, Florida.

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Team Langer bests Team Woods in playoff at PNC Championship

Vancouver Canucks star Elias Pettersson didn't offer much insight when asked about his relationsh...

<p>Vancouver Canucks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a> didn't offer much insight when asked about his relationship with teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> following Saturday's loss to the Ottawa Senators.</p><p>Rumors of a rift between the two forwards have engulfed the team of late, but Pettersson says there's no credibility to the outside gossip. </p><p>"I don't know why people still try to make shit up," Pettersson said, according to <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1870716261836976618">Sportsnet</a>. "Excuse my language, but yeah."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Pettersson ended his media availability when the next question asked if rumors were affecting his play.</p><p>Miller took the opportunity to shut down the recent speculation on Sunday. </p><p>"You guys (the media) in a sense of that outer world have created this thing," Miller <a href="https://x.com/Canucks/status/1870956705204637968">said</a>. "Like, this isn't a thing. So, am I bothered? No. But you guys are just wasting your time. </p><p>"I don't care. You guys want to talk about it? You want to ask me? Ask me all you want. I can bring up Petey and we can do the interview together, if that would make you guys happy."</p><p>He added: "I have a lot of stuff to worry about right now for myself. I'm not worried about any noise, the noise is between my ears and I'm trying to figure out how to play a good 200-foot game for the team."</p><p>Captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> and head coach Rick Tocchet <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3166968" href="https://thescore.com/news/3166968">addressed</a> the rumors before Saturday's game. Hughes said the dressing room is united, while Tocchet noted disagreements among teammates are normal.</p><p>Pettersson and Miller are each producing at a lower rate than they did last season when they spearheaded the Canucks to a Pacific Division title. Vancouver currently holds the top wild-card spot in the Western Conference despite winning only three of its past 10 games.</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - NOVEMBER 14: Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks signals to J.T. Miller #9 during the third period of their NHL game against the New York Islanders at Rogers Arena on November 14, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Pettersson, Miller irked by gossip: 'People still try and make shit up'

New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe will have an in-person hearing with the NHL's Department of P...

<p>New York Rangers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9310" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9310">Matt Rempe</a> will have an in-person hearing with the NHL's Department of Player Safety for his hit on Dallas Stars defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6612" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6612">Miro Heiskanen</a> on Friday night.</p><p>In-person hearings allow suspensions of six games or longer. The date and time of the hearing are still to be determined.</p><p>The incident occurred before the midway mark of the third period. Rempe was handed a five-minute major and a game misconduct. Heiskanen exited down the tunnel but returned to the contest.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Matt Rempe gets tossed for this hit on Miro Heiskanen in his 1st game back up with the Rangers 😬 <a href="https://t.co/uvVAxvILJd">pic.twitter.com/uvVAxvILJd</a></p>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1870308847166128297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I thought (Rempe) let off a little bit at the end," Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette said, per <a href="https://x.com/Peter_Baugh/status/1870321377472921840">The Athletic's Peter Baugh</a>. "He's just such a big guy. (at 6-foot-9 and 255 pounds). We killed the five, and we're moving on."</p><p>The bench boss added, "I thought he had a big impact on the game. I'd like to stay away from the five-minute major, but he's doing his best to hit bodies and make a difference in the game. Our guys really rallied around that at the end."</p><p>This is Rempe's fourth ejection of his 22-game NHL career, per <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1870310331597115467">Sportsnet Stats</a>. He was suspended four games last season for elbowing New Jersey Devils defenseman <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/4707">Jonas Siegenthaler</a> in the head.</p><p>The 22-year-old racked up 71 penalty minutes and two points in 17 games while averaging 5:38 minutes with the Rangers last season. Rempe has been assessed 22 penalty minutes through 18 outings with the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack so far this campaign. </p><p>Friday's outing was Rempe's first NHL game since Nov. 25 and his fifth of the season. New York recalled him Wednesday from the AHL after trading <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8593" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8593">Kaapo Kakko</a> to the Seattle Kraken.</p><p>His physical play quickly established him as a fan favorite among Rangers faithful in 2023-24. Rempe appeared in 11 playoff games and scored one goal during their run to the Eastern Conference Final last spring. </p><p>New York selected Rempe in the sixth round of the 2020 NHL Draft.</p>

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 20: Matt Rempe #73 of the New York Rangers escorted off the ice against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center on December 20, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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Rempe earns in-person hearing for hit on Heiskanen

The Buffalo Sabres caught a stray from Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Foligno after his team fell ...

<p>The Buffalo Sabres caught a stray from Minnesota Wild forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1489" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1489">Marcus Foligno</a> after his team fell 2-1 to Utah on Friday night. </p><p>"We're fighting through it now. We're in a little bit of a sludge and just gotta go through it. It takes all of us to get ourselves out of it," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/wild/video/foligno-postgame-vs-utah-12-20-6366302687112">said</a>. "I mean, I'd rather be in this position than Buffalo. So, you know what, it's not that bad."</p><p>The Sabres drafted Foligno in the fourth round in 2009. He spent the first six seasons of his career in Buffalo before being traded to the Wild as a restricted free agent in 2017.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Minnesota has now dropped four of its last five games - all of which were on home ice - after a stellar 19-5-4 start to the campaign. </p><p>However, Foligno's former team is currently having a significantly worse time.</p><p>Buffalo is 31st overall in the league with an 11-18-4 record after its losing streak was extended to 12 games courtesy of Friday's 6-3 defeat against the Toronto Maple Leafs.</p><p>The Sabres had a hard time scoring over this skid - generating just 2.25 tallies per game - but it certainly didn't help that they had two goals called back versus Toronto. </p><p>The first occurred early in the opening frame when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5550" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5550">Alex Tuch</a> thought he'd tied the game at 1-1. The goal was eventually disallowed after the linesman informed referees of a high-sticking double-minor committed by forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2501" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2501">Jason Zucker</a> earlier in the play.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alex Tuch scores, but the goal is disallowed due to Jason Zucker being given a double-minor penalty for high-sticking. <a href="https://t.co/R2ZbYx6MDL">pic.twitter.com/R2ZbYx6MDL</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1870263430147682331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Buffalo wound up on the penalty kill, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> doubled the Leafs' lead on the power play. </p><p>"I've never seen that before, to be honest," Zucker <a href="https://www.nhl.com/sabres/video/zucker-postgame-vs-tor-6366302051112">said</a>. "I don't know what else to say." </p><p>He added, "I'm not gonna comment on the play. I'd rather not get fined."</p><p>Section 78.5 of the NHL rulebook <a href="https://media.nhl.com/site/asset/public/ext/2024-25/2024-25Rules.pdf">states</a>:</p><blockquote><p>When a linesperson reports a double-minor penalty for high-sticking, a major penalty, or a match penalty to the referee following the scoring of a goal by the offending team, the goal must be disallowed and the appropriate penalty assessed.</p></blockquote><p>Later in the contest, the Sabres appeared to make it 5-4 late in the third period, but the Maple Leafs successfully challenged for goaltender interference.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Maple Leafs challenge is successful as the Sabres goal that would've made it 5-4 is called back due to goalie interference. 👀 <a href="https://t.co/GAvE4XMbj6">pic.twitter.com/GAvE4XMbj6</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1870295910766264629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"That's where we're at right now," Sabres captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7216" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7216">Rasmus Dahlin</a> <a href="https://www.nhl.com/sabres/video/dahlin-postgame-vs-tor-6366302528112">said</a>. "We scored five, but two get disallowed. But we can't hang our heads, we did this to ourselves. We've got to work."</p><p>Zucker seemed to agree with Dahlin's point of view.</p><p>"I think you gotta earn your breaks, and we're not doing that right now," he said.</p><p>The Sabres and Wild will meet in Minnesota on March 22. The two teams last squared off on Nov. 27 when Buffalo lost 1-0 to kick off its current skid.</p>

BUFFALO, NY - JANUARY 7: Marcus Foligno #17 of the Minnesota Wild scores during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres during an NHL game on January 7, 2023 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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Foligno: Wild slumping, but 'I'd rather be in this position than Buffalo'

New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin returned to the lineup Friday against the Dallas Stars after...

<p>New York Rangers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4530" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4530">Artemi Panarin</a> returned to the lineup Friday against the Dallas Stars after missing the last two games with an upper-body injury.</p><p>Panarin leads the Blueshirts with 15 goals and 37 points in 30 outings this season. He's paced the team in points in each of the previous five campaigns.</p><p>The Rangers dropped both games without Panarin in the lineup: a 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues and a 2-0 shutout defeat at the hands of the basement-dwelling Nashville Predators.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>New York lost 11 of its last 14 contests prior to its meeting with the Stars. The reigning Presidents' Trophy winners entered Friday's slate in sixth place of the Metropolitan Division and outside the playoff picture with a 15-15-1 record.</p><p>The Rangers traded captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> earlier in December and continued to make changes Wednesday by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3094932" href="https://thescore.com/news/3094932">moving</a> 2019 second overall pick <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8593">Kaapo Kakko</a> to the Seattle Kraken. </p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 29: Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers looks on against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 29, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Panarin returns from 2-game absence vs. Stars

Team USA unveiled the 25 players who'll represent the country at the 2025 World Junior Championsh...

<p>Team USA unveiled the 25 players who'll represent the country at the 2025 World Junior Championship in Ottawa later this month.</p><p>The Americans have 10 returning players from last year's gold-medal-winning squad, which defeated Sweden in the final.</p><p>The U.S. opens its schedule with a Group A preliminary tilt against Germany on Boxing Day. The tournament runs Dec. 26 through Jan. 5.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Forwards</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761491/cropped_GettyImages-1813155523.jpg?ts=1734648585" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761491/w220xh124_GettyImages-1813155523.jpg?ts=1734648585 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761491/w320xh180_GettyImages-1813155523.jpg?ts=1734648585 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761491/w640xh360_GettyImages-1813155523.jpg?ts=1734648585 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761491/w768xh432_GettyImages-1813155523.jpg?ts=1734648585 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761491/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1813155523.jpg?ts=1734648585 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Miller/ISI Photos / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Current Team</th>
<th>NHL Rights</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Austin Burnevik</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>St. Cloud State (NCAA)</td>
<td>Ducks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trevor Connelly</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Providence (NCAA)</td>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cole Eiserman</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Boston University (NCAA)</td>
<td>Islanders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>James Hagens</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Boston College (NCAA)</td>
<td>2025 eligible</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ryan Leonard</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Boston College (NCAA)</td>
<td>Capitals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oliver Moore</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Minnesota (NCAA)</td>
<td>Blackhawks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Danny Nelson</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Notre Dame (NCAA)</td>
<td>Islanders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gabe Perreault</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Boston College (NCAA)</td>
<td>Rangers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Max Plante</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)</td>
<td>Red Wings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Teddy Stiga</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Boston College (NCAA)</td>
<td>Predators</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brandon Svoboda</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Boston University (NCAA)</td>
<td>Sharks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Carey Terrance</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Erie (OHL)</td>
<td>Ducks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joey Willis</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Saginaw (OHL)</td>
<td>Predators</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brodie Ziemer</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Minnesota (NCAA)</td>
<td>Sabres</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Cuts: </strong>Chris Pelosi, AJ Spellacy</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wjhc/players/15515" href="https://thescore.com/wjhc/players/15515">Hagens</a>, a top candidate to go first overall at the 2025 NHL Draft, highlights the United States' forward crop. He was a final cut from the world juniors team last winter but has plenty of momentum this time after potting 20 points in his first 16 NCAA games.</p><p>Hagens is joined by a handful of Boston College teammates, including linemates <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13827">Leonard</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/14576" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/14576">Perreault</a>, who were instrumental in helping the U.S. win gold last time.</p><p>The other returnees include <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13828" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13828">Moore</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13883" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13883">Nelson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13963" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13963">Terrance</a>.</p><h3>Defense</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761492/cropped_GettyImages-2188725854.jpg?ts=1734648703" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761492/w220xh124_GettyImages-2188725854.jpg?ts=1734648703 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761492/w320xh180_GettyImages-2188725854.jpg?ts=1734648703 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761492/w640xh360_GettyImages-2188725854.jpg?ts=1734648703 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761492/w768xh432_GettyImages-2188725854.jpg?ts=1734648703 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761492/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2188725854.jpg?ts=1734648703 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Miller/ISI Photos / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Current Team</th>
<th>NHL Rights</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Zeev Buium</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Denver (NCAA)</td>
<td>Wild</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paul Fischer</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Notre Dame (NCAA)</td>
<td>Oilers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Drew Fortescue</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Boston College (NCAA)</td>
<td>Rangers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Logan Hensler</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Wisconsin (NCAA)</td>
<td>2025 eligible</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cole Hutson</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Boston University (NCAA)</td>
<td>Capitals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adam Kleber</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)</td>
<td>Sabres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aram Minnetian</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Boston College (NCAA)</td>
<td>Stars</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Colin Ralph</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>St. Cloud State (NCAA)</td>
<td>Blues</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Cuts: </strong>EJ Emery, Blake Fiddler</p><p>Buium headlines the United States' blue line after going 12th overall at last summer's draft. He amassed three goals and five points in seven games at last year's tournament while averaging just over 18 minutes per contest. </p><p>Also in the mix is <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15076">Hutson</a>, the younger brother of Montreal Canadiens star rookie <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12709">Lane Hutson</a>. <a href="https://thescore.com/wjhc/players/15507">Hensler</a>, meanwhile, will be looking to showcase his skills to climb up the draft boards as a 2025-eligible prospect.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13885" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13885">Fortescue</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13972" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13972">Minnetian</a> are also returning alongside Buium.</p><p>As for the notable cuts, the New York Rangers drafted <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15021" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15021">Emery</a> with the 30th overall pick last summer, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wjhc/players/15504" href="https://thescore.com/wjhc/players/15504">Fiddler</a> is eligible to go in 2025.</p><h3>Goalies</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761493/cropped_GettyImages-2178541089.jpg?ts=1734648749" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761493/w220xh124_GettyImages-2178541089.jpg?ts=1734648749 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761493/w320xh180_GettyImages-2178541089.jpg?ts=1734648749 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761493/w640xh360_GettyImages-2178541089.jpg?ts=1734648749 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761493/w768xh432_GettyImages-2178541089.jpg?ts=1734648749 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761493/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2178541089.jpg?ts=1734648749 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Miller/ISI Photos / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Age</th>
<th>Current Team</th>
<th>NHL Rights</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Trey Augustine</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Michigan State (NCAA)</td>
<td>Red Wings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sam Hillebrandt</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Barrie (OHL)</td>
<td>Undrafted</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hampton Slukynsky</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Western Michigan (NCAA)</td>
<td>Kings</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13941" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13941">Augustine</a> is ready to embark on his third world juniors. He owned a .936 save percentage and 1.75 goals against average as the United States' primary netminder at last year's event.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wjhc/players/15500" href="https://thescore.com/wjhc/players/15500">Hillebrandt</a> was also named to last year's roster but didn't see any action.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13975" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13975">Slukynsky</a> made the roster after posting a .941 clip and 1.84 goals against average in seven games with Western Michigan this season.</p>

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 11: James Hagens #10 of Boston College is all smiles after his assist during a game between Boston College and Michigan State University at Munn Ice Arena on October 11, 2024 in East Lansing, Michigan.

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Hagens highlights USA's final roster for 2025 world juniors

Montreal and Nashville swapped defensemen Wednesday night, with the Canadiens acquiring Alexandre...

<p>Montreal and Nashville swapped defensemen Wednesday night, with the Canadiens acquiring <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4569" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4569">Alexandre Carrier</a> from the Predators in exchange for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9213" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9213">Justin Barron</a>. </p><p>Carrier has registered one goal and seven points in 28 outings while averaging just over 20 minutes of ice time. He hasn't suited up since Dec. 7 because of an upper-body injury, though the Canadiens confirmed he's cleared to play, per <a href="https://x.com/EricEngels/status/1869580109994492038">Sportsnet's Eric Engels</a>.</p><p>Nashville inked the 28-year-old to a three-year extension with a $3.75-million cap hit July 1. Carrier can become an unrestricted free agent when it expires.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 2015 fourth-rounder had spent his entire career with the Predators. He's racked up 11 goals, 69 points, 268 hits, and 409 blocks in 245 games as a defensive blue-liner.</p><p>Barron, meanwhile, has appeared in 17 contests for the Habs this season and has scored one goal while seeing 14:43 minutes of ice time per game. </p><p>The Avalanche selected Barron 25th overall at the 2020 NHL Draft, but Colorado traded him to Montreal at the 2022 deadline as part of the package for forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5569" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5569">Artturi Lehkonen</a>.</p><p>The 23-year-old is under contract for one more season after this one with a $1.15-million cap hit. He can become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights once it expires.</p><p>Barron has appeared in 111 career NHL showings, totaling 13 tallies and 31 points. </p><p>Nashville has struggled so far this campaign, ranking last in the league with a 9-17-6 record. Montreal has fared slightly better, sitting in seventh place in the Atlantic Division following a 12-16-3 start.</p>

MONTREAL, QC - DECEMBER 05: Alexandre Carrier (45) of the Nashville Predators looks on during the first period of the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and the Montreal Canadiens on Dec 05 2024, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC

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Canadiens acquire Carrier from Predators for Barron

The New York Rangers traded forward Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for defenseman ...

<p>The New York Rangers traded forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8593" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8593">Kaapo Kakko</a> to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9738" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9738">Will Borgen</a>, a 2025 third-round pick, and a 2025 sixth-rounder, the teams announced Wednesday. </p><p>Kakko has put up four goals and 14 points in 30 games this season while averaging 13:17 of ice time.</p><p>He missed Sunday's 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues as a healthy scratch. Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3160973" href="https://thescore.com/news/3160973">said</a> the decision was about "putting fresh legs in the lineup," but Kakko expressed frustration with the move Tuesday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I was surprised, yeah," he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3162733" href="https://thescore.com/news/3162733">said</a>. "I know you got to do something as a coach when you're losing games, but I think it's just easy to pick a young guy and boot him out. That's how I feel, to be honest."</p><p>Kakko returned to the lineup for the Rangers' 2-0 defeat against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday but played a team-low 10:14 of ice time.</p><p>New York drafted the Finn with the second overall pick in 2019. He registered an impressive 22 goals and 38 points in 45 games with TPS in the Finnish Elite League during his draft year. </p><p>Kakko has yet to meet the expectations of his high draft positioning, but he put up a career-high 18 goals and 40 points in 82 games in 2022-23. He missed 21 games due to injury last season but was on pace for around 17 tallies and 26 points over a full campaign.</p><p>The 23-year-old will represent Finland at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3143154" href="https://thescore.com/news/3143154">Reports emerged</a> in November that Kakko was among the Rangers available on the trade block. New York also took calls on him ahead of the 2024 deadline, though nothing came to fruition. </p><p>Kakko ends his Rangers tenure with 61 tallies and 131 points in 330 career games. He carries a cap hit of $2.4 million and can become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer. </p><p>"We've been kicking tires on different things, and with (captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/454" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/454">Jordan Eberle</a>) out, we're short on the right side," Kraken general manager Ron Francis <a href="https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/kraken-trade-for-former-no-2-overall-winger-bn">said</a>. "(Kakko) gives us somebody that can play the right wing. He's a big boy, and he's got some skills.</p><p>"So, we thought it was the right move to make."</p><p>Eberle hasn't played since mid-November and was given a three-month recovery timeline after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3136579" href="https://thescore.com/news/3136579">undergoing</a> pelvis surgery. </p><p>Three of the top four picks of the 2019 draft are no longer with their original team, as the Chicago Blackhawks traded <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8598" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8598">Kirby Dach</a> to the Montreal Canadiens in 2022 and the Colorado Avalanche sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8599" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8599">Bowen Byram</a> to the Buffalo Sabres in March. </p><p>Borgen, meanwhile, has been a serviceable third-pair rearguard for the Kraken since 2021-22. </p><p>The 27-year-old hit the 20-point mark in each of the past two campaigns while appearing in every game, but he's recorded just one goal and one assist in 33 contests this season while averaging a career-low 15:12 minutes of ice time.</p><p>Borgen, who stands at 6-foot-3 and is a right-handed shot, has a cap hit of $2.7 million and can become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. </p><p>The Rangers have lost 11 of their last 14 games and also traded captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> earlier in December. The Kraken entered Wednesday's slate in sixth place of the Pacific Division with a 15-16-2 record.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - NOVEMBER 23: Kaapo Kakko #24 of the New York Rangers in action during the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on November 23, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Rangers trade Kakko to Kraken for Borgen, pair of picks

Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff is determined to stop the bleeding after Buffalo's winless streak hi...

<p>Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff is determined to stop the bleeding after Buffalo's winless streak hit 10 games with Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. </p><p>"I'm almost lost for words, obviously," he <a href="https://x.com/BuffaloSabres/status/1868467958726398362">said</a>. "It's on me to solve this. This is the toughest solve I've been around. It is on me to get these guys in the right place and win a hockey game. And nobody else, just me."</p><p>The Sabres were in control with a 3-1 edge at the midway point of the second period, but the Maple Leafs responded by scoring three goals in a 2:31 span to take a one-goal lead heading into the third period. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MapleLeafs</a> score three goals in 2:31 and now lead 4-3! 🚨🚨🚨 <a href="https://t.co/DNgU2sbzPI">pic.twitter.com/DNgU2sbzPI</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1868441430470881527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"We were clicking on almost everything until they got the first goal," Ruff said. "It just seemed like it turned."</p><p>The bench boss called a timeout after Toronto's flurry in an attempt to settle the Sabres down.</p><p>"Just (to) say, 'Listen, we can do this. This is hard right now. We've got to do it together, but we gotta believe in how we need to play to get the job done,'" Ruff explained.</p><p>Buffalo was unable to get anything going in the third period as the Maple Leafs outshot their division rivals 19-7 in the final 20 minutes. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/794">John Tavares</a> iced the contest with an empty-netter to complete the hat trick.</p><p>The Sabres haven't won a game since Nov. 23 against the San Jose Sharks. They were in third place in the Atlantic Division with an 11-9-1 record and two points away from catching the Florida Panthers for the No. 2 spot before their current skid.</p><p>Buffalo is 11-16-4 on the season, which has the team in seventh in the division and 29th in the league. Only four teams - the Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks, Sharks, and Montreal Canadiens - own a worse points percentage than the Sabres' .419 clip.</p><p>"Pretty shitty, honestly," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5550" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5550">Alex Tuch</a> said of the feeling in the room, per <a href="https://x.com/ByMHarrington/status/1868468866214723788">The Buffalo News' Mike Harrington</a>. "Losing 10 in a row, there's no good feelings. You've just got to work."</p><p>The Sabres haven't made the playoffs since 2011. They're six points behind Ottawa for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, and the Senators have one game in hand.</p><p>Buffalo's next chance to pull out of its nosedive will come Tuesday against the Canadiens.</p>

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 3: Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff talks to his team after a timeout during an NHL game against the Colorado Avalanche on December 3, 2024 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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Ruff 'almost lost for words' as Sabres' winless streak hits 10

New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin is considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury and misse...

<p>New York Rangers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4530" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4530">Artemi Panarin</a> is considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury and missed Sunday's 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues.</p><p>Panarin leads New York with 15 goals and 36 points - including 24 at even strength - in 29 outings.</p><p>The news is another blow for the floundering Rangers, who have now lost 10 of their past 13 games. Their three wins over this stretch have come against the Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Buffalo Sabres, who are all at or near the bottom of their respective divisions.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8593" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8593">Kaapo Kakko</a> was also out versus St. Louis but as a healthy scratch. Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette said postgame that the decision was about "putting fresh legs in the lineup," according to the <a href="https://x.com/MollieeWalkerr/status/1868476886525059419">New York Post's Mollie Walker</a>.</p><p>Here's how the Rangers lined up without Panarin: </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="fi" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NYR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NYR</a> warmup lines vs. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/STLBlues?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#STLBlues</a>:<br><br>Cuylle-Chytil-Lafrenière<br>​​Brodzinski-Trocheck-Smith<br>Berard-Zibanejad-Vesey<br>Edström-Carrick-Kreider<br><br>Lindgren-Fox<br>Jones-Schneider<br>Mackey-Ruhwedel<br><br>Quick<br>Shesterkin</p>— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) <a href="https://twitter.com/MollieeWalkerr/status/1868425431063597112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a> was on the fourth line, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2033" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2033">Mika Zibanejad</a> saw just 13:04 minutes of ice time, far below his season average of 18:33. </p><p>New York attempted to shake things up in early December by trading captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> to the Anaheim Ducks, but the team has lost four times in six contests since the move.</p><p>Panarin has led the Rangers in points in each of the previous five seasons. </p>

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 08: New York Rangers Left Wing Artemi Panarin (10) is pictured during the second period of the National Hockey League game between the Seattle Kraken and the New York Rangers on December 8, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY.

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Minnesota Wild head coach John Hynes isn't going to lose much sleep despite his team's 7-1 blowou...

<p>Minnesota Wild head coach John Hynes isn't going to lose much sleep despite his team's 7-1 blowout loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday.</p><p>"We gotta get our energy back and we gotta have a good day tomorrow. ... I think that's something that needs to be and will be what our focus is, not so much what happened tonight," he said. "I think we've had a lot of good things that have gone on for us this year.</p><p>"Tonight was an uncharacteristic night for us. I'm not gonna overthink it. Tonight is what it is. We gotta get ready for Saturday (against the Philadelphia Flyers)."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Wild entered Thursday's game in first place in the league with a sterling 19-5-4 record. The loss dropped them to third behind the Winnipeg Jets and Washington Capitals - who both secured at least one point Thursday - but it's a tight race:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>Record</th>
<th>Points</th>
<th>P%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Jets</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>21-9-1</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>.694</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Capitals</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>20-6-2</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>.750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Wild</td>
<td>29</td>
<td>19-6-4</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>.724</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Oilers dominated Minnesota all over the ice, dictating 55.9% of the shot attempts, 68.4% of the high-danger chances, and 60.5% of the expected goals at five-on-five, per <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=20467&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>. They also held a 35-30 edge in shots.</p><p>Edmonton's star players ran rampant, illustrated by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a>'s four-point night.</p><p>"From the jump, it wasn't our night," Wild defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9275" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9275">Brock Faber</a> said. "We just weren't finding pucks, couldn't solidify a forecheck, a breakout, couldn't shut down their top guys. It was just one of those nights."</p><p>Despite the frustration, Faber shares his bench boss' even-keeled mindset.</p><p>"We've got to obviously acknowledge that those games can't happen, but they're gonna happen," he said. "Trust the process that we've gone through, trust the position that we're in. We're still a damn good hockey team."</p><p>This was Minnesota's second time surrendering seven goals this season and the first since Oct. 26 against the Flyers.</p><p>Injuries didn't help against the Oilers. The Wild were already without the likes of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5684" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5684">Joel Eriksson Ek</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1658" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1658">Mats Zuccarello</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2600" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2600">Jonas Brodin</a>, but blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4096" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4096">Jake Middleton</a> exited after blocking a shot during his first shift and was later ruled out with an upper-body injury.</p><p>Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1489" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1489">Marcus Foligno</a> knows Minnesota missed Middleton against Edmonton but wasn't about to use injuries as an excuse.</p><p>"We've got some guys out, yeah, but we'd like to show a little better effort than giving up seven goals in our home rink," Foligno said.</p><p>The Wild have lost two of their last three games after winning five straight.</p>

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 12: Head coach John Hynes of the Minnesota Wild (C) looks on against the Edmonton Oilers in the third period at Xcel Energy Center on December 12, 2024 in St Paul, Minnesota. The Oilers defeated the Wild 7-1.

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The New York Islanders nearly coughed up a big lead late in Thursday's 5-4 victory over the Chica...

<p>The New York Islanders nearly coughed up a big lead late in Thursday's 5-4 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, and while head coach Patrick Roy conceded "a win is a win," he admitted he wouldn't have been very gracious if it was him between the pipes.</p><p>"I guess times have changed because in my days, if my team would have done that to me, I will break a stick in that room," the Hall of Fame netminder said. "I'd be very upset to see my team playing like this in front of me. (Goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7301" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7301">Ilya Sorokin</a>) is a gentleman, he's a first-class person."</p><p>Roy added, "We didn't compete, we didn't battle in front of the net in the last eight minutes. That's unacceptable. We talked about it this morning to be stronger. Our goalie deserved more respect than this."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Islanders jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the third period after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7911" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7911">Noah Dobson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3009" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3009">Bo Horvat</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14964" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14964">Maxim Tsyplakov</a> all found the back of the net over a 2:19 span.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">3 quick goals from Dobson, Horvat, and Tsyplakov make it 5 straight for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> 🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨<a href="https://twitter.com/brendanmburke?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@brendanmburke</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/91Butch?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@91Butch</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Thomas_Hickey14?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Thomas_Hickey14</a> <a href="https://t.co/lz7qSRIE7b">pic.twitter.com/lz7qSRIE7b</a></p>— Isles on MSGSN (@IslesMSGN) <a href="https://twitter.com/IslesMSGN/status/1867401426164494373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>However, the Blackhawks responded with three of their own in the last nine minutes. Chicago forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3250" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3250">Tyler Bertuzzi</a> scored with 1:10 remaining on the clock and found the back of the net again with 10 seconds left.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Connor Bedard➡️Alex Vlasic➡️Tyler Bertuzzi🚨<br><br>Bertuzzi gets credit for his 2nd goal in exactly 1 minute late in the 3rd period. 3-point game for Bedard with the secondary assist. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blackhawks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Blackhawks</a><a href="https://t.co/RRscMY9q8J">pic.twitter.com/RRscMY9q8J</a></p>— Talkin’ Hawkey (@TalkinHawkey) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinHawkey/status/1867408310867308639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Sorokin turned aside all but one of the Blackhawks' 16 shots through the first two periods but came under fire in the third, with Chicago outshooting the Islanders 14-7 over the final 20 minutes. </p><p>The 2023 Vezina Trophy runner-up ended the night with an .867 save percentage after allowing four goals on 30 shots.</p><p>"We have one of the best (goalies) in the game," Roy emphasized. "He doesn't deserve that. I hope we feel bad about it. I really do. We gotta play the game for 60 minutes, and we have to play a certain way."</p><p>Despite the near collapse, the five-goal outburst was a promising sign for the Islanders, who entered Thursday's action ranked 29th in goals for per game (2.53).</p><p>"The rest, we did a lot of good things. ... We had a great start to the third, we found ways to put pucks (in) the net," Roy said.</p><p>The Islanders sit sixth in the Metropolitan Division with a 12-12-7 record and have won three of their last four games. Next up is another clash against the Blackhawks in Chicago on Sunday.</p>

MONTREAL, CANADA - DECEMBER 03: Head coach Patrick Roy of the New York Islanders handles bench duties during overtime against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on December 3, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the New York Islanders 2-1 in overtime.

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