Andrew Cristall was one of the biggest fallers of the 2023 draft, slipping to the Capitals in the second round at No. 40 overall despite some tabbing him as a potential top-10 pick. Concerns about his size – the winger checks in at 5’10” and 183 lbs – outweighed the offensive ceiling he displayed with 95 points in 54 games for the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets in his draft year. In the … [Read more...] about East Notes: Cristall, Blake, Sabres
Nicklas Backstrom Expected To Sign With SHL’s Brynäs IF
Brynäs IF of Sweden’s SHL will hold a press conference on Monday where they’re expected to announce the signing of former NHL center Nicklas Backstrom, per Sammi Silber of The Hockey News. The news was first reported back in May by Tomas Ros and Hans Abrahamsson of Aftonbladet They mentioned that Backstrom’s deal is expected to run only one-year. Backstrom played in eight NHL … [Read more...] about Nicklas Backstrom Expected To Sign With SHL’s Brynäs IF
Alex Ovechkin, Capitals Haven’t Had Extension Talks
While not surprising news in the slightest, Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin confirmed to reporters in Russia today that he hasn’t had extension talks as he gears up for the final season of the five-year, $47.5MM contract he signed back in 2021 (via Andrey Senchenko of RIA Novosti). Ovechkin, who turns 40 in September, also seemed to imply that any talks on a new deal would … [Read more...] about Alex Ovechkin, Capitals Haven’t Had Extension Talks
Jaroslav Halak Announces Retirement
Veteran goalie Jaroslav Halak is ending his playing career, telling Tomas Prokop of the Slovak website Dennik Sport that he’s officially retired. Halak, 40, hasn’t played anywhere in the last two seasons aside from a brief tryout with the Hurricanes that didn’t result in game action early in 2023-24. A ninth-round pick in the 2003 draft, his 17-year NHL career included time … [Read more...] about Jaroslav Halak Announces Retirement
Alex Ovechkin Could Play Beyond 2025-26
All-time leading goal scorer Alexander Ovechkin dismissed reports of a possible retirement next season as ’nonsense,’ and previously noted that he plans to continue playing as long as his love for the game remains strong, reports Sammi Silber of DC Backcheck. He told reporters during locker clean-out day, that he fully intended to honor the final year of his contract but was … [Read more...] about Alex Ovechkin Could Play Beyond 2025-26