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Top 100 Hockey Players 21-And-Under: The Top 20

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor
written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Macklin Celebriniโค Headlines The Hockey โ€news’ Top โข20 โ€Players 21-And-Under

Boston,MA – Macklin Celebrini,the projected first-overall pick in the 2024 โ€‹NHL Draft,leads The Hockey News’ โฃranking of the Top 20โ€Œ hockey players aged 21-and-under,a list brimming with futureโ€ NHL stars.The Boston University freshman’s exceptional skill setโฃ and projected impact have placed him at the pinnacle of โ€Œa generation poised to โคreshape the league.

This ranking, published by The Hockey News, offers โ€Œa thorough look at the game’s rising talent, evaluating players โคbased on skill, potential, โฃand current performance. The โ€‹list isn’t simply aboutโ€Œ current NHL contributors; โ€Œit’s a projection of who โฃwill define the next era of hockey,โฃ impacting team โฃsuccess, fan engagement, and the overall evolution ofโค the sport. The players featured represent โ€a diverse range of positions and leagues, highlighting โ€the global growthโ€‹ of โ€Œhockey and the increasing depth of โ€‹talent.

Here’s a look at the Top 20, as ranked by The Hockey News:

  1. Macklin Celebrini (Boston โ€ŒUniversity, โ€NCAA)
  2. Connor Bedard (Chicago โคBlackhawks,โฃ NHL)
  3. Adam Fantilli (Columbus Blue โขJackets, NHL)
  4. Leo carlsson (Anaheim Ducks, NHL)
  5. Will โคSmithโ€‹ (Boston University, NCAA)
  6. Matveiโ€‹ Michkov (Philadelphiaโฃ Flyers, NHL)
  7. brayden Yager (Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL)
  8. Artyom duda โ€‹(Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL)
  9. Zeev Buium (Denver University, NCAA)
  10. Alex Hadjikhani (Djurgardens J20, โ€ŒSweden)
  11. Jonathan โ€‹Lekkerimรคki (Vancouver โ€ŒCanucks,โฃ NHL)
  12. Ottoโ€Œ Stenberg (Frolunda HC, Sweden)
  13. Colbyโข Barlow (Owen Sound Attack,โฃ OHL)
  14. Jaxon โคSmith-Pelly (sudbury Wolves, OHL)
  15. Spencerโ€‹ Gillis (Sherbrooke Phoenix, QMJHL)
  16. Beau Akey (Barrie โ€ŒColts, OHL)
  17. Karel โคSavrda (HC Kometaโ€Œ Brno, Czechia)
  18. Ethan Gauthier (Quebec Remparts, QMJHL)
  19. Oliver Bonk (London Knights, OHL)
  20. Noah โขDowerck (London Knights, OHL)

the Hockey News subscription options, including print access and the full magazine archive, are available at THN.com/free. Readers can also stay updated with theโฃ latest hockey news by โ€subscribing to the newsletter at http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I andโ€Œ engaging in โขdiscussionsโค on the THN.com community forum.

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Sport

Jesper Wallstedt’s ‘Clutch’ Shootout Victory Fuels Resurgent Season

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor
written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Wild Goalieโ€Œ Jesperโ€ Wallstedt Credits Offseason Training for โ€‹Overtime Heroics

ST. PAUL, MN – โ€Jesper WallstedtS strong summer training regimen โขproved โ€‹pivotalโ€Œ in โฃthe โฃMinnesota Wild’s 4-3 โ€shootout victory over the Losโ€Œ Angeles โ€ŒKings on Monday,โค according to both the goaltender and head coachโ€Œ John Hynes. Wallstedt delivered a crucial save on Brandt Clarke during a Kings power play โคin overtime, helping secure the win.

Wallstedt โ€‹attributed his abilityโ€‹ to perform under pressure, even while fatigued, to the work heโข putโฃ inโฃ during the offseason. “The work I’ve done in theโ€‹ summer, I feltโค it was worth it. I feltโฃ I could โฃkeep onโ€Œ pushing,” he said.

Theโ€ 21-year-old netminder โ€‹described theโ€ intense workouts as a natural part of his maturation. โ€‹”It was part of him growing up,” the article stated.

Coachโ€ Hynes has โ€Œobserved a clear improvement in Wallstedt since โ€the startโ€ of camp, noting โ€‹the payoff from his โฃsummer training. “It’sโฃ nice to see that stick-to-itiveness by him toโ€‹ understand and letโ€Œ some things go that maybe didn’t goโ€Œ ourโ€ way,” Hynes said.โค “but then he’s there when you now โ€have to win the โ€Œgame. I thought he was clutch in those moments.”

The Wild plan to utilize both Wallstedt and fellow Swedish goaltender โ€ŒFilip Gustavsson this โขseason. While โ€‹Gustavsson is currently considered the No. 1 goalie and could see around 58 games – matching his career โคhigh from last โ€Œseason – Wallstedt is projectedโ€ to playโ€Œ a minimum of 24-25 games,โฃ possibly reaching 30 depending on his performance.

“dependingโค on how ‘Wally’ is progressing. If he โ€Œhits itโ€Œ outโ€Œ of โฃthe park (Monday), we’ll be moreโ€‹ willing to โ€put him in,” said Wild assistant coach Pascal Chabot.

wallstedt also expressedโ€ a strong โขrapport with Gustavsson, noting โขtheir shared interests, including teeโ€Œ times and videoโข games, and the โ€Œpositive relationship between their partners. โขDespite their different personalities – Wallstedt being more extroverted andโฃ Gustavsson more introverted โ€Œ- they ofen communicate in โฃSwedish,โฃ sometimes to the โ€Œamusement of their teammates.

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Business

Filip Gustavsson Justifies Wild’s $6.8M Goalie Extension with Dominant Start

by Priya Shah โ€“ Business Editor
written by Priya Shah โ€“ Business Editor

Gustavsson demonstrates Value of Wild‘s Investment in Season Opener

Filip Gustavsson’s strongโ€ performance in the Minnesota Wild’s season-opening 4-1 victory over the St. โขLouis Blues โ€‹underscored the team’s confidence in the goaltender, recently โคsolidified by a contract extension. gustavsson โคacknowledged theโฃ meaning of the deal, stating the $6.8 million annualโ€‹ salary โฃis “life-changing money,” especially considering his early career earning $2,000 a month playing in Sweden. he expressed contentment with his current financial security, noting โ€Œhis plans to return โฃtoโ€Œ a small โ€Œtown in sweden afterโ€Œ his career โคand โ€Œa diminished need for further wealth accumulation.

The โคextension, finalized before the season โคbegan, provides Gustavsson with peace of mind. โข”I know I still have to play good this season, but now I don’t have to worry about it as much,” he said.

Gustavsson’s performance against the Blues showcased โ€Œwhy the Wild deemed him โคworthy of the investment. He denied jordan Kyrou twice,a player known for his success against Minnesota,and skillfully โ€‹navigated a first-period possibility where David jiricek’s pass nearlyโข set up Robert Thomas for a point-blank shot. Coach John Hynes praised Gustavsson’s performance, noting his strong “rebound control” and ability toโค see pucks “very good through traffic.”

Beyond his individualโฃ play, Gustavsson highlighted the team’s commitment to aโค strong defensive structure, a key factor inโข his enjoyment of playing for the Wild. โขhe specifically lauded Marcus Foligno’s sacrifice โฃin blocking a shot with his hand, emphasizingโ€‹ its positive influence on the team’s younger players. Ten players ageโ€ 24 and youngerโค were in thursday’s lineup, โ€Œincluding NHL debutant โฃHunter haight, โฃalongside Davidโ€ Jiricek, Zeev Buium, and Liam Ohgren.

The Wild’s offensive contributions also pleased Gustavsson, withโค Ryan Hartman scoring two goals, including the game-winner, and winning 10 of 14 faceoffs. โฃThe top line of Rossi,Boldy,and Kaprizov combined for a goal,three assists,and two assists respectively. The team’s penalty kill, a weakness since the 2023 playoffs, began the โ€season successfully, going โ€2 for 2.

despite the strong start, Gustavsson remains grounded, recalling a previous season opener followed by a disappointing performance.Two years ago, he secured a 41-save shutoutโฃ against the Florida Panthers, but two โ€nights later conceded seven goals inโฃ a loss to Toronto. He is focused on readiness,with a โฃpractice scheduled Friday ahead of Saturday’s home โ€‹opener against Columbus,hoping for a more consistent performance this season. โค”I had a bad second game against Toronto, so I hope I have a better second game (this time),” โ€ŒGustavsson stated.

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Sport

Kirill Kaprizov Extension Talks Stall Amidst Contract Concerns

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor
written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Kaprizov Contract Talks Hit Roadblock as โ€‹Camp Rejects โฃInitial Eight-Year Offer

ST. PAUL, MN – Negotiations between the Minnesota Wild and star winger Kirillโค Kaprizov have encountered an early snag, as Kaprizov’s camp has rejected an initial eight-year contract offer with anโ€ average annual value (AAV) โ€‹of $16 million, according to a report from The Hockey News. The rejection throws the future of the franchise’s cornerstone player โฃinto questionโ€ as he approaches unrestricted free agency.

The offer, while substantial, was predicated on the assumption that a $16 million cap hit would be โคsufficient to secure a long-term dealโฃ – at least five years in length. Though, recent contracts signed by other elite โ€‹players โ€Œsuggest that Kaprizov’s market value might potentially be higher.Last year, Leon Draisaitl signed โฃan eight-year extension withโข the Edmonton Oilers โ€‹carrying a $14 โ€million AAV,โ€ and the potential for kaprizov to command aโ€Œ salary closer to the maximum $19.1 million could necessitate a revised offer from the Wild.

Negotiations are in their early stages, having only begun in earnest after โ€ŒKaprizovโ€ arrived in Minnesota ahead of training camp in recent days. The reason for the rejection remains unclear,potentially stemming from disagreementsโค over salary structure,bonus arrangements,trade protection clauses,or Kaprizov’s preference for a shorter-term contract.

Despite Kaprizov’s status as theโ€Œ Wild’s most impactful offensive player, his career resume doesn’t yet match the accomplishments ofโข players like Draisaitl and Nathan MacKinnon, who โ€Œhave recently secured record-setting contracts.Kaprizovโ€Œ has yet to reachโ€ 50โฃ goals in a season, has only surpassed 100 points once, and has never finished in the top five of MVP voting. Analysts at AFP Analytics estimate his โขmarket value to be closer to the $14 โ€‹millionโข range, even accounting for a projected salary cap increase to $104 million.

As entering the NHL in 2020-21, Kaprizovโค has recorded 386โ€‹ points in 319 games, ranking 15th in the league. His 1.21 points per game average places him 10thโ€ but still 224 points โคbehind Connor McDavid’s production โฃover the last โ€five years.โ€‹ The Wild now โ€face the challenge of determining how far โ€Œthey are willing to exceed market value to retain their star player.

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Sport

Minnesota Wild Offer $120M Contract to Kirill Kaprizov

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor
written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Minnesota โ€‹Wild Ready to Secure Kirill Kaprizov‘s Future with Lucrative $120 Million Offer

ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Wild are moving decisively to ensureโ€ the long-term future of their most dynamic player,โ€Œ Kirill Kaprizov. Coming off โ€‹the recent three-year contract extension awarded to centre โ€Marco Rossi, the Wild’s front office has โ€‹turned its full attention to securing a new deal for theirโค star winger, who is slated to become anโ€Œ unrestricted free agent following the 2025-26 season.

A Notable Investment in aโข Franchise Cornerstone

According to sources โขcloseโ€Œ to the negotiations, the wild are preparing to present Kaprizov with an offer exceedingโ€ $120 million over eight years. This ambitious proposal underscores the institution’s belief in Kaprizov’s value โ€Œand โ€its commitment to sustained success inโข theโข National Hockey League. The potential contract isn’t just about retaining a star; โ€it’s a statement aboutโข the wild’s intent toโ€Œ build a perennial contender.

Kaprizov is currently in the final year of a five-year, $45 million contract, carryingโข anโ€ averageโ€Œ annual valueโ€‹ (AAV) of $9 million. As his arrival, he has quickly become theโฃ focalโค point of the โคMinnesota offense, consistently delivering game-changing performances. The team’s willingness to โ€Œmake โฃsuch a ample โคfinancial investment speaks volumes โคabout his impact and โ€Œtheir vision for the future.

“Kirill is a special player, and we recognize his importance to this franchise,” a โคsource within the Wild organization stated, speaking on background.”We want him here for theโข long haul, and โคwe’re prepared to do what it โคtakes โ€Œtoโ€ make thatโค happen.”

Securing Kaprizov’s signature is widely viewed as critical to โขthe Wild’s aspirations forโ€‹ consistent playoff โ€Œcontention and โ€Œa deepโ€‹ run for the Stanley Cup. โข This potential โฃcontract extension representsโข a pivotal moment, not onyl โ€Œin Kaprizov’s โ€‹careerโฃ but also in the โ€trajectory of the Minnesota Wild franchise as it strives for lasting success in the NHL.

Stay tunedโข to World Todayโ€Œ news for further updates on this developing story.

Enjoyed this article? โฃ Consider โ€‹sharing itโ€ with โ€fellow hockey fans! Don’tโข forget to bookmark World Today News for theโ€Œ latest sports coverage.

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Sport

NHL Free Agency: Biggest Needs for Every Team (2025)

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor
written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

NHL Teams’ biggest Needs Heading into Free Agency 2025

Table of Contents

With the 2025 NHL Draft in the rearview mirror, NHL teams are now laser-focused on addressing their biggest needs as free agency looms. Just one day away from the frenzy, *The Athletic* surveyed it’s NHL staff to pinpoint the most crucial area each of the 32 teams needs to improve. From bolstering offensive firepower to solidifying defensive depth, here’s a breakdown of what each team is looking for as thay navigate the free agency market.

Eastern Conference Needs

Atlantic Division

Boston Bruins: Forwards and a Right-Shot Defenseman

The Bruins are seeking more forward depth, ideally a play-driving center, though wingers are a more budget-friendly option. They also need a defenseman to complement Charlie McAvoy and Andrew Peeke.The Boston Bruins are aiming to add volume to their forward group.

Buffalo Sabres: More Scoring

After trading away JJ Peterka, the Sabres need to add more proven scoring to their lineup. While the team hopes for internal growth, an external addition would be beneficial. The Buffalo Sabres have already improved their blue line, but need to focus on offence.

Florida Panthers: Keeping the Band Together

Fresh off a Cup win, the Panthers aim to retain key players like Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad, despite limited cap space. GM Bill Zito is steadfast to keep the core intact for another championship run. The Florida Panthers are prioritizing re-signing key players to maintain their competitive edge.

Did You Know? The Florida Panthers are aiming for a three-peat after their recent Stanley Cup victory.

Metropolitan Division

Carolina Hurricanes: Top-Six Forward

The Hurricanes are looking to upgrade their second-line center or add more firepower on the wing. Mitch Marner and Nikolaj Ehlers are potential targets. The Carolina Hurricanes are seeking to bolster their top-six forward group.

Columbus Blue Jackets: A veteran Goaltender

Despite supporting Elvis Merzlikins,the Blue Jackets would benefit from a fresh look in net,seeking a veteran via trade or free agency. The Columbus Blue Jackets are in the market for a reliable veteran goaltender.

Detroit Red Wings: Top-Four Defenseman

The Red wings need a veteran defenseman to complement Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson. Upgrading one of their defensive pairings is a priority. The Detroit Red Wings are looking to add a veteran presence to their top-four defensemen.

Western Conference Needs

Central Division

Colorado Avalanche: Depth at Forward

The Avalanche are focused on building a deep team rather than a star-studded one, needing several players to fill their forward lineup with roughly $9 million in cap space. The Colorado Avalanche are prioritizing depth at the forward position.

Dallas Stars: A Little Nastiness

The Stars need to add some “sandpaper” to their roster, seeking players who can bring a physical edge to complement their skill. Aaron Ekblad could be a potential target. The Dallas Stars are looking to add a physical element to their roster.

Minnesota Wild: A faceoff-Winning, Penalty-Killing Center

The Wild need a center who can win faceoffs and kill penalties, with options like Christian Dvorak and Nico Sturm available. The Minnesota Wild are seeking a center who excels at faceoffs and penalty killing.

Pacific Division

Anaheim Ducks: An Offensive Star

The Ducks need an elite offensive player to boost their scoring, as their top scorer last season tied for 104th leaguewide.Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier show promise, but the Ducks need immediate impact. The Anaheim Ducks are in desperate need of an offensive star.

Calgary Flames: Goal scoring

The Flames need to improve their goal-scoring, potentially adding an offensive weapon to support Dustin Wolf. The Calgary Flames are looking to boost their goal-scoring capabilities.

Edmonton Oilers: Middle-Six Wingers

with Evander Kane traded, the Oilers need wingers who can complement Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Goaltending is also a need, but likely to be addressed via trade. The Edmonton Oilers are seeking wingers to complement their star players.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on teams with limited cap space; they might potentially be forced to make trades to free up funds.

Team Needs Summary

Here’s a speedy overview of each team’s primary need:

Team Biggest Need
Anaheim Ducks Offensive Star
Boston Bruins Forwards and Right-Shot Defenseman
Buffalo Sabres More Scoring
Calgary flames Goal Scoring
Carolina Hurricanes Top-Six forward
Chicago Blackhawks Top-Six Winger
Colorado Avalanche Depth at Forward
Columbus Blue Jackets Veteran Goaltender
Dallas Stars A Little Nastiness
Detroit Red Wings Top-Four Defenseman
Edmonton Oilers Middle-Six Wingers
Florida Panthers Keeping the Band Together

Historical Trends in NHL Free Agency

NHL free agency has evolved substantially over the years. Initially, players had limited mobility, but changes to the collective bargaining agreement have granted players more freedom to choose their teams.This has led to increased competition among teams and higher player salaries. Teams often overpay for talent, hoping to quickly improve their roster and contend for a Stanley cup. However, these decisions can have long-term consequences, impacting a team’s salary cap and future flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About NHL Team Needs

What is the most common need among NHL teams this offseason?
Based on the analysis, the most common need appears to be offensive firepower, with several teams seeking top-six forwards or goal-scoring additions.
Why is it crucial for teams to address their biggest needs in free agency?
Addressing key needs can significantly improve a team’s competitiveness and chances of making the playoffs. Filling gaps in the roster can led to better overall performance and a stronger chance at contending for the Stanley Cup.
How do teams balance immediate needs with long-term planning in free agency?
Teams must carefully consider the length and value of contracts they offer to free agents. Overcommitting to long-term deals can limit future flexibility, while short-term solutions may not provide lasting advancement. A balanced approach is crucial for sustained success.
What role dose the salary cap play in NHL team’s free agency decisions?
The salary cap is a critical factor,as it limits the amount of money teams can spend on player salaries. Teams must make strategic decisions about which players to pursue and how to allocate their cap space effectively.
How can fans stay informed about their team’s free agency moves?
Fans can follow reputable sports news outlets, team websites, and social media accounts for the latest updates and analysis on free agency signings and trades.

As NHL teams prepare for the free agency period,addressing their biggest needs will be crucial for their success in the upcoming season. from offensive stars to veteran goaltenders, the next few weeks will be pivotal in shaping the landscape of the league.

What do you think is the most pressing need for your favorite NHL team? Which free agent signing will have the biggest impact this offseason?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to share this article with your fellow hockey fans!

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