Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov was named the winner of the Ted Lindsay Award for the second time in his career on Wednesday.

• The award is presented annually to the most outstanding player in the NHL as voted by fellow members of the NHL Players' Association.

  Kucherov, who also won it in 2018-19, was a finalist last season along with Colorado Avalanche teammates Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. MacKinnon won the award last season.

  Kucherov, 31, won his second straight Art Ross Trophy after leading the NHL in scoring with 121 points (37 goals, 84 assists). He also led the league in power-play points with 46 (eight goals, 38 assists).

  --Field Level Media

The 2025 Stanley Cup Final begins Wednesday night in Edmonton, with the Oilers seeking to atone for last year's seven-game finals loss at the hands of the Florida Panthers.

• While the Panthers are seeking to repeat, the Oilers opened as series favorites at many sportsbooks. But winning Game 1 at home will be critical in Edmonton's quest to win the franchise's first Stanley Cup since 1990.

  ODDS & TRENDS

  The Oilers are consensus 1.0-goal favorites ahead of Game 1, although many sportsbooks had the line sitting at 1.5 midday Wednesday. That included BetRivers, where the Panthers have been backed by 65 percent of the spread-line bets and 60 percent of the money.

  However, Edmonton has been the more popular moneyline choice at -132, drawing 61 and 70 percent of the action, respectively. That includes a $4,000 wager on the Oilers' moneyline when it was sitting at +123.

  The total goals scored line of 6.0 has seen the Over backed by 82 percent of the bets and 90 percent of the money. While it's a high goal total, seven of Florida's past eight road games have hit the Over.

  It's also important to note that the Panthers have a five-game road winning streak and have covered the puck line in five of their past six games.

  PROP PICKS

  --Carter Verhaeghe to Score (+255 at DraftKings): Verhaeghe has found the net just twice in his past eight games, but the Florida center has scored in each of these teams' past three meetings.

  --Connor McDavid to Score (+155 at BetRivers): This has been the book's most wagered-on prop for Game 1 in both total bets (3.1 percent) and money (1.9 percent). He tallied nine of his 26 playoff points (six goals, 20 assists) in Edmonton's five-game series win over the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference finals, and the three-time Hart Trophy recipient has totaled four assists in two meetings versus the Panthers this season.

  THE NEWS

  This marks the first Stanley Cup rematch since the Pittsburgh Penguins responded to a six-game loss to Detroit in 2008 with a seven-game series victory over the Red Wings in 2009.

  While all eyes will be on McDavid and fellow former Hart Trophy recipient Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers will need strong performances at the other end of the ice if they are to reverse fortunes from last year.

  Edmonton goaltender Stuart Skinner has a tall task ahead of him as he squares off against two-time Vezina Trophy recipient Sergei Bobrovsky for the second straight final.

  "He's one of the best goalies in the world," Skinner said of Bobrovsky, who has notched one shutout in each round this spring. "He's impressive. He skates well. Technically, I don't think there's much wrong with him in my perspective. He's exceptional."

  Florida coach Paul Maurice praised both clubs for what they've done to address perceived weaknesses.

  "Each of us going into last year had a definable strength. They're a really good offensive team and we were close to being the best defensive team," Maurice said. "I don't think that's changed for either team. What both teams have done is added to the other parts. ... We both improved a part of our game that wasn't a part of our strengths, and our strengths are still as good as they've ever been."

  The Panthers are making their third consecutive Stanley Cup appearance off strong play on the road. They are 8-2 away from home in the playoffs.

  Florida captain Aleksander Barkov has totaled 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 17 playoff games, including seven (three goals, four assists) in his team's five-game series win over the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference finals.

  Barkov was named as the winner of the Selke Trophy as the league's top defensive forward for the third time in his career on Monday. He also won the King Clancy Trophy for noteworthy humanitarian contributions.

  THEY SAID IT

  "It can be draining just dealing with the emotion. You feel closer, then there's a big circus. It can feel like it's larger than it is. At the end of the day, it's another series, and we're playing another great team. And we'll have to beat them before anything else happens. They have our complete focus. All of our energy is going into beating the Florida Panthers. There should be nothing else on anyone's mind." -- McDavid, on what lies ahead for his team as it prepares for a rematch with the Panthers.

  --Field Level Media

The Pittsburgh Penguins named Dan Muse as their new head coach on Wednesday, making him the second-youngest bench boss in the league.

• Muse has been an NHL assistant coach for the past five seasons, including the past two with the New York Rangers. At 42 years old, Muse is eclipsed by only San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky (37) as the youngest head coach in the league.

  This will be Muse's first head coaching job in the NHL. Terms were not released by the Penguins.

  "During this process, we met with many candidates who we felt would have been a fit as the next head coach of the Penguins, but ultimately, Dan Muse stood out as the best choice. What separated Dan was his ability to develop players, win at all levels where he has been a head coach and his consistent success coaching special teams in the NHL," Penguins president Kyle Dubas said in the release.

  Muse replaces Mike Sullivan, who parted ways with the Penguins in late April. Sullivan was hired by the Rangers days later.

  Muse, also an assistant coach with the Nashville Predators from 2017-20, served as head coach of the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League (2015-17). Muse also has head coaching experience with USA Hockey.

  Dubas also noted Muse's success in leading the penalty kill units for both the Predators and the Rangers.

  "Additionally, his leadership of special teams units at the NHL level in both Nashville and New York produced elite results consistently. His overall body of work, attention to detail and vision for our group showed us that he is the best coach to take our team forward," Dubas said.

  --Field Level Media

Forward Brock Nelson signed a three-year contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday.

• Financial terms were not disclosed by the team, however multiple media outlets reported it was worth a total of $22.5 million and carries an average annual value of $7.5 million.

  Nelson, 33, recorded 56 points (26 goals, 30 assists) in 80 games split between the New York Islanders and Avalanche in the 2024-25 season, He was acquired by the Avalanche on March 6 after spending 11-plus seasons with the Islanders.

  "My family and I are excited to be staying in Colorado," Nelson said. "Having spent my entire career with one organization, we weren't totally sure what to expect when we arrived in Denver. But getting the opportunity to play for the Avalanche, to compete with a great group of teammates in that locker room, and in front of the tremendous fans at Ball Arena, we knew this was where we wanted to stay."

  Nelson could have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

  "We're thrilled to have reached an agreement with Brock to keep him in Colorado for the next three seasons," Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland said. "He's been a great center in this league for a long time, and he brings professionalism and a dedicated work ethic on and off the ice. We think he's a great fit and is a stabilizing presence to our second-line center role with his size and ability to touch all areas of the ice.

  "We're excited to see what his contributions will be over a larger sample size with the Avalanche."

  Nelson has totaled 587 points (301 goals, 286 assists) in 920 career games. He was selected by the Islanders with the 30th overall pick of the 2010 NHL Draft.

  --Field Level Media

Forward Noah Cates agreed to a four-year, $16 million contract extension with the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday.

• Cates, 26, recorded a career-high 16 goals to go along with 21 assists and a plus-3 rating in 78 games this season with the Flyers.

  He was playing in the final campaign of a two-year, $5.25 million contract and was set to become a restricted free agent this offseason.

  Cates has totaled 102 points (40 goals, 62 assists) in 235 career games since being selected by Philadelphia in the fifth round of the 2017 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut on March 29, 2022.

  --Field Level Media

Eleven-year NHL veteran Jesper Fast announced his retirement from professional hockey earlier today.

• Fast, 33, played his final four seasons in Carolina and was a playoff hero for the Hurricanes in the spring of 2023. He sustained a neck injury in the final regular season game of the 2023-24 season vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets and did not compete in Carolina's recently-concluded campaign.

  Fast was one of several prominent veteran players who did not dress for any games during the season due to injury. Torey Krug (St. Louis), T.J. Oshie (Washington) and Tucker Poolman (Colorado) were also on long-term injured reserve in 2024-25.

  Fast spent his first seven seasons in the NHL with the New York Rangers and earned their alternate captain sweater from 2017-20.

  "I never took for granted the privilege of playing in the best league in the world," said Fast. "I am grateful for all of the teammates, coaches, staff and fans from the Rangers and Hurricanes who made my time in the NHL so special, and for my family for everything they did to help me achieve and live my dream."

  The native of Nassjo, Sweden was an unheralded sixth-round draft pick by the Rangers in 2010 (157th overall), but surpassed a vast majority of more celebrated members of that draft class, currently ranking 24th with 94 goals and 248 points in 703 career games.

  Fast debuted with the Rangers in October of the 2013-14 season, but did not record his first point until dishing out an assist in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals vs. Philadelphia.

  He scored 55 goals and added 92 assists for the Rangers from 2013-20 and came up clutch in the playoffs, tallying three goals in both the 2014-15 and 2016-17 post-season.

  Fast was a five-time recipient of the Rangers' Players' Player Award from 2015-2020.

  He signed with the Hurricanes as a free agent ahead of the 2020-21 season. Fast played in all 82 games that season and produced career highs in goals (14), points (34) and plus/minus (+24). Canes' players tabbed him as the winner of the Steve Chiasson Award for that season. The award honors "the player who best exemplifies determination and dedication while proving to be an inspiration to his teammates through his performance and approach to the game."

  In his final playoff appearances in 2023, Fast became just the fourth player in Carolina franchise history to produce multiple overtime winners in a single postseason. He scored in overtime in Game 2 of Carolina's first round series vs. the New York Islanders and found the net again in the series-clinching Game 5 of the Canes' second round victory over the New Jersey Devils.

  --Field Level Media

The Tampa Bay Lightning signed forward Yanni Gourde to a six-year extension worth $14 million on Monday.

• Gourde, 33, was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

  Gourde played the final 21 games of the season in Tampa after the club reacquired him from the Seattle Kraken in a three-team trade on March 5. The Lightning lost Gourde when the Kraken selected him in the 2021 expansion draft.

  Gourde combined for 31 points (seven goals, 24 assists) for the Kraken and Lightning in 57 games in 2024-25. Gourde added an assist in five playoff games for the Lightning.

  He missed two months of the regular season after undergoing surgery to repair a sports hernia in January.

  Gourde has 347 points (133 goals, 214 assists) in 602 career games, with all but 52 of those goals with the Lightning. He spent his first six NHL seasons in Tampa and won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021.

  --Field Level Media

For the second consecutive year and third time in five seasons, Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov on Monday was named the Selke Trophy winner as the NHL's best defensive forward.

• Barkov, 29, who also won the award for the 2020-21 season, received 96 first-place votes and recorded 1,363 points to beat out Panthers teammate Sam Reinhart (837 points). Barkov appeared on 173 of the 191 ballots.

  Tampa Bay Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli finished third with 828 points.

  Barkov was also announced Monday as the winner of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his leadership and contribution to the community. He was presented both trophies at the Joe DiMaggio's Children's Hospital in Hollywood, Fla.

  "Very surprised," Barkov said of the Selke. "I was not expecting it at all. When they brought in another trophy, it was pretty overwhelming for me. I am truly honored by that award."

  Barkov recorded 71 points (20 goals, 51 assists) in 67 games this season. He also won 56.5 percent of faceoffs during the 2024-25 campaign. He recorded 54 blocks and 34 takeaways during the regular season.

  He has recorded 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) and 16 blocks in 17 postseason games, leading the defending champion Panthers to their second consecutive Stanley Cup Final. He's winning 57.9 percent of his faceoffs in the playoffs.

  --Field Level Media

The Minnesota Wild re-signed forward Marcus Johansson to a one-year, $800,000 contract on Monday.

• Johansson, 34, tallied 34 points (11 goals, 23 assists) in 72 games with the Wild in 2024-25.

  The Sweden native collected his 500th career point with an assist at Detroit on Feb. 22.

  Johansson has 517 points (185 goals, 332 assists) in 983 career games over 15 seasons with six teams.

  He was originally drafted in the first round (24th overall) by the Washington Capitals in 2009.

  --Field Level Media

The Ottawa Senators signed defenseman Tyler Kleven to a two-year, $3.2 million extension on Monday.

• Kleven, 23, just completed his first full season in the NHL and could have become a restricted free agent on July 1.

  "Tyler's game elevated as our season progressed," general manager Steve Staios said in a statement. "He proved to be a reliable defenseman for us during the playoffs, and we expect his game will continue to mature and develop."

  Kleven recorded 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 79 games this past season, averaging 14:28 of ice time per game. He notched two assists in six playoff games, averaging 15:47 of ice time.

  Kleven had three assists in 17 total games with the Senators from 2022-24.

  The Senators selected Kleven in the second round of the 2020 draft.

  --Field Level Media

Edmonton forward Connor Brown, who has been sidelined by an undisclosed injury, practiced on Sunday and will be available when the Oilers play the visiting Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday.

• Brown, 31, missed the final two games of the Oilers' five-game series against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference finals, which concluded last Thursday. He exited Game 3 in the second period on May 25 after a thunderous hit from Stars defenseman Alex Petrovic that sent him to the ice.

  I feel good," Brown said after Sunday's session. "Nice to get a practice in with the team. Obviously, I haven't been practicing much. It's nice to get it going. I'm excited."

  Brown has eight points (five goals, three assists) in 14 playoff games. He totaled 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) and a plus-9 rating while playing in all 82 games during the regular season.

  His spot on the third line has been filled by Viktor Arvidsson at right wing with center Adam Henrique and left wing Evander Kane. The Oilers are without forward Zach Hyman, who had surgery after sustaining an upper-body injury in Game 4 against the Stars.

  "I've got no idea what the line combinations are," said Brown, who skated with the fifth line on Sunday. "Obviously, I'm not trying to put my coaching hat on or anything like that. It's just my job to be ready to go."

  "I think he will be fine," Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch said. "Obviously, you saw him on the ice and double shifting, and I'm pretty sure and confident that he will be fine for Game 1."

  --Field Level Media

Florida Panthers forwards Eetu Luostarinen and Anton Lundell will be ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday night in Edmonton, coach Paul Maurice said Saturday.

• Both players were injured in Wednesday's series-clinching Game 5 win against the Carolina Hurricanes.

  Panthers forward A.J. Greer's status for the series opener against the Oilers remains uncertain. He missed Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals and was on the ice for only 4:22 in Game 5 due to a lower-body injury.

  All three players did not participate in Saturday's practice, the first team skate since the defending champs booked their spot in a Finals rematch with Edmonton.

  "I think the only question mark is Greer," Maurice said. "We will list him as day to day. The other guys are fine. They will be back on the ice tomorrow when we do a little bit of an optional."

  Luostarinen, 26, recorded 24 points (nine goals, 15 assists) in 80 games during the regular season and 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 17 games this postseason.

  Lundell, 23, tallied 45 points (17 goals, 28 assists) in 79 games in the regular season and 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 17 playoff games.

  Greer, 28, posted 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 81 games in the regular season and two goals and one assist in 12 playoff contests.

  --Field Level Media

With the "dynasty" word being floated freely as the Florida Panthers prepare for their third consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearance, the public has been backing the Edmonton Oilers to avoid a repeat of last year's finals.

• The teams have equal -110 odds at DraftKings to win the series that begins Wednesday in Edmonton, with the Oilers drawing 65 percent of the total early bets and 78 percent of the money wagered on the champion.

  The action has been more split at BetMGM, where the Oilers opened as the -125 favorite. Their odds have shortened even further to -130, which has led to the Panthers being backed by 53 percent of the bets and 57 percent of the money at the book.

  The total games market has held steady at six, with 98 percent of the money backing the Over, which would mean another dramatic seven-game series.

  Edmonton eliminated Dallas in Game 5 of the Western Conference final on Thursday, setting up a repeat of last year's Stanley Cup Final won by Florida in seven games. It's also the first repeat matchup in the Final since Detroit and Pittsburgh met in 2008 and 2009.

  The Oilers are consensus 1.0-goal favorites (+153) nearly a week ahead of Game 1. The line is 1.5 goals at DraftKings (+190), Caesars (+180) and BetMGM (+192), which reported 66 percent of the money also backing Edmonton's -120 Game 1 moneyline.

  "They're a really good team and we're a really good team as well," Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl said of the Panthers. "It's nice to get a shot at getting some revenge, but we're a long ways from that. We'll enjoy this and get ready."

  In last year's Stanley Cup Final, Edmonton lost the first three games but pushed it to the limit before dropping the deciding game 2-1.

  Now the Oilers have their opportunity to not only win the Stanley Cup but claim the crown against the club that broke their hearts.

  "I think we're better for going through last year," Oilers star Connor McDavid said. "It's a great learning experience and really driven us all year. This run has felt very different than last year. It's felt very normal. ...

  "Games can be emotionally draining, but we're not drained. We've got as good a chance as they do."

  --Field Level Media

The Colorado Avalanche signed goaltender Ilya Nabokov to a two-year entry-level contract on Friday.

• The Russian spent the past two-plus years with the KHL's Metallurg Magnitogorsk and was named the KHL Rookie of the Year for the 2023-24 season.

  Colorado selected him in the second round (38th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, making him the first goaltender picked that year.

  The Avs experienced a season of transition at the goaltender position in 2024-25. They traded Alexandar Georgiev and Justus Annunen less than two months into the season and acquired Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood; six players in all made at least one start between the pipes for Colorado.

  --Field Level Media

The New York Islanders signed forward Kyle Palmieri to a two-year contract and defenseman Adam Boqvist to a one-year deal on Friday.

• Financial terms for either pact were not disclosed by the team.

  Palmieri, 34, recorded 48 points (24 goals, 24 assists) while playing in all 82 games this past season. He was set to be an unrestricted free agent after playing in the final season of a four-year, $20 million contract.

  The Smithtown, N.Y., native has 527 points (270 goals, 257 assists) in 900 career NHL games with the Anaheim Ducks, New Jersey Devils and Islanders. He was selected by the Ducks with the 26th overall pick of the 2009 NHL Draft.

  Boqvist, 24, totaled 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 35 games this past season split between the Florida Panthers and Islanders.

  He was playing on a one-year, $775,000 contract and was set to be a restricted free agent.

  Boqvist has 99 points (27 goals, 72 assists) in 244 career games with the Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Panthers and Islanders. He was selected by the Blackhawks with the eighth overall pick of the 2018 NHL Draft.

  --Field Level Media

The Buffalo Sabres added former Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen to their front office on Friday.

• Kekalainen, 58, will serve as the team's senior advisor and report directly to general manager Kevyn Adams.

  "As we navigated the process of hiring for this role, it very quickly became apparent that Jarmo was an ideal candidate to augment our front office," Adams said in a release. "From his extensive history in scouting, his long tenure as an NHL general manager and his vast experience at the international and European pro levels, Jarmo has a remarkable resume and a long history of success in this league.

  "I spoke with a number of candidates about this role and it's clear to me that Jarmo is a perfect fit for our team. I couldn't be more excited to add another significant piece to our front office as we continue the process of adding to our staff."

  Kekalainen was GM in Columbus from 2013-24. The team went 410-362-97 during his tenure and reached the playoffs five times -- 2014, 2017-20 -- but finished no higher than sixth place in its division after that.

  "Kevyn and I already had a strong working relationship from my time with the Blue Jackets and when we first started talking about this opportunity, it immediately felt like a natural fit," Kekalainen said. "We are aligned in our philosophies and share the same core beliefs on how to build a winning team. I'm eager to help in any area I can and think I can offer a fresh perspective to supplement the staff already in place as we look to improve our roster this offseason."

  Kekalainen has been the GM for multiple teams in his native Finland. He worked for the Ottawa Senators and St. Louis Blues before joining Columbus in February 2013.

  --Field Level Media

Philadelphia Flyers forward Tyson Foerster signed a two-year contract extension worth $7.5 million.

• The deal was announced on Thursday by the Flyers.

  Foerster, 23, will be a restricted free agent again when the contract extension expires in 2027.

  He set career highs across the board with 43 points (25 goals, 18 assists) in 81 games last season, his second full campaign with Philadelphia.

  "There's a few guys that I think there's a whole other level to their game that hopefully we can unlock. For sure, (Foerster) is one of them. I'm really looking forward to working with him," new Flyers coach Rick Tocchet said.

  Foerster has 83 points (48 goals, 35 assists) in 164 career games since being selected by Philadelphia with the 23rd overall pick of the 2020 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut against the Carolina Hurricanes on March 9, 2023.

  --Field Level Media

The Seattle Kraken named Lane Lambert their head coach on Thursday, more than one month after firing Dan Bylsma.

• Most recently the associate coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Lambert heads into his second stint as an NHL boss after leading the New York Islanders in 2022-23 and part of 2023-24.

  "When it came time to writing a new chapter, I couldn't think of a better fit," Lambert told the Kraken's team website. "Seattle is an incredible sports town, and I've been impressed by the energy of the fans every time I've been there as a visiting coach. This team has a talented group of young players poised to take the next step and a core group of veterans with great leadership qualities."

  The franchise will embark on its fifth NHL season with its third head coach after Bylsma spent a single season behind the bench, which ended with Seattle missing the playoffs. Dave Hakstol coached the Kraken for their first three years in the league and guided them to one postseason trip.

  It was the latest step the Kraken took to reshape their front office and coaching staff this offseason. Ron Francis was elevated from general manager to president of hockey operations and Jason Botterill was promoted to GM last month. Botterill led the search for a head coach, according to the team.

  In a statement, Botterill cited Lambert's work as an assistant coach with the Washington Capitals when they won the 2018 Stanley Cup.

  "We cast a wide net for suitable candidates," Botterill told the team website. "What impressed us throughout the interview process was Lane's strategy and vision for this team. He was an integral part of the Capitals winning the Cup and the Islanders advancing to two straight Eastern Conference finals. We have full confidence in Lane to lead this team behind the bench."

  In Seattle, Lambert will work with three players whom he coached in Washington: goaltender Philipp Grubauer and forwards Chandler Stephenson and Andre Burakovsky.

  Kraken captain Jordan Eberle also spent time playing for Lambert in New York. Lambert was an assistant under Barry Trotz with the Islanders before being named his successor when Trotz was fired in 2022.

  Lambert has a 61-46-20 record as an NHL head coach.

  --Field Level Media

After a two-year hiatus, former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is planning to play in the NHL next season.

• Toews, 37, informed his agent Pat Brisson that he is committed to embark on a comeback attempt. Brisson confirmed the news to multiple media outlets on Thursday.

  "Yes, 100 percent. Johnny is feeling great and we're moving forward," Brisson told NHL.com via text.

  Toews is considered a free agent and can negotiate with any of the league's 32 teams immediately. The NHL free agency period opens July 1.

  Toews led Chicago to three Stanley Cup titles (2009-10, 2012-13, 2014-15) over a six-year span. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the 2009-10 Stanley Cup playoffs.

  The native of Winnipeg, Manitoba also competed on Team Canada in gold-medal winning efforts in the 2010 and 2014 Olympics.

  But Toews stepped off the ice in February 2023, suffering the effects of Chronic Immune Response Syndrome and long COVID, and has not returned to action.

  Chicago made the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons (2009-17) during Toews' 15-year tenure, but has not reached the postseason since the 2019-20 campaign.

  Toews has 372 goals and 511 assists in 1,067 games. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2006 draft was selected as one of the NHL's top 100 players from its first 100 seasons.

  --Field Level Media

Defenseman Mattias Ekholm will return to the lineup for the Edmonton Oilers in Thursday's potential Western Conference finals-clinching Game 5 against the Dallas Stars.

• Out since April 11 with an undisclosed injury, Ekholm missed the first two rounds of the playoffs for the Oilers, who beat the Los Angeles Kings in six games and the Vegas Golden Knights in five before grabbing a 3-1 lead over the Stars.

  Ekholm was with the top defensive unit during Thursday's morning skate.

  "Here's a guy that's been playing big minutes for us since he's pretty much came to Edmonton," Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters Thursday. "Playing a shut-down role, playing a penalty-kill role, power play, whatever. For him to come back and feeling great, it's a great addition to our team."

  Of his injury, Ekholm said that "it feels really good," but that he is still "making sure I'm in a good spot where I can not just play but withstand some blows." He attempted to return twice over the past few weeks only to aggravate his injury.

  Ekholm scored a career-high 11 goals last season and helped Edmonton rally from a 3-0 series deficit in the Stanley Cup Final, which the Oilers ultimately lost to the Florida Panthers. His 2024-25 campaign was cut short with nine goals, while his 22:11 of average ice time per game ranked third on the team.

  --Field Level Media

In an email sent to season ticket holders, the Washington Capitals appeared to reveal that all-time NHL goals leader Alex Ovechkin will play his final NHL campaign in 2025-26.

• "OCTOBER -- the start of Capitals hockey and Alex Ovechkin's FINAL NHL SEASON," read the email sent on Thursday, according to The Hockey Writers.

  Not so fast, said the team. The Capitals released a statement Thursday afternoon saying that "no decision has been made" on Ovechkin's future beyond next season, blaming one of its employees for the misunderstanding.

  "An email was sent from an individual with the corporate sales department that mistakenly alluded to next year being Alex Ovechkin's final year," the team posted on X.

  Ovechkin, who turns 40 in September, said after the Capitals were eliminated from the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs earlier this month that he would be back for his 21st NHL season.

  The Russian winger has one season remaining on a five-year, $47.5 million contract.

  "I'm going to use those couple months (in the offseason) to rest, enjoy my life, then back to work," Ovechkin said on May 17.

  In 65 regular-season games this past season, Ovechkin scored 44 goals, with the most significant of those coming on April 6 against the New York Islanders. The 895th goal of his career passed the great Wayne Gretzky for most in NHL history.

  "I'm looking forward for next year," Ovechkin said. "I'm going to try to do my best to play, and my team is going to help me too. ... I just want to come back next year and see the team who's capable of winning the Stanley Cup."

  A 13-time All-Star and three-time Hart Trophy winner, Ovechkin enters the 2025-26 season ranked 11th all-time in points (1,623). He needs 19 points to pass Joe Sakic, who is 10th on the points list.

  --Field Level Media

Patrick Roy will remain as the head coach of the New York Islanders, new general manager and executive vice president Mathieu Darche said at his introductory press conference on Thursday.

• Roy, 59, owns a 55-47-17 record since replacing Lane Lambert as the Islanders' coach on Jan. 20, 2024. The Hall of Famer posted a 35-35-12 mark this past season but failed to guide the club to the playoffs.

  Assistant coaches John MacLean and Tommy Albelin will not return to the bench, Darche said.

  Darche wasn't done there, however.

  When asked about whether he was interested in entertaining offers for the top overall pick of the 2025 NHL Draft, Darche was quick with a response.

  "Someone would have to really knock my socks off to trade that pick," he said.

  New York landed the top overall pick of the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft earlier this month, despite having the 10th-best chance of winning the lottery at 3.5 percent.

  Darche, 48, has served as the director of hockey operations for the Tampa Bay Lightning over the past six seasons. The Lightning qualified for the playoffs in each year of that stretch, including capturing consecutive Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021 and appearing in the Finals in 2022.

  Tabbed general manager and executive vice president, Darche will replace Lou Lamoriello, who left the Islanders last month after seven seasons.

  --Field Level Media

Winnipeg Jets captain Adam Lowry is expected to be sidelined for five-to-six months after undergoing hip surgery earlier this week, the team announced on Wednesday.

• Lowry recorded career-high totals in goals (16), game-winning goals (four) and rating (plus-18) in 73 games this season. The forward also had 18 assists and 34 points.

  Lowry added four goals in 13 games during the playoffs, including the double-overtime winner in Winnipeg's 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues in Game 7 of the first-round series.

  Lowry, 32, totaled 273 points (121 goals, 152 assists) in 775 career games since being selected by Winnipeg in the third round of the 2011 NHL Draft.

  --Field Level Media

Defenseman Dmitri Simashev signed his three-year, entry-level contract with the Utah Mammoth, the team announced Wednesday.

• Simashev, 20, was selected by the Arizona Coyotes (now Mammoth) with the sixth overall pick of the 2023 NHL Draft.

  "We are thrilled to sign Dmitri to an NHL contract," general manager Bill Armstrong said in a statement. "Dmitri has established himself as one of the top defenseman prospects in the NHL and we look forward to watching him play for the Mammoth for many years to come."

  The 6-foot-5 Simashev recorded six points (one goal, five assists), four penalty minutes and 54 blocked shots in 56 regular-season games for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl of the Kontinental Hockey League in 2024-25.

  --Field Level Media

Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman will have season-ending surgery on Wednesday, head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed.

• Hyman, 32, departed after just 3:11 of ice time in Tuesday's 4-1 win against the Dallas Stars in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.

  He left the ice following a first-period hit to his right shoulder from Stars forward Mason Marchment. Knoblauch would only confirm it was an upper-body injury.

  "Zach's season is mostly likely done," Knoblauch said Wednesday morning. "He's getting surgery today and it'll be a while, so we're not expecting him back for the playoffs."

  The Oilers lead 3-1 in the best-of-seven series with Game 5 on Thursday night in Dallas.

  Hyman tallied two goals and an assist in Edmonton's 6-1 win in Game 3 on Sunday, his only points in this series. He has 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 15 games this postseason.

  Hyman recorded 44 points (27 goals, 17 assists) in 73 games in the regular season, his fourth with the Oilers after playing his first six seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

  --Field Level Media