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

Dallas Stars forward Roope Hintz is a game-time decision for Game 4 of the Western Conference finals on Tuesday night in Edmonton, coach Pete DeBoer said at the morning skate.

• Hintz sat out the optional morning session, just as he had missed the Stars' 6-1 loss in Game 3 to the Oilers on Sunday because of a lower-body injury. Edmonton leads 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

  "Of course you want to go every night, but sometimes you just can't," Hintz, 28, said on Monday. "So, yeah, I don't know how close I (was to playing). But I have played many years (and I) know when it's good and when it's not. I should be good to know that (when) it comes to that decision."

  Hintz was a game-time decision for Sunday but didn't play after participating in warmups.

  "Heal and get better, and we'll cross our fingers," DeBoer said of playing Hintz on Tuesday. "He'll try it again in warmup and we'll see."

  Hintz was injured at 3:46 of the third period of Game 2 on Friday when he was slashed in the left leg by Edmonton defenseman Darnell Nurse. Hintz was in front of the Oilers' net and shoved Nurse, who retaliated by swinging his stick at Hintz's leg. Hintz was on the ice for several minutes before he was helped off and did not return to the game.

  Nurse, who was assessed a two-minute penalty for slashing, talked about the incident for the first time on Tuesday.

  "I was just backing up," Nurse said. "I got a shot at the back, and I think it's just a natural reaction. It's probably a play that everyone in this room, whether you're a net-front guy or (defenseman), probably happens a dozen to two dozen times in a year, and unfortunately (it) must have got him in a bad spot.

  "You don't want to go out there and hurt anyone, but it was just one of those plays that happens every so often."

  Hintz has 11 points (five goals, six assists) and a plus-1 rating in 15 playoff games.

  He collected 67 points (28 goals, 39 assists) and a plus-18 rating in 76 regular-season games. Hintz has spent his entire NHL career with the Stars, who drafted the native of Finland in the second round in 2015, and has totaled 377 points (175 goals, 202 assists) and a plus-95 rating in 468 regular-season games over seven seasons.

  Hintz has recorded 68 points (26 goals, 42 assists) with a plus-4 rating in 93 postseason games.

  --Field Level Media

With the Carolina Hurricanes facing a 3-0 deficit in the Eastern Conference finals, the team is returning to Frederik Andersen to start in goal for Monday's Game 4 against the Florida Panthers in Sunrise, Fla.

• After a long pause following a reporter's question regarding the team's starting goalie, Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour confirmed speculation on Monday with two words: "Freddie's starting."

  "He's been great for us all year," Brind'Amour added, "and he had a nice couple days off, so it makes sense to chuck him in there."

  Andersen was pulled as the starter after allowing nine goals on 36 shots over the first two games against the Panthers, including five in the series opener and four in Game 2. Pyotr Kochetkov filled in for Game 3, during which Florida torched the netminder for six goals on 28 shots, including five scores on 13 attempts in the third period.

  Andersen shined between the posts during the first two series of the Stanley Cup playoffs, going 7-2 with a .937 save percentage while holding opponents to 1.3 goals per game. His success faded against the Panthers with his save percentage dropping to .750.

  Brind'Amour, however, remains confident in Andersen's ability to bounce back.

  "One of the things that's great about him is he's had so many trials and tribulations through his career," Brind'Amour said. "He's taken months off and then plops into the net, and it feels like he hasn't missed a beat. I don't know how that is, but certainly (it's) a unique skillset. We need it tonight, obviously."

  --Field Level Media

Oilers forward Connor Brown will not play in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed Monday.

• Brown did not participate in the morning skate after leaving Sunday's Game 3 after a thunderous hit from Stars defenseman Alex Petrovic. As Brown tried to move the puck along the boards in the second period of an eventual 6-1 Edmonton win, Petrovic came down from the far side of the offensive zone and caught Brown with a forceful check that sent him to the ice.

  Brown was already dealing with an undisclosed injury that made him a game-time decision for Game 1 of the series and caused him to miss the morning skate ahead of Game 2. However, he played in the first three games of the series.

  Knoblauch did not say how much time Brown is expected to miss.

  Brown, 31, 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.

  Knoblauch said it's undecided if veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm will play in Game 4 as he remains day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Ekholm, 35, fully participated in practice but has logged only 1:52 of ice time since March 26.

  The Stars lead 2-1 in the best-of-seven series, which will return to Dallas for Game 5 on Thursday night.

  --Field Level Media

Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart has been ruled out for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals on Monday night against the visiting Carolina Hurricanes.

• Coach Paul Maurice confirmed Monday morning that Reinhart (lower-body injury) will not suit up as Florida looks to close out the best-of-seven series in Sunrise, Fla.

  Defenseman Niko Mikkola and forward A.J. Greer will also sit out Game 4, with Maurice characterizing all three players as day-to-day.

  Reinhart, 29, did not play in Saturday's 6-2 victory in Game 3. He has not scored in the series against Carolina and has 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 14 games this postseason.

  Reinhart recorded 81 points (39 goals, 42 assists) in 79 games during the regular season.

  Game 5, if necessary, will be Wednesday night in Raleigh, N.C.

  --Field Level Media

Tage Thompson scored the only goal 2:02 into overtime to give the United States a 1-0 victory over Switzerland in the gold-medal game of the 2025 IIHF World Championship on Sunday in Stockholm.

• The gold is Team USA's first in the event since 1933.

  The United States had lost 12 straight semifinal games in the tournament before defeating host Sweden 6-2 on Saturday to reach the championship game.

  Team USA had captured just five medals -- all bronze -- since 2000 (2004, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2021).

  Thompson's goal gave the Buffalo Sabres' center nine points (six goals, three assists) in the tournament.

  "It's a crazy stat," Thompson told NHL.com about the USA's first gold medal in 92 years. "It's something that everyone in that room took to heart. When we got here, we all knew we wanted to be a part of something special, and I think each guy in that room committed, whether you were playing power play, top minutes, or you were in and out of the lineup or not playing at all. Everybody was positive, pulling for each other and after one common goal. That's why we won."

  Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins made 25 saves for the United States.

  "It's a long time coming for USA Hockey, and to be part of the group that finally did it is surreal," he said. "I couldn't be happier, man."

  Said U.S. coach Ryan Warsofsky, from the San Jose Sharks: "I get goosebumps just thinking about it."

  The victory came just three months after the United States lost to Canada 3-2 in overtime in the final of the 4 Nations Face-Off, a tournament that also featured Sweden and Finland.

  --Field Level Media

The availability of Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart remains in question for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals on Monday against the Carolina Hurricanes.

• Panthers coach Paul Maurice told reporters Sunday that Reinhart has not been cleared to return to game action after sustaining a lower-body injury during the first period of Florida's 5-0 win in Game 2 on Thursday.

  Reinhart sat out Saturday's 6-2 win for the Panthers, who hold a commanding 3-0 lead the best-of-seven series.

  Maurice said a decision on Reinhart's status will be made on Monday morning, hours before Game 4 in Sunrise, Fla.

  "He is not cleared, but he hasn't been ruled out either," Maurice said Sunday. "I know that sounds a little ambiguous, but it's not. That's exactly where he's at.

  "We are hopeful that it's not long term, and I mean he is day-to-day and I don't think it's going to move out that way. He still has to get back on the ice. There are some steps here."

  Jesper Boqvist filled in admirably for Reinhart, scoring the go-ahead goal on a breakaway at 1:29 of the third period on Saturday. He added two assists later in the period.

  Reinhart, 29, recorded team-leading totals in goals (39) and points (81) in 79 games this season and is a finalist for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the NHL's best defensive forward.

  He has 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 14 games in the playoffs.

  --Field Level Media

Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart will sit out Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night in Sunrise, Fla.

• "Sam won't play tonight," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said Saturday morning. "We'll list him as day-to-day."

  The Hurricanes also made a change, with head coach Rod Brind'Amour announcing that goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov will get the start on Saturday.

  Frederik Andersen, 35, has allowed nine goals on 36 shots for Carolina, which trails 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.

  Kochetkov, 25, is 1-0-0 with a 2.57 goals-against average and .891 save percentage in three appearances in the playoffs. He posted a 27-16-3 record in 47 games in the regular season (all starts) with a 2.60 GAA and .898 save percentage.

  Jesper Boqvist will take the place of Reinhart, who sustained a lower-body injury following an open-ice hit from Carolina forward Sebastian Aho during the first period of the Panthers' 5-0 win in Game 2 on Thursday. Aho hit Reinhart near the left knee, resulting in the latter's leg bending awkwardly.

  Reinhart returned for one more shift before the first period concluded but did not return for the start of the second.

  Reinhart, 29, recorded 81 points (39 goals, 42 assists) in 79 games this season. He has 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 14 games in the playoffs.

  Boqvist, 26, totaled 23 points (12 goals, 11 assists) in 78 games this season. He has two points (one goal, one assist) in nine games in the playoffs.

  --Field Level Media

The New York Islanders confirmed early reports, announcing Mathieu Darche as the team's general manager Friday.

• "Mathieu is the perfect choice to lead our hockey operations," Islanders operating partner John Collins said. "He will be given every resource available to put the Islanders first-in-class on the ice, with our business initiatives, and in the community."

  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.

  "I am truly honored by the opportunity to be the New York Islanders general manager and executive vice president," Darche said. "I'd like to thank Scott Malkin, Jon Ledecky, John Collins, and the entire ownership group for entrusting me with the hockey operations of this great franchise."

  Lamoriello, 82, was hired in 2018 as New York's president of hockey operations. He is a Hockey Hall of Fame inductee in the builders category (2009).

  A native of St. Laurent, Quebec, Darche is a former player, having competed in 250 regular-season NHL games and 18 playoff games, scoring 72 regular-season points (30 goals) over nine seasons for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, Lightning, and Montreal Canadiens.

  The Islanders missed the playoffs in 2024-25 after posting a 35-35-12 record.

  New York, however, 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.

  "With the Islanders owning the first overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft and preparing to welcome the Olympic sendoff at UBS Arena next season, there is much to which our franchise, our players, and our passionate fans can look forward," Collins said.

  --Field Level Media

Jim Nill, Kevin Cheveldayoff and Bill Zito have been named finalists for the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award, the NHL announced Friday.

• The voting for the award was conducted between league general managers, a panel of executives and media members following the conclusion of the second round of the playoffs.

  Nill, 67, has seen his Dallas Stars reach the Western Conference finals for the third straight season. He is a two-time winner of this award (2023, 2024) and five-time finalist

  Cheveldayoff, 55, has spent the last 14 seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, who captured the Presidents' Trophy this season. He also was a finalist for the GM of the Year Award in 2018.

  Zito, 60, is looking to guide the Florida Panthers to their third consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final. He has been a finalist for the GM of the Year Award in three straight years and four of the last five.

  --Field Level Media

The Toronto Maple Leafs will part ways with president Brendan Shanahan after the team announced on Thursday that it will not renew his contract.

• It marks the end of an 11-year run for Toronto native Shanahan, during which time the Maple Leafs reached the postseason each of the last nine seasons. Prior to his arrival, Toronto qualified for the playoffs just once in nine years.

  "Over the past 11 seasons, Brendan Shanahan has made countless contributions to the Toronto Maple Leafs on the ice, off the ice and in the community," Keith Pelley, MLSE president and CEO, said in a statement. "Brendan is one of the most respected leaders in the game and he has instilled many of the traits that were the signature of his Hall of Fame career throughout the organization, uniting this storied franchise in the ‘Honour, Pride and Courage' that it was founded on.

  "Our responsibility and driving motivation, however, is to add a new chapter to the Maple Leafs' championship history, and it was determined that a new voice was required to take the team to the next level in the years ahead. The franchise will be forever grateful for Brendan's contributions and wish him and his family every success and happiness in the future."

  The six most successful seasons in Maple Leafs history in terms of victories occurred under Shanahan's watch. Postseason success, however, did not follow. Toronto won just two playoff series during his tenure, never advancing past the second round. The Leafs fell to the Florida Panthers in the second round on Sunday.

  The Maple Leafs have not won the Stanley Cup since 1967 -- the longest such drought in the NHL.

  "While I am proud of the rebuild we embarked on starting in 2014, ultimately, I came here to help win the Stanley Cup, and we did not," Shanahan, 56, said in a statement. "There is nothing more I wanted to deliver to our fans, and my biggest regret is that we could not finish the job."

  --Field Level Media

The Chicago Blackhawks hired Tampa Bay Lightning assistant Jeff Blashill as their new head coach on Thursday.

• Blashill replaces Anders Sorensen, who was Chicago's interim coach after the December firing of Luke Richardson.

  Blashill, 51, will begin his second stint as a head coach in the NHL. He posted a 204-261-72 record in seven seasons with the Detroit Red Wings (2015-22).

  "Jeff is an incredibly smart and talented coach who boasts more than 25 years of coaching experience across developmental leagues, the NHL and the world stage," general manager Kyle Davidson said in a news release. "He's thrived when in a position to develop young players and has shown he's capable of blending that into overall team success, a vision and philosophy we share for where we are today and where we see our team in the future. We couldn't be more excited for what's to come under Jeff's direction."

  He will be the 42nd head coach in franchise history.

  Blashill, a Michigan native, began his coaching career as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Ferris State, in 1998-99. He subsequently filled a variety of roles, including as a head coach in the American Hockey League and as the head coach of Team USA three times at the IIHF World Championships, leading the team to a bronze medal in 2018, before landing with the Red Wings.

  He spent the past three seasons on Jon Cooper's staff with the Lightning, with the team making the playoffs each season.

  The Blackhawks have two first-round picks -- Nos. 3 and 25 -- in the 2025 NHL Draft, which begins June 27 in Los Angeles.

  Richardson, 56, was dismissed while in his third season with Chicago on Dec. 5. He went 57-118-15 with the Blackhawks before being replaced by Sorensen, who guided the team to a 17-30-9 record.

  Chicago has missed the playoffs in seven of the past eight seasons and hasn't won a postseason series since lifting the Stanley Cup in 2015.

  --Field Level Media