Finland Captures Gold at World Juniors – Sens Prospect Markus Kurz Named MVP
Finland took home the gold at the 2036 IIHF World Junior Championships in a thrilling overtime win against the USA. Germany earned silver behind the breakout performance of
Markus Kurz, a 19-year-old goaltender and
Ottawa Senators prospect who was named both
Best Goaltender and
Tournament MVP. Canada claimed bronze.
“This tournament changed everything,” said Kurz.
“We believed in each other. It’s an honor to represent my country. I’ll never forget it.”
Kurz, drafted in the 4th round in 2035, posted a .944 save percentage and a 1.66 GAA. He's now on every scout’s radar as one of the top goalie prospects in the NHL.
Rangers Send Wickenheiser to Avs for Von Ruden; Bowtell Waived
The New York Rangers have traded the rights to 19-year-old C/LW
Mikael Wickenheiser (R2 - 2034) to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for 26-year-old defenseman
Madison Von Ruden. The Rangers then placed forward
Benjamin Bowtell, 27, on waivers as they reshuffle depth pieces.
Gareau Returns to Toronto in Reunion Trade with Islanders
The Maple Leafs have reacquired 24-year-old center
John Gareau from the New York Islanders in exchange for 22-year-old C
Nick Gomez. Gareau, drafted by Toronto in 2029 (R2), had stints with Philly, Carolina, and the Islanders before this full-circle moment.
Toronto reportedly made the move to give Gareau another chance to break into the NHL with the team that originally drafted him.
Panthers Fire Frasier, Hire Nick Dodson as New Bench Boss
Florida has fired head coach
Colin Frasier after a 152-146-11 record. It’s GM
Daniel Briere’s first major move since taking over. Replacing Frasier is
Nick Dodson, previously with Roanoke and Des Moines. He brings an 18-13-0 pro record and a reputation for sharp bench management.
Nashville Fires Veteran GM Tony Winfree
GM
Tony Winfree is out in Nashville. Hired on March 25, 2035, and dismissed on January 14, 2036, Winfree previously managed Belleville, Edmonton, and Vegas. Sources expect him to resurface quickly, given his strong résumé and connections across the league.
“Tony’s résumé speaks for itself,” one executive said.
“This won’t be his last stop.”
Jesper Bratt Hits 1,400 NHL Games
Jesper Bratt continues to defy Father Time, hitting the 1,400-game milestone. The veteran winger has been one of the league’s most consistent performers and remains an integral part of his team’s culture and leadership.
Chad Guy Suspended After Washington Tilt – “It’s Bullsh*t”
Ottawa Senators forward
Chad Guy has been suspended one game after receiving a game misconduct versus Washington. The NHL denied his appeal.
“It’s absolute bullsht,”* Guy told reporters.
“I play hard every night, and that call was soft. I’ve seen worse let go.”

Sens GM Nuka Seyde:
“We stand by Chad. He plays with heart. We disagree with the call but respect the league's decision.”
Dallas Claims Richie Dornhoefer Off Waivers
After being traded and waived in a flurry of cap moves,
Richie Dornhoefer has been claimed by the
Dallas Stars. The 26-year-old center was part of a previous Islanders-Rangers deal and now finds a new home in the Central Division.
Sabres Trade Warren to Kraken for Deslauriers
The
Buffalo Sabres have traded 25-year-old winger
Mark Warren (77G, 137P in 344 games) to the
Seattle Kraken for 23-year-old D
Jack Deslauriers. Originally drafted by the Coyotes, Deslauriers spent time in the AHL and now adds depth to Buffalo’s blue line.
Habs Land Donovan Chu and Wilmer Nilsson from Avs
Montreal sent their
2036 first-round pick to Colorado for the rights to 19-year-old D
Donovan Chu (playing for Victoriaville, R4 - 2035) and 27-year-old C
Wilmer Nilsson. Chu brings upside and mobility on the back end, while Nilsson is expected to contribute in the bottom six.
Trade Review: Good value for Montreal if Chu continues to develop. Colorado adds a top pick in a deep draft. Slight edge:
Montreal.
Red Wings Fire Head Coach Jacob Riley
After three seasons, the
Detroit Red Wings have dismissed head coach
Jacob Riley. The club underperformed relative to expectations, prompting a leadership change.
Sens’ Samuelsson Considering Retirement
35-year-old D
Mattias Samuelsson is reportedly mulling retirement. He has one year left on a $4.7M deal with Ottawa and could decide to hang up his skates this summer.
Waiver Wire Buzz: Lindstrom, Stuart Placed
The
Montreal Canadiens have placed 22-year-old Swedish C
Jonas Lindstrom on waivers. Lindstrom has just 3 assists in 167 NHL games. Meanwhile, the
Seattle Kraken placed 23-year-old D
Leo Stuart on waivers, opening the door for claims.
Stay tuned — as the trade deadline nears, more deals, firings, and surprise moves are expected across the league.