The NHL landscape is heating up as teams like the Utah Mammoth and Anaheim Ducks prepare to make aggressive moves. The Columbus Blue Jackets could emerge as a dark horse in trade discussions, while the New York Rangers navigate contract negotiations with Will Cuylle and K’Andre Miller. Additionally, the Carolina Hurricanes appear poised to pursue Nikolaj Ehlers, who could significantly bolster their offense.

Rumors of a potential sign-and-trade for Mitch Marner are also swirling, with many teams keeping an eye on the situation. The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly making progress with center Pius Suter, which could solidify their lineup ahead of the season. Lastly, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is in ongoing talks concerning Evgeni Malkin, who remains a significant asset despite entering the final year of his contract.

Charlie Cerrato, a rising star from Penn State, has made headlines by being selected as the 49th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes. This achievement marks a significant milestone as Cerrato becomes the 18th player from Penn State to be drafted into the NHL. He is now the second-highest draft pick in the history of the program, just behind incoming freshman Jackson Smith, who was selected in the first round. Cerrato's journey reflects both his talent and the growing reputation of Penn State as a breeding ground for NHL prospects.

The Vancouver Canucks have renewed their efforts to re-sign Brock Boeser, who is set to enter free agency on July 1st. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes may be keen on securing Brent Burns once more, with head coach Rod Brind’Amour appreciating his presence and potentially offering a low-end contract. In New York, teams have been inquiring about Mathew Barzal, as John Tavares previously opted for a cap-friendly $4.38 million deal instead of seeking a higher salary in free agency. The Toronto Maple Leafs are also eyeing a lengthy contract for Matthew Knies, possibly four or five years, potentially exceeding $7 million annually, influenced by recent comparable contracts.

Evgeny Kuznetsov is actively seeking a return to the NHL, with discussions ongoing with multiple teams about a potential move. Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars are working on a contract extension for forward Mikael Granlund, though they need to clear salary cap space, likely by trading Matt Dumba. Jason Robertson remains a focal point in discussions, as the team is weighing their options for his extension against the possibility of trades. Toronto’s Mitch Marner is viewed as a long shot for Dallas given the cap constraints.

The Winnipeg Jets are exploring options as they approach free agency. If they cannot retain Nikolaj Ehlers, Brock Boeser from Vancouver could be a suitable alternative. This scenario is contingent on how Ehlers evaluates his market value come July 1.

Ron Francis, Chair of the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee, announced the induction of eight individuals into the Hockey Hall of Fame, recognizing their profound impact on the sport. Two builders, Jack Parker and Daniele Sauvageau, were honored for their coaching and development contributions, while six players, including Jennifer Botterill and Zdeno Chara, were selected for their stellar careers and achievements.

Parker's coaching legacy includes an impressive record at Boston University, while Sauvageau becomes the first woman to be inducted in the Builder category, highlighting her extensive contributions to women's hockey. Among the players, Botterill is celebrated for her Olympic gold medals, and Chara is recognized for his durability and achievements, including the Norris Trophy and a Stanley Cup win with the Boston Bruins.