Simon Lundmark joins the Jets on a one-year, two-way contract.
The Winnipeg Jets signed defenseman Simon Lundmark to a one-year, two-way contract with an average annual value in the NHL of $775,000 and an AHL AAV of $100,000.
The 23-year-old played 67 games for the AHL’s Manitoba Moose, the Jets’ AHL affiliate, last season, recording five goals and 12 assists for 17 points. The Stockholm, Sweden native also appeared in two Calder Cup Playoff games.
Taken in the second round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Lundmark has scored 12 goals and 36 assists for 48 points in 188 career AHL regular-season games.
Internationally, Lundmark represented his native Sweden in a number of internationally competitions, including the 2016 Under-17 Challenge, winning gold.
Before moving to North America, Lundmark played four seasons in Sweden’s top men’s league, scoring two goals and 14 assists for 16 points in 118 SHL regular-season games.
The Jets went 52-24-6 with 110 points last season, second in the Central Division. They were eliminated in five games by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Forward Mark Scheifele led the team in scoring with 72 points (25 goals and 47 assists), with defenseman Josh Morrissey finished with 69 points, including a team-leading 59 assists.
The Jets acquired defenseman Dylan Coghlan from the Carolina Hurricanes for future considerations, then signed him to a one-year, $775,000 deal. He spent most of the 2023-24 season with the Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, scoring 16 goals and 25 assists for 41 points in 61 regular-season games.
Coghlan has played 106 NHL regular-season games, scoring six goals and 16 assists for 22 points with the Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights.
The Jets also extended young blueliner Ville Heinola to a two-year contract with an AAV of $800,000. The club took the Finnish defender No. 20 overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
On Thursday, July 25th, the Terry Connors Rink in Stamford, Connecticut, held its second annual Shoulder Check Showcase. Established in 2023 by Rob Thorsen and his wife Sarah, who lost their son Hayden in the year 2022, the event aims to raise money to combat mental illness and even has the support of the NHL community.
“The young man [Hayden] it’s in honor of had a massive impact on everyone in this community and on the hockey community,” Rangers forward Chris Kreider told the media.
The event represents ways the hockey community can unite and lean on one another during difficult times. Before puck drop, former New York Rangers captain Dave Maloney, MSG broadcast, asked everyone in the rink to place their left on the shoulder of the person next to them, unifying hundreds of people while symbolizing that everyone could use a hand on their shoulder.
Maloney emphasized the saying “kindness is a contact sport” in his speech. And on Thursday, contact was encouraged – but not the kind you’re used to seeing on television. Instead, it was all about “checking” in on friends and making them smile.
As someone who has battled with mental health struggles as a hockey player, it can never be talked about enough. I haven’t expressed this part of my life publically much, but during my junior year of college at Mercyhurst University, I was seeing a therapist. My teammates and coaches at the time weren’t aware of it; some might still not know, but I was in a place where I felt alone. On New Year’s Eve that year, I had a complete mental breakdown. I had left our team party early to call my parents as I walked back to my apartment with tears bursting down my face, telling them that I couldn’t spend another day at school and that I needed to quit hockey and come home.
The message that the HT40 foundation is spreading through this showcase couldn’t be more relatable to what I and many others have experienced. They aim to unite people through the simple act of kindness, ensuring no one is left apart.
“It’s a simple thing, but not always an easy thing to check in and make sure people in your life around are doing well,” Kreider said. “I think everyone is feeling something. Everyone is going through their own battles, it’s simple, but not easy and it’s incredibly important.”
Not only were some of the NHL’s brightest stars showcased in this game, with players like Trevor Zegras, Charlie McAvoy, and Frank Vatrano leading the way. But it went deeper than that, with some PWHL representatives such as Abby Roque and some social media personalities like Coach Chippy and Swaggy P. ESPN host Arda Ocal was also there emceeing the event and did a phenomenal job at getting the crowd engaged into what was happening on the ice.
“I think it’s important for the NHL players to be seen with us just for girls to know ‘that’s the type of my level, and that’s of their level [for the guys],” Roque said. “Starting at that young age, for even young boys to know how important the girls’ game is, not just the men’s game and I think it sets a really good standard.”
Seeing people of all ages in Stamford come out and support this cause in an entertaining night of hockey was beautiful.
“It’s okay to not be okay,” said Zegras, who had multiple Anaheim Ducks teammates fly in for the event. “You never know who’s going through what at what time. It’s always good to put a hand on somebody’s shoulder and see how they’re doing.”
The Thorsen family has done a remarkable job of spreading the word about Hayden’s story and what this event represents. It was an honor to be a part of this beautiful evening and I’m sure year three will have an even better turnout than year two.
These professional hockey players might all be tough on the exterior. But, on the inside, they’re normal human beings, just like all of us.
Columbus Blue Jackets Patrik Laine cleared to return from NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has been cleared to return to action after being released from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
Laine entered the program back in January, while recovering from an upper-body injury. The former 2016 second-overall pick appeared in 18 games last season for Columbus, recording six goals and nine points. Laine has two seasons left on his contract at $8.7 million average annual value.
While this is certainly great news for everyone involved, the attention now turns to Laine’s future as a Blue Jacket. It was confirmed earlier this offseason from Blue Jackets’ general manager Don Waddell that Laine prefers a change of scenery and would like to be traded out of Columbus. Waddell recently spoke to TSN 1050 regarding Laine’s trade request.
“Patrik’s made it clear that, even before all the changes this summer, he would like a fresh start someplace. We will look at it when the time comes – which hopefully is very soon – all the options. Now, I can’t rule out any options, even returning here because it takes two teams to make a trade and if there’s not a trade that makes any sense to us, then we have to just deal with what reality is.
[Laine’s agent] Andy Scott told him multiple times that we will make sure we look at everything and know the situation, and we know Patrik’s feelings and we can find the right fit, certainly we will do that. But, if not, we’ll have to just deal with it.”
Laine’s current contract holds a modified 10-team no-trade clause. While he only appeared in 18 games last season, in 2022-23, the Finnish winger recorded 52 points in 55 games. His best season came back in 2017-18 with the Winnipeg Jets, when Laine scored 44 goals and recorded 70 points in 82 games.
Waddell has made it very clear he’ll only trade Laine if it’s a scenario that works for everyone involved and so far, there’s been limited speculation on interested teams.
Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli commented on Laine’s future last month, “I don’t think the Blue Jackets are looking futures. I think they’ve got enough top-end prospects, they’ve got another top-five pick this year. Waddell has been really clear saying there’s going to be six new faces with the Blue Jackets next season, at least. I’m guessing that these are going to be roster pieces for this year and now.”
The Blue Jackets finished the 2023-24 season with a 27-43-12 record.
The World Junior Summer Showcase gets underway today in Plymouth, Michigan, with the United States kicking off their training camp ahead of the first game action on Sunday. This is one of the highlights of the summer, giving fans a chance to watch their top prospects – new and returning – represent their country in hopes of making their respective squad for the 2025 World Junior Championship in Ottawa.
This year, USA will have two teams – blue and white – with the roster potentially changing throughout the week. Sweden and Finland are back for another year, while Canada will make its first appearance since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s all for bragging rights, but the players will still put on a show. They want to make the best impression possible ahead of the main event, so it’s a good event to check out if you get a chance.
Here’s a look at 15 of the top NHL prospects to watch as game action runs from July 28 – August 3 at USA Hockey Arena:
Ryan Leonard, RW, USA (Washington Capitals)
With no Will Smith to work alongside him, this is Leonard’s time to shine. Leonard was one of the top scorers in the NCAA this past season. On a dominant Boston College Eagles team that made it to the national championship game, the 19-year-old scored 31 goals and 60 points, tied for fourth in the NCAA in scoring. He was a few points behind Smith, who finished first in the nation with 71 points. Leonard, a USA Hockey National Team Development Program alum, has been a star at almost every international tournament he has played in, and was even part of the senior World Championship team in May. I have full belief he is NHL-ready, but the concept of having him chase a second consecutive gold at the World Juniors and go after a national college title was enough to keep the star prospect back at Boston College, and that’s OK.
Gabe Perreault, LW, USA (New York Rangers)
For what it’s worth, I think Perreault was one of the most improved prospects this year. And it starts with his skating, which isn’t really a concern for me anymore like it was during his draft year. After smashing the single-season USNTDP scoring record, he followed it up with 60 points in 36 games with Boston College and another 10 points in seven games at the World Juniors. Perreault was named to various all-star teams at the end of the college season, but his play at the World Juniors was some of the most impressive action I’ve seen him play in. Perreault is such a force with the puck, and I’m excited to see him play a big role in December.
Oliver Moore, C, USA (Chicago Blackhawks)
Moore played a couple of different roles with USA last year and I thought he looked good when he was promoted to the top line. He was the fastest player in the 2023 NHL Draft class, and someone many who followed the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in 2022-23 thought was underrated, in a sense. Moore is more than just a quick skater, though: he’s one of the hardest-working forwards you’ll find, and he’s extremely versatile. He has a good shot, but he filled more of a playmaker role as a freshman with the Golden Gophers this past season. Moore’s game is all about being toolsy, and if he doesn’t make it as a top-six forward, he has a realistic chance of being one of the best bottom-six threats in the NHL.
Quentin Musty, LW, USA (San Jose Sharks)
Musty had a great WJSS last year, and he followed it up by being one of the most productive players in the OHL. Still, it wasn’t enough to earn a spot on USA’s roster last year, although it definitely should have. Musty is a play driver who can skate alongside anyone and impress. He has only represented USA at one other tournament – the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup – and I thought he was one of their most effective players. There’s no reason to keep him off the main roster in December because they’ll need his goal-scoring and hard work ethic.
Zeev Buium, LHD, USA (Minnesota Wild)
Buium was one of USA’s top players at this event a year ago, and he’s going to be even more important this time around. Buium became just the second U-19 defenseman to break the 50-point barrier in NCAA history, and it feels like it went under the radar. He won the national championship and the World Juniors in the same year, while Macklin Celebrini even called him the best player in the Frozen Four. Buium is a great skater who loves the puck on his stick, and he never seems to get frazzled, no matter the situation.
Easton Cowan, C, Canada (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Cowan struggled at the 2024 World Juniors, mostly playing a depth-checking role. And, frankly, I didn’t think he was overly good at it. But after winning the OHL’s MVP honors for both the regular season and the playoffs, the 2023 first-rounder is ready for a bigger role in his second go-around. Cowan has given many a reason to believe he will stick around for a while at Leafs’ training camp, and potentially even play a few games with Toronto before going back for another season with London. But at this tournament, it’s a good chance for him to show that he’s ready to play a big role and challenge for a spot high in the lineup.
Calum Ritchie, C, Canada (Colorado Avalanche)
Cal Ritchie (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)
Cal Ritchie (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)
Had Ritchie not missed the start of the 2023-24 season with a shoulder injury, I fully believe he would have made Canada’s roster. After a great showing at the 2023 U-18 World Championship was cut short due to a shoulder injury, Ritchie missed time in his third OHL campaign but set a new career-high with 52 assists and 80 points in 50 games played. Ritchie was also a serious contender for OHL playoff MVP with 30 points in 21 games, only for the Generals to fall in four games. Ritchie is a strong, smart, two-way center who can play against anyone and come out on top, and I fully believe he’ll be an impact player for the Avs in the long run. He just does so many things right, whether it be creating high-quality chances or helping out around his own net. I expect big things from Ritchie at the main event in Ottawa.
Bradly Nadeau, RW, Canada (Carolina Hurricanes)
There is the potential that Nadeau won’t be loaned out for the main event if he makes the Hurricanes, but I feel like that’s unlikely. Nadeau is coming off an impressive season in the NCAA, finishing as a Hobey Baker Award nominee after leading Maine with 19 goals and 46 points, edging out his brother, Josh, by a single point. Stylistically, there’s a lot to like. He had one of the best shots of anyone in the draft last year, with many believing he’s a future 30-goal scorer. He’s creative, has quick hands, and has a deceptive release while also showing he can score from just about any angle. When Nadeau has the puck, you know something’s about to happen. I expect him to play a top-six role with Canada.
Zayne Parekh, RHD, Canada (Calgary Flames)
Parekh was a big pickup for the Flames, someone I think has real star potential. With the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit, Parekh is coming off the third most productive U-18 season ever by an OHL defender, and he still has at least another year to go in major junior. There’s no reason to doubt that he won’t become the fourth defender in OHL history to break the 120-point barrier next year and become just the second behind Paul Reinhart in 1978-79 to hit 50 goals. We saw him play a limited role at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last summer, but his return to the Hockey Canada system should see him playing a much bigger role. He’s got the toolkit to make everything work at both ends, starting with his skating. Parekh isn’t an explosive skater, but he moves well side-to-side and can start and stop on a dime. He’s a manipulator offensively in how he makes you think he’s doing one thing before doing another, and he’s figured out how to use that to his advantage going the other way, too. I think he’s going to show the world what he’s capable of this winter, but it all starts in Michigan.
Otto Stenberg, C, Sweden (St. Louis Blues)
Otto Stenberg (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)
Otto Stenberg (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)
Few junior players tend to rise to the occasion when donning their national team colors as Stenberg does. He had nine points in seven games at the World Juniors last year, marking a more productive output than he put up in 31 SHL games. Stenberg has plenty of pro experience already and you can see that in the way he fights for the puck and hustles around the arena. Stenberg will be one of the top players in the main tournament, so you can expect him to start things off strong here.
Theo Lindstein, LHD, Sweden (St. Louis Blues)
What a showing Lindstein had back on home ice this past winter. Lindstein went from being a late addition to becoming one of the best defensemen in the tournament in almost every facet. He was one of the best puck-movers, he scored and shut guys down defensively. I’d say he started better than he finished, but Lindstein proved he should have been on this team from the get-go. Lindstein is a lock to make Sweden’s roster this winter just based on how well he played last year, but he’ll be able to take things a step further after some time spent in the top Swedish pro league.
Lucas Pettersson, C, Sweden (Anaheim Ducks)
Pettersson was one of Sweden’s best players at the U-18 level last year, playing a variety of roles en route to a bronze medal at the World Championship. As a centerman, Pettersson plays a stout two-way game and has really shown more confidence as the season has worn on. Pettersson can fly around the ice and has gotten better at using that to steal pucks in tight. He’s also a solid penalty killer, too. The good thing about Pettersson is he can do a bit of everything out there, which makes him a versatile option for the Swedes here.
Rasmus Kumpulainen, C, Finland (Minnesota Wild)
Kumpulainen had a quiet showing at the 2024 World Juniors, but he had a nice first season in the OHL with Oshawa. He’s not the flashiest player, but I like how versatile he is and how engaged he is without the puck. The 6-foot-4 center is headed back to Finland for 2024-25, but getting off on the right foot in Plymouth should do well for his confidence before embarking on his first year of pro hockey.
Emil Hemming, RW, Finland (Dallas Stars)
While I’m not sure Hemming has enough high-end upside, there’s still so much to like here. He’s capable of getting creative offensively, but I feel like he’s a future bottom-six forward who can outmuscle players while staying disciplined and grinding it out all game long. His defensive game is nice, too. Hemming showed all of that at the World Juniors last year in a bottom-line role, but I expect to see his ice time levitate a bit as a second-year player. I want to see him become a more explosive skater who can also start and stop on a dime, but, overall, I think there’s still a lot to like about his game. I think he can score close to 40 goals with the Barrie Colts this year, for what it’s worth.
Kim Saarinen, G, Finland (Seattle Kraken)
Kim Saarinen (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)
With Finland’s No. 1 goalie role up in the air, this would be a great opportunity for Saarinen to try and state his case for the job. Saarinen stands tall at 6-foot-4 and lets his body do the talking. He covers so much of the net, but he’s athletic enough to stretch out to make more difficult stops when needed easily. He had some rough goes internationally this year, but he looked great back home, reminding me just how good he can be in the zone. He’s set for full-time Liiga duty this year, but I’m more excited to see what he can do over the next week in Plymouth because I do think he’s a solid young goaltender.
