Behind every bench of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">National Hockey League</a> sits a record shaped not only by strategy, but by timing, roster cycles and the often-thin line between patience and pressure within an organization.



League history shows that coaching longevity does not always align with success, as some tenures unfolded during rebuilds, ownership changes or prolonged periods of transition rather than contention.



Those careers leave behind numbers that tell a more complex story, where losses gradually outweigh wins and force a deeper look at context, opportunity and how coaching legacies are ultimately defined.



<h2>Which coach has more losses in the NHL?</h2>



In the long history of the league, coaching records are usually celebrated for wins and championships, but one figure stands apart for a very different milestone. Paul Maurice holds the NHL record for the most career losses by a head coach with a total of 767 until December 2025.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251218_BUS_547662_Paul-Maurice-1_7023820e.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-547864"></figure><figcaption>Paul Maurice (Source: Leila Devlin/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



His coaching journey began in the mid-1990s with the Hartford Whalers and later included stints with the Carolina Hurricanes, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto Maple Leafs</a>, Winnipeg Jets and, more recently, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a>. 



Over the course of an extraordinarily long career, he has accumulated so many losses that his wins—more than 800—are no longer what stand out most, making him the coach with the most defeats in league history, even as he also ranks among those with a significant number of victories.



That duality highlights how context matters in NHL coaching records. His tenure across different eras and team contexts, from rebuilding clubs to playoff contenders, has produced a complex legacy: one where perseverance on the NHL sidelines has translated into both historical milestones and daunting numbers.



<h2>Top 3 NHL coaches with more losses than wins</h2>



<ul><li>Milt Schmidt | 394 losses, 250 wins</li></ul>



If loyalty had a name in Massachusetts, it would be Milt Schmidt. However, “Mr. Bruin’s” transition from the ice to the bench was an exercise in pure stoicism. He wasn’t a poor tactician; he was simply the captain who tried to keep two ships afloat during a perfect storm: a rebuilding Bruins squad in the 1950s and, later, the disastrous birth of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/washington-capitals">Washington Capitals</a> in the 70s.



His negative balance—ending his career 144 games below the .500 mark—is largely a byproduct of his sense of duty. While others might have jumped ship, he accepted the daunting task of coaching the Capitals during their 1974-75 inaugural season, arguably the worst year in the history of professional sports. His legacy isn’t measured in points percentage, but in the dignity with which he wore the crest while the scoreboard turned its back on him.



<ul><li>Ebie Goodfellow | 91 losses, 30 wins</li></ul>



The story of Ebenezer “Ebie” Goodfellow serves as a cautionary tale: a legendary playing career does not always translate to success with a clipboard. After a Hall of Fame run as a defenseman in Detroit, he landed with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-blackhawks">Chicago Blackhawks</a> in the early 1950s—a franchise that, at the time, seemed to have forgotten the recipe for victory.



His tenure behind the bench was brief but bruising. In just two seasons, the team sank into irrelevance, winning barely a third of their contests under his guidance. He became the face of a frustrated era at the Chicago Stadium, proving that even the charisma and hockey IQ of a superstar player aren’t always enough to fix a roster lacking direction and depth.

NHL coaches with more losses than wins: Who holds the record for most defeats?

NHL players with the most assists in a single season: Top record holders

NHL players with the most points in a single season: Record runs and historic campaigns

NHL coaches with more losses than wins: Who holds the record for most defeats? - Bolavip US

miniaturas

Quinn Hughes’ trade to the Minnesota Wild may have flung the door wide open for blockbuster moves in the NHL. After such a deal, not many trades can be as earthshaking, but the Toronto Maple Leafs are still weighing their options. On that note, a report suggests <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/auston-matthews">Auston Matthews</a> and company could welcome a veteran blueliner amid a rocky year.



In the blink of an eye, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-jersey-devils">New Jersey Devils</a> could go from potentially acquiring Hughes to not only missing out on the third brother, but also losing veteran Dougie Hamilton. At least, that’s what a report around the NHL states as the Maple Leafs are among the teams interested in the 32-year-old blueliner.



“I’d be surprised if the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs">Maple Leafs</a> weren’t one of the teams that had inquired at some point in time over these last couple weeks about the availability, on a reduced pay scale, of Dougie Hamilton,” insider Frank Seravalli commented on the FAN Morning Show.



<h2>Hamilton’s contract</h2>



Though injury concerns hinder his trade value in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>, Hamilton can still become a key player for the Maple Leafs. The former first-round pick is currently playing in the fifth season of his seven-year, $63 million contract with the Devils.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251217_BUS_547445_dougie-hamilton-1_8a8aab1d.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Dougie Hamilton #7 of the New Jersey Devils looks on during the first period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Prudential Center on October 22, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey." class="wp-image-436656" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Dougie Hamilton #7 of the New Jersey Devils. </figcaption></figure>



Needless to say, allocating Hamilton’s $9 million cap hit is virtually impossible for the Maple Leafs. As it stands, Toronto only has $3.9 million available in cap space. Unless the two sides work around the edges, the math won’t add up.


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<h2>Injury concerns</h2>



Moreover, Toronto will most likely be unwilling to commit to such a contract for a veteran who has missed 104 games due to injuries since the 2021-22 campaign. The way the season has gone for Matthews’ Buds, adding an injury-prone player like Hamilton might be the last thing they need. Thus, if the Maple Leafs want to explore a trade for the hometown native, the Devils—or a third party team—would have to eat up some of the cap hit.

Maple Leafs exploring blockbuster trade to help out Auston Matthews at a reduced price

Maple Leafs exploring blockbuster trade to help out Auston Matthews at a reduced price - Bolavip US

Maple Leafs exploring trade to help out Matthews at a reduced price

After being late to a team meeting, Mika Zibanejad served as a healthy scratch when the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">New York Rangers</a> lost to the Anaheim Ducks at Madison Square Garden. After returning to the lineup during the 3-0 loss to the Vancouver Canucks, the Swedish veteran dropped a clear message for Mike Sullivan and the rest of the team.



The 2025–26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> season is proving to be a constant headache for Sullivan and the Rangers. If last year under Peter Laviolette wasn’t dramatic enough, the Broadway Blueshirts are now reliving their traumas. Losing to the crestfallen, still-grieving Canucks by a score of 3–0 at home was only the latest item on a long list of massive letdowns for New York. 



For some reason, most of them take place in Manhattan. The Rangers look quite different on the road but can’t figure themselves out when playing in the Big Apple. That uncertainty and wandering style isn’t limited to the ice, though. Zibanejad has seemingly lost track of the city he lives in by being late to a team meeting, which led to him being healthy scratched recently. Now, the 32-year-old forward has set the record straight.



“It’s my 10th season (with the Rangers). I know what the (traffic) challenges are and whatnot, but it was an unfortunate situation,” Zibanejad explained, via The Athletic’s Vince Mercogliano on X. “I got stuck… I’m just hoping everyone in that accident was fine. But rules are rules and I was late, so there’s not much else to say, honestly.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251217_BUS_547157_mike-sullivan-3_492e2c0a.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Mike Sullivan of the New York Rangers" class="wp-image-529581"></figure><figcaption>Mike Sullivan at the Prudential Center on September 21, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Sullivan’s comment</h2>



While Zibanejad opted to discuss the details behind his late arrival, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan">Sullivan</a> had previously issued a candid statement when asked about his decision to sideline the veteran winger for one game. 


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“Listen, I’m not going to get into specifics on why we make decisions the way we made them, OK? We believe strongly in a process that we’ve put in place here for our team, and it’s as simple as that,” Sullivan had told reporters after the loss to the Ducks.



<h2>Polarized reactions to Zibanejad’s punishment</h2>



With the Rangers enduring a rough campaign, Sullivan’s decision on Zibanejad raised eyebrows around Manhattan. For many, now was not the time to make an example of a key contributor. 



Right now, the Blueshirts need to get back on track by any means. Intentionally being short a key player may not be the wisest way to do so. However, as a first-year head coach in New York City, an argument can be made for Sullivan to prioritize establishing his authority and building discipline. 



In more ways than one, the two-time Stanley Cup–winning head coach put the long game ahead of the immediate effect with his one-game suspension of Zibanejad. The Swede accepted it, but it has now set a precedent Sullivan must follow to a tee. If not, rifts could soon appear in the locker room—and that’s the last thing New York can afford, having lost five of its last six outings.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6942ea95e2d53b59fb2f05fc" data-title="Do you agree with Sullivan healthy scratching Zibanejad?" data-options="3"></div>

NY Rangers star Mika Zibanejad breaks silence on Mike Sullivan punishing him with sincere message

NY Rangers star Mika Zibanejad breaks silence on Mike Sullivan punishing him with sincere message - Bolavip US

Zibanejad breaks silence on Sullivan, NY Rangers’ punishment

In the blink of an eye, the Chicago Blackhawks’ worst nightmare became reality. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-bedard">Connor Bedard</a> went down with an injury that will keep him sidelined for considerable time in the 2025-26 NHL season. Now, the star forward addressed his health with a sincere comment.



Bedard’s injury came with awful timing. With the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-blackhawks">Blackhawks</a> fighting to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot in the NHL, Bedard suffered a ‘freak accident’ in the dying seconds of the Hawks’ 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues. Chicago must now figure out how to stay afloat without its best player.



Bedard, however, is staying cool, calm, and collected amid the uncertainty. On that note, Bedard dropped a sincere message on his injury, as he eyes a return to the lineup in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> season.



“I guess [the medical issue] probably hasn’t come out yet, so I’ll keep it vague. But yeah, just a shoulder thing,” Bedard stated on his injury during an appearance on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. “But it’s feeling pretty good. Just start that kind of rehab process and hopefully be back as soon as possible.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251216_BUS_546481_connor-bedard-4_cafe470c.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks" class="wp-image-537092"></figure><figcaption>Connor Bedard at the United Center on November 30, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Report confirms injury sustained by Bedard</h2>



According to NHL insider Kevin Weekes, Bedard suffered a separated shoulder. The Blackhawks have placed him on Injured Reserve (IR), retroactive to Dec. 12. While head coach Jeff Blashill and the Hawks are listing him week-to-week, Bedard would rather be considered day-to-day.


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“He wants to be back next week. That’s the approach that he takes: he wants to be back. He would’ve preferred I had said ‘day-to-day.’ But…the reality is we won’t let him do that before after the New Year,” Blashill stated, via Chicago Sun-Times.



<h2>Message to Team Canada</h2>



With the 2026 Olympics looming on the horizon, Bedard’s injury only adds to the drama surrounding Team Canada’s roster for the international contest. With that in mind, Bedard admitted no one from the national team has reached out to him after suffering the shoulder injury. For some, it could be a sign Bedard is not expected to make the cut.



“Not to me personally,” Bedard admitted. “Maybe to [Blackhawks GM] Kyle [Davidson], my agent, or something, but I’m not too sure about that. Obviously, I think that’s something they would do and just see. But I’m sure stuff comes out quick. You’ll probably get a text in about the exact day. I’ll be back, but yeah, I think maybe [Team Canada reached out to] them, but not to me personally.”

Connor Bedard breaks silence on injury with clear message to Blackhawks, Team Canada

Connor Bedard breaks silence on injury with clear message to Blackhawks, Team Canada - Bolavip US

Bedard breaks silence on injury with clear message to Blackhawks, Team Canada

Missing a team meeting is not a move met nicely by some coaches and that’s the case for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mike Sullivan</a>. After not attending one of those meetings, the New York Rangers coach decided to take disciplinary actions against a huge name on the roster where JT Miller also plays.



According to Vince Mercogliano of The Athletic, Mika Zibanejad won’t play tonight. Mike Sullivan also opened up about it. “There are logistical challenges the city presents” that caused Zibanejad’s lateness, Sullivan said. He then added, “Mika understands the importance of the rules that we all expect of one another.”



Sullivan said Zibanejad “feels terribly. The one thing about Mika is he’s an honest person. He’s a great human being and he takes responsibility for it.” As long as we know, one game will be enough for Mika to learn not to skip <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rangers</a> meetings.



<h2>Will this affect the Rangers?</h2>



Not counting with Zibanejad is of course a hit to the team. He has played 33 games and scored 25 points so far this season. The Swedish star is the third-best scorer on the Rangers. In fact, he has scored five more points than <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jt-miller" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JT Miller</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251215_BUS_545932_mika-zibanejad_bbc0b3fe.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers" class="wp-image-419866" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers</figcaption></figure>



In the last five games, Zibanejad has scored five points. He has been great lately even if the team is 2-3 in that span, although three of those games were overtime matches. Two of those were losses.


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<h2>The excuse of transportation is not that credible</h2>



If the Swede was new to the city or country, one could understand the “logistical challenges” the city presents. However, Zibanejad has played for the Rangers since 2016. It’s been a decade where he’s known every single place in New York City.



Besides, no other player on the roster was late, so it’s a tough one to believe. Mike Sullivan did show, however, he won’t take lightly any sign of uncommittment to the team.

NY Rangers News: Mike Sullivan punishes star teammate of JT Miller

NY Rangers News: Mike Sullivan punishes star teammate of JT Miller - Bolavip US

Some <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> seasons stop feeling normal by midwinter. One player keeps showing up on the scoresheet, night after night, turning points into routine and making the pace of production impossible to ignore.



The league has seen eras of wide-open ice and tighter systems, yet a few campaigns broke through context. These weren’t just hot streaks, but sustained runs that bent expectations over months.



Those record-setting point totals still anchor conversations about offense. They mark moments when talent, opportunity and timing aligned to produce seasons that refused to slow down.



<h2>Who is the player with the most points in a single season?</h2>



Way back in the mid-1980s, the NHL wasn’t just a league of high scoring, it was a stage for the most astonishing individual offensive output in the sport’s history. In the 1985–86 season, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/wayne-gretzky">Wayne Gretzky</a> etched his name into the record books by piling up an unprecedented 215 points across the regular campaign.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251215_BUS_545927_Wayne-Gretzky-1-1_e2e0bd6e.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-545934"></figure><figcaption>Wayne Gretzky (Source: Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



His feat came as part of a string of dominant years for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a>. That singular season saw him combine 52 goals with 163 assists, setting a benchmark that has proven nearly untouchable for decades. His ability to influence the game at both ends of the ice redefined what a “great offensive season” looked like in professional hockey.



Decades later, his 215-point season remains a towering milestone in NHL lore. While modern stars like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid">Connor McDavid</a> have put up staggering numbers, the gap between those totals and his record illustrates just how singular that historic campaign was.



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table><tbody><tr><td>Player</td><td>Team</td><td>Season</td><td>Points</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1985-86</td><td>215</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1981-82</td><td>212</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1984-85</td><td>208</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1983-84</td><td>205</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1988-89</td><td>199</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1982-83</td><td>196</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1986-87</td><td>183</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Los Angeles Kings</td><td>1988-89</td><td>168</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1987-88</td><td>168</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1980-81</td><td>164</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Los Angeles Kings</td><td>1990-91</td><td>163</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1995-96</td><td>161</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1992-93</td><td>160</td></tr><tr><td>Steve Yzerman</td><td>Detroit Red Wings</td><td>1988-89</td><td>155</td></tr><tr><td>Connor McDavid</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>2022-23</td><td>153</td></tr><tr><td>Phil Esposito</td><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>1970-71</td><td>152</td></tr><tr><td>Bernie Nicholls</td><td>Los Angeles Kings</td><td>1988-89</td><td>150</td></tr><tr><td>Jaromir Jagr</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1995-96</td><td>149</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1987-88</td><td>149</td></tr><tr><td>Pat LaFontaine</td><td>Buffalo Sabres</td><td>1992-93</td><td>148</td></tr><tr><td>Mike Bossy</td><td>New York Islanders</td><td>1981-82</td><td>147</td></tr><tr><td>Phil Esposito</td><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>1973-74</td><td>145</td></tr><tr><td>Nikita Kucherov</td><td>Tampa Bay Lightning</td><td>2023-24</td><td>144</td></tr><tr><td>Adam Oates</td><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>1992-93</td><td>142</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Los Angeles Kings</td><td>1989-90</td><td>142</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption>(Source: Statmuse)</figcaption></figure>

NHL players with the most penalties in a single season: Who leads the all-time list?

NHL players with the most points in a single season: Record runs and historic campaigns - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-bedard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor Bedard</a> will be placed on injured reserve as an upper body issue will sideline him for the foreseeable future. That includes the game against Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks have added two players to the roster.



The <a href="https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/release-blackhawks-place-connor-bedard-on-injured-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blackhawks communications team</a> announced that they recalled both defenseman Ethan Del Mastro and goaltender Laurent Brossoit from the Rockford IceHogs, which play in the American Hockey League.



While not replacements for Bedard, the team needed to make some moves. Del Mastro has one game for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-blackhawks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blackhawks</a> this season. For the IceHogs, Del Mastro has scored 11 points in 27 games. As for Brossoit, he has a .900 save percentage and 3.39 goals-against average in three games with Rockford.



<h2>The Maple Leafs will be a tough challenge</h2>



With no Bedard, the Blackhawks will face the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maple Leafs</a> who do have Auston Matthews ready to go. Matthews has played in 26 games this season, scoring 21 points in the process.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251215_BUS_545856_auston-matthews-2-1_cd7b5bad.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs" class="wp-image-513391" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs</figcaption></figure>



It’s going to be a tough task for the Blackhawks to beat Toronto without Bedard, who is undoubtedly the team’s biggest star. Chicago has two straight losses and has lost four of the last five games.


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<h2>The Maple Leafs are also on a bad spell</h2>



Toronto is not having the best of days either. The Maple Leafs have lost three of the last four games. Hence, they are also needing to bounce back from this bad spell.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> is a league where streaks matter and this is not the first bad streak the Maple Leafs have had this season. In early November, they lost five straight, including one against the Blackhawks.

Blackhawks announce two additions with injured Connor Bedard out against Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs

Blackhawks announce two additions with injured Connor Bedard out against Auston Matthews' Maple Leafs - Bolavip US

Playing for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">New York Rangers</a> isn’t for everyone. Although Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba did a phenomenal job in The Big Apple, they still appreciate the fresh scenery brought by their moves to the Anaheim Ducks. 



Being an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> player in New York City is a completely different experience than being one in Anaheim. Kreider and Trouba found out just that during the 2025-26 campaign. Both saw their time with the Broadway Blueshirts come to an abrupt end when being traded to the Ducks. Nobody expected Anaheim to compete this season, yet somehow someway, the Ducks are currently sitting in a playoff spot.



As the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anaheim-ducks">Ducks</a> head East to take on the Rangers at the Madison Square Garden, Kreider and Trouba were asked about their NHL background. On that note, Kreider dropped a sincere admission on Trouba’s rebirthing in Orange County.



<h2>Kreider comments on Trouba</h2>



“Last year’s kind of a blur. The difference? [Trouba] doesn’t have the weight of the world on his shoulders,” Kreider stated on Trouba, via The Orange County Register. “It’s an incredibly hard thing to be the captain in that city. It’s an incredible honor. There’s a lot of responsibility that goes along with that. And I think being able to come out here and just play without worrying about some of those things might make it a little bit easier.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251215_BUS_545594_Jacob-Trouba-8-of-the-New-York-Rangers-is-escorted-off-the-ice-following-his-second-period-fight-wi_f17faebe.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Jacob Trouba #8 of the New York Rangers is escorted off the ice following his second period fight with Dillon Dube #29 of the Calgary Flames at Madison Square Garden on February 06, 2023 in New York City." class="wp-image-288910" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Jacob Trouba playing for the New York Rangers</figcaption></figure>



Since being traded to Anaheim on Dec. 6, 2024, Trouba has appeared in 85 games, registering 6 goals, 15 assists, and 21 points. His production has truly improved in the 2025-26 NHL campaign. Last season, the former Rangers’ captain was still being affected by the psychological factors behind such a sudden change. In the blink of an eye, Trouba went from being a captain in Manhattan to being the new guy in a locker room more than 2,700 miles away in Anaheim.


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<h2>Trouba’s statement</h2>



Though Trouba never expected the organization he captained to ship him away in such a fashion, there were signs indicating a rift between the front office and the captain. Kreider’s trade came as bigger surprise. 



“We’re having fun on the ice and smiling, I just think we’re a little more relaxed being out of the pressure or whatever you want to call it,” Jacob Trouba admitted about the former Rangers on the Ducks. “We’re just having a lot more fun.”



Despite boasting the third-most goals in Rangers history (326), Kreider was traded in the offseason with two seasons left on his seven-year, $45.5 million deal. Still, it wasn’t the worst thing in the world as Kreider joined former teammates Trouba and Frank Vatrano. Now, the chemistry is paying off, and the Ducks hope to prove it as they take on several familiar faces in New York City.

NHL News: Chris Kreider, Jacob Trouba send clear messages to NY Rangers ahead of return to Madison Square Garden with Ducks

NHL News: Chris Kreider, Jacob Trouba send clear messages to NY Rangers ahead of return to Madison Square Garden with Ducks - Bolavip US

Ducks’ Kreider, Trouba send clear messages to NY Rangers ahead of return to MSG

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand">Brad Marchand</a> didn’t mince words in a heated exchange with one former teammate in the NHL. During the Florida Panthers’ statement 4-0 victory over the Dallas Stars, the veteran forward showed his true thoughts on a player he won the Stanley Cup with in 2011.



In many ways, Tyler Seguin and Brad Marchand’s style of play show much resemblance. Perhaps, it’s the fact both were drafted and molded early in their careers by the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-bruins">Boston Bruins</a>. The two were a part of the Stanley Cup-winning roster in Beantown in the 2010-11 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> season. 



However, it looks like all love has now been lost between the two veterans. That was made clear after reports emerged of what Marchand said to Seguin during the game at the American Airlines Center in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-stars">Dallas</a>, Texas. 



“Feels like yesterday when you came into the league a little baby boy. You still act like a baby boy,” Marchand told Seguin, as reported by The Dallas Morning News’ Lia Assimakopoulos on X.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251214_BUS_545253_tyler-seguin_cb5b8b0e.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-545274"></figure><figcaption>Tyler Seguin during his time with the Bruins</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Back on track</h2>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Panthers</a> desperately needed to turn the page after losing in embarrassing fashion to the Colorado Avalanche. Suffice to say, defeating Dallas 4-0 on the road provided just what Florida hoped—and more. 


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Though it’s been far from an ideal season, the Panthers have now won four of their last five outings. They will hope to ride the wave of momentum as the Cats return to the Sunshine State, but to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena in the Big Guava.



Florida must turn the tide, though. The Panthers have struggled against the Atlantic Division so far in the 2025-26 NHL campaign, recording a 2-4-0 mark against divisional foes. Moreover, the Bolts defeated the Cats 3-1 in the first ‘Battle of Florida’ of the season. In more ways than one, the reigning Stanley Cup champions have some ground to make up.

NHL News: Brad Marchand fires candid shot at former teammate on Stanley Cup-winning roster

NHL News: Brad Marchand fires candid shot at former teammate on Stanley Cup-winning roster - Bolavip US

Marchand fires candid shot at former teammate on Stanley Cup-winning roster

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> made a bold move on Friday, acquiring goaltender Stuart Skinner from the Edmonton Oilers in a high-profile trade that sent Tristan Jarry to Edmonton. Penguins head coach Dan Muse wasted no time in praising Skinner, emphasizing the veteran’s deep playoff experience and its impact on a team vying for postseason success.



The swap also included defenseman Brett Kulak and a 2029 second-round pick heading to Pittsburgh, while the Oilers gain Jarry and forward Sam Poulin. For the Penguins, the focus is clear: Skinner is expected to compete for the starting role alongside offseason acquisition Arturs Silovs.



Muse, in his first year behind the Penguins bench, highlighted the intangible value Skinner brings. “You can’t put a price on that type of experience. Two years in a row, too. It’s a lot of it. So, yeah, excited for him and the opportunity here,” Muse said, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/pittsburgh-penguins-intrigued-by-stuart-skinner-postseason-experience" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>, underscoring the rarity of having multiple players with Stanley Cup Final experience in the locker room.



<h2>How will Skinner fit into Pittsburgh’s goaltending rotation?</h2>



With Skinner joining the team, Pittsburgh has completely revamped its crease in a matter of months. After trading Alex Nedeljkovic in the offseason and acquiring Silovs from Vancouver, Skinner now adds proven postseason experience to a young core. “To have been there and to have been through it and to be through that kind of a grind and to be able to learn from it…you don’t have that in every single locker room,” Muse added.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251213_BUS_544758_muse_498d7359.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-544790"></figure><figcaption>&nbsp;Head coach Dan Muse of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on in the third period during the game. Justin Berl/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What challenges does Skinner face this season?</h2>



Despite his playoff pedigree, Skinner enters Pittsburgh with questions surrounding consistency, especially after criticism for his 2025 Stanley Cup Final performance against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a>. His contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, leaving future negotiations open amid a rising prospect, Sergei Murashov, pushing for NHL minutes.


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As the Penguins prepare for Saturday’s matchup against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-jose-sharks">San Jose Sharks</a>, Skinner’s debut will offer early insight into how quickly he adapts and whether the team can leverage his experience into a competitive edge in the postseason.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="693d9c5ee2d53b59fb2f056a" data-title="Who will make a bigger impact this season?" data-options="3"></div>

NHL News: Penguins coach Dan Muse delivers candid take on Stuart Skinner after blockbuster deal with Oilers

NHL News: Former Auston Matthews teammate fires vivid shot at Maple Leafs ahead of reunion

NHL News: Quinn Hughes’ agent delivers firm message on contract extension after Canucks-Wild trade

NHL News: Penguins coach Dan Muse delivers candid take on Stuart Skinner after blockbuster deal with Oilers - Bolavip US

Penguins coach Dan Muse delivers candid take on Skinner after blockbuster deal with Oilers

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/vancouver-canucks">Vancouver Canucks</a> reached a turning point this December, with losses mounting and solutions proving elusive. Pressure intensified in the locker room as the 2025–26 season slipped away, setting the stage for one of the most significant moves in franchise history. Amid the turbulence, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/quinn-hughes">Quinn Hughes</a> remained a central figure, logging heavy minutes and pushing offense from the blue line, even as the team struggled to find stability.



Vancouver’s frustrations culminated in a blockbuster trade, sending Hughes to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/minnesota-wild">Minnesota Wild</a>. In return, the Canucks acquired young forwards Marco Rossi and Liam Ohgren, defenseman Zeev Buium, and a 2026 first-round pick. 



The move marked the end of Hughes’ long tenure in Vancouver and signaled a clear reset in organizational direction. Hughes’ contract, carrying a $7.85 million cap hit through the 2026–27 season, factored heavily into discussions leading up to the trade.



While the deal was monumental, Hughes’ future beyond his current contract remained uncertain. His agent, Pat Brisson, emphasized a firm stance on negotiations: “The one thing I made certain about was that under no circumstances could we guarantee a contract extension with anyone,” he said, according to Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251213_BUS_544721_quinn-hugues_daa144b6.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-544745"></figure><figcaption>Quinn Hughes #43 with the Canucks skates against the Lightning. Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



Hughes himself acknowledged the human side of the transition but kept his focus on performance: “I mean, I’m obviously human, and I feel stuff.” He said according to dailyhive.com. “But for me, I feel more the results, where we are in standings… I’m trying to bring it every night and be a good teammate, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”



<h2>How will Hughes fit into Minnesota’s system?</h2>


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In Minnesota, Hughes is expected to take on a familiar role, driving transitions, handling top matchups, and contributing offensively from the blue line. The Wild are counting on him to maintain his impact while adjusting to new teammates and systems. His presence is seen as a critical piece in stabilizing the team’s defensive and transitional play.



<h2>When will Hughes make his Wild debut?</h2>



Hughes is set to debut with the Wild on Sunday at home against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-bruins">Boston Bruins</a>. Minnesota is giving him a day to acclimate, ensuring he arrives prepared to take the ice and integrate seamlessly with his new lineup.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="693d9515e2d53b59fb2f0567" data-title="Will Quinn Hughes and the Wild find immediate chemistry on the ice?" data-options="4"></div>

NHL News: Quinn Hughes' agent delivers firm message on contract extension after Canucks-Wild trade - Bolavip US

Hughes' agent delivers firm message on contract extension after Canucks-Wild trade

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a>, led by Connor McDavid, have made a decisive move to address their early-season struggles, completing a trade for Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry, a teammate of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sidney-crosby">Sidney Crosby</a>. 



As part of the transaction, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-penguins">Penguins</a> received goaltender Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and Edmonton’s 2029 second-round draft pick in exchange for Jarry and forward Samuel Poulin, according to President of Hockey Operations and GM Kyle Dubas.



After weeks of scrutiny surrounding Edmonton’s inconsistent goaltending, the organization shifted aggressively, finalizing a high-profile deal aimed at stabilizing the position as playoff pressure grows.



Talks accelerated quickly in recent days, with multiple insiders reporting progress. The Oilers entered the week with one of the lowest team save percentages in the league and a pressing need to support a roster built around <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid">Connor McDavid</a> and Leon Draisaitl. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251212_BUS_544270_harry_c2447053.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-544289"></figure></figure>



The move was officially confirmed by the Penguins’ official account on X: “The Penguins have acquired goaltender Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and the Edmonton Oilers 2029 second-round draft pick in exchange for goaltender Tristan Jarry and forward Sam Poulin.” The acquisition ends a stretch of speculation and signals Edmonton’s intent to strengthen the roster before the playoff race intensifies.



<h2>How the trade impacts Edmonton and Pittsburgh</h2>


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For Edmonton, acquiring Jarry represents a significant upgrade between the pipes, addressing a key weakness that threatened to derail their season. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, adds promising talent in Skinner and Kulak, plus an extra draft pick, allowing the team to maintain competitiveness while balancing future planning.



<h2>Next steps for the Oilers</h2>



With Jarry in net, the Oilers’ coaching staff will immediately assess how to integrate him alongside the existing roster. The focus will be on improving save percentage, reducing defensive lapses, and supporting the offensive firepower of McDavid and Draisaitl as Edmonton looks to solidify its playoff positioning.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="693c3bb2e2d53b59fb2f0552" data-title="Will the Oilers’ goaltending upgrade be enough to contend for the Stanley Cup?" data-options="4"></div>

NHL News: Connor McDavid’s Oilers land Sidney Crosby’s Penguins goalie in high-profile goaltending shakeup

NHL Rumors: Canucks inflating Quinn Hughes’ price-tag to NJ Devils amid loud trade buzz

NHL News: Connor McDavid's Oilers land Sidney Crosby's Penguins goalie in high-profile goaltending shakeup - Bolavip US

McDavid's Oilers land Crosby's Penguins goalie in high-profile goaltending shakeup

Some <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> seasons are remembered not for goals but for the players who made them possible. In those stretches, the ice seemed to widen around certain skaters, their touch turning routine shifts into moments that rewrote how offenses flowed.



There were years when a single playmaker held the tempo of an entire team, threading passes that felt inevitable only after they landed. Those assists reshaped game plans and forced rivals to adjust night after night.



What endures from those runs isn’t just the final tally, but the sense that these players captured something rare: the ability to control chaos with a quiet, constant influence. Their names stand as markers few have been able to match.



<h2>Who had the most assists in one NHL season?</h2>



When discussing the single-season assist record in NHL history, one name looms larger than any other: <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/wayne-gretzky">Wayne Gretzky</a>. In the 1985–86 season, while wearing the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a> sweater, he delivered 163 assists in the regular season, a total so far beyond the norm that it still stands decades later as the official record.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251212_BUS_544230_Wayne-Gretzky-1_196e422d.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-544257"></figure><figcaption>Wayne Gretzky #99 of the Edmonton Oilers in 2003 (Source: Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



What makes this mark even more remarkable isn’t just the raw number — it’s the context. His 163 helpers weren’t scattered across a fluke run of games; they came in a full 80-game NHL schedule against the era’s elite defenders and goaltenders. 



At a time when the league was transitioning from strictly physical play to more open offense, his vision on the ice redefined what was possible from a playmaker. That season, He didn’t just assist on goals — he directed traffic. 



His presence on the ice was described by contemporaries as orchestral: a center who saw plays develop before they existed, threading passes with surgical precision. His assists are not merely statistics but a lesson in spatial awareness and hockey intellect that remains unrivaled.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Player</td><td>Team</td><td>Season</td><td>Assists</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1985-86</td><td>163</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1984-85</td><td>135</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1982-83</td><td>125</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Los Angeles Kings</td><td>1990-91</td><td>122</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1986-87</td><td>121</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1981-82</td><td>120</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1983-84</td><td>118</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Los Angeles Kings</td><td>1988-89</td><td>114</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1988-89</td><td>114</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1987-88</td><td>109</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1980-81</td><td>109</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Los Angeles Kings</td><td>1989-90</td><td>102</td></tr><tr><td>Bobby Orr</td><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>1970-71</td><td>102</td></tr><tr><td>Nikita Kucherov</td><td>Tampa Bay Lightning</td><td>2023-24</td><td>100</td></tr><tr><td>Connor McDavid</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>2023-24</td><td>100</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1987-88</td><td>98</td></tr><tr><td>Adam Oates</td><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>1992-93</td><td>97</td></tr><tr><td>Joe Thornton</td><td>TOT</td><td>2005-06</td><td>96</td></tr><tr><td>Doug Gilmour</td><td>Toronto Maple Leafs</td><td>1992-93</td><td>95</td></tr><tr><td>Pat LaFontaine</td><td>Buffalo Sabres</td><td>1992-93</td><td>95</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1985-86</td><td>93</td></tr><tr><td>Peter Stastny</td><td>Quebec Nordiques</td><td>1981-82</td><td>93</td></tr><tr><td>Joe Thornton</td><td>San Jose Sharks</td><td>2006-07</td><td>92</td></tr><tr><td>Ron Francis</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1995-96</td><td>92</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1995-96</td><td>92</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption>(Source: NHL Records and Statmuse)</figcaption></figure>

NHL teams with the most Stanley Cup playoff appearances: From the Canadiens to the Bruins

NHL players with the most assists in a single season: Top record holders - Bolavip US

Completing the Hughes brothers gauntlet will come at a price for the New Jersey Devils. With <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/quinn-hughes">Quinn Hughes</a>’ name becoming the hottest topic in the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks are reportedly making sure they don’t come out empty-handed. It may be quite the opposite, in fact.



Ever since drafting Jack and Luke Hughes, the Devils have felt a need to go after Quinn and reunite the three siblings in New Jersey. For many NHL seasons, it felt more like a utopia than a real possibility. However, with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/vancouver-canucks">Canucks</a> struggling dearly, the window to acquire Hughes may have opened. Still, Vancouver won’t make negotiations easy for New Jersey. 



Just because the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-jersey-devils">Devils</a> have Jack and Luke pulling for Quinn behind the scenes doesn’t mean they have any sway in convincing the front office in Vancity. In fact, it might be the opposite. Knowing the Devils are one piece away from boasting the Hughes trio, the ’Nucks may be setting a higher price. 



“You’re probably going to have to pay a premium if you’re the Devils. It’s called the ‘Hughes brother’ tax, because they already have two. That’s certainly something to keep in mind as well,” Frank Seravalli stated on Bleacher Report’s Insider Notebook.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251211_BUS_544107_the-Hughes-brothers_cd7c011b.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-544112"></figure><figcaption>Luke Hughes (left), Quinn Hughes (middle), and Jack Hughes (right) before a game</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Vancouver is not putting Hughes on sale</h2>



Vancouver may be giving Jersey a lesson in Economy 101: it all comes down to supply and demand. Unfortunately for New Jersey, there is only one Quinn Hughes in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>, and he’s under contract in Vancouver through the 2026-27 season. The more the Devils want something, the more the Canucks will ask in return. 


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As much as Hughes may despise playing for the Canucks — as the team languishes at the bottom of the standings, the first-year head coach in Adam Foote is not paying dividends, and the organization stares with the eyes of a lost wanderer at its compass — he is still signed for this season and the next. 



Hughes can ask for a trade out, but the Canucks are in no obligation to comply. Thus, there are no reasons — other than some from an ethical or moral point of view — for them to essentially give up on Hughes if the return isn’t worth it.



<h2>Better now than never</h2>



While all the arguments stated before carry weight, there is another fact that can’t be overlooked. The Canucks are seemingly headed nowhere in the NHL. The core is too inconsistent to strike fear into the rest of the league, and this past offseason saw the team lose far more key pieces than it added. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251211_BUS_544107_quinn-hughes-jack-hughes_6bde4145.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Jack Hughes and Quinn Hughes" class="wp-image-542037"></figure><figcaption>Jack Hughes and Quinn Hughes during 2024 NHL All-Star</figcaption></figure>



Thus, keeping Hughes might be nice and all—it can lead to jersey sales and whatnot—but one elite blueliner can’t carry a team to a Stanley Cup. Let alone one defenseman who is playing with frustration. Under the current state of the franchise, Hughes can’t lead the Canucks to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/nhl-teams-that-have-never-won-a-stanley-cup">their first Stanley Cup in franchise history</a>.



<h2>Hughes is set to hit free agency in 2027</h2>



Hughes will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027. It may seem like a long while from today, but it’s really not that much time—certainly not enough for Vancouver to magically find its identity and build a championship-caliber roster. If Hughes is still in town by then, he will most likely opt to test the market in July 2027, when he can decide where he’ll play for the first time in his career.



Thus, the Canucks may be better off shipping him out now while the market is high on Hughes. Vancouver can get a lot in return and truly put itself in a position to rebuild the squad and come back stronger. Obviously, it’s not an easy decision to make. 



<h3>No going back after it’s done</h3>



These are the type of decisions that define executives’ careers. Once the trade goes through, it’s one president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford and general manager Patrik Allvin may never be able to live down. 



However, trading Hughes away is a move that must be analyzed over the years to determine the winners and losers. A trade with New Jersey would mean Vancouver is placing its chips on the long-term future, while the Devils are going all in.



Regardless, no one can expect the fanbase to sit and wait idly if they see the Hughes trio playing for Stanley Cups one season after another. Vancouver is truly stuck between a rock and a hard place, but staying put will only assure a slow, torturous agony.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="693b553ce2d53b59fb2f053f" data-title="Which scenario is most likely to play out?" data-options="4"></div>

NHL Rumors: Canucks inflating Quinn Hughes’ price-tag to NJ Devils amid loud trade buzz - Bolavip US

Canucks inflating Quinn Hughes’ price-tag to NJ Devils

As the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks gear up for battle in the NHL, a former teammate of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/auston-matthews">Auston Matthews</a> in The Six has issued a stern reminder to the organization. Now, the matchup between the cross-conference teams may carry a bit of bad blood.



After his latest statement, it’s safe to say Ryan Reaves may not save the fondest of feelings for Matthews’ <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs">Maple Leafs</a>. His time with Toronto wasn’t the best, either. As Reaves’ Sharks visit the Leafs, Reaves had some words for the organization that traded him out of town during the summer.



“They basically said that I couldn’t play in this league anymore. And I’m back,” Reaves admitted to reporters, via Chris Johnston on X. Still the veteran forward stated he holds no grudges against the Leafs. That remains to be seen. Perhaps, fans around the NHL can see that for themselves when the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-jose-sharks">Sharks</a> and Leafs face off.



<h2>Reaves’ time with Toronto</h2>



Reaves signed with the Maple Leafs as an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in July 2023. When signing with the Buds, the veteran enforcer joined the 6th team in his <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> career—St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks (7th, after Toronto). The Buds handed Reaves a three-year, $4.05 million contract. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251211_BUS_543917_ryan-reaves_33fa0987.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-543936"></figure><figcaption>Ryan Reaves playing for the San Jose Sharks</figcaption></figure>



From the get-go, many fans expressed skepticism about signing a 36-year-old bottom-six player to such a contract. In the end, it didn’t work out for Reaves in Hogtown. Appearing in 84 games across the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns, the Winnipegger only recorded 8 points (4 G, 4 A), while being assessed 77 penalty minutes.


 

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<h2>Fresh start</h2>



Due to the poor performances in Toronto, the Buds traded the 38-year-old forward to the Sharks, who almost everybody expected to be a bottom feeder in the NHL. However, thanks to Macklin Celebrini’s superb season—along with an exciting young core—San Jose is holding its ground against true contenders around the league. 



Reaves is mostly deployed on the fourth-line, bringing the energy and veteran leadership to a squad with an average age of 27.7. However, that number is inflated by Reaves—the only player born before 1990 on the team.

NHL imposes harsh punishment for Auston Matthews’ teammate after candid reaction during Maple Leafs-Lightning

NHL News: Former Auston Matthews teammate fires vivid shot at Maple Leafs ahead of reunion - Bolavip US

Former Auston Matthews teammate fires vivid shot at Maple Leafs

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