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Pavel Zacha is a Czech-born forward who was acquired from the New Jersey Devils this past offseason. New Jersey selected Zacha with the sixth overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. The 25-year-old winger was once touted as an elite-dynamic offensive force.    Zacha had a career high of 179 points in 386 games with the New Jersey Devils. This past 2021–22 season, the forward scored a career-high 15 goals and 21 assists in 70 games, playing in New Jersey's top-six. He did not develop into the expectations of the Devils and was given a fresh start with Boston after being traded for Erik Haula. The question is, where does Zacha fit in Boston's lineup? First, we must establish some assumptions. There are rumors that David Krejci will sign a brief deal to join the Boston Bruins once again. If Patrice Bergeron does not retire, Krejci will fill the void as the second-line centerman. It is also likely that Patrice Bergeron will sign a one-year deal and play in the upcoming season

In the latter portion of the MLB season, the Boston Red Sox are currently experiencing a severe slump. The team has only been able to win one game since the all-star break. Since the all-star break, Boston has a 1-4 record and a -33 run differential. Boston even suffered a humiliating 28-5 loss to division enemy Toronto in the first game after the break. The Red Sox now fall to fifth (last) in the AL east with a record of 49-49. There are many factors that have been pulling the Red Sox down. Some of which are uncontrollable. This includes injuries. Boston ace In his first game back from the DL, Chris Sale was declared out for the remainder of the season. The pitcher fractured his finger after taking a comeback hit directly to his finger during his first inning of work. First inning! WOW, how unlucky! The number of players who have been placed on the disabled list is one of the Red Sox's other worries. All season long, the Sox have been missing important members of their starting li

Baseball prospect Ceddanne Rafaela hails from the island of Curacao and is a utility player. His primary positions are third base, shortstop, and center field. He is 5' 8" and weighs 152 pounds. Rafaela was acquired by the Boston Red Sox organization in 2017, when the club signed him as a free agent.  His contract included a $10,000 signing bonus. Rafaela is known as a defensively-oriented player, but after moving to the United States from Curacao, he has improved his hitting technique. He makes use of the entire field, has developed power, and is an agile player. During the 2018 season, the multi-position player made his minor league debut. The 17-year-old would participate in the Dominican Summer League for the Red Sox club. During his 54-game stay, he played well, batting .271, collecting 28 RBIs, and stealing 19 bases. Ceddanne would then compete for Boston's rookie Gulf-coast club in 2019. Rafaela would yet again demonstrate his defensive prowess by playing several po

Nick Moldenhauer had the scariest draft year of any NHL prospect eligible for the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. However, the young forward overcame an unfortunate, scary circumstances and was ultimately drafted in the third round by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Moldenhauer was a 2004 hockey prospect hailing from the hockey hub of Mississauga, Ontario. The right-handed forward played his minor-hockey for the Toronto Titans organization of the GTHL. In his final season of minor hockey, Moldenhauer led his team in points and goals. He played in 63 games, scoring 45 goals and 77 assists. The Mississauga native was eventually drafted 20th overall by the Ottawa 67's during the 2020 OHL Entry Draft. Moldenhauer would not sign with the 67's and instead sign to play for the Chicago Steel of the USHL. Moldenhauer would play six USHL games during the 2020–21 season, scoring two assists. He would also suit up for three USHL playoff games, unfortunately without recording any points.  Moldenhauer would

The NHL Draft took place approximately two weeks ago. As the NHL offseason drags on and on, let's take a look back at the players the Anaheim Ducks chose during the 2022 NHL Draft: Pavel Mintyukov - Saginaw Spirit (1st Round) The Anaheim Ducks selected Pavel Mintyukov with the tenth overall pick in the NHL Draft. The defenseman, who was born in Russia, is currently a Saginaw Spirit OHL player. Mintyukov played 62 games with Saginaw in the 2021–22 season, recording 17 goals and 45 assists. The young Russian blueliner is not worried about offence. He is an offensively player with aggressive talent who can move effectively laterally. Mintyukov's defensive play, though, is something to be cautious about in his performance. Mintyukov frequently makes bold moves, which result in blunders and turnovers. For instance, high-risk passes are made when leaving the defensive zone. Mintyukov will have to work on his over-aggressiveness. Occasionally, he misreads the play when trying to join

It's the middle of the summer and training camp is set to roll around in about a month's time. Many National Hockey League teams look to boost their roster after disappointing seasons, while others look to rebuild and generate a bright future. Here are the top free agents still available: 1. Patrice Bergeron   Bergeron has been a staple in the Boston Bruins lineup since the 2003-04 season, when he made his NHL debut. Bergeron, who turns 37 later this July, has yet to sign an NHL contract and no one knows if he will return. After the Bruins were eliminated in the first round of the NHL playoffs last season, many wondered if the Quebec native had played his last NHL game. If Bergeron was to return to the NHL, it would only be to the Boston Bruins. Bergeron has proved to be a loyal and dedicated player for his Boston team. The Bruins captain is coming off a Selke winning season while also scoring 25 goals and 40 assists. Many people also inquire as to whether an agreement has b

Dans Ločmelis is a Latvian-born centerman who was drafted 119th overall by the Boston Bruins during the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Ločmelis currently plays in the Lulea HF system and will return to Sweden for the upcoming 2021-22 season.  This year, playing in the J18 and J20 leagues in Sweden, Ločmelis excelled. The Latvian native started the season playing in the J18. He played a short stint of five games, while scoring two goals and four assists. Shortly after, he was called up to the J20 league, where he would spend most of the season. Ločmelis played a total of 44 games, scoring 18 goals and assisting 16 times. Late in the season, the centermen even got the opportunity to suit up for two SHL games. Although he wasn't able to record a point, in a low-playing time role. Ločmelis has also represented his home country of Latvia at all of the IIHF junior events. For example, while playing in the top-division U18 tournament, Ločmelis played in four games, recording three points. A

Mattias Hävelid was drafted by the San Jose Sharks, 45th overall, during the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Born in Sweden, Hävelid, a defender, represented Sweden at numerous international hockey events , while playing for his club team, Linkoping HC. 2021-22 : This season, Hävelid spent time playing in the J18, J20, and SHL. Hävelid would destroy competition in the J18 league to begin the season. He would play in two games, score two goals, and record an assist. Linkoping would then call him up to play for the J20 team, and he excelled again. In a brief 29-game stint, the 18-year-old would score ten goals and nine assists. Due to his maturity, Hävelid was able to play in the SHL, the top professional hockey league in Sweden. Hävelid would play in 23 games, unable to record a point. Although, remember he is a d-man.   Analysis : The 5'11" defenseman is described as an undersized, skillful player. The Swede was even ranked as the 19th best European skater by NHL Central Scouting.

The Carolina Hurricanes have made some significant moves by acquiring all-star players via trade. To start the day, the Canes acquired Brent Burns from the San Jose Sharks, but now they have traded for Max Pacioretty from Vegas.  The deal consists of Vegas sending Max Pacioretty and Dylan Coghlan to Carolina in exchange for future considerations. The Golden Knights were in vital need of cap space, and they gained 7 million dollars in the trade of Pacioretty.  Max Pacioretty was riddled with injuries during the 2021-22 season and only ended up playing 39 games. Vegas struggled in his absence, but the winger had a solid 19 goals and 18 assists.   Dylan Coghlan is a right-handed defenceman who was on-and-off with the Golden Knights' bottom d-line pair. Last season, he played in 59 games, scoring three goals and ten assists. The Hurricanes continue to add superstar veterans to their lineup after a disappointing second-round exit to the Rangers last season.

The Boston Bruins have announced that they have acquired a former first round pick from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Erik Haula. The 25-year-old Zacha was drafted 6th overall by the Devils during the 2015 draft. This season he played in 70 games, recording 15 goals and 21 points. The Bruins will need to sign Zacha to a new contract as he is coming off a three-year deal with an AAV of $2.25M. The Devils receive Erik Haula in return. The Pori, Finland native signed a two-year contract with Boston last season. Haula had an underwhelming start to the 2021-22 season, but finished with 47 points in 78 games. The Devils look to open up roster spots and cap space for big-name free agents, such as Johnny Gaudreau. While the Bruins look to add youth and keep UFAs Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.

The Boston Bruins had a disappointing ending to their 2021-22 season. After finishing in the top wildcard spot, Boston was eventually dismantled by the Carolina Hurricanes. Now that all the dust has settled, let's grade the Bruins players season! #63 - Brad Marchand (A) Brad Marchand was once again Boston's leading scorer. The pesky winger put up 32 goals and 48 assists , for 80 points in just 70 games. Marchand had a hot start to the 2021-22 season, poised to break the 100 point margin. Over the course of the season, Marchand's scoring dried up, although he finished with an over a point -per-game average. The one downside to Marchand's game would be the poor discipline he showed. The Halifax native was suspended for six games after getting into an altercation with Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry.  #73 - Charlie McAvoy (A) McAvoy showed substantial growth in his offensive ability and proved to be Boston's quarterback. The former first-round pick recorde

The conclusion of the NHL Draft is the beginning of the journey for the top-ranked NHL prospects. Here is my grade of each NHL first-round draft pick: 1. Juraj Slafkovsky  - Montreal Canadiens (A) The Habs started off the NHL Entry Draft with a bold move. Montreal ended up drafting 6'4'' power-forward Juraj Slafkovsky rather than the predicted Shane Wright.   2. Simon Nemac  - New Jersey Devils (A-) Simon Nemac was ranked as the top defenceman coming into the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The right-handed d-man is a mobile two-way defenceman. Nemac was ranked third among European skaters by NHL Central Scouting.   3. Logan Cooley  - Arizona Coyotes (A)  The University of Minnesota commit was second on his USHL team in points, with 27 goals and 48 assists. Due to his elusive skating and skill, Cooley has high-end offensive talent.   4. Shane Wright  - Seattle Kraken (A+) Shane Wright was the biggest fall on the NHL Draft board. Seattle picked up a capable first-line center

For 225 NHL draft selections, July 7th and 8th, 2022, was a memorable day. The draft was filled with many gems and surprises. For example, top-rated prospect Shane Wright dropped to the fourth selection. Unfortunately, some players did not hear their name called on the draft floor. Here are some of the top undrafted players, that will enter next years selection as overagers: Pano Fimis, F - Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL) Fimis was once regarded as a first-round pick, and the Richmond Hill native concluded the year as the 75th North American skater. Many thought the former OHL second-overall pick would end up being selected during the third round. Unfortunately, for Fimis, this was not the case.   The 5'11" centerman ended the 2021-22 season playing for the Niagara Ice Dogs. He played a total of 54 games, recording 44 points, 30 of which were assists. Like many other OHL players, Fimis missed the 2020–21 season due to the pandemic.   Fimis is an incredible playmaker that can slip

2022 NHL Draft Rankings 1. Shane Wright (Montreal Canadiens). 2. Juraj Slafkovsky (New Jersey Devils). 3. Logan Cooley (Arizona Coyotes). 4. Simon Nemec (Seattle Kraken). 5. Cutter Gauthier (Philadelphia Flyers). 6. Matthew Savoie (Columbus Blue Jackets from Chicago Blackhawks). 7. Jonathan Lekkerimäki (Ottawa Senators). 8. Joakim Kemell (Detroit Red Wings). 9. Noah Östlund (Buffalo Sabres). 10. Conor Geekie (Anaheim Ducks). 11. David Jiricek (San Jose Sharks). 12. Frank Nazar (Columbus Blue Jackets). 13. Liam Öhgren (New York Islanders). 14. Danila Yurov (Winnipeg Jets). 15. Kevin Korchinski (Vancouver Canucks). 16. Marco Kasper (Buffalo Sabres from Vegas Golden Knights). 17. Pavel Mintyukov (Nashville Predators). 18. Filip Mesar (Dallas Stars). 19. Denton Mateychuk (Minnesota Wild from Los Angeles Kings). 20. Ivan Miroshnichenko (Washington Capitals). 21. Isaac Howard (Pittsburgh Penguins). 22. Brad Lambert (Anaheim Ducks from Boston Bruins). 23. Rutger McGroarty (St. Louis Blues). 2

Simon Nemac - HK Nitra Right-shot d-man Decent size (6’0’’) Will/Can play big minutes Mobile, Puck-Moving d-man Described as a two-way d-mam High offensive thinker (1st power play potential) His defensive game will need some rounding before NHL ready Smart player, good-gap Projection: Top 5 pick David Jiříček - HC Škoda Plzeň Great size (6’3’’, 190 pounds) Steady d-man (great two-way ability) Right handed Explosive skater, moves the puck well Great shot, plays physical Shut-down, yet offensive d-man Offensive game (decision making) may need some time to translate before NHL ready Not a high risk pick Projection: Top 8 pick Denton Mateychuk - Moose Jaw Warriors Left handed (5’11”, 188 pounds) Offensive d-man Great offensive instincts, quick to join the rush, solid shot Struggles defensively (not the fastest defending) Makes high-risk breakout passes and risks Unreal creativity and confidence 64 points in 65 WHL games this season Projection: Top 25 pick Kevin Korchinski - Seattle Thunder