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Ready To Break Out: Metro Division - June. 27, 2025 – Vol. 78, Issue 12 - Ryan Kennedy
At just 21, right winger Jackson Blake has already shown an affinity for coming up in the clutch, and the fact he elevated his game during the playoffs for the Canes is a great sign. The son of former NHLer Jason Blake is coming off a solid rookie season and could easily take on more responsibility next year. He is a tenacious winger who plays bigger than his 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame. True, the Canes are deep up front, and Blake will likely stay in the bottom six, but don’t be surprised if he cracks the 20-goal mark.
Goaltending was Columbus’ downfall in 2024-25, but Jet Greaves was stellar in 11 NHL games. Greaves is undersized but makes up for it with his athleticism and aggressiveness in his crease. He won a weekly first-star honor in April, thanks to a stretch in which he went 3-0-0 with a .968 save percentage. Despite playing just 11 games, Greaves finished in the top 15 in goals saved above expected. No other Jackets goalie ranked in the top 75. Greaves, 24, has his teammates’ trust and is ready for a bigger role.
While the playoffs were a letdown for the Devils, they did at least get a signature double-OT goal from blueliner Simon Nemec against Carolina. It’s been an up-and-down existence for Nemec since New Jersey picked him second overall in 2022, as he played fewer NHL games this year than he did as a rookie, when he had 19 points in 2023-24. But defensemen take time to develop, and if Nemec, 21, can use that late confidence booster to build momentum, the Devils will have another ace on their back end.
With a new GM in Mathieu Darche, the Islanders will be interesting to watch this summer. New York has the No. 1 pick in the draft, but will that player (likely D-man Matthew Schaefer) go straight to the NHL? Either way, the Isles need a pick-me-up, and blueliner Isaiah George fits the bill. George is an excellent skater with 33 games worth of NHL reps under his belt from this season, which he split between Long Island and the AHL. He has a solid frame and comes from a great OHL London program – both big pluses.
Players Who The Columbus Blue Jackets Have Bought Out Are About To Get Last Payments
Buyouts are a tool that GMs have in their toolbox, but they're very careful when to use them as they can get messy and hold teams back in the future, just ask the Minnesota Wild.
The Rangers need more players like Will Cuylle. The young power forward is big, skilled and nasty – so foes always know when he’s on the ice. New York needs the next generation to step up after the club experienced a cultural crisis this season (missing the playoffs entirely despite having a contention-worthy lineup). Cuylle is already well on his way, coming off his first 20-goal season and doubling his production from 2023-24. Given his trajectory, a 60-point campaign in 2025-26 would not be a shock.
With a great shot and a big frame, Tyson Foerster brings a lot of appeal to the right wing. Heading into his third full NHL season, he’ll be one to watch under new coach Rick Tocchet. Foerster is coming off a 25-goal season and has made incremental offensive gains year over year. Based on his skill set, it’s fair to expect 30 goals from the 2020 first-rounder – perhaps more. Whether in the OHL or AHL, Foerster has proven adept at adjusting to better competition, and so far, he’s done the same in the NHL.
He’ll never be popular in Winnipeg, but Rutger McGroarty has a chance to be a rarity in Pittsburgh: an impact player who was taken in the first round of a recent draft (even if the Pens didn’t draft him). Acquired from the Jets in 2024, McGroarty is a stout two-way winger with leadership qualities. He got a taste of the NHL this year but saw most of his action in the AHL, putting up solid numbers with the Baby Pens and seeing what the pros are really like. Now, it’s time to push for a regular job on the big squad.
Rookie Ryan Leonard didn’t play every playoff game for the Capitals, but that was very much by design. Still, the former Boston College standout and two-time WJC gold medallist (once as Team USA’s captain) showed he’s ready to make an impact in Washington. He’ll be one to watch in the Calder Trophy race thanks to his tenacious, high-energy game that blends skill and physicality. On a Caps team turning over to a new generation, the 20-year-old right winger will play a big role in his first full season.
From The Archive: Johnny Gaudreau vs. Mitch Marner
The Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features.
Blue Jackets Times/Dates For 2025 Prospects Challenge In Buffalo
The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced the times and dates for the 2025 Prospects Challenge to be held in Buffalo, New York. This will be the second year the CBJ will participate in this tournament.
The 2025-26 NHL Schedule Comes Wednesday: What Blue Jackets Fans Should Watch For
The NHL has officially announced the <a href="https://x.com/NHLPR/status/1944766088413151409">first three games of the 2025-26 regular season</a>, with the remainder of the schedule to be unveiled on Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET.
What Was Your Most Memorable Moment of the 2024-25 Season?
The 2025-26 Columbus Blue Jackets season had plenty of ups and downs. But today, we're focusing on the ups.