The Rangers dealt Artemi Panarin to LA for former first-round pick Liam Greentree and a conditional third, a return shaped largely by his trade protection, which limited the market. The Rangers retained 50% of his salary for this season and extended him for two years at $11M AAV; Ray understands the move for LA’s scoring and power-play needs but questions why New York rushed the trade with time still available. Penn State star and projected 2026 top pick Gavin McKenna is facing serious assault charges, with few details known and no speculation for now. In Edmonton, a 4–3 loss to Calgary made it three straight defeats, leading Leon Draisaitl to publicly criticize the team — including himself — with Ray agreeing this looks like the weakest Oilers group of the past three years, plagued by goaltending uncertainty and a lack of depth beyond McDavid and Draisaitl. Looking at the playoff race, Ray doubts Toronto can find sustained consistency, and in the West expects one of Anaheim or Seattle to drop out, with LA the most likely Pacific team to sneak in ahead of Nashville and San Jose.

In Ask Ray & Dregs Anything we talk goalie fights, Moritz Seider's case for the Norris Trophy and players whose personal hygiene (or lack thereof) was weaponized on the ice.

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Sunday’s Tampa Bay vs Boston outdoor game delivered a true spectacle — great hockey weather, a goalie fight, and a wild Lightning comeback from four goals down — though not without controversy, as Boston bristled at the penalty disparity and power plays that swung momentum, even if, as Ray notes, the Bruins are among the league’s most-penalized teams. The game also raised Olympic questions with Anthony Cirelli injured and Brayden Point’s status looming, highlighting the rigidity of Olympic rosters where changes can’t be made once the tournament begins, prompting speculation about potential standby players flying to Italy, while Sam Bennett is banged up but expected to be fine and Zach Hyman’s name creeps into the conversation given his 50-goal-pace production and versatility. Meanwhile, Connor McDavid gave fans a rare, heartfelt glimpse into his mindset with his Players’ Tribune piece “Dear Canada,” a raw expression of his love for the game and a clear signal — especially to Oilers fans — of his desire to win a Stanley Cup in Edmonton. Barry Trotz announced he’ll step down as Nashville Predators GM at season’s end for family reasons, with the organization hoping to have a new GM in place by the draft, marking the first time in franchise history that neither Trotz nor David Poile will be involved. Plus, Ryan Rishaug checks in from Milano Cortina to talk facilities and schedule in advance of the Olympic Hockey tournaments.

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Artemi Panarin appears to be headed out of New York, with the Rangers reportedly shelving him through the Olympic break to protect the asset, and his no-trade clause giving him significant control as teams like LA, Washington, San Jose and possibly Dallas circle, with the expectation he wants an extension wherever he lands. In Toronto, the Leafs sit eight points out a wildcard position and face hard questions about whether it’s time for Brad Treliving to cut bait on depth pieces, with a critical western road trip looming. Ottawa, despite months of negative noise, has suddenly surged with statement wins over Vegas and Colorado, while the Avalanche’s recent skid feels like a natural correction ahead of a needed reset and healthier lineup. Meanwhile, Bryan Rust’s three-game suspension for elbowing Brock Boeser surprised some, with Ray arguing the length of penalty should be the standard for that type of play, regardless of a player’s reputation.

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