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Eric Stephens

@iceman-cometh.bsky.social

Ignore the hacked and now fake @icemancometh tweets on X. Doing the writing thing for The Athletic. SoCal bred. Eyes on the California teams and beyond. Still love the grits. Still kinda goofy. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/

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Eric Stephens@iceman-cometh.bsky.social · last wk.

Sharks GM Mike Grier said he sought a max term eight-year deal for Macklin Celebrini but understands that five years is a good spot for his center and the club as to both accomplishing their objectives over that period. He also said he's "pretty close" on a deal for RFA Collin Graf.

Eric Stephens@iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 2w ago

Dave Manson is the new head coach of the San Diego Gulls, the Ducks' AHL affiliate. Manson, 59, was an assistant to Matt McIlvane, who left to join Marco Sturm's staff with Boston Bruins. Kelly Buchberger and Steve McCarthy will be Manson's assistants. Jeff Glass remains as goalie coach.

Eric Stephens@iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 3w ago

Kings sign 2026 first-round pick Elton Hermansson to a three-year, entry-level contract. Hermansson was the 19th selection overall and will be expected to play for MoDo in Sweden's second-tier Allsvenskan, where he played most of last season. Not expected to be at fall camp.

Eric Stephens@iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 4w ago

With the Ducks in a cap crunch and Cutter Gauthier's looming contract to account for, Frank Vatrano's $4.57M AAV contract is surely one they would attempt to move. Teams know that and a sweetener is likely required for someone to take it on, but the Ducks do have three 2027 second-round picks.

Eric Stephens@iceman-cometh.bsky.social · last mo.

Kings officially announce Phil Housley as associate coach and Ray Whitney and Chris Hajt as assistant coaches on Peter Laviolette's staff. Derik Johnson will remain as an assistant. Mike Buckley also remains as goalie coach.

Eric Stephens@iceman-cometh.bsky.social · last mo.

Ducks first-round pick Nikita Klepov said he doesn't have a particular player he compares himself to but focused on watching Nikita Kucherov most this past season. Considers himself more of a playmaker than a shot-first winger. Born in Florida, moved to Russia and lived there until he was 15.

Eric Stephens@iceman-cometh.bsky.social · last mo.

I get that Pat Verbeek wants size on his blue line and that Olen Zellweger just might be in the way of the bigger, very physical Stian Solberg coming at some point but unless that No. 45 pick is used in a bigger deal, trading Zellweger for questionable futures feels like a waste.

Eric Stephens@iceman-cometh.bsky.social · last mo.

Can't imagine Kings GM Ken Holland sitting on his hands while all this trade activity is going on, giving a clear mandate not to rebuild. At this point, Elias Pettersson is worth a shot -- provided they get the Canucks to retain a huge chunk of his $11 million number. Like half of it, really.

Eric Stephens@iceman-cometh.bsky.social · last mo.

Feels like Sharks could be in play for Alexander Nikishin if they're real high on him. Just a feeling. Don't think they would have to give up as much for him as others in that early-to-mid 20s defenseman profile.

Jesse Granger@jessegranger.bsky.social · last mo.

I picked landing spots for the NHL’s top offseason goalie targets (trade & free agency): • Connor Hellebuyck • Sergei Bobrovsky • Stuart Skinner • Adin Hill • Jordan Binnington • Sebastian Cossa • Devon Levi • Freddie Andersen On @theathletic.com ⤵️

Best landing spots for NHL’s top offseason goalie targets: Hellebuyck, Bobrovsky and more (Gift Article)

For goalies who might be headed to new teams this summer, some fits are obvious. Others require a bit more imagination.

nytimes.com