NHL Power Rankings: Martin Necas leads surging Hurricanes on seven-game win streak; Lightning tumble

Patrick Sharp, a special advisor to the Flyers, expressed admiration for 2023 draft pick Denver Barkey, who shares the same third-round, 95th overall selection as Sharp. Barkey, a successful junior player and recent Memorial Cup champion, is transitioning to professional play with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, ready to prove his skills despite concerns about his size. Want More Context? 🔎

The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired defenseman Matt Dumba from the Dallas Stars along with a 2028 second-round pick in exchange for Vladislav Kolyachonok, taking on Dumba's $3.75 million cap hit. While primarily aimed at securing the draft pick, Dumba's potential as a gritty addition to the Penguins' defense and a possible trade asset at the 2026 deadline adds intrigue to the deal. Want More Context? 🔎

Canadian winger Jake Virtanen, 28, has signed a one-year contract with Slovak Extraliga club Dukla Michalovce after a stint in Germany with the Iserlohn Roosters, where he recorded 19 points in 46 games. A former sixth overall pick by the Vancouver Canucks, Virtanen's NHL career saw him accumulate 100 points in 317 games before his contract was bought out amid allegations he was later cleared of in 2022. Want More Context? 🔎