The Daily: Lightning Woo Toews, NHL Trade Talk, Vegas Needs

Oddsmakers say the Winnipeg Jets is the favorite to land free agent forward Jonathan Toews. But not everyone is convinced that Toews will return to his native Manitoba.

Elliotte Friedman reported on his 32 Thoughts podcast that he believes the Tampa Bay Lightning are a contender, along with the Jets and the Colorado Avalanche.

Notice that those are all teams we would expect in the playoffs next season. At this point in his career, Toews probably would prefer a sure thing when it comes to playoffs.

Friedman on 32TP: "Jonathan Toews, sounds like it's a couple of teams here, think Winnipeg's in there, think Colorado's in there…One of the other teams I suspect on Toews: Lightning"

— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) June 13, 2025

Recent FanDuel odds had Winnipeg at +200, followed by Toronto at +300 and Colorado at +470. The Vegas Golden Knights were +650 and the Lightning were +1500. The Detroit Red Wings were listed at +1900. It isn’t likely to happen.

Toews wants to select his team before the NHL Draft.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Bob Duff explores how Calgary defenseman Rasmus Andersson might fit with the Red Wings.

For Slava Kozlov, a KHL coaching job was an offer he could not refuse.

Detroit is interested in trading for Vegas defenseman Nicolas Hague. He is a quality penalty killer.

Red Wings Extra

After starting the postseason with strong performances, former Detroit player Jake Walman’s numbers have been less impressive in the past two series. In his last six games, Walman has been a minus-player in four of those contests. He was minus-2 in Game 5 in Edmonton while playing 17:11. He had no shots and no hits in the game. Former Red Wings goalie Calvin Pickard gave up four goals on just 18 shots for a .768 save percentage. Defenseman Troy Stecher, another ex-Detroit player, was even with 13:38 of playing time.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Bruins acquire a former first round pick for a prospect and a seventh-round pick. Boston Bruins.

Florida: The Panthers, up 3-2 over the Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final, have a chance to clinch a repeat at home. Also, are Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand the favorites to win the Conn Smythe Trophy? Florida Panthers.  

New Jersey: The Devils reportedly have lured a Finnish player back to the NHL. James Nichols has details. New Jersey Devils. 

Pittsburgh: Could the Penguins be talking to the Los Angeles Kings about Rickard Rakell? The Red Wings should be interested in Rakell. There’s no confirmation they are.

Vegas: Hannah Kirkell writes that the Golden Knights are looking for a speedy winger and a right-shot defenseman. Vegas Golden Knights.