The Daily: Nosek Has Last Laugh; Bennett Wins Smythe; Toews Update

This a corrected version of an earlier story.

The Florida Panthers won their second consecutive Stanley Cup, providing Detroit Red Wings player Tomas Nosek the last laugh in his series history with former Detroiter Jake Walman. Nosek went from being a goat to a champion.

In Game 1, Florida role player Nosek was called on a delay of game penalty for shooting the puck over the plexi-glass in overtime. Edmonton defenseman was seen laughing in Nosek’s face as he skated to the penalty box. The photos of that event went viral on social media.

But Tuesday night it was Nosek, not Walman, skating with the Stanley Cup after a 5-1 Florida triumph in Game 6.

The Grand Rapids Griffins issued a press release saying Nosek is the first former Griffins player to win the Stanley Cup after winning the Calder Cup in Grand Rapids.  Back in 2017, Nosek led Grand Rapids with 10 goals and 22 points (10-12—22) during the franchise’s 2017 Calder Cup run. A former Griffin has won a Stanley Cup in each of the past six seasons.

Nosek, who has a touching moment breaking down on Maurice’s shoulder: “I’m so glad I signed here.” pic.twitter.com/OwDiDC5f2Q

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) June 18, 2025

Nosek, 32, played three seasons for the Griffins and parts of two seasons (2015-16 and 2016-17) with the Red Wings. He will be a UFA on July 1.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Goalie Jan Bednar says his goodbye to Toledo Walleye fans on social media. Sounds like he’s going to sign with another organization. He will soon be a UFA.

Moritz Seider. Lucas Raymond. Simon Edvinsson. Marco Kasper. Axel Sandin Pellikka. It’s hard to be critical of Steve Yzerman’s first-round picks. They’ve all been impact players.

Paywall story: Should the Red Wings make a pitch to acquire MSU forward Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning? To subscribe to DHN+ stories, which come with ad-free web browsing, click here:

Red Wings Extra

If you are wondering what you should expect from this draft, know that Red Line Report, a long-time independent draft analysis service, states “we believe this is a poor draft.”  RLR says the top end of the first round is “light on true  star power and the depth beyond the first half of Round 1 is lacking.” This seems like the year for the Red Wings to move picks to complete trades.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: Hockey Insider Chris Johnston says Jonathan Toews seems to have narrowed his decision to two teams. Chicago Blackhawks.

Florida: Panthers center Sam Bennett (15 goals, 22 points) won the Conn Smythe Trophy. He will be a UFA on July, and many teams, including the Red Wings, would love to land him. He’s feisty, gritty and skilled. Florida Panthers. 

Montreal: One of Montreal’s draft targets could be defenseman Logan Hensler. Marco Dumont profiles the college player. Montreal Canadiens.

Pittsburgh:  Dan Kingerski writes that prospect Jake O’Brien could fall to the Penguins at No. 11. Pittsburgh Penguins. 

San Jose: What experts are saying about potential No. 2 draft pick Michael Misa. San Jose Sharks.