Michael Traikos

LATEST STORIES BY MICHAEL TRAIKOS

TRAIKOS: How do you define the Hart depends on whether McDavid, Draisaitl or Matthews will win

What’s the definition of the Hart Trophy again?

April 4, 2022 Toronto Maple Leafs

Edmonton Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl (29) and Connor McDavid are in contention to win the Hart Trophy.

TRAIKOS: How much has Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews relied on empty-net goals to reach 50?

The goalie really never had a chance.

with Video

April 1, 2022 Sports

Maple Leafs centre Auston Matthews at practice on Friday, a day after he scored his 50th goal. JACK BOLAND/TORONTO SUN

TRAIKOS: Days after their owner died, 'investors are circling' the Ottawa Senators

Following the sudden death of Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melynk on Monday, it didn’t take long for rumours of relocation to start swirling around the beleaguered NHL franchise.

April 1, 2022 NHL

A moment of silence is held in memory of Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk in Edmonton. It is believed that a handful of potential ownership groups have already expressed an interest in purchasing the money-losing Senators. Ian Kucerak/Postmedia

TRAIKOS: Would the Maple Leafs rather face Florida, Tampa Bay or Boston in the first round?

With 17 games remaining in the regular season — six of which are against teams above or below them in the Atlantic Division — the Toronto Maple Leafs have some control over where they end up in the Eastern Conference standings.

March 28, 2022 Sports

The Tampa Bay Lightning play an up-tempo style that might be conducive to the Maple Leafs’ run-and-gun game, if the two teams were to meet in the playoffs.

TRAIKOS: Jonathan Huberdeau trying to pass his way to Hart Trophy consideration

The most underrated player on the most underrated team in the National Hockey League would probably be rated a lot higher in the current MVP vote if he shot the puck more.

March 28, 2022 Sports

Heading into Sunday's contests, Florida Panthers left wing Jonathan Huberdeau led the league with 68 assists in 64 games.

TRAIKOS: Too many factors working against Leafs' Michael Bunting winning the Calder Trophy

Age is one of the reasons why 26-year-old Michael Bunting probably won’t win the Calder Trophy this year.

March 25, 2022 Sports

Top rookie point-getter Michael Bunting of the Maple Leafs, here chasing Moritz Seider during a game at Little Caesars Arena in January, will likely finish behind the Wings D-man in the Calder Trophy voting.

TRAIKOS: Are the hockey gods punishing the Vegas Golden Knights for trying to buy a championship?

You’ve got to hand it to the hockey gods. They sure have a warped — if not wicked — sense of humour.

March 24, 2022 Sports

The Vegas Golden Knights are just 6-11-1 with Jack Eichel in the lineup.

TRAIKOS: Maple Leafs didn't go all in at the deadline because they didn't believe they can go all the way in the playoffs

One day later, I don’t know what was worse: The fact that Toronto lost out on a chance at acquiring a No. 1 goalie and a 23-year-old versatile forward from Chicago at the trade deadline or that Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas was the one who reportedly walked away from the deal because the prices were too high.

March 22, 2022 Sports

Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas didn’t go all in at the trade deadline

TRAIKOS: Why the teams in the Atlantic Division could end up as the big losers at the trade deadline

And the winner of the trade deadline is … check back in a few months. Seriously, deciding which team came out on top is a bit difficult considering the playoffs haven’t even begun. With that being said, there were some things that stood out. From Florida, Tampa Bay, Boston and Toronto getting involved in a mini-arms race to Anaheim and Seattle stocking the cupboards, here is a look at the good and bad of what was deadline day.

March 21, 2022 Sports

Colorado got even better with the addition of Josh Manson.

TRAIKOS: With Giroux and Giordano gone, is there anyone left heading into the NHL trade deadline?

Trades, trades and even more trades.