Michael Traikos

LATEST STORIES BY MICHAEL TRAIKOS

TRAIKOS: Despite reaching the Stanley Cup final, Montreal Canadiens enter season with backs against wall

After the year they had and all that they accomplished, it would be easy to suggest that the Montreal Canadiens should one of the favourites to challenge for a championship once again next season.

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September 16, 2021 Sports

Montreal Canadiens forward Tyler Toffoli celebrates after scoring the series-winning goal against the Winnipeg Jets during the NHL playoffs. USA TODAY SPORTS

TRAIKOS: Normalcy — or some version of it — is returning to the NHL this season

Open up the borders and the arena doors.

September 15, 2021 Sports

With the NHL headed back to normalcy this season, fans now have to settle for only two head-to-battles between Auston Matthews (left) and Connor McDavid.

TRAIKOS: Zach Hyman's exit could be first of many if the Maple Leafs don't start seeing playoff success

The exodus has started.

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September 14, 2021 Sports

Zach Hyman used to defend against Connor McDavid, now he may be lining up beside him as his linemate when the season starts. Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

TRAIKOS: As the new season begins, it's still all or nothing again for Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs will not have a documentary film crew covering their every move next season. But the team, which was the subject of the Amazon series, All Or Nothing, has the same expectations going into what could be a pivotal year for its players and management.

September 14, 2021 Toronto Maple Leafs

“As far as a successful season, obviously, it’s just all about winning really. That’s really all that matters," says Auston Matthews.

TRAIKOS: Sabres have already waited way too long to trade Jack Eichel

Can the Buffalo Sabres play another season with Jack Eichel as their captain?

August 1, 2021 Sports

Jack Eichel of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on February 23, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey.

TRAIKOS: Can the Maple Leafs win a Stanley Cup without a big-name, big-contract goalie?

Can the Toronto Maple Leafs win a Stanley Cup with Jack Campbell and Petr Mrazek as their goaltenders?

July 28, 2021 Sports

The Carolina Hurricanes signed free-agent goaltender Frederik Andersen on Wednesday, ending his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

NHL FREE AGENCY: All the latest in who got signed and traded

The NHL’s free agency officially opened at 12 p.m. EDT on July 28. And it didn’t take long for teams to write cheques that they may soon regret. Compiled by Michael Traikos and Lance Hornby.

July 28, 2021 NHL

Goalie Petr Mrazek of the Carolina Hurricanes looks on after allowing a goal against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on April 20, 2019 in Washington, D.C.

TRAIKOS: Does trading away Fleury mean Vegas is in line to acquire Eichel?

What does the trade package now look like for Jack Eichel?

July 27, 2021 Sports

The Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday traded goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury — and the final year of his $7-million salary — to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for the minor-league equivalent of a bucket of hockey pucks.

TRAIKOS: What's ahead for Canada's NHL teams?

The Flames and Oilers each lost a top-pairing defenceman. The Leafs lost a top-six winger. And the Canadiens made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

July 26, 2021 Sports

All eyes are on whether the Edmonton Oilers can re-sign defenceman Tyson Barrie in the coming weeks or find a suitable replacement (Dougie Hamilton?) for both him and Adam Larsson on the backend.

TRAIKOS: Will Eichel be the next player heading out of Buffalo?

Two down. One more to go.

July 25, 2021 NHL

Sam Reinhart was traded to the Florida Panthers by the Buffalo Sabres on July 24, 2021.