iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov will have an MRI done today after incurring another leg-related injury during OT loss to Sharks. www.nytimes.com/athletic/765...

nytimes.com

Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov exits game with apparent leg injury

Barkov missed the entire 2025-26 regular season because of a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Story on the Ducks' massive bet on the unproven Tristan Luneau and the 22-year-old's upside. (Free to read).🔓 www.nytimes.com/athletic/765...

nytimes.com

Defenseman Tristan Luneau, Ducks agree to 6-year extension with $7.2M AAV

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Macklin Celebrini answered the "who's next?" question affirmatively with a historic NHL season for a teenager. Now for the 20-year-old it's about "what's next?" for the league's brightest young superstar. www.nytimes.com/athletic/764...

nytimes.com

What is the 'next phase' for Macklin Celebrini after his eye-popping second season?

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

"There’s no reason that we shouldn’t make the playoffs." All the losses, all the roster turnover, all the lottery picks, all the hopes and dreams have led to this for the Sharks. Are they ready to break out?🔓 www.nytimes.com/athletic/761...

nytimes.com

New-look Sharks have set new-look goals: ‘No reason that we shouldn’t make the playoffs’ (Gift Article)

With big moves on the roster and a crew of improving young stars, the Sharks are ready to make some noise.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Better Half isn't on an social media so I think I'll escape trouble for posting but we've turned 35 today on this winding, loving journey.

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Reposted by Eric Stephens

Murat Ates @wpgmurat.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

The Winnipeg Jets have suspended goaltender Connor Hellebuyck for failure to report to training camp. Kevin Cheveldayoff will address the media at 10:30 a.m. (CT) on Thursday, Sept. 17th. NEWS⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/759...

nytimes.com

Winnipeg Jets suspend Connor Hellebuyck for failure to report to training camp

Hellebuyck went public with his trade request via a post shared by his agent Ray Petkau on Aug. 27.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Sat down with Peter Laviolette for a little chat as he starts his first training camp running the Kings. www.nytimes.com/athletic/760...

nytimes.com

As training camp opens, Kings coach Peter Laviolette pushes for 'more creative' attack

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Pat Verbeek needed a win in the worst way after the Leo Carlsson offer sheet saga and other contracts coming off the Ducks' playoff appearance. On the Cutter Gauthier deal and getting their goal-scoring ace into camp on time. www.nytimes.com/athletic/759...

nytimes.com

Gauthier signing gives Ducks' Verbeek a needed win at the end of a brutal offseason

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Might be impossible to do but would be good to get the person who created the fake Holly Rowe video and have them speak to their thought process on that. If you're so willing to create the AI for public consumption, at least explain why you did it and have that out there, too.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

I still tweet occasionally mainly for professional reasons. Sometimes it's just a stream-of-consciousness thing to put into the airspace. But I didn't get too hung up on getting my original account hacked. It was a blessing in a way. That platform is one where people just vomit their inner filth.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

The thing with people defending vile posts or behavior (even if AI) itself is that about 0.00001 percent of those people actually have their real name or image attached in their accounts to stand behind such shitty takes. Most slink behind crappy avatars or anonymous handles.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

As some insiders have noted this morning, the Ducks and Cutter Gauthier seem to be on a path toward hammering out an extension as Thursday's camp opening approaches. A positive sign all along has been the two sides talking numbers and maintaining regular contact over the last few weeks.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

With typical candor, John Klingberg looks back on an NHL career full of accomplishment and some disappointment. The one-time standout defenseman talks often playing in pain and eagerly embracing his next chapter. www.nytimes.com/athletic/758...

nytimes.com

John Klingberg on retirement, playing through pain and his next chapter in TV

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Michigan getting a phantom extra second and "second" final play for an unbelievable Hail Mary walk-off to survive Western Michigan is up there with Colorado's winning TD on a fifth down to beat Missouri way back when.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Ducks will retire Ryan Getzlaf's No. 15 jersey on Jan. 30 ahead of home game against Nashville. His number will join those of Paul Kariya (9), Teemu Selanne (8) and Scott Niedermayer (27) in the Honda Center rafters.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Ducks acquire forward prospect Cruz Lucius from Penguins for future considerations. Lucius, 22, had 46 points in 36 games for Arizona State last season in being the Sun Devils' MVP. Started NCAA career at Wisconsin.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

In today's L.A. news, we find that a world-renowned sports franchise was basically treated like a Bakersfield starter home that got a turn-key renovation.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Dig into this Kings fan survey before we shut it down. Won't take long. We'll analyze the results later this week. www.nytimes.com/athletic/749...

nytimes.com

L.A. Kings fan survey: Confidence level in Robitaille? What should happen with Doughty?

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Been out there for a while but the Sharks re-signed RFA forward Collin Graf to a three-year deal with a $4.25 million AAV. Graf broke out with 21 goals and 25 assists last season.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

It's time for liftoff in San Jose. My column on Mike Grier, Macklin Celebrini and what lies ahead for the Sharks after the prodigy's record extension. www.nytimes.com/athletic/747...

nytimes.com

With Macklin Celebrini on board, it’s time for liftoff in San Jose (Gift Article)

The Sharks are in good hands with GM Mike Grier, and it's all lining up for them to be the team of the future.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Sharks GM Mike Grier said he sought a max term eight-year deal for Macklin Celebrini but understands that five years is a good spot for his center and the club as to both accomplishing their objectives over that period. He also said he's "pretty close" on a deal for RFA Collin Graf.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Dave Manson is the new head coach of the San Diego Gulls, the Ducks' AHL affiliate. Manson, 59, was an assistant to Matt McIlvane, who left to join Marco Sturm's staff with Boston Bruins. Kelly Buchberger and Steve McCarthy will be Manson's assistants. Jeff Glass remains as goalie coach.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Kings sign 2026 first-round pick Elton Hermansson to a three-year, entry-level contract. Hermansson was the 19th selection overall and will be expected to play for MoDo in Sweden's second-tier Allsvenskan, where he played most of last season. Not expected to be at fall camp.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Leo Carlsson has his monster contract and it's with the Ducks after they matched the Flyers' offer sheet. Now, can they construct a Stanley Cup-contending team with an $18 million (cap hit) player? www.nytimes.com/athletic/743...

nytimes.com

Can the Anaheim Ducks build a Stanley Cup contender around an $18 million player?

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

With the Ducks in a cap crunch and Cutter Gauthier's looming contract to account for, Frank Vatrano's $4.57M AAV contract is surely one they would attempt to move. Teams know that and a sweetener is likely required for someone to take it on, but the Ducks do have three 2027 second-round picks.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

New Kings forward Erik Haula said 1,000 games is a big goal for him to reach. He's on a two-year deal with L.A. Two full seasons will get the 35-year-old there.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

"There’s a lot of great memories. I think it’s easy to sit here in the present and think of all the negative things." Darnell Nurse on his tumultuous 12 years with the Oilers and embracing trade to Sharks. www.nytimes.com/athletic/739...

nytimes.com

Oilers trade Darnell Nurse to Sharks for Shakir Mukhamadullin and Zack Sharp

Nurse played 798 career games with Edmonton, the same franchise that drafted him at No. 7 in the 2013 NHL Draft.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

"Saddened" by Wild exit, Mats Zuccarello says no hard feelings, excited to join Kings. From @joesmithnhl.bsky.social and @russohockey.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/741...

nytimes.com

'Saddened' by Wild exit, Mats Zuccarello says no hard feelings, excited to join Kings

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Mason Marchment agrees to five-year free agent contract with Sharks. www.nytimes.com/athletic/741...

nytimes.com

Mason Marchment agrees to 5-year contract with San Jose Sharks

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Spitballing here but wonder if Ducks are taking a hard look at Ilya Mikheyev as a UFA winger. Strong penalty killer who can hit for 15-20 goals.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Kings officially announce Phil Housley as associate coach and Ray Whitney and Chris Hajt as assistant coaches on Peter Laviolette's staff. Derik Johnson will remain as an assistant. Mike Buckley also remains as goalie coach.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Sharks sign RHD Michael Kesselring to a three-year contract worth $4.5 million AAV.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Ducks first-round pick Nikita Klepov said he doesn't have a particular player he compares himself to but focused on watching Nikita Kucherov most this past season. Considers himself more of a playmaker than a shot-first winger. Born in Florida, moved to Russia and lived there until he was 15.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Kings have signed Brandt Clarke to a five-year contract extension worth $7.4 million AAV.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

If you're the Sharks, do you offer up No. 2 overall for Zach Werenski?

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

I get that Pat Verbeek wants size on his blue line and that Olen Zellweger just might be in the way of the bigger, very physical Stian Solberg coming at some point but unless that No. 45 pick is used in a bigger deal, trading Zellweger for questionable futures feels like a waste.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Can't imagine Kings GM Ken Holland sitting on his hands while all this trade activity is going on, giving a clear mandate not to rebuild. At this point, Elias Pettersson is worth a shot -- provided they get the Canucks to retain a huge chunk of his $11 million number. Like half of it, really.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Feels like Sharks could be in play for Alexander Nikishin if they're real high on him. Just a feeling. Don't think they would have to give up as much for him as others in that early-to-mid 20s defenseman profile.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Also hearing with accuracy about the Ducks and active trade talks regarding Mason McTavish following the reports by Frank Seravalli and ESPN's Emily Kaplan.

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Eric Stephens @iceman-cometh.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Ducks sign RFA defenseman Ian Moore to a two-year, $1.15 million AAV extension. One-way NHL contract. Played a lot at forward this past season but a natural RHD.

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