Welcome back to Screen Shots, where we break down the latest headlines, rumours, and talking points in the hockey world. From a possible GM change in Los Angeles to salary cap issues in Dallas, and an epic overtime battle in the PWHL, there’s a lot to cover. Let’s dive in.
Could Ken Holland Become the Next Kings GM?
There are strong rumours that Ken Holland, former general manager of the Detroit Red Wings and Edmonton Oilers, is in the running for the Los Angeles Kings GM job. At 69 years old, some might think this could be his final opportunity, but looking at Lou Lamoriello – who’s still active in the NHL past 80 – it’s not out of the question that Holland could still have more left in the tank.
The Kings are in an interesting position. They already have young stars like Quinton Byfield, solid veterans like Drew Doughty and Adrian Kempe, and promising talent like Brandt Clarke. Add to that roughly $23.3 million in salary cap space, and there’s real potential to improve the team over the summer.
Holland’s experience in team-building and navigating free agency could be exactly what the Kings need. Whether they go ahead with him or not, it’s clear that Holland remains a respected name in the NHL world, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him take charge of another franchise soon.
Jim Nill and the Dallas Stars: A Winning Formula
When it comes to smart team management, Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill is one of the best. He’s won the NHL’s Jim Gregory GM of the Year Award two years in a row and could even grab a third this season. Nill has shown great ability to balance drafting, player development, and managing the salary cap.
Looking ahead to next season, Dallas will face a tight cap situation. Even with the salary cap increasing to $95.5 million, the Stars are expected to have just $5.8 million in cap space.
They have key players like Jamie Benn, Matt Duchene, and Mikael Granlund becoming free agents, along with Mavrik Bourque, who needs a new contract as a restricted free agent. Some tough choices will have to be made, but if anyone can handle it, it’s Nill. The Stars are built for long-term success, and no matter how this year ends, they’ll be strong contenders in 2025–26.
Is Unlimited Overtime Still the Best Choice?
The PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League) recently saw one of the longest playoff games ever. It took four overtime periods and over 5 hours and 34 minutes for Montreal Victoire to beat the Ottawa Charge.
That has sparked a debate: should playoff games have unlimited overtime, or should they be decided with shootouts or 3-on-3 OT like in the regular season?
From a fan’s point of view, many love the tension and drama of 5-on-5 overtime in the playoffs. Yes, it can be exhausting for players and fans alike, but that’s what makes it so thrilling. Unlike regular season games where people want quicker finishes, playoff hockey is all about battling to the end – no matter how long it takes.
So, the best system might just be what we already have: shootouts and 3-on-3 in regular season, and full-length 5-on-5 overtime in playoffs. It keeps the excitement alive and the tradition of playoff hockey intact.
Whether it’s the possibility of Ken Holland landing a new GM job, the Dallas Stars managing their cap with skill, or the excitement of marathon playoff games, the NHL continues to deliver stories worth watching. As teams get ready for big off-season moves and the playoffs heat up, fans are in for some great hockey action ahead.
