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Ryan Leonard, Boston College (Boston College Athletics)

NHL Rumours: Blackhawks, Capitals, Rosen, Trouba, Ovechkin, Fleury

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Jacob Billington | Last updated Mar 29, 2025 11:55 AM ET

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Chicago Blackhawks have signed a pair of high-end prospects out of the NCAA, and other teams, including the Washington Capitals, could be adding significant talent to the team. Elsewhere, Sam Rosen, the legendary broadcaster, was given special gifts from both the Anaheim Ducks as well as the Rangers’ former captain. Finally, Alexander Ovechkin rallied his team together to honour Marc-Andre Fleury in his final game against the Capitals.

Blackhawks, Capitals & More Teams Have NCAA Help Coming

It was announced on March 29 that the Blackhawks have signed prospects Sam Rinzel and Oliver Moore, who both wrapped up their NCAA seasons with the University of Minnesota. Both prospects were drafted in the first round, and have promising futures. The Blackhawks are already eliminated from playoff contention, so the two players aren’t necessarily coming in to help with this season, but both players are expected to make their NHL debuts this season, and will give management and fans a good look at what to expect from them as soon as next season.

Over to the Capitals, prospects Ryan Leonard and Cole Hutson both dominated in their NCAA seasons for Boston College and Boston University. Both teams are still in the playoffs, but with how well they have played this season, it would be no surprise to see both turn to the pro level, as reported by Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts, after they are either eliminated or they win the Frozen Four.

Across the league, there are plenty of NCAA prospects that could be on their way to the NHL, including Isaac Howard with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Jacob Fowler with the Montreal Canadiens, and Trey Augustine with the Detroit Red Wings.

The St. Louis Blues have already signed Jimmy Snuggerud.

Sam Rosen Given Gifts from Ducks, Trouba

One of the best broadcasters in the history of the game is retiring soon, and on his last trip to Anaheim to call the game between the Ducks and Rangers, the Ducks had some gifts to give him, as did former Rangers captain Jacob Trouba.

The Ducks provided Rosen with a bottle of his favorite wine, as well as a jersey that shows “Rosen” and the number 40 on the back, signed by all of the members of the team. The number represents his 40 years as the Rangers broadcaster.

Trouba, who spent six years with the Rangers before being traded in December, gifted him an original art piece. Trouba is relatively new to the art world, but has been passionate about creating paintings. He does a great job of telling his story here, and why the art is important to him. His hockey-themed artwork has been catching the eye of many, and his gift to Rosen is special.

Ovechkin Ensures Capitals Show Respect to Fleury

On Thursday’s game (Mar. 27), the Minnesota Wild hosted the Capitals, and after nearly 15 years of going head-to-head in one of the greatest modern rivalries, Ovechkin made sure the Capitals players didn’t leave the ice without paying their respects to Fleury, who will be retiring after this season.

After a loss, it is common for players to go right down the tunnel, and that is what was happening on that night, too. Ovechkin yelled down the tunnel and told all of the players to come back to shake hands with Fleury and congratulate him on his career.

Ovechkin and Fleury faced off many times in important games, whether it be the regular season or the playoffs. The Pittsburgh Penguins and the Capitals had a fantastic rivalry, and these two were huge parts of that. Greatness recognizing greatness. It was a very classy move from Ovechkin, and with the goal record being chased down quickly, Fleury is probably relieved that he is done playing against Ovechkin and that the record-breaking goal didn’t come against him.