Fantucchio’s Focus: Lee named Clancy finalist; Islanders sign prospect to ELC

Good morning; my name is Andrew Fantucchio. Today is Thursday, June 8, and here’s what I’m focused on around the NHL today.

Anders Lee named Clancy finalist:

New York Islanders captain Anders Lee has been named a finalist for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, along with Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse and Calgary Flames forward Mikael Backlund. The winner of the award will be announced at the NHL Awards on June 26.

Anders Lee named finalist for King Clancy Memorial Trophy

Islanders sign Liukas to entry-level deal:

The Islanders signed Eetu Liukas to a three-year entry-level contract on Wednesday. The 20-year-old Finnish forward was drafted 157th overall by the Islanders in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Liukas spent last season playing for Hämeenlinnan Pallokerho in the Finnish Elite League, where he totaled 23 points with 14 goals in 58 games. Standing at 6’2″ and 198lbs, Liukas projects to play on the fourth line once he’s NHL-ready.

Gudas expected to play for Panthers in Stanley Cup Final Game 3:

After suffering an injury in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, Radko Gudas is expected to be out on the ice for the Florida Panthers against the Vegas Golden Knights for Game 3 of the series this evening.

Although he stayed in the game after getting hurt, Gudas’s injury was the start of Florida’s implosion in a 7-2 loss on Monday.

When Radko Gudas Got Hurt, Things Went South for the Florida Panthers

Vegas leads the series two games to none as the series shifts to FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, FL. Game 3 will air on TNT starting at 8 p.m.

LA extends Gavrikov:

The Los Angeles Kings continue to stay busy as they signed defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to a contract extension on Wednesday.

Done Deal: Kings Re-Sign Gavrikov

The two-year deal is for $5.875 million a season and comes with a full no-movement clause. The Kings acquired Gavrikov from the Columbus Blue Jackets at the trade deadline in a deal that included Joonas Korpisalo in exchange for Jonathan Quick, a first-round pick in this year’s draft and a third-round pick next year.

Athanasiou re-signs with Blackhawks:

The Chicago Blackhawks re-signed impending free agent forward Andreas Athanasiou to a two-year contract with an annual cap hit of $4.25 million.

Blackhawks Re-Sign Andreas Athanasiou To Two-Year Deal

Athanasiou, 28, scored 40 points with 20 goals in 81 games for Chicago last season.

More from National Hockey Now:

Pittsburgh: A look back at Kyle Dubas’s tendencies at the NHL Draft

Nashville: Preds nearly dealed Saros at deadline

Washington: Capitals will need to prioritize goal tending with depth thin