Why Plain Old Natural Gas Is the Hottest Thing at the ‘Super Bowl’ of Energy 13 Mar 3:46 AM (last month)
At a major energy conference in Texas, which showcases some of the latest cutting-edge technology — including carbon capture innovations and the push to build the world’s first fusion power plant — it’s natural gas that’s stealing the spotlight this year.
The global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is set to increase by 40 percent over the next five years, according to S&P Global. While natural gas has often faced criticism from environmentalists, executives in the energy sector now argue that its growing demand will be key in meeting the world’s need for reliable electricity while also helping nations reduce reliance on coal.
“Practicality and pragmatism will always win out,” said Tengku Muhammad Taufik, CEO of Petronas, a Malaysian oil and gas multinational.
This rise in LNG’s popularity can be attributed to multiple factors, including the growing demand from data centers. These energy-intensive hubs that store servers and computer systems require constant, reliable electricity. As tech giants look for diverse energy sources for their data centers — including hydrogen, geothermal, and nuclear — many in the energy industry predict that natural gas will play an important role in meeting these needs, at least in the near term.
“Data centers and AI are energy hogs,” said Meg O’Neill, CEO of Woodside Energy, an Australian oil and gas company. “We’re asking ourselves, ‘What energy source is going to be most flexible to meet that demand?’ And LNG will likely play a more significant role.”
Additionally, the energy security concerns heightened by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have spurred countries to secure long-term LNG contracts. “Last year, we signed 10-year deals with industrial players in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan,” O’Neill said. “These countries know they need LNG and are seeking price certainty.”
LNG Will Be the ‘Core’ of the Energy Transition, Executives Claim
Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies, a French multinational, shared his thoughts at the Houston conference, stating that gas-fired power plants could play a crucial role in helping countries move away from coal. According to data from Wood Mackenzie, burning natural gas generates only half the carbon emissions of coal.
“I’m convinced that gas will be the core of the energy transition,” said Pouyanné, adding that LNG could also complement renewable sources like wind and solar, especially in addressing their intermittent nature.
Dan Grossman from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) acknowledged this potential but emphasized that natural gas producers must address methane emissions if they want to claim the title of “green” energy. “If natural gas is going to be central to our energy future, companies need to manage their methane emissions effectively,” said Grossman.
Meanwhile, renewable energy advocate John Ketchum, CEO of NextEra Energy, raised concerns about the pace of natural gas development. He pointed out that building a new natural gas plant is a lengthy process, exacerbated by labor shortages, with new plants not expected to come online until the 2030s.
LNG Champions Speak Up
Despite differing opinions on natural gas’s role in the energy transition, politicians and energy executives from LNG-producing regions continued to emphasize its importance. U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, whose administration recently lifted a ban on LNG exports, argued that renewables cannot fully replace the extensive benefits of natural gas.
In Canada, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also highlighted the importance of natural gas during a panel discussion at the CERAWeek conference. She referred to a recent study commissioned by the Alberta Energy Regulator, which revealed the province’s vast natural gas reserves, totaling 1,360 trillion cubic feet (TCF), far surpassing previous estimates.
“We have a really, really good gas story,” Smith said, noting that Alberta’s natural gas reserves make it a prime location for developing AI data centers and energy infrastructure.
Canada is also advancing its LNG sector with six West Coast projects in the works, including LNG Canada’s Phase 1 project, set to begin operations this summer. Tatsuya Terazawa, CEO of the Institute of Energy Economics in Japan, shared that Japan is particularly interested in Canadian LNG, as it helps secure energy supplies and diversifies their energy sources, especially with the short distance from British Columbia.
O’Neill of Woodside Energy noted that although her company previously pulled out of a B.C.-based LNG project, they are closely monitoring developments in Canada’s LNG sector. “We’ve been very optimistic about monetizing North American gas for some time,” she said, reflecting a growing global interest in the region’s natural gas reserves.
PM’s Intelligence Adviser Says Canada Must Prioritize Its Own Security 12 Mar 7:48 AM (last month)
The prime minister’s intelligence and security adviser, Nathalie Drouin, emphasized the need for Canada to become more self-reliant, especially after the U.S. imposed tariffs on Canadian goods, marking the start of a trade conflict between the two countries.
Speaking at a panel in Ottawa on Wednesday, Drouin told an audience of international military and security leaders, “We need to be a little bit more selfish now.” She explained that while Canada must continue to meet its NATO commitments and remain a reliable partner for NORAD, the country’s primary focus should be on its own protection.
Drouin’s comments come on the heels of U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision on Tuesday to impose a 25% tariff on most Canadian imports, a move that has thrown both economies into a period of instability. In response, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau imposed counter-tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods.
Trudeau accused Trump of attempting to “collapse the Canadian economy” in a bid to make it easier to annex Canada, a sentiment the U.S. president has expressed on multiple occasions.
Trump’s aggressive stance towards Canada, paired with his desire for a quick resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine and his efforts to appease Russian President Vladimir Putin, has heightened global uncertainty.
Trudeau criticized Trump for his inconsistent policies, particularly his hostile approach to Canada’s closest ally while simultaneously seeking to negotiate with Putin, whom Trudeau described as a “lying, murderous dictator.”
In her speech, Drouin stressed the importance of strengthening Canada’s defense capabilities. “We are in the most unsettling time since the Second World War,” she said, adding that the paradigm shift in Canada’s relationship with the U.S. was undeniable.
Drouin also expressed concerns about how the new U.S. administration might handle intelligence-sharing. Just before the panel began, senior White House officials announced that the U.S. had temporarily suspended intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
Vincent Rigby, Drouin’s predecessor, warned last month that the U.S. might leverage access to intelligence against traditional allies over trade disputes.
However, Dan Rogers, Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), voiced optimism that this wouldn’t happen. He argued that the U.S. continues to benefit from its intelligence relationship with Canada.
“If you can rely on partners to act in their self-interest, then they should continue to value the binational cooperation between the U.S. and Canada in the intelligence space. And I think they do,” Rogers said. “Now is a great time to double down on the things that make us strong.”
Joly Affirms Strong Canada-U.K. Bond After British PM’s White House Comments 11 Mar 4:21 PM (last month)
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly reassured that the relationship between Canada and the United Kingdom remains unchanged, despite remarks made by the British prime minister during his visit to the White House.
Speaking at a press conference in Vancouver on Friday, Joly emphasized that “no force on Earth will drive a wedge between Canada and the U.K.”
“It is in our DNA to maintain a close relationship with the U.K.,” she said, adding that she remains in regular contact with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and national security adviser Jonathan Powell.
She also stressed the need for both countries to collaborate in managing the challenges arising from the unpredictability of U.S. policies.
As former U.S. President Donald Trump continued to challenge Canadian sovereignty, Canada has sought to bolster ties with historical allies like the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.
Since his second term, Trump had frequently suggested Canada might one day become the “51st state” and dismissed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a “governor.”
Joly’s remarks followed a day after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated during a White House press briefing that the relationship between the U.S. and U.K. remains strong.
When asked by a reporter whether King Charles had expressed concerns about Trump’s recent comments on annexing Canada, Starmer sidestepped the question, accusing the journalist of attempting to create a rift that doesn’t exist.
Starmer, who delivered an invitation from the King for President Trump to visit Balmoral, a Scottish royal estate, reassured that the two nations’ relations were solid. “We’re the closest of nations, and we had very good discussions today. But we didn’t discuss Canada,” Starmer explained, as President Trump interrupted, saying, “that’s enough.”
Roland Paris, a former foreign policy advisor to Prime Minister Trudeau, criticized Starmer’s response, calling it “unfortunate.”
“Starmer could have easily affirmed Canada’s sovereignty,” Paris remarked. “Instead, he missed the chance to clarify the distinction between his position and Trump’s.”
Paris speculated that Starmer was trying to maintain a positive atmosphere following what he called a productive discussion with Trump, but in doing so, the British prime minister “sacrificed Canada’s interests.”
Trump’s actions, Paris noted, have fostered a climate of uncertainty in which countries are increasingly focused on securing their own agendas, often overlooking the concerns of others.
Earlier on Friday, during an event with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, Joly shared that she had warned European counterparts about potential threats from Trump, describing Canada as a “canary in the coal mine.”
She recalled writing to European leaders after Trump threatened tariffs on the European Union, telling them, “I told you.”
Alexa Vasko Leads Ottawa Charge to 3-2 Victory Over Minnesota Frost in Emotional Win 10 Mar 11:15 PM (last month)
Star Goalie Emerance Maschmeyer Leaves Game Due to Injury
Despite a challenging turn of events, the Ottawa Charge secured three vital points on Tuesday night.
Alexa Vasko delivered a clutch short-handed goal late in the game, lifting Ottawa to a 3-2 triumph over the Minnesota Frost in Professional Women’s Hockey League action.
Ottawa (8-1-4-9) had largely dictated the pace, but the momentum shifted dramatically in the third period.
With the Charge holding a 2-1 lead, disaster struck when goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer had to be helped off the ice by the team’s medical staff.
Maschmeyer, a cornerstone of the Charge since their inception, has been instrumental in their success. Watching her exit in clear distress was a tough blow for the team. No immediate update on her condition was available after the game.
From Cheers to Silence
Not long before the injury, Maschmeyer received a standing ovation for reaching 1,000 career regular-season saves.
However, as the cheers faded, Minnesota’s Taylor Heise capitalized on traffic in front of the net, cutting Ottawa’s lead to 2-1.
Initially, Maschmeyer’s save seemed routine, but concern quickly set in as she remained down on the ice. The 30-year-old was unable to get up unassisted, casting a somber mood over the arena.
With 9:55 remaining, Gwyneth Philips stepped in as relief goaltender. Her first test was a shot that initially appeared to be waved off, but after a lengthy review, officials confirmed the goal, evening the score at 2-2.
Rallying for Masch
“We told the team, ‘We’ve got to stick together,'” said Ottawa coach Carla MacLeod. “There are always unexpected challenges, and that was another one. But we rallied and said, ‘Let’s win this one for Masch,’ and that’s exactly what they did.”
The situation grew even tougher when Shiann Darkangelo was sent to the box for tripping with 5:48 left on the clock.
But rather than crumbling, the Charge responded with a game-winning short-handed goal. Ronja Savolainen battled for the puck along the boards before making a diving pass to Vasko, who buried her second goal of the night.
Staying Focused
“It’s tough seeing Masch go down, but we have full confidence in Gwen,” Vasko said. “We came together as a group, and you could see that on the ice.”
Minnesota (7-5-4-7) coach Ken Klee acknowledged his team missed an opportunity to capitalize on the momentum swing.
“It was a tight game,” Klee said. “We were happy to claw back from two down, but in the end, it just didn’t go our way.”
With only eight games left, the Charge desperately needed the win. Ottawa remains five points behind Minnesota for the final playoff spot but holds two games in hand.
MacLeod, however, isn’t focused on the standings.
“I’m watching our group,” she said. “It’s about improving every day and making sure we give ourselves the best chance to earn three points each time we hit the ice.”
Game Recap
Brianne Jenner got things started for Ottawa with a power-play goal, beating Minnesota goaltender Maddie Rooney, who finished with 16 saves. Vasko extended the lead to 2-0 in the second period, capitalizing on a pass from Natalie Snodgrass after a turnover by Claire Thompson.
Heise’s goal cut the lead to one before Thompson later netted her fourth of the season, tying the game at 2-2. But in the end, Vasko’s heroics ensured Ottawa skated away with a crucial win.
Texas-bound: Canadian Politicians Politely Criticize U.S. Tariffs During Visit to the Lone Star State 10 Mar 6:26 AM (last month)
In the midst of a tense tariff standoff, Canadian politicians in Houston took the opportunity to express their frustrations with the United States, all while maintaining the trademark politeness associated with Canada.
“I don’t think friends treat each other like this,” said Alberta Energy Minister Brian Jean during a panel at CERAWeek by S&P Global, which also included Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. The three were in Texas amid a rapidly shifting tariff dispute, in which Ontario Premier Doug Ford had introduced a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the U.S. While U.S. President Donald Trump responded with significant tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, both sides ultimately agreed to step back and engage in dialogue.
Lecce Expresses Disappointment
Despite the apparent thaw, Lecce expressed his offense rather than anger, explaining his personal connection to the situation. “I think about my own dad, who immigrated through Ellis Island, New York. I mean, we are family, and this is unjust,” Lecce shared in an interview with News.
The terms “family” and “friends” were frequently used throughout the panel to describe the Canada-U.S. relationship. Moe acknowledged that while disagreements are a natural part of close relations, he emphasized that tariffs and counter-tariffs do not help the broader North American “family.”
Economic Repercussions Felt on Both Sides
The economic uncertainty surrounding the tariffs was reflected in the stock market, where indices took a sharp dip before recovering slightly by the day’s end. Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson, also in Houston, addressed the tariff issue with a firm but diplomatic tone.
“Canadians expect their government to stand up for them. They don’t expect us to be passive in the face of these actions,” Wilkinson remarked. He had recently met with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and while the two officials did not reach a resolution, Wilkinson noted that their discussion helped them better understand each other’s perspectives. He expressed hope that Wright, with his background in the oil industry, would advocate for de-escalating the tariff conflict.
Confusion Over Energy Tariffs
The White House had earlier announced a 10% tariff on Canadian energy imports, but confusion has arisen due to exemptions granted under the U.S.-Canada free trade agreement. When pressed by the media, Wright avoided specifics on the issue. Wilkinson clarified that most Canadian oil and natural gas now fall outside the tariff’s scope and suggested that trade relations between the two nations were actually improving.
Canada’s Unity Amidst Tensions
Despite the ongoing tensions, the tariff dispute has inadvertently fostered greater unity within Canada. Lecce remarked that he had never seen the country more united, with the shared frustration spurring efforts to invest in new infrastructure and explore additional export markets.
“We almost needed this push as a nation to realize our full potential,” Lecce said. While in Texas, he has been promoting Ontario’s nuclear industry to state-level officials, navigating the federal-level turmoil.
Limits to Unity
However, there are limits to this unity. When asked about how Mark Carney, the incoming federal Liberal leader, might handle the situation, Jean pointed out that Carney, who has not yet assumed office, has no mandate to take action. “Both prime ministers are lame ducks,” Jean remarked, referring to Carney and outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is scheduled to meet with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday to continue trade discussions.
A Call for Action
As the situation continues to unfold, Lecce said he expects Canada to respond by addressing internal trade barriers, expanding trade beyond North America, and undertaking major infrastructure projects reminiscent of the Canadian Pacific Railway. “This is the moment for us to rise,” Lecce said, expressing optimism for Canada’s future despite the challenges at hand.
Federal Government Issues Apology for Dundas Harbour Relocations in Nunavut 10 Mar 2:23 AM (last month)
The Canadian federal government has issued a long-overdue apology to Inuit families impacted by the forced relocations to Dundas Harbour in Nunavut almost a century ago.
Gary Anandasangaree, the federal minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, made the formal apology during a ceremony in Arctic Bay, Nunavut, on Thursday afternoon.
“We acknowledge the profound harm caused to your families, communities, and way of life — the removal from your homes and loved ones, the hardships endured, and the displacements that fractured your kinship,” Anandasangaree stated in front of the community gathered at the local center. “We offer our sincerest apology. We are deeply sorry. Mamianaq.”
Among those present were descendants of the relocated individuals, many of whom have spent years advocating for an apology and recognition of the damage these forced relocations caused to their families and communities.
The Dundas Harbour relocations were among the earliest instances of government-ordered relocations of Inuit people.
In 1934, according to the Qikiqtani Truth Commission, 52 Inuit and 109 dogs were taken by ship from several Baffin Island communities—Kinngait, Pangnirtung, and Pond Inlet—to Dundas Harbour, a former RCMP post on Devon Island. A Hudson Bay Company clerk also traveled to manage a trading post at the site.
A report from the Qikiqtani Truth Commission in 2013 indicates that the government’s motivations for the relocation were “complex.”
“Reopening Dundas Harbour served as a sovereignty demonstration at minimal cost to Canada and relocated Inuit from more southerly areas that had been overhunted to an uninhabited location,” the report explains.
However, the relocation proved catastrophic for those involved. The Inuit faced severe weather conditions and scarcity of resources in an unfamiliar environment. After two years, the Dundas Harbour trading post was abandoned, and some Inuit were taken back to Pangnirtung.
Many others were relocated again multiple times to various locations such as Arctic Bay, Fort Ross, and Spence Bay, despite assurances they would be returned to their home communities.
Anandasangaree recognized that while these relocations were originally portrayed as “voluntary,” they were, in reality, anything but. He acknowledged that the federal government exploited its power over the Inuit living in the Arctic and moved them to fulfill its geopolitical objectives, without regard for the wishes of the relocatees.
“We now understand that the power imbalance between the colonial government and its officials meant that participation in the relocation was never truly voluntary, and Inuit were not provided with the necessary information to make informed decisions,” he said.
Lucy Qavavauq, a descendant and member of the Dundas Harbour Relocation Society, which campaigned for the official apology, expressed that the apology was “long overdue.”
While Qavavauq welcomed the apology, she also expressed a wish that it had come sooner. “It would have been great for the elders who lived through it to hear this apology in their time,” she said.
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok also issued a statement on Thursday, calling the apology “a significant step toward healing and reconciliation.”
“I encourage all Canadians to recognize the sacrifices made by the Inuit for the sake of Arctic sovereignty. Teaching our children about our country’s history is vital to achieving true healing and reconciliation,” the statement read.
Advocacy Groups Won’t Appeal Ontario Court’s Dismissal of Long-Term Care Challenge 9 Mar 4:35 PM (last month)
Legal Challenge Against Bill 7 Concludes
Two advocacy organizations have decided not to pursue an appeal following an Ontario court’s dismissal of their Charter challenge to the province’s long-term care law, which allows hospitals to move patients into facilities they did not choose—or face a $400 daily charge for remaining in a hospital.
The case was brought by the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly (ACE) and the Ontario Health Coalition (OHC), with a hearing in Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice in September.
The organizations argued that the More Beds, Better Care Act (Bill 7), passed in 2022, violated Charter rights and should be repealed. The government, however, asserts that the law is essential to free up hospital beds for those requiring urgent care.
In January, Justice Robert Centa ruled in favor of the provincial government, dismissing the case.
Appeal Not Feasible Due to Costs
OHC Executive Director Natalie Mehra expressed disappointment over the court’s decision, stating that the organization simply couldn’t afford the high costs of an appeal.
She explained that the OHC has already covered most of the $200,000 legal costs associated with the case and is still actively fundraising. Furthermore, she acknowledged that appeals are challenging to win, making it an especially difficult financial and strategic decision.
“It’s incredibly frustrating and disheartening,” Mehra remarked. “We know that patients are suffering because of this law, as they struggle to find a long-term care home that meets their needs and allows them to stay close to family.”
Court’s View on $400 Fee and Coercion
In his ruling, Justice Centa maintained that Bill 7 did not violate the Charter, asserting that the law did not interfere with a patient’s right to choose their living arrangements.
Regarding the $400 per day fee for refusing to transfer, he stated that it was not coercive, but rather served an important policy purpose to maximize hospital resources.
“The purpose of Bill 7 is to reduce the number of alternate level of care (ALC) patients in hospitals eligible for long-term care, which in turn helps hospitals focus on patients requiring acute care,” he wrote in his decision.
Mehra, however, disagreed strongly with this reasoning, expressing shock at the idea that charging elderly patients $12,000 a month was not coercive.
“These patients are on fixed incomes, and this amount is unaffordable for most Ontarians. They don’t have a choice in the matter,” she said.
Families Facing Financial Hardships Under Bill 7
The law has already led to significant financial consequences for patients and families.
One notable example is Michele Campeau, whose elderly mother was billed $26,000 after she refused to move her mother from a Windsor hospital to a long-term care facility that the family did not approve of.
Despite reaching out for comment, Campeau has not responded. However, she has previously stated that she did not intend to pay the bill and strongly opposed the court’s ruling.
Many seniors, caregivers, and advocacy groups continue to argue that the law is unfair, particularly for elderly patients nearing the end of their lives, as it forces them into homes they didn’t choose.
Government Defends Bill 7’s Necessity
Despite criticism, the provincial government and healthcare professionals who provided evidence during the court proceedings defend the law as a critical tool for hospital efficiency.
A spokesperson for Ontario’s Minister of Health reiterated that the law is designed to ensure patients receive care in appropriate settings while addressing hospital overcrowding.
“Bill 7 frees up hospital beds, enabling patients waiting for surgery to receive treatment sooner,” the spokesperson stated. “It also reduces pressure on emergency departments and ensures that patients are connected to the care they need, when they need it.”
Advocacy Groups Remain Determined to Push for Change
While the legal fight may be over, Mehra and the OHC vow to continue their advocacy efforts, focusing on ensuring better care for elderly patients.
The organization will press the government for:
- Expanded home care services to reduce unnecessary transfers to hospitals and LTC facilities.
- Increased capacity in both hospitals and long-term care homes.
- Construction of modern and desirable long-term care homes that seniors are eager to live in.
“The government’s approach of targeting patients rather than addressing the systemic capacity issues within healthcare is morally wrong,” Mehra emphasized.
“We must continue to fight with everything we have to force change that truly supports seniors.”
Mark Carney Begins Process to Renounce Irish, U.K. Citizenship 9 Mar 9:24 AM (last month)
Mark Carney, a candidate for the Liberal leadership, has announced that he has started the process of renouncing his British and Irish citizenship, leaving him with only Canadian citizenship upon completion.
At a leadership event in Oakville, Ontario, on Friday evening, Carney shared with reporters that he believes a prime minister should hold only one citizenship.
“I’ve already taken steps to renounce my citizenships with both the United Kingdom and Ireland,” Carney said.
Though Carney was born in Canada, he has held Irish citizenship for many years. He became a British citizen in 2018, five years after taking on the role of Governor of the Bank of England.
The former Bank of Canada governor also pointed out that there are several members of the House of Commons who hold multiple citizenships, and that past federal political leaders, including Conservatives, have held more than one citizenship as well.
“I’m not here to criticize others,” Carney remarked. “But for the role of prime minister, I believe it is important to have only one citizenship.”
In the 2019 federal election, the Globe and Mail revealed that then-Conservative leader Andrew Scheer had American citizenship by birth through his father, who was American. Scheer pledged to renounce his U.S. citizenship during his campaign but changed his stance after the Conservative party’s election loss. By 2020, he admitted he had halted the process, explaining that he no longer saw himself as becoming prime minister.
A News investigation found that at least 56 parliamentarians from the 2015-2019 term — including 44 MPs and 12 senators — had been born outside of Canada, with 22 of them holding citizenships from other countries.
Anand Shifts Course, Will Seek Re-election
Transport Minister Anita Anand, who was also at Carney’s Oakville event, shared with reporters that Carney encouraged her to reconsider her decision not to run for re-election and to re-enter the race.
Anand explained that Carney’s leadership experience and past work navigating economic crises influenced her choice to stand for re-election.
“Canada is facing a critical economic situation,” she said, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming tariffs set to take effect on Tuesday. “I cannot walk away from this moment. One day, I’ll return to academia, but now is not the time. Canada needs all of us to step up.”
With a federal election likely in the spring, the Liberals are in the process of selecting a new leader following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement in January that he would step down.
The final candidates vying for the leadership are Carney, former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, former House leader Karina Gould, and former Liberal MP Frank Baylis.
The Liberal Party is set to choose its next leader — and Canada’s next prime minister — on March 9, with Parliament scheduled to resume on March 24.
Devils Add Dumoulin, Panthers Pick Up Sturm, and Golden Knights Reunite with Smith as NHL Trades Intensify 8 Mar 4:28 AM (last month)
The New Jersey Devils wasted little time addressing a pressing need ahead of the trade deadline, while the reigning champion Florida Panthers made a savvy depth move, and the Vegas Golden Knights welcomed back a key player from their Stanley Cup-winning squad.
With deals flying in on Thursday, New Jersey landed veteran defenseman Brian Dumoulin from Anaheim, Florida bolstered its forward depth by acquiring center Nico Sturm from San Jose, and Vegas brought back winger Reilly Smith in a trade with the New York Rangers.
The Devils’ move for Dumoulin came after the team received tough news: star forward Jack Hughes is done for the season following shoulder surgery, and No. 1 defenseman Dougie Hamilton remains sidelined. In exchange for Dumoulin, New Jersey sent a second-round pick in this year’s draft and the rights to unsigned prospect Herman Traff to the Ducks. Thanks to Hughes being placed on long-term injured reserve, the Devils now have around $10 million in cap flexibility before the deadline, even after adding Dumoulin, as Anaheim is retaining half of his salary.
The Rangers also retained 50% of Smith’s salary in their trade with Vegas, which sent young forward Brendan Brisson and a 2025 third-round pick (originally from last-place San Jose) to New York. The Rangers quickly flipped that pick to Vancouver to acquire defenseman Carson Soucy, who provides a replacement for Ryan Lindgren following his trade to Colorado.
Smith, who played a crucial role in Vegas’ 2023 Stanley Cup run as an alternate captain and original expansion team member, has been on the move frequently. Since lifting the Cup, he has been traded to Pittsburgh, then to New York, and now back to the Golden Knights.
Florida, which fell to Vegas in the 2023 final before capturing its first championship last year, sent a 2026 fourth-round pick to San Jose in exchange for a 2027 seventh-rounder and Sturm. The 29-year-old center is a strong penalty killer with seven goals, six assists, and an NHL-best 62.7% faceoff win rate among players with at least 200 draws this season. Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini praised Sturm’s ability to do the “little things” that don’t always get recognition but make a difference.
“[He] makes sure all the small details are covered—penalty kill, faceoffs, defensive play, you name it,” said Celebrini. “It’s not flashy, but it will definitely help them.”
With top winger Matthew Tkachuk also on LTIR, Florida still has room to make another move as it aims to become the third team in the past decade to win back-to-back Cups. The Panthers have already brought in defenseman Seth Jones from Chicago and goaltender Vitek Vanecek, and on Thursday, they completed a depth goalie swap, acquiring Kaapo Kahkonen from Winnipeg for Chris Driedger.
New Jersey, looking to solidify its playoff chances after missing out last year, is banking on Dumoulin’s veteran experience. The 33-year-old defenseman, a two-time Cup winner with Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017, has 16 points while averaging just under 20 minutes of ice time over 61 games this season with Anaheim.
“Brian was a great presence for us both on and off the ice, and we wish him the best in New Jersey,” said Ducks GM Pat Verbeek. “This was a tough decision, but it opens the door for our younger defensemen, who have shown they can compete at this level.”
Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald may not be finished making moves, as the team could still pursue a high-end center to help fill the void left by Hughes, who remains among the league’s top scorers with 70 points (27 goals, 43 assists), tied with Carolina’s Mikko Rantanen.
Rantanen’s future remains one of the biggest question marks ahead of Friday’s 3 p.m. EST trade deadline. The 2022 Stanley Cup winner, who was already traded once this season in a blockbuster move from Colorado to Carolina in January, could be on the move again if the Hurricanes are unable to secure him with a long-term extension.
“If he gets moved, it won’t be because of his play,” said Avalanche coach Jared Bednar. “Mikko has played well since arriving in Carolina—he had some early struggles, but now the production is coming. He’s a fit on any team, including Carolina, but that’s just the business side of hockey.”
As teams finalize their rosters, the waiver wire was also active on Thursday. Nashville claimed winger Jakub Vrana from Washington and defenseman Jordan Oesterle from Boston, while Columbus picked up forward Christian Fischer from Detroit. Meanwhile, Toronto placed enforcer Ryan Reaves on waivers in an effort to free up $1 million in cap space.
Trump’s Threats Leave Canadian Afghan War Veterans Feeling Angry and Betrayed 8 Mar 1:55 AM (last month)
Canadian and American soldiers fought side by side and shared the same hardships in Afghanistan, enduring significant losses and sacrifices. For this reason, many Canadian veterans feel deeply disillusioned—almost betrayed—by the Trump administration’s rhetoric and treatment of Canada, as well as its stance toward other allies, including Ukraine.
A meme circulating online captures the sentiment: it features a photo of troops standing before the maple leaf monument at Ma’sum Ghar, the Canadian base in Kandahar, with a caption that reads, “We went because you were attacked. We didn’t ask for your thanks. Neither did 158 of us who died for you.”
This statement reflects the deeply held belief among Canadian veterans that they fought and died in Afghanistan not just to support their own country but to defend the United States after the 9/11 attacks. Their frustration has been exacerbated by Trump’s threats to annex Canada through economic means and his aggressive trade policies. But it was his treatment of Ukraine’s president, coupled with Vice President JD Vance’s demand for gratitude from Ukrainian leaders, that truly ignited the anger of many veterans.
The discontent was especially palpable on Wednesday, the 11th anniversary of Canada’s military withdrawal from Afghanistan.
“I think if 9/11 happened again, I honestly don’t think I would be as eager—or willing—to help the Americans as I did back in 2001,” said Bruce Moncur, a retired corporal who was severely wounded during the infamous Operation Medusa in 2006 when a U.S. ground attack jet mistakenly strafed Canadian troops.
Though Moncur has struggled to come to terms with the tragic friendly fire incident, which resulted in the death of one Canadian soldier, Trooper Mark Anthony Graham, and left 36 others wounded, he cannot shake his disillusionment with the very country he fought for.
“I just think about the absurdity of it all,” Moncur said, referring to the current political climate.
Shared Sacrifice, Growing Frustration
As Canada’s war in Kandahar continued, American troops fought and died under Canadian command. At the National Defence Carling campus headquarters, a memorial to fallen Canadian soldiers includes plaques honoring U.S. troops who made the ultimate sacrifice. Retired major-general Denis Thompson, who commanded an American battalion in 2008 during a rotation that saw the deaths of 12 U.S. soldiers, emphasized the need for Canadian veterans to distinguish between the current U.S. administration and the troops with whom they served.
“I understand the anger Canadian veterans feel, but I also know that many American veterans share similar sentiments. We’ve always been close allies,” Thompson said. He added that he remains in contact with several U.S. soldiers and commanders who served alongside him.
In some cases, Thompson explained, American veterans are ashamed of their president’s actions and rhetoric, but they feel bound by their oath to obey the commander in chief. “They cannot fathom the idea that Russia could be considered a friend of the United States. It’s baffling to them that their president speaks this way,” he said.
Despite the confusion and dismay in the U.S., Thompson said he has never encountered a sentiment among U.S. soldiers that Canada should become the 51st state.
“It’s not about the American military—it’s about the president,” Thompson clarified.
Deep Ties Between the Two Militaries
Thompson, who also commanded Canadian special forces in Afghanistan, noted the deep ties between the two countries’ militaries, citing the example of Senior Chief Petty Officer Thomas Ratzlaff of the U.S. Navy SEALs. Ratzlaff was awarded Canada’s second-highest military decoration for bravery in 2010 after serving alongside Canadian forces.
Over the course of the mission in Afghanistan, 158 Canadian soldiers lost their lives, along with seven civilians, and more than 2,000 Canadian soldiers were wounded.
This shared sacrifice makes Trump’s threats of annexation difficult for many veterans to accept, even though they understand a military invasion is unlikely.
“I don’t think an invasion is possible, militarily,” Thompson said. “He can try to damage our economy, but I believe Canadians will endure a great deal of hardship before yielding to his demands.”
Thompson also expressed skepticism about whether Trump has broad public support for his annexation ambitions, beyond the voices of conservative pundits.
Internal Struggles in the U.S.
Thompson warned that before the U.S. could seriously consider annexing Canada, it would likely face significant internal issues. “I think the United States will encounter more pressing internal problems long before they can shift their focus to annexing Canada,” he said.
For Canadian veterans who gave so much in service to both their own country and the United States, these ongoing tensions with the Trump administration are a painful reminder of their sense of betrayal.