Wild Trade Charlie Coyle to Bruins

by | Feb 20, 2019

The Minnesota Wild have reportedly traded forward Charlie Coyle to the Boston Bruins. According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, the Wild will receive forward Ryan Donato and a fifth-round pick. 

Minnesota Wild trade Charlie Coyle to the Boston Bruins (Photo via NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to The Athletic’s Michael Russo, the deal won’t be officially announced until 10 PM ET, presumably because of the Wild’s flight delay. No word yet on what year that draft pick will be in but presumably it’s this year. 

This is likely the first of what could be several moves by Wild general manager Paul Fenton over the next several months. He’s received permission from ownership to do whatever he deems necessary to shake up his roster for the short- and long-term, even if it jeopardizes their playoff hopes. With the Wild currently clinging to the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference, Fenton has evidently seen enough and isn’t wasting time retooling his roster. 

Coyle, 26, is a native of Weymouth, Massachusetts so this move to Boston will be like coming home after spending his entire NHL career with the Wild. He’s a versatile forward who can play center or wing, possesses good size (6’3″, 220 lbs) and decent scoring touch, reaching 56 points in 2016-17. He could fill that second-line winger role or third-line center spot for the Bruins. Perhaps this move turns Coyle into the 35-goal scorer he was projected to become when he joined the Wild. 

Donato, 22, can also skate at center or on the wing. While smaller than Coyle (6′,193 lbs), he has offensive potential but found it difficult cracking the Bruins’ roster. He’s earning $900K this season and should be an affordable re-signing for the Wild, who also clear Coyle’s $3.2 million salary-cap hit through 2019-20 from their books. Donato recently said he believes he can become a full-time NHL player. He’ll get his opportunity with the Wild. 










NHL Rumor Mill (Part Two) – February 20, 2019

by | Feb 20, 2019

Latest on Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky, Eric Staal, Mats Zuccarello, Kevin Hayes, Jesse Puljujarvi, Marcus Johansson, and more in today’s NHL rumor mill. 

For the latest rumors on Matt Duchene, Mark Stone, Ryan Dzingel, and Cody Ceci, check out the Senators Trade Watch. 

PANARIN AND BOBROVSKY

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, and New York Rangers have the best shot at signing Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin to a long-term contract. He feels the Islanders make the most sense to take a shot at him as a rental. The Boston Bruins and Dallas Stars could also pursue him as a playoff rental. 

Friedman also believes the Blue Jackets recently attempted to re-sign goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to a contract extension but things don’t sound optimistic. Bobrovsky sounds willing to consider certain trade destinations but hasn’t committed those to write them down as that would make them binding.  

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The asking price for Panarin will have to include a player who can offset his departure to keep the Jackets in playoff contention this season plus a first-round pick and a high-end prospect. It’ll be interesting to see if anyone’s willing to pony up that much or more by deadline day.

As for Bobrovsky, I’m not expecting him to be traded unless the Florida Panthers are willing to make a pitch. Rumor has it they looked into it but found the Jackets’ price too high. 

COULD THE RANGER SIT HAYES, ZUCCARELLO, AND MCQUAID BEFORE DEADLINE DAY?

THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): Rick Carpiniello wonders if we’ve seen the last of Kevin Hayes, Adam McQuaid, and Mats Zuccarello in Rangers uniforms. The Rangers have three games leading up to the Feb. 25 trade deadline and those three could become healthy scratches in case the Blueshirts decide to move either guy.

The recent improvement in Mats Zuccarello’s play could improve his trade value (Photo via NHL Images)

Carpiniello links Zuccarello to the Winnipeg Jets, Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins and perhaps the Calgary Flames, while the Dallas Stars are said to be very interested in the winger. The Jets, Bruins, Nashville Predators, and Columbus Blue Jackets could be looking at Hayes. Carpiniello suggests McQuaid could help a playoff contender like the Tampa Bay Lightning or Toronto Maple Leafs. 

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Dallas Stars may have looked at Zuccarello. He suggested Hayes could be a fallback for the Columbus Blue Jackets if they don’t land Ottawa’s Matt Duchene. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I expect all three could be on the move before Monday’s trade deadline.  It’s assumed Zuccarello could fetch the Rangers a second-round pick, though his improved play of late could have Blueshirts GM Jeff Gorton seeking a prospect as well.

I expect Gorton will try to acquire a first-round pick or a promising young player for Hayes. McQuaid will probably land a fourth-round pick, though a desperate club might be willing to part with a third. 

LATEST ON THE WILD

NICHOLS ON HOCKEY: Appearing on the NHL Network, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculated over the possibility of the Minnesota Wild becoming sellers at the trade deadline. He thinks Jason Zucker could start getting mentioned more frequently in the coming days and believes the Bruins and Lightning are among the teams showing interest in Charlie Coyle. Veteran center Eric Staal is a free agent this summer but he controls his fate with a 10-team no-trade list and won’t make it easy to be moved. 

THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): Michael Russo reports Staal’s agent Rick Curran said his client wants to stay in Minnesota and finish his career with the Wild. However, he acknowledged that’s up to the Wild front office and GM Paul Fenton. If Fenton approaches them about a move to a team on Staal’s no-trade list, Curran said he’ll talk to his client about it but if Staal had his way that doesn’t happen. 

SPORTSNET: With the Wild in free-fall, Elliotte Friedman wonders if the San Jose Sharks might attempt to bring back forward Eric Fehr, who fit in well for them during the 2018 playoffs. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Doesn’t sound like Staal is very keen to become a playoff rental player again. Maybe Fenton attempts to force the issue by telling the center he has no intention of re-signing him. 

JOHANSSON DRAWING INTEREST

THE ATHLETIC (SUBSCRIPTION REQ’D): Pierre LeBrun believes New Jersey Devils forward Marcus Johansson could be a sneaky trade-deadline acquisition. He’s healthy and producing well of late. LeBrun said his five-team no-trade list won’t be an issue if the Devils wish to move him. However, GM Ray Shero could retain Johansson and attempt to re-sign him this summer if no one meets his asking price. 

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman lists the Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks and possibly the Washington Capitals among those who may have checked in on Johansson. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No word on what Shero’s asking price might be. Perhaps he’ll seek a second-rounder and a young roster player or prospect. Johansson’s injury history, however, will affect his value in the trade market.

BURAKOVSKY LINKED TO CANUCKS AND CANADIENS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Vancouver Canucks looked into the availability of Washington Capitals winger Andre Burakovsky.

NICHOLS ON HOCKEY: Appearing on Montreal’s TSN 690, Darren Dreger said the Montreal Canadiens had some discussions a while back with the Capitals regarding Burakovsky. However, things fell through when the Capitals asked for Artturi Lehkonen. Still, Dreger doesn’t rule out the possibility of the two clubs reconnecting regarding Burakovsky. 

ELSEWHERE IN THE RUMOR MILL…

In his latest “31 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman said the Edmonton Oilers are rejecting low-ball offers for winger Jesse Puljujarvi. They know they’ve got an unhappy player on their hands. 

The Buffalo Sabres looked into Los Angeles Kings winger Carl Hagelin. 

The Colorado Avalanche are looking to move winger Sven Andrighetto. He also suggested defenseman Patrik Nemeth could be a good depth acquisition for the Flames. 










Senators Trade Watch – February 20, 2019

by | Feb 20, 2019

Get the latest on Matt Duchene, Mark Stone, Ryan Dzingel, and Cody Ceci.

DUCHENE

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports center Matt Duchene has probably played his final game for the Senators. With the Feb. 25 trade deadline approaching and no contract extension in sight, the Senators have decided to sit him pending a trade. Five teams, including the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators, and Winnipeg Jets, have expressed interest in Duchene. 

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman isn’t convinced the Jets are in on Duchene and wonders if the Calgary Flames or New York Islanders will become stealth suitors for the 28-year-old pending UFA center. If the Predators land him, there’s talk they could attempt to re-sign him to a long-term contract. He also feels the Blues Jackets’ interest in Duchene could include center Alex Wennberg, who could use a fresh start. However, his $4.9-million annual average value through 2022-23 could be more than the Senators want to take on. 

The Ottawa Senators are sitting center Matt Duchene as they attempt to trade him before the Feb. 25 deadline (Photo via NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Duchene’s a goner, it’s just a matter of when and where. The Jets’ depth in prospects could give them the edge in the Duchene sweepstakes but their focus could be on another Senator (see below).

Wennberg could benefit from moving to another team but, as Friedman suggests, his contract could be a sticking point if the Jackets try to dangle him to the Senators. The reason the Jackets are interested in Duchene is they see him as a possible replacement for Artemi Panarin if they end up trading him to another club before the deadline. 

STONE

Garrioch also reports the Senators are believed to have offered right wing Mark Stone a deal in the five- or six-year range with “a strong annual average value”. They’re not shopping Stone but are listening to trade offers. Garrioch expects the Flames and Vegas Golden Knights could be among the suitors. 

Friedman reports rumors of a five-year offer worth $10.5-million AAV have been denied. He expects the Jets and Flames are among those kicking tires on Stone but the Golden Knights aren’t interested in him as a rental player. Appearing on Vancouver’s Sportsnet 650, Friedman believes the Jets are going all-in on Stone. Jets center Jack Roslovic and prospect Kristian Vesalainen could tempt the Senators. 

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: cites a report by the New York Post’s Larry Brooks claiming the Boston Bruins are also all in on Stone.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: While the Jets could probably benefit from bringing in Duchene and making him their second-line center, they’re reportedly content with Bryan Little in that role. Stone is said to be their main target.

While the Jets’ first-round pick is in play, general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff reportedly doesn’t want to mortgage his future on a rental player. Unless he can re-sign Stone or Duchene, he could be reluctant to give up Roslovic or Vesalainen. As for the Bruins, they’re also reportedly watching another Senator (see below). 

DZINGEL

Garrioch reports it’s believed an offer was recently tabled to Dzingel but he may be holding off in the belief he’ll get a better offer from the Senators if Duchene and Stone are traded. Garrioch believes they have enough prospects in the system to replace Dzingel, who is being closely watched by the Boston Bruins. The Sens asking price is a first-round pick. 

Friedman believes Dzingel’s fate is tied to Stone’s decision. 

WINNIPEG SUN: Ken Wiebe noted the recent speculation tying the Jets to Duchene, Stone or Dzingel. He said the Senators covet Roslovic, who’d be a likely ask for Duchene or Stone.  Vesalainen, Mason Appleton, Brendan Lemieux, Nic Petan, Sami Niku, Logan Stanley, Dylan Samberg, Declan Chisholm, and Eric Comrie could also be on the Senators’ wish list. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dzingel would be a much more affordable acquisition than Duchene or Stone but he won’t have the same impact as those two. Still, he could become a decent consolation prize for clubs that fail to land Duchene or Stone. If the Senators trade away both guys, maybe they’ll try to re-sign Dzingel but not if he seeks considerably more than they wish to pay. 

CECI

Friedman suggested a decision on defenseman Cody Ceci could come closer to the deadline. Appearing on the NHL Network, Friedman wondered if the Tampa Bay Lightning would have some interest in the right-handed blueliner. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ceci is a restricted free agent so the Senators aren’t under pressure to move him now, though they’ll consider it if there’s suitable interest. He’s also got arbitration rights again this summer, which could also factor into the Sens’ trade plans. 










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 20, 2019

by | Feb 20, 2019

Game recaps, injury updates, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

NHL.COM: After blowing a 2-0 lead, the St. Louis Blues picked up their 11th straight win by downing the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 on an overtime goal by Ryan O’Reilly. Former Leafs center Tyler Bozak picked up two assists for the Blues. Leafs center Nazem Kadri left the game after the first period with a concussion. 

Ryan O’Reilly’s overtime goal gave the St. Louis Blues a 3-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo via NHL Images)

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Matt Murray made 33 saves as his club held on for a 4-3 win over the New Jersey Devils. Evgeni Malkin extended his points streak to eight games while Sidney Crosby extended his streak to six games. The Penguins (71 points) moved ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets into third place in the Metropolitan Division. 

Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price made 31 saves as his team nipped the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 to snap a four-game winless skid. Tomas Tatar tallied the game-winner after the Habs blew a 2-0 lead. With the win, the Canadiens (71 points) move ahead of the Blue Jackets into the first wild-card spot.

The Jackets were playing without leading scorer Artemi Panarin, who was sidelined with the flu and not, as head coach John Tortorella insisted, being held out of the game pending a trade. “He shit his pants, he was puking, he did everything, so enough,” said Tortorella. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So you’re saying he’s really sick, Torts? 

Henrik Lundqvist kicked out 43 shots as the New York Rangers nipped the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1. The Hurricanes (68 points) remain one point out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

The Tampa Bay Lightning picked up their seventh straight victory by rolling over the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2. Lightning winger Alex Killorn picked up his 100th career goal while NHL scoring leader Nikita Kucherov (99 points) was held pointless. The Flyers (69 points) remain six points out of a playoff spot.  Lightning goal-scoring leader Brayden Point was scratched from this game for missing a team meeting. The Bolts also called up Jan Rutta to replace sidelined blueliner Victor Hedman, who’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury. 

A three-goal third-period outburst carried the Florida Panthers past the Buffalo Sabres 4-2, handing the latter their fourth defeat in their last five games. Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov led the way with three-point performances. Earlier in the day, the Sabres announced winger Kyle Okposo is sidelined with a concussion and there’s no timetable for his return. The Sabres (63 points) remain six points out of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. 

Anaheim Ducks goalie Ryan Miller turned in a 31-save shutout performance backstopping his club to a 4-0 blanking of the Minnesota Wild, handing the latter their fifth straight loss. The Wild (60 points) are barely clinging to the final Western Conference wild-card spot while the Ducks are three points behind them. Earlier in the day, the Ducks placed winger Patrick Eaves on waivers for the purpose of sending him to their AHL affiliate in San Diego. 

Shootout goals by Alex Galchenyuk and Vinnie Hinostroza gave the Arizona Coyotes a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, who were playing without captain Connor McDavid (flu). The Coyotes are now one point behind the Wild in the Western Conference playoff chase while the Oilers are six points back. 

Roman Josi scored two goals and Pekka Rinne made 36 saves as the Nashville Predators beat the Dallas Stars 5-3. 

TSN: The New York Islanders have recalled forward Andrew Ladd and defenseman Thomas Hickey from their AHL conditioning stints. 

THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): Dan Robson looks at the life and death of former NHL goaltender Ray Emery, who drowned while swimming last summer in Hamilton. 










NHL Rumor Mill – February 19, 2019

by | Feb 19, 2019

The latest on Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky, Mark Stone, Matt Duchene, and Ryan Dzingel, plus updates on the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings and more in today’s NHL rumor mill. 

PANARIN AND BOBROVSKY

THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): Aaron Portzline believes Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin is better than 50-50 to be moved by next Monday’s NHL trade deadline while goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is less than 50-50. He believes there are too many hurdles to clear in order to move Bobrovsky, including a soft goalie market and getting him to waive his no-movement clause.

It will take a significant offer to pry Artemi Panarin away from the Columbus Blue Jackets (Photo via NHL Images).

If they trade Panarin, Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen would have to make a subsequent trade for a return that keeps his club in the playoff race. Portzline believes it’ll take “some staggering offers” to pry Panarin away. He notes the Jackets have reportedly contacted the Ottawa Senators regarding center Matt Duchene. The Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets are said to be interested in Panarin and Portzline thinks the New York Islanders could also kick the tires. 

NICHOLS ON HOCKEY: Appearing on Montreal’s TSN 690, Bob McKenzie talked about the rumors linking Panarin and Bobrovsky to the Florida Panthers. While he doesn’t know if the Panthers can get them via trade or free agency, he notes there’s certainly a desire on their part to do so. It would involve clearing some salary-cap space as they’re a budget team and not a cap team, which explains the recent rumors involving Panthers forwards like Jonathan Huberdeau and Mike Hoffman. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bobrovsky’s shaky performance this season also adversely affects his trade value. If the Jackets trade him away they’ll also have to find a suitable replacement to act as a backup for Joonas Korpisalo and that could prove difficult to do.

I don’t doubt there’s plenty of interest in Panarin and the asking price will be high. It could take time, however, for that to happen, potentially complicating Kekalainen’s efforts to swing a subsequent deal. Not saying he can’t pull it off but he could run out of time if he waits too long for a suitable offer for Panarin.

As for the Panthers, there are rumblings they contacted the Jackets about Bobrovsky and Panarin but the Jackets denied those rumors. If they hope to acquire Panarin via trade, someone like Huberdeau or Hoffman would have to be part of the return. Such a deal, however, could be too complicated to pull off before the trade deadline. 

STONE, DUCHENE, AND DZINGEL

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators are hoping to learn within the next 48 hours if pending free agent winger Mark Stone will re-sign with them or if they’ll have to trade him. Fellow UFA Matt Duchene is expected to be moved before the deadline, possibly in a sign-and-trade scenario. Garrioch believes the asking price for either guy could be a first-round pick, a top prospect plus another piece.

The Senators have had talks with winger Ryan Dzingel’s agents but it’s unknown if he’s received an offer. Garrioch claims the asking price for Dzingel is a first-round pick. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A first-round pick will be a crucial part of the return for any of those players. The Senators dealt away their pick in this year’s draft to the Colorado Avalanche in the trade that brought Duchene to Ottawa. As Garrioch reports, whatever happens with Stone will determine the Senators’ next moves. 

LATEST ON THE BRUINS AND RED WINGS

NICHOLS ON HOCKEY: Appearing on Toronto’s TSN 1050, Darren Dreger said he expects the Boston Bruins “are in it to win it” and expects they’ll make a significant move before the deadline. He notes they’ve got the assets in draft picks and promising young players to make it happen.

Dreger speculated the Bruins may have had their sights on Los Angeles Kings’ forward Tyler Toffoli at one point but no longer believes he’s their main target anymore. He also thinks they’ll have interest in Ottawa’s Ryan Dzingel if he hits the trade block. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Considering how much the Bruins gave up last year to land Rick Nash, GM Don Sweeney might be reluctant to repeat that experience. While there’s lots of speculation suggesting the Bruins should be in on big names like Artemi Panarin or Mark Stone, Dreger’s comments suggest Sweeney could be looking at more affordable options. 

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland continues to weigh his options leading up to the trade deadline. Holland would like to re-sign goaltender Jimmy Howard, winger Gustav Nyquist, and defenseman Nick Jensen and all three wish to stay but a deal must be equitable for both sides. Holland could trade them and attempt to sign them this summer via free agency but there’s no guarantee they’ll return.

Khan considers Howard as almost certain to re-sign with the Wings, though the Calgary Flames are among the clubs rumored to be interested in him. Other possible trade chips include defenseman Trevor Daley and forward Luke Glendening. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It wouldn’t surprise me if the deadline passes with Howard, Nyquist, and Jensen still with the Wings. The asking price for each is said to be a first-round draft pick. 

SHOULD THE SHARKS PURSUE A GOALIE?

THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): Kevin Kurz wonders if it’s time for the San Jose Sharks to address their sub-par goaltending, pointing out they have the worst even-strength save percentage (.896). Their 6-5 loss to Boston raises more questions over the tandem of Martin Jones and Aaron Dell.

Kurz suggested perhaps they should consider giving Detroit’s Jimmy Howard or Philadelphia’s Brian Elliott a look. Ultimately, however, he expects they’ll stick with Jones over the remainder of the season. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If there were better options in the goalie market, perhaps Sharks GM Doug Wilson would consider it. 

MCQUAID

NICHOLS ON HOCKEY: Appearing on Toronto’s TSN 1050, Bob McKenzie speculated the New York Rangers could move defenseman Adam McQuaid if they believe they can get a fourth- and a seventh-round pick or anything better than that. They gave up a fourth and a seventh, along with Steve Kampfer, to acquire McQuaid.  

BEAULIEU

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington believes there’s a good chance Buffalo Sabres defenseman Nathan Beaulieu will be playing elsewhere by next Monday afternoon. Beaulieu has been a frequent healthy scratch and remains frustrated over his lack of playing time. Last month, his agent request a trade. 










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 19, 2019

by | Feb 19, 2019

Game recaps, stars of the week, injury updates, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines. 

NHL.COM: NHL scoring leading Nikita Kucherov scored twice and set up three others to lead the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 5-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Kucherov is now one point shy of 100 on the season. He was also named the league’s first star for the week ending Feb. 17. St. Louis Blues winger Vladimir Tarasenko and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby were the second and third stars.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov’s five-point performance powered his club to a 5-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets (Photo via NHL Images).

The Lightning didn’t escape from the game unscathed as defenseman Victor Hedman left the game in the first period with a lower-body injury. However, Lightning coach Jon Cooper doesn’t think it’s too serious. 

San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton tallied his first hat trick since 2010 but it wasn’t enough to prevent his club from dropping a 6-5 overtime decision to the Boston Bruins. Charlie McAvoy tallied the winner for the Bruins, who extended their win streak to six games. Jake DeBrusk and David Krejci each had three-point performances. 

Chicago Blackhawks winger Alex DeBrincat also had a five-point game (three goals, two assists) as the Chicago Blackhawks nipped the Ottawa Senators 8-7. Blackhawks star Patrick Kane collected three points to extend his points streak to 18 games. Colin White and Thomas Chabot each tallied twice for the Senators. The Blackhawks (59 points) sit one point out of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. 

The Colorado Avalanche also moved to within a point of that wild-card spot by blanking the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0. Semyon Varlamov made 40 saves for the shutout. 

Alex Ovechkin scored twice and John Carlson collected his 300th career point as the Washington Capitals hung on for a 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Ovechkin leads the league with 42 goals. 

The Calgary Flames (79 points) took over the top spot in the Western Conference by downing the Arizona Coyotes 5-2. Mark Giordano, Mikael Backlund, and Michael Frolik each had a goal and an assist.

WGR 550: Buffalo Sabres winger Kyle Okposo has returned to Buffalo for evaluation after not feeling well over the weekend. Defenseman Marco Scandella is listed as week-to-week with an upper-body injury. 

SPORTSNET: Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen will be sidelined for a month with a fractured rib. 

NEW YORK POST: Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei is expected to return to the lineup tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes after suffering a minor leg injury over the weekend. 

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers placed forwards Jujhar Khaira and Jesse Puljujarvi on injured reserve, recalled defenseman Andrej Sekera and Josh Currie, and placed defenseman Brandon Manning on waivers. 

TSN: The Chicago Blackhawks acquired center Peter Holland from the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman Darren Raddysh. 

THE SCORE: Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’amour doesn’t care what critics think of his club’s elaborate post-game victory celebrations. “It’s about our players engaging our fans and thanking them for sticking with us, being there (for us), and trying to provide a little levity to a pretty serious game. We push these guys pretty hard,” he said. 

THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): Scott Powers interviewed former Chicago Blackhawks winger Marian Hossa, who explained how a serious skin condition changed his life and brought his playing career to an end. The condition began about six years ago and worsened over time, while the treatments also took a toll. Since he stepped away from the game in 2017, the condition has cleared up and Hossa said he can now lead a normal life. He’s also finally accepted that his playing days are over.