Flames assistant GM Chris Snow dies from ALS complications, Ducks winger Alex Killorn sidelined for four-to-six weeks, a recap of Saturday’s preseason action, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

HEADLINES

CALGARY SUN: Flames assistant general manager Chris Snow died Saturday following a four-year battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He was 42.

Calgary Flames assistant general manager Chris Snow (NHL Images).

Given one year to live following his diagnosis in 2019, Snow and his family became inspirations as they chronicled his treatment while he continued working with the Flames and maintaining his family life. Through the #SnowyStrong campaign, they raised thousands of dollars for research efforts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My sincere condolences to the Snow family as well as their friends and Snow’s colleagues. Tributes from throughout the hockey world for Snow began last week after he was hospitalized by a cardiac arrest leading to a catastrophic and irreversible brain injury. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the Snow family.

TSN: Anaheim Ducks winger Alex Killorn has been sidelined for four to six weeks with a fractured finger suffered during Wednesday’s preseason game against the San Jose Sharks. Killorn, 34, was signed to a four-year contract by the Ducks when free agency began on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Killorn was brought in to add some much-needed experience and leadership to the rebuilding Ducks. His absence will be a setback to their hopes for a good start to this season, especially if restricted free agents Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale remain unsigned when the puck drops on their season-opener next week.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs defenseman Conor Timmins’ preseason has come to an end after suffering a lower-body injury during Friday’s preseason game against the Montreal Canadiens. “He is going to miss some time, he is going to be out for a bit,” said Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Timmins was enjoying a strong training camp and looked good in preseason action prior to his injury. No word yet as to the severity but there’s speculation he could also miss the start of the season.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Mike McIntyre reported Jets forwards Kyle Connor and Gabe Vilardi are dealing with illness. It’s uncertain if they’ll participate in practice on Sunday and play on Monday.

DAILY FACEOFF: Ottawa Senators defenseman Lassi Thomson and Buffalo Sabres goaltender Dustin Tokarski are the notable players to hit the waiver wire on Saturday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thomas is a former first-round pick who’s had difficulty cracking the Senators lineup on a full-time basis. It’ll be interesting to see if he gets claimed by another club today.

RECAP OF SATURDAY’S PRESEASON GAMES

NHL.COM: Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes scored twice and picked up an assist in a 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.

The Buffalo Sabres got two goals from Jeff Skinner as they overcame a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3. Patrik Laine tallied twice for the Blue Jackets.

Nikita Kucherov scored a power-play goal for the Tampa Bay Lightning in a 5-4 win over the Nashville Predators. Waltteri Merela scored twice including what proved to be the game-winner.

The Toronto Maple Leafs got a 33-save performance from Martin Jones to beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-1. Following the game, the Canadiens announced they were returning 2023 first-round pick David Reinbacher to HC Kloten in the Swiss-A League.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Returning Reinbacher to his Swiss team for this season was the Canadiens’ stated plan before training camp began. They wanted the 18-year-old defenseman to get a taste of NHL action before sending him back to Switzerland to continue his development.

An overtime goal by Erik Haula gave the New Jersey Devils a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

The New York Islanders jumped to a 4-0 lead and held on to down the New York Rangers 5-3. Cal Clutterbuck and Anders Lee each had a goal and an assist for the Islanders.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin tallied twice in a 5-2 victory over the Washington Capitals. Lucas Raymond and Alex DeBrincat each collected two assists for the Wings.

The Minnesota Wild nipped the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 on an overtime goal by Connor Dewar. Blackhawks prospect Samuel Savoie was stretchered from the game in the second period after falling awkwardly into the boards.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Savoie suffered a lower-body injury. Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson said the young forward was still being evaluated. There could be an update on his condition today.

Jason Robertson scored in overtime to give the Dallas Stars a 4-3 win over the St. Louis Blues. Brayden Schenn netted two of the Blues’ three goals.

The Los Angeles Kings beat the San Jose Sharks 2-1 on an overtime goal by Samuel Fagemo.