NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 10, 2023
The Jets’ Connor Hellebucyk and Mark Scheifele and the Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin sign contract extensions plus an update on Jake Guentzel and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
JETS SIGN HELLEBUYCK AND SCHEIFELE
WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets yesterday announced the signings of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and center Mark Scheifele to identical seven-year contract extensions with an average annual value of $8.5 million. The deals go into effect next season.
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was surprising news from the Jets. Given their eligibility for unrestricted free-agent status next summer, Hellebuyck and Scheifele frequently appeared in trade speculation during the offseason. It was assumed one or both would be shopped before the March 8 trade deadline if the Jets were out of playoff contention by then.
Re-signing Hellebuyck and Scheifele is a big win for Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff. He faced considerable criticism over the direction of the club in recent years, sparking calls for a roster rebuild from fans and pundits.
Cheveldayoff locked up this club’s two best players on long-term extensions with a reasonable average annual value, signaling that this club has no intention of rebuilding the roster. These moves also put a dent in the belief around the league that the small-market club can’t retain their best players.
Hellebucyk and Scheifele are both in their playing prime and would’ve earned considerably more from next summer’s free-agent market. By accepting less money to stick with the Jets, they’ve provided a big vote of confidence in Cheveldayoff’s plans.
Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (NHL Images).
However, it’s also a substantial investment by the Jets in two 30-year-old players who will be in decline by the second half of their seven-year deals. While the salary cap is projected to rise considerably over that period, having $16 million tied up in two aging stars still takes a big bite out of their payroll. It could become a salary-cap headache down the road.
TSN: Speaking of the Jets, defenseman Ville Heinola underwent surgery on his fractured left ankle and will be sidelined for a minimum of eight weeks.
CBS SPORTS: Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers has ruled himself good to go for his club’s season opener on Wednesday against the Calgary Flames. He’d missed preseason play with neck spasms.
SABRES SIGN DAHLIN TO EIGHT-YEAR EXTENSION
THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres yesterday announced they reached an agreement with Rasmus Dahlin on an eight-year, $88 million contract starting in 2024-25. The average annual value is $11 million, making it the most lucrative contract in Sabres history.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s a hefty new contract for Dahlin but one that should prove worthwhile for the Sabres. The 23-year-old defenseman is among the league’s elite puck-moving blueliners, reaching or exceeding 40 points in four of his five NHL seasons. Those include his 53-point performance in 2021-22 and last season’s career-best (to date) 73-point output.
Dahlin is the cornerstone of the Sabres’ blueline corps and one of their core players. He will play a key role in this club’s future as they attempt to transition into a perennial playoff contender. This deal ensures they’ll have Dahlin under contract throughout the prime of his career. $11 million annually makes him one of the league’s highest-paid defensemen but it could be worth it for the Sabres over the long term.
IN OTHER NEWS…
THE ATHLETIC: Jake Guentzel is hopeful of signing a new contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. “I’ve pretty much grown up in Pittsburgh,” he said. “I love this place so much. I really do. This is a great place, both for me and my family. I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
Guentzel is in the final season of his contract earning an AAV of $6 million. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Contract talks haven’t started yet but both sides seem confident that a deal will get done.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins will have to pay Guentzel a raise if they hope to retain him. Perhaps they can convince him to accept between $8 million and $9 million for the security of a long-term contract.
TORONTO STAR: Maple Leafs goaltender Matt Murray will be sidelined for six to eight months following bilateral hip surgery.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murray will likely spend the season on long-term injury reserve. He will become an unrestricted free agent next summer but his playing career is probably over.
The Leafs also announced Curtis McElhinney as their new director of Goaltending Development and Scouting, Jake Muzzin was named a pro scout and Chris Bourque was named a college free-agent scout.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Muzzin is in the final season of his standard player contract with the Leafs but he is moving on to a post-playing career. He’s on what I call permanent LTIR due to a neck injury suffered during a game last October.
THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Sidelined forwards Roope Hintz, Wyatt Johnston and Radek Faksa remain questionable for the Stars’ season opener on Thursday against the St. Louis Blues.
VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Golden Knights defensemen Alec Martinez and Zach Whitecloud were placed on injured reserve yesterday.
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: Flyers blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen was placed on IR with an undisclosed injury.
TSN: The Tampa Bay Lightning signed forward Austin Watson to a one-year, one-way contract worth just over $776K. He played four games with the Lightning during the recent preseason on a professional tryout offer.
NYI HOCKEY NOW: The Islanders placed forward Ross Johnston on waivers yesterday.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Johnston clears waivers he’ll likely be sent to their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport.
DAILY FACEOFF: The Ottawa Senators reclaimed defenseman Lassi Thomson off waivers yesterday from the Anaheim Ducks. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche claimed goalie Ivan Prosvetov from the Arizona Coyotes, the Calgary Flames claimed forward A.J. Greer from the Boston Bruins and the Pittsburgh Penguins claimed defenseman John Ludvig from the Florida Panthers.
NEW YORK POST: The NHL has banned its teams from using Pride Tape during pregame warmups as it continues to move away from special initiatives that caused issues for a handful of players, including Pride Night.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: “Hockey is for everyone.”
“…caused issues for a handful of bigots, pretending to be Christians.”
FIFY.
Amend to Hockey is for everyone.
Hockey is for everyone.
Except those with Christian family values. Hockey is not for them.
What are you talking about 81352?
Those that were apposed to the pride initiatives are all still playing and are getting exactly what they wanted, which was not to participate in these initiatives.
Sorry but the playing the victim card in this situation makes no sense based on observable fact. Unless you are simply virtue signaling. Have at er I guess.
DaBroons, please don’t label all people opposed to pride night as bigots. Many of us have deeply held religious beliefs and consider homosexuality to be sinful. Faith is the motivating factor for many people, not hatred,
81352, there are many devout Christians playing pro hockey. As Ray points out, the league is obviously deferring to them.
I’d have preferred that the league leave it up to each player instead of banning it outright.
Correct!
We worry so much about offending minority groups.
What about offending the majority?
Since when in a democratic society does the minority rule?
Everyone is welcome as long as they are not trying to force their agenda on others!!
Live and let live.
“Since when in a democratic society does the minority rule”?
According to NHLPA director Marty Walsh, the overwhelming majority of NHL players support the LGBTQ-plus community. That included wearing rainbow jerseys and using rainbow tape during pregame warmups.
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/nhlpa-boss-walsh-overwhelming-majority-of-players-support-2slgbtq-community/
Only a handful of players players (Ivan Provorov, Eric and Marc Staal, James Reimer) refused to so so, most citing religious reasons. However, they took part in previous Pride pregame warmups without raising an issue.
The league’s decision doesn’t seem democratic considering it is based on the actions of a few players.
Wow, good for Winnepeg. That’s interesting they got both signed to long term deals. So much for guys not wanting to play in Canada. Money talks!!!!
Surprised Greer was not kept by Boston? I remember watching him in the Avalanche system in preseason and scrimmages. I thought that the Avalanche would keep him back then but he never seemed to crack the lineup on a consistent basis. When I see him on the Bruins, his game seemed to improve a lot!
Glad Avalanche picked up the goaltender from Arizona. GO AVS!!!!
I seen a “flock of vultures” depart Winnipeg yesterday.
I said before i couldn’t see Winnipeg going into the season with both Scheifele and Hellebuyck as potential ufa’s. Market is too small and can’t afford to let talent walk for free.
Both contracts are fair deals today; however, both players will be 31yrs old when their new contract starts.
I’m not sure either of these contracts age well. The jets need to manage Hellebuyck work load better, if they hope to get longevity out of the contract. Playing over 60 games per season shouldn’t be the goal.
Hockey isn’t as physical as it use to be, that’s not to say it doesn’t have physical players, it more rub outs along the boards then the big thump. I say this as a believe of why you see players with longer career.
We see more players playing now into their mid to late thirties and still very effective. Diet and exercise also plays a big role in players having longer careers
to name a few:
Crosby 36
Malkin 37
Letang 36
Stamkos 33
Ovie 38
Backstrom 35
Oshie 36
Vlasic 36
Couture 34
Kopitar 36
Doughty 33
Benn 34
Pavelski 39
Suter 38
Marchand 35
Tavares 33
That’s just a quick scan, i’m certain there is more
Interesting that pride tape is the line in the sand while they have no problem paying Russian hockey players while their country slaughters Ukrainian civilians.
Not a good comparison. If those players were using Russian colored tape on their sticks in warm ups that might be different.
Hockey is for everyone.
Why is it so important to flaunt sexuality at public sporting events in front of children? Gay , straight or anything else?
Last I checked , they don’t have bouncers standing at the gates with pitchforks and torches chasing anyone away.
What does hockey have to do with who you are? Do you really need some rainbow tape wrapped around a stick in warm ups to justify who you are or feel better about yourself?
How about everyone just goes to games to enjoy the game without any religious, sexual, political agendas being crammed down your throat?
Isn’t there enough of that everywhere else?
We just can’t have anything without someone making it as decisive as possible.
Captain Obvious, stating the obvious (for most of us). Great post.
Chrisms, the NHL teams choose the president. And if I were a team owner, I would not want other owners promoting “flavor of the day” social events that could potentially harm the league brand. Just ask Budweiser what happened to their number one position in beer sales when one short video went viral. A bottle manufacturing plant had to shut down, killing hundreds of blue collar jobs, because Budweiser was the only customer.
Captain Obvious & Hammer, not sure using pride tape in warm up, or wearing a jersey, in warm up is flaunting sexuality.
If the Zamboni was towing a pride float with a bunch or shirtless gay guys dancing to YMCA on it, during warmup, that would be flaunting, and obviously not the place for that.
Folks – the whole point of these initiatives was to show support for a marginalized community, and encourage them to feel like they could play hockey and attend games without the fear of being picked on. 15 minutes prior to the game, once a year, and only teams that chose to participate.
And if you don’t think they are marginalized, just turn on some cable news channels and listen to some politicians these days. They are being used as political pawns because some folks see it as being in their personal or financial interest. All the while violence against these folks continues to rise and intensify from an already disproportionately high rate. No connection right?
Somehow hockey tape and jersey’s – in warm up only – once a year/participating teams – became part of this ridiculous and stupid culture war and folks feel triggered and feeling like they have to defend their values.
I simply don’t get it how this impacts anybody in the stands and watching on TV. And folks call the “Libs” snowflakes? If you don’t like don’t watch warmups that game, or simply go get a beer from your fridge.
I don’t care if my grand kids watched it, they can deal with it and they won’t become gay because of hockey tape. Seems like some adults can’t.
More bad examples hammer. First busweiser primary consumer tended to be your blue collar person. Who tend to have certain views. For them it was foolish. Hockey has a much more white collar following (see proof in ticket prices). They tend to be more socially progressive.
A pride event in say la May be a big seller for those teams. Maybe not do much in Detroit? I saw no evidence that any of last years events effected the bottom line of the nhl.
Also calling the pride movement flavor of the month ignores the fact it’s been growing for decades. And it’s not going anywhere.
If I was an owner and could cash in on it and now can’t I’d be pissed that my brand was stiffled.
I think marginalized is a very strong term. How is this community marginalized?
They have presence everywhere these days. Commercials, tv, movies., forefront in political conversation. They have their own genre for movies!
Growing up in NYC, homosexuality / lgbt community is nothing new. If you were in clubs in the 90s, you’re no stranger to this community. Cbgbs, limelight…. You were the minority at 2 am being heterosexual. Growing up in NY, without question this community is part of everyday life.
Live and let live. But do we really need “awareness “ in 2023 at sporting events?
They have every right anyone else does. If they wish to celebrate, they are free to do so. Go to games in large groups with pride flags shirts. Literally, nobody is going to stop them are chase them out.
Why do they insist on involving everyone and pro athletes who may not have the same beliefs?
It’s devise from any group. Which is ironic considering they’re supposedly looking for support. (Insert any group here).
Next question, do you really think a player holding a rainbow taped stick is going to change minds?
I certainly hope not!
Maybe it’s just me … but right at the moment the pros and cons of “pride tape” on a hockey stick is at the bottom of any list of current events that give me – and, I assume, every one else – pause for alarm!
Well said George ! While others in the world are burying their dead, or wondering if today is their last, or are hungry, broke, diseased, we feel the need to argue about hockey stick tape ?
Captain, I agree that this won’t change many folks minds. The only minds they are trying to change are the folks they are trying to attract to the sport simply by letting them know they are welcome. Again, only with jersey’s and stick tape. Not you or I.
Yes they are marginalized for the reasons I stated above. The rates of violence against these folks is more that double their % of the population. And the rhetoric against them is increasing in frequency and intensity as this has somehow become a political issue and on the main course in the angertainment cable news industry. Of course that is impacting people and and has an effect on their lives.
I hope I answered your questions.
Here is mine: How does pride stick tape or jerseys impact your life negatively in any way? Enough so, that you don’t want it happening at your teams hockey game during warmup.
Divisive. Not sure why it keeps forcing it to decisive!
All:
As noted by the Captain, this is a topic today. Interesting that Sportsnet published three articles, as well as a link to VP Bill Daly’s radio segment wherein he detailed the rationale for the new policy (NHL has no desire to place players in difficult or uncomfortable situations with respect to social issues). The following sentence appears under each article.
Comments are turned off for this story.
Obviously, many hockey fans are sick and tired of this controversy and just want to be entertained with exciting hockey. The LQBTQ+ community can blame the media for this mess. Every player who decided not to participate this past season was identified and critiqued. James Reimer felt compelled to release a written public statement, so as not to be labelled a bigot. I wonder how many drafts were required to produce that document which was less than a page in length.
Of course, no one in the media would dare to ask a supporter if he agreed with some of the more controversial trans idealogy, such as the removal of adolescent trans children from parents who do not support gender affirming health care.
The divisiveness is coming from both sides, I would argue lately that more is coming from folks against these types of initiatives. At least the loudest. Did anybody care about Bud Lite until Kid Rock had a temper tantrum?
The domestic violence issue is real and accurate, fair point, but here is another one their attempted suicide rate is 7 times higher as well.
Safe to say not all sunshine and rainbows for those folks. And yes they make many people uncomfortable, which is obvious just reading posts on here.
My point remains the same, this has no impact on fans at the games, or watching on TV. We really can’t let the NHL try to attract more kids to play this sport once a year in each city during warmups? Too big an ask I guess.
I spent more than 40 years playing the game, and in dressing rooms, I know how it works because I would have been one of the guys that wouldn’t have been accepting of it 20 years ago. And especially as a teenager. When I coached the game 12 years ago, they were the same as I was. I’m guessing they still are.
That is the issue.
Oh parachute pants of the gods. It’s precisely why the nhl offices should have stayed out of it. Now every player who would want to support a cause will be singled out just like riemer. You brought up rare and extreme examples of kids being mistreated in certain situations …. How many examples opposite do you think people could bring up just as horrendous and appalling on the other side? The league took a side. Bad move. They should have remained neutral. Let the teams decide. Let the players decide.
Spot on.
Hockey (or any sport) is indeed for everyone. Using the sport to grand-stand & virtue-signal hot-button social issues is just silly. Just ask the NCAA women’s swim team.
Good on the players who stood up and said “enough”.
Amen Captain Obvious!!!
There ya go Elias Lindholm, 8.5×8 take it or leave it!
Well said Captain Obvious some common sense
Well Said Captain Obvious…
Hasn’t every player or team who choose not to participate already been singled out?
The league stepping in now takes those crosshairs off the individual and put on the league.
Shouldn’t the individual be responsible for their actions? Why should the league “take the crosshairs” off them?
You say above it was “a handful of players” which is a bit of an understatement.
Entire organizations chose not to participate. Why is this issue or any other forced on players , fans and originations when it’s such a hot topic? I’m positive this was discussed as an organization and that was the decision.
Again, leave this at the door.
Is someone/ anyone really suggesting that homosexuality is somehow not welcome at sporting events ? Seriously? Whoever is suggesting that may want to take in a game or two and open their eyes.
I beg to differ!
Just a group looking to jam their beliefs down everyone’s throat like it or not. And in the process creating the divide they’re so (supposedly) desperately looking to close.
Once again by making it divisive.
Homosexuality is present about everywhere you look. Nobody is chasing them out !
Seven players specifically refused to take part. Soon afterward, several teams indicated they would refuse to over “concern for their Russian players” (though many other Russian players wore them with no problem) or for no stated reason other than reaction to anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. Most players continued to wear the Pride warmup jerseys and used Pride tape last season.
According to NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh, a large majority of players supported the Pride nights and were disappointed by the league’s decision. Shouldn’t it be up to them to decide?
I see that this debate is still going on. I will make 4 points to those I disagree with, and stop trying to make my argument and accept we simply won’t agree on this.
1 – this isn’t just about sporting events, it is more about kids playing the game, and staying in the game into their teenage years. NHL players influence the kids, gay or straight. Most players get that, which is why most support it.
2 – stick tape and jerseys in warmups, like 15 minutes, once a year per city, isn’t jamming beliefs down anyone’s throat and suggesting that is pretty flippin’ dramatic IMO. Not a rational argument, because it’s BS. It’s 15 minutes in WARMUP.
3 -chrisms is right, let the players decide what they want to do, heck they should just do it any way. It’s not like the guys who didn’t want to participate gave a crap what the league thought.
4 – Save the Christian belief stuff, I would bet the majority of players are Christian. It’s a choice whether you are, or are not Christian. I was raised Catholic, alter boy, whole deal. My entire extended family are Christians/Catholics and involved in the church. Do we really want to have a debate on their moral authority on this issue?
Well said, Ray, and I wholeheartedly agree with you.
I’m truly not trying to be argumentative. Truly.
I have a different point of view. Isn’t that acceptable? I mean this entire argument / conversation is about “acceptance “ correct?
As I’ve said, I have friends , family members coworkers in that life. I accept them, I enjoy who they are . But I simply don’t agree.
And that’s okay. I’m not out chasing down same sex couples with a pitchfork and torches.
There is a middle ground.
Your right Captain, I am now an Atheist, that is m what I believe, and it is completely rational.
Doesn’t mean I don’t know Catholicism, I was raised with. Took in school since grade 1. My entire family is, great people who I have respect for. The majority of them would agree with my position on this. That is why I think that argument is BS and a cop out.
I think the wise decision would have been to just let the teams decide what their respective markets wanted to see and what their players wanted to do. Seems an unnecessary step to make it a league decision. If I was a team owner I’d be a little pissed with the league steppin on my nards like that.
@Lyle, the point is that the league should not be putting individuals in a situation where they have to (very publicly) take a stance on a social issue because the league decided to weigh in. Example : If I have moral issues with the ‘transgender movement’, and therefore avoid wearing rainbow paraphernalia (but don’t broadcast it), that’s my business. But if my employer decides to take a public stance on such a social issue, it forces me into the “crosshairs” of a social issue that I just wanted to avoid (in order to uphold my beliefs). An employer should never be allowed to do that to an individual.
According to NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh, a large number of players support the Pride Night warmups. Shouldn’t it be put to a vote to decide what they’ll do? Isn’t that what a democracy does? Majority wins, right?
Should be up to the players. To use whatever tape they want. Sports should remain just sports people going to games want to see best players playing could care less for politics. Ok wave that for the ballot box
@Lyle – Like Mr.Bruin says, it should be left to the individual player to decide. But you can’t force people to take part in activities that go against their fundamental beliefs.
You can vote for generic things like team captain (might be a guy I hate, but majority rules), but you can’t ‘vote’ me to go against my personal beliefs. You don’t have that right.
This is why ‘pride night’ was always doomed. But if an individual wants to show support with rainbow tape, have at it.
And if the player doesn’t want to participate, that’s fine too. They shouldn’t be forced to take part if they don’t want to. But again, it should be up to the players if they want to take part in on-ice ceremonies for special causes. If they do, then they should be able to do so. The majority supposedly want to so let them rather than banning everything.
what other choice did the Jets have other than to keep MS & CH? they don’t have a top goalie prospect nor top center prospect coming up, and they weren’t going to get top prospects for these guys in their walk years
Back to hockey – will the Matt Murray surgery stop folks from automatically assuming that players who go on LTIR, without obvious in-game injuries, are not actually injured long term?
Had to be half a dozen folks on here saying the league had to put a stop to it! It’s a joke!
Would those conspiracy minded folks care to comment on this situation now?
Ray, I think the issue is the manipulation of the LTIR procedure. Murray and the Leafs had 5 months to have this surgery but they waited until the start of the season to allow them to utilize the maximum amount of cap relief time.
Not sure those 2 Peg contracts are going to age well in the years to come. Paying two guys big money into their late 30’s. Big chance times 2.