The chance of bounce-back seasons for Penguins defensemen Erik Karlsson and Ryan Graves, the Blue Jackets coaching search continues, an update on Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Erik Karlsson and Ryan Graves struggled in their first seasons with the Penguins. However, Jason Mackey believes the two defensemen could bounce back citing recent club history.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

Mackey pointed out that former defensemen Sergei Gonchar and Paul Martin had difficulty adjusting when they joined the Penguins. With time, however, they rebounded and became productive players.

Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan believes defense is the hardest position in hockey, particularly when reading plays as they unfold. “It takes experiential learning from that process to come to fruition. You have to make mistakes and learn through them…There’s no magic bullet to learn through that process.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Disappointing performances from Karlsson and Graves last season contributed to the Penguins’ missing the playoffs. If they bounce back, this season’s outcome might not be as grim.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets management will meet with two candidates for their head coaching position this week. It’s believed they are former Minnesota Wild coach Dean Evason and former Edmonton Oilers bench boss Jay Woodcroft.

General manager Don Waddell said they’re only bringing in two candidates to interview, though he added that there’s a third one on hold right now. That candidate could be former Los Angeles Kings coach Todd McLellan. He’s believed to have been the Blue Jackets’ first choice but contract talks have stalled.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jackets could have their new coach in place by the end of July.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: One part of Robin Lehner’s two-year Chapter 7 bankruptcy case has been closed. Lehner and his wife agreed to a stipulation to pay back nearly $3 million to a funding company.

This does not signify the end of the overall case. The Lehners filed for bankruptcy on Dec. 30, 2022, owing creditors $27.3 million.

The Vegas Golden Knights goaltender hasn’t played since April 2022. He underwent season-ending shoulder surgery and has been sidelined since before the 2022-23 season due to hip surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lehner’s been on long-term injury reserve for the past two seasons. This season will be the last of his five-year contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $5 million. It’s expected he’ll remain on LTIR.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Anaheim Ducks named Tony Hrkac their new director of pro scouting.

PHNX SPORTS: Craig Morgan reports the Utah Hockey Club is considering re-signing or trading Victor Soderstrom. The 23-year-old defenseman has 11 points in 53 NHL games over the past three seasons.