NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 16, 2024
Jeremy Swayman updates his contract negotiations with the Bruins, Milan Lucic hopes to continue his playing career, Tony DeAngelo talks about his fight with former Rangers teammate Alexandar Georgiev, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
WEEI.COM: Jeremy Swayman has yet to re-sign with the Boston Bruins. However, he believes they will get a deal done.
“There’s a lot of confidence,” said Swayman. “And I say that because I’ve treated it like a business as usual this year.” He said he’s been working out with his Bruins teammates and staff, adding that he felt they’re building something special for this year and he’s excited about that.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images).
“I know that it will take care of itself with time, and all I can do is control how I’m going to be a better goalie for the Boston Bruins this year. So, that’s all I’m focused on. And I know, again, it will work out, and I couldn’t be happier to be a Bruin.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The St. Louis Blues signing of two Edmonton Oilers players to offer sheets earlier this week has some Bruins observers nervous that another club will attempt to do the same with Swayman.
Anything’s possible but it’s unlikely. Swayman doesn’t sound interested in an offer from another club plus the Bruins have over $8.6 million in cap space this season. They can afford to match an offer for Swayman.
Assuming Swayman would sign an offer sheet, it would have to be an expensive pitch to tempt him and must be unmatchable for Boston.
Anything between $8.7 million and $9.16 million would entitle the Bruins to receive a first, a second and a third-round pick in compensation. Anything between $9.16 million to $11.45 million is two firsts, a second and a third rounder.
Given those high costs, it’s doubtful that a rival team will sign Swayman to an offer sheet.
BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Former Bruins winger Milan Lucic hopes to resume his playing career this season. The 36-year-old is currently suspended from the NHL after being arrested for assault and battery against a family member last November.
Lucic pled not guilty and the charges were eventually dropped after his wife, Brittany Lucic, invoked marital privilege and refused to testify. He was placed on indefinite leave following his arrest and the Bruins let his contract expire.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lucic would require the approval of commissioner Gary Bettman to resume his NHL career.
DAILY FACEOFF: Former New York Rangers defenseman Tony DeAngelo told his side of the story about his infamous fight with teammate Alexandar Georgiev during a January 2021 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
DeAngelo said he and Georgiev weren’t playing well in that game. As they left the ice, he yelled at the goaltender to “make a f**kin’ save!” Georgiev turned and headbutted the defenseman with his mask, prompting the blueliner to retaliate by swinging his stick at Georgiev’s head.
The altercation spilled over into the dressing room and was quickly broken up by their teammates. DeAngelo said he knew the fight in the tunnel shouldn’t have happened and took responsibility for the incident, saying his remark to Georgiev sparked the fight.
DeAngelo wound up placed on waivers and released by the Rangers. He felt the club could’ve handled it differently but acknowledged most of his difficulties that season were his fault. He also said he and Georgiev patched up their differences and there is no bad blood between them.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeAngelo played for the Carolina Hurricanes in 2021-22 and 2023-24 and the PhiladelphiaFlyers in 2022-23. It’s rumored he could be signing with a KHL club for this season.
TSN: The Washington Capitals brought back winger Jakub Vrana on a professional tryout offer. Vrana, 28, spent nearly five seasons with the Capitals from 2016-17 to 2020-21 until shipped to the Detroit Red Wings at the 2021 trade deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vrana has struggled since leaving the Capitals. He was limited to 26 games in 2021-22 and had a stint in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program the following season, which included a trade to the St. Louis Blues. This could be his last chance to get his NHL career on track.
THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Former Canadiens forward Steve Begin announced Thursday that he’s declaring bankruptcy. The 46-year-old confirmed the news on Facebook, saying the civil engineering company he’s invested in since 2013 went bankrupt.
“I could have tried to avoid the subject, but I chose to talk openly about it, because I believe there are lessons to be learned,” wrote Begin. He indicated it’s been a trying and hurtful experience for himself and his family, but he intends to push forward “to carry out great projects despite this ordeal.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some folks saw the headline on social media and felt Begin’s situation was being exploited by the press. That’s not the case at all. He’s going public about the ordeal and wants to explain what’s happened and what he’s learned from it.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: The St. Louis Blues and the club’s alumni have each donated $5,000.00 to help pay for medical expenses for the brother and nephew of former Blues player Kyle Brodziak.
Ryan Brodziak and his young son Ozzy were walking their dog in their Sherwood Park, Alberta neighbourhood when they were struck by an out-of-control vehicle. Ryan suffered a spinal core injury and multiple fractures to his spine while Ozzy suffered a fractured skull and a fractured left arm. Their dog was taken to an emergency vet for care and is now home with the family.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist the Brodziaks.
While Milan Lucic may want to resume his NHL career this coming season, does he realistically believe there is a team that will take him on?
His last season of any statistical significance was in 2016-17 with Edmonton when he finished with 23g 27a 50 pts. He was 29 then. To that point in his career he had played 809 games with 182g 265a for 82-game averages of 19g 27a 46 pts and was a cumulative + 117.
In the ensuing seasons he has played 368 games with 51g 88a 139 pts for 82-game averages of 11g 20a 31 pts – and has been a cumulative minus 58.
Never fast to begin with, one can only wonder how he’d do at age 36. I doubt there are any teams willing to find out.
What a shame! He could have been a god in Boston if he just did the right thing! Feel for his wife and young daughters!
Sr. he wouldn’t be the first pro athlete unable to face his fast-approaching end of the line with no idea what he’ll do when the dream end, and so lash out physically at those closest to him.
Lucic, seem to be the only one who doesn’t realize his nhl career is over. This isn’t the first time he abused his wife; one can only hope that he got the help and has his anger under control.
Yes someone could offer sheet Swayman; The club would have to view him as a $9m goaltender, have the draft capital, cap space and need.
Personally i don’t view Swayman as a $9m goaltender there isn’t enough sample size.
No sense for any team to offer sheet under $8.5m simply a waste of time.
Oilers will sign Lucic and bring him back, he fits their vibe.
Hey Lyle why no details re Ryan Brodziak being hit from behind by an out of control vehicle. The Edmonton Journal has way more details?
Lucia is done. Slower than a dinosaur.