NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 18, 2025
The Ducks avoid arbitration with Lukas Dostal, the Canucks trade Dakota Joshua to the Maple Leafs, Yegor Chinakhov requests a trade from the Blue Jackets, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
NHL.COM: The Anaheim Ducks avoided salary arbitration with Lukas Dostal, signing the 25-year-old goaltender to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a significant increase for Dostal, who earned an annual cap hit of $812,500 on his previous deal. It raised some eyebrows on social media, but he earned it by outplaying John Gibson for the starter’s job, resulting in the latter’s recent trade to the Detroit Red Wings.
Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal (NHL Images).
Dostal is a good goalie on a rebuilding team. Eric Stephens of The Athletic pointed out that his analytics are better than his traditional stats, with 14.3 goals saved above expectation. He backstopped the Ducks to their first 80-point season since 2018-19.
Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek considers Dostal to be a proven No. 1 goaltender. “He is just entering the prime of his career, with his best hockey ahead of him.”
THE PROVINCE/TORONTO SUN: The Vancouver Canucks traded forward Dakota Joshua to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Joshua was popular among Canucks fans for his physical, energetic style. Diagnosed last summer with testicular cancer, he missed most of his offseason training, training camp, and the first 14 games of the 2024-25 season. He admitted that he spent most of the season playing catch-up.
When healthy, Joshua is a solid checking-line forward with a decent scoring touch, netting a career-best 18 goals and 32 points in 63 games during the 2023-24 season. That earned him a three-year contract with an AAV of $3.25 million.
Joshua won’t replace the offense the Leafs lost when they traded Mitch Marner to Vegas on the eve of free agency, but the hardworking 29-year-old will bring a solid physical presence to their third line.
By clearing Joshua’s cap hit from their books, the Canucks have $3.27 million in cap space with 22 active roster players under contract for this season. It’s expected they will add another player via trade or free agency. I’ll have more about that in today’s Rumor Mill.
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov has requested a trade. In a post on social media by his agent, the 24-year-old winger cited “misunderstandings” with head coach Dean Evason last season.
Chinakhov, 24, was chosen 21st overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2020 NHL Draft. He missed nearly half of last season with a back injury.
TSN: Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell expressed surprise that the Chinakhov camp took the trade request public. He said he had spoken with Chinakhov previously about it, indicating the winger didn’t play well upon his return from injury, leading to him and Evanson falling out of favor.
Waddell indicated that he told Chinakhov’s agent that his client has value in the trade market. “I will talk to teams. I have talked to teams. But I’m not going to trade him because you said to trade him.” He added that the winger couldn’t handle being a healthy scratch near the end of the season.
THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline cited Waddell saying if the trade market isn’t good for Chinakhov, he’ll remain a Blue Jacket. In that case, he’ll be in training camp because he’s under contract for 2025-26.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Waddell also indicated that he’s not worried about this situation. He believes it won’t be an issue if Chinakhov shows up with the right attitude in training camp. That will also be the best way for the winger to improve his value in the trade market.
RG.ORG: Dmitry Orlov said his reduced role last season with the Carolina Hurricanes left him feeling isolated and mentally drained. The 33-year-old defenseman admitted the hardest part was knowing he no longer fit into their long-term plans.
A free agent on July 1, Orlov signed a two-year contract with the San Jose Sharks. He’s hoping to find stability in a leadership role with the rebuilding club.
TSN: Former NHL head coach Gerard Gallant is heading to Russia to coach a team in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). An official announcement is expected soon.
Winner of the Jack Adams Trophy in 2017-18 with the Vegas Golden Knights, Gallant’s last NHL coaching gig was with the New York Rangers until 2023. He also previously coached the Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl took to the ice in Newmarket, Ontario, on Wednesday as they took part in a beer-league game. The pair stood out with their speed and skill, but made sure not to show up their teammates or opponents.
Their team lost 6-2, which sparked some ribbing toward the two on social media. However, the on-ice officials credited the goaltender’s performance for blanking McDavid and Draisaitl.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid and Draisaitl got to get in some summer on-ice work while having some fun at the same time.
They’re not the only notable players to take part in a beer-league game as part of their offseason training this summer.
Evgeny Kuznetsov made a recent appearance at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia. The former Washington Capitals center hopes to stage an NHL comeback after spending last season in the KHL.
Wow, Dostal got a lot more $ than I thought.
Wonder what Anaheim will bring in McTavish for now. I read one reporter comment the other day that McT’s camp is probably using Coronato’s deal in Calgary as a comp. Coronato got 7 for $45.5M. And McT plays a harder position, had a better season, and has had a better career so far overall, so that Coronato deal is probably the minimum.
foleyd7, with Dostal’s signing there remain 22 RFAs spread over 15 teams still unsigned. Those that have Filed For Arbitration show (FFA) after their name and those Taken To Arbitration show (TTA), none of whom can be offer-sheeted. To provide some idea as to what to expect, their size and last season stats are also shown.
The remaining cap is shown after the team name followed by the number of players so far committed to for next season – by position – all as shown at Puckpedia:
Anaheim $22,488,812 – 20 (11F 6D 3G) – C Mason McTavish 6’ 1” 220-lbs 76gp 22g 30a 52pts; RD Drew Helleson (FFA) 6’ 3” 215lbs 56gp 4g 9a 13pts; RW/C Sam Colangelo 6’ 2” 210lbs 32gp 10g 2a 12pts
Chicago $21,412,024 – 21 (12F 7D 2G) – LD Wyatt Kaiser 6’ 175lbs 57gp 4g 4a 8pts; G Arvid Soderblom 6’ 3” 180lbs 36hp 3.18gaa 0.898 save % (FFA)
Winnipeg: $18,048,810 – 20 (11F 7D 2G) – C Gabriel Vilardi 6’ 3” 215lbs 71gp 27g 34a 61pts (FFA); LD Dylan Samberg 6’ 4” 215lbs 60gp 6g 14a 20pts (FFA);
Columbus $16,342,501 – 22 (13F 7D 2G) – RW Mikael Pyyhtia 6’ 176lbs 47gp 4g 3a 7pts
Calgary $15,412,500 – 22 (13F 7D 2G) – C Connor Zary 6’ 178lbs 564gp 13g 14a 27pts
Seattle $11,174,287 – 21 (13F 6D 2G) – RW Kaapo Kakko (FFA); LD Ryker Evans
Minnesota $10,186,835 – 21 (13F 6D 2G) – C Marco Rossi 5’ 9” 182lbs 82gp 24g 36a 60pts
Nashville $10,116,039 – 21 (11F 8D 2G) – RW Luke Evangelista 6” 183lbs 68gp 10g 22a 32pts
Buffalo $7,390,319 – 22 (13F 7D 2G) – G Devon Levi 6’ 192lbs 9gp 4.12gaa 0.872 save %; RD Connor Timmins (FFA) 6’ 3” 215lbs 68gp 3g 12a 15pts (Tor & Pitt)
New Jersey $6,906,667 – 22 (13F 7D 2G) – LD Luke Hughes 6’ 2” 200lbs 71gp 7g 37a 44pts; C/W Thomas Bordeleau 5’ 10” 180lbs 1gp with San Jose 0pts
Los Angeles $6,768,333 – 22 (12F 8D 2G) – RW Alex Laferriere 6’ 1” 205lbs 77gp 19g 23a 42pts
NYI $3,875,000 – 23 (14F 6D 2G) – W Maxim Tsyplakov (FFA) 6’ 3” 210pts 77gp 10g 25a 35pts
Toronto $2,933,081 – 23 (14F 7D 2G) – LW/RW Nicholas Robertson (FFA) 5’ 9” 180lbs 69gp 15g 7a 22pts
Montreal OVER BY $4,519,167 – 22 (14F 6D 2G) – LD Jayden Struble (FFA) 6’ 207lbs 56gp 2g 11a 13pts
Vegas OVER BY $7,638,571 – 22 (13F 7D 2G) – RW Alexander Holtz 6’ 200lbs 53gp 4g 8a 12pts
Forgot to show these details for Seattle in the above list: $11,174,287 – 21 (13F 6D 2G) – RW Kaapo Kakko (FFA) 6’ 1” 215lbs 79gp 14g 30a 44pts (NYR & Sea); LD Ryker Evans 6’ 195lbs 93gp 5g 20a 25pts
sigh … Ryker Evans 73gp – not 93
Agree, similar numbers, but playing on Ducks; massive difference in size; and Corronato solely a winger
I know Ducks have buckets O’Cap to match; but I’m surprised no OS has come his way (well, he may have been offered but not accepted [then it would formally become an offer sheet])
Agree Floyd,
similar numbers, but playing on Ducks; massive difference in size; and Corronato solely a winger
I know Ducks have buckets O’Cap to match; but I’m surprised no OS has come his way (well, he may have been offered but not accepted [then it would formally become an offer sheet])
First, we never know if teams reached out or not. We only know if they signed a player to an offer sheet successfully. So GMs may have attempted to gauge MacTavish’s interest already.
Second my own take. Ducks have the cap space to match and to get them to pause and consider not matching its going to be in the 9’s I would imagine. That poses 2 problems…the compensation for many teams starting with a 1st 2nd and 3rd and then upwards after 9.3 or so. That is an enormous overpay for a player who i love but to date has really proven to be a #2 or 1B.
And lastly…while OS are fair game do not think for a moment GMs appreciate the attempt at poaching and they won’t forget. So if you go for it you want to make sure you have a chance at getting the player and are in a good position with your own RFAs. Armstrong showed a masterclass in getting 2…then taking care of Hoffer quickly in the off season.
Anyway that is my take.
Agree
As I mentioned (and you reiterated); Offer Sheets only become public on acceptance by player
GMs would be foolish to NOT at least call the agent to get a sense of interest and magnitude
We’ve seen the vindictive retribution on Offer sheets (cite Wadell/Kokeniemi situation); but I am surprised of the infrequency of them
Look at the great double OS strategy that Army pulled off last year
McTavish might be a great fit in Habsville but OS cannot br made until Price contract is moved because McTavish on Habs would put them over the 110% (of Cap) max in off-season
IMO the reason there aren’t many OS’s is specifically for the reason you mention 8787; the other team can match.
The only way they don’t is if you drastically overpay the player. Why would a team do that?
The Oil got hit because Jackson took over, with no experience running a team, and chased UFA’s before signing his RFA’s. And didn’t leave himself with the ability to match.
That’s all there really is too it.
In fairness to Jackson, they were rare, and I believe fear of retaliation is real. He made a bet they wouldn’t come, squeeze the RFA’s who had no leverage to a cheaper deal, and lost.
Teams will try to avoid that going forward and learned from it. Plus the cap went up, more teams have the space and fewer are exposed.
Jackson a “newbie” as one reason; concur
Re drastically overpaying; possibly
They could gamble on the overpay for a 2-3 year contract; tacking risk they can lock them long term year (or 2) before UFA
Cap up, more space, fewer exposed; concur
I truly believe that the “offer sheets” are rare only because it takes two signatures to make it a reported offer sheet
I’m convinced that calls go out to RFAs’ agents all the time by many GMs
Testing the water
Quick verbal haggling GM/Agent where most of those are nixed before they start (player has already informed agent no way he’s moving; OR only if it is to one of these handful who f teams; and only if at least for a set amount
That negates at least 90% of those potential offer sheets right away
The handful of calls remaining that havd some remote possibilities are then reanalyzed by the GM for (1) future benefit relative to actual cost AND relative to compensating picks; and (2) also then against potential own future cap risk and (3) own RFAs risk exposure to an OS
That leaves a small handful per year as potentials
There comes a time though when the opportunity to act and potentially succeed with the move; outweighs the downside
22 year old; 6’ 1” , 222 lb Cs on the rise; are available for an offer sheet too often
You can always do the gimpy route (cite Burke on Kessell) and refuse to actually do offer sheets; but negotiate a trade for a greater amount of picks than he would have had to pay as compensation for the contract (if it had been an offer sheet) that was actually signed
Chinakov; good size; only 24; one year removed from 82 Game pace of 25-20-45 on low teens minutes; only $2.1 M and after that RFA—he should be kept; but for sure would be in demand
Leafs acquiring Joshua (6’3”, 202, 29, can play both W & C) who has grit ; plays middle 6; 3 more years at $3.25 M seems like an odd Leaf move (rather than seeking out some partial points replacement of Marner)
Looks like this was a pure dump by Cannucks (4th in 3years as a return) but maybe Tre sees Joshua as a viable reclamation project (1 year removed from an 82 Game pace of 23-18-41. He does have grit though. Time will tell.
Chinakov would be in demand but lack of games played and the public trade request may dampen the return immensely. I am always in favor of moving out anyone that asks for out as soon as possible.
In a vacuum I dont understand the leafs acquiring Joshua either. But there is a lot of summer left so maybe it sets up another move. Or maybe they hope he returns to form from a year ago…IDK. thought it surprising
As a Canucks fan I kind of liked Joshua, but his inconsistent play (even in 2023-24) was frustrating. I’d say he has “occasional grit”. I was surprised we couldn’t get more than a 4th way into the future. Wish him well with the Leafs I guess.
Interesting the way arbitration is used though admittedly I and assume other fans project our/their feelings.
I assume that players filing want to stay with their team, not having offer sheets as a distraction or get in the way of negotiation.
I assume teams taking players to arbitration want to keep them and are taking an arrow out of the player’s quiver. The more time that passes the more places get filled.
That’s what makes me wonder what the motivation is for those teams NOT taking an RFA to arbitration (if they themselves haven’t file)?
Are they hoping to entice an offer sheet so they can weigh the advantages of either matching, or taking the compensation?
Reasons probably vary by team George. Just guessing, but if it is a good player both parties may want some flexibility in negotiations, if a long term deal is the goal for both parties.
After arbitration, that’s the deal, unless the team decides to let them walk. Which if it is a good young player, that would be bad.
They’re probably all too aware that they might hurt the players feelings and have to pony up 8 years at 66 million on the next go around.
Sorry. That’s a sore spot, still.
True that SOP