NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 21, 2026
Check out the latest on Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, Mammoth center Logan Cooley, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Blackhawks center Connor Bedard said he’s feeling good following shoulder surgery two weeks ago. He intends to remain mostly in Vancouver during his recovery this summer. His estimated recovery timeline is four months.
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (NHL Images)
Regarding his new contract, Bedard said that Leo Carlsson’s new contract with the Anaheim Ducks didn’t really change things regarding his negotiations with the Blackhawks, saying he was “very happy” with the money he’ll be making.
Bedard maintains he’s very happy in Chicago and with the Blackhawks’ progress. He also said he’s excited at the possibility of Patrick Kane potentially returning to the club as a free agent. “Hopefully, he decides to come back,” Bedard said. “It would make us a way better team.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bedard will be earning an average annual value of $15 million on his new five-year contract.
As for Kane, it’s believed he’s considering returning to the Blackhawks or signing with his hometown club, the Buffalo Sabres.
THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh reports New York Islanders head coach Peter DeBoer believes Matthew Schaefer could one day become the club’s captain.
DeBoer took over as the Isles coach late last season, but was impressed with Schaefer’s performance and the 18-year-old defenseman’s leadership within the dressing room. He believes Schaefer will be part of the Isles’ leadership group, and thinks he could become captain one day, but stressed they must be careful not to put too much on the youngster too soon.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders need a new captain after Anders Lee departed via free agency this summer. It’s unlikely they’ll hang the “C” on Schaefer, but there’s no doubt that the young blueliner will be part of their leadership group going forward.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley is looking forward to playing alongside Vincent Trocheck. He grew up admiring Trocheck, who was acquired from the New York Rangers earlier this summer.
The two Pittsburgh-area natives have skated together in offseason training, developing a friendship. Trocheck said it was among the factors that contributed to his decision to accept a trade to Utah.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck is a center, but he’s indicated that he’s willing to play on the wing for the Mammoth. Perhaps he and Cooley will be linemates this season.
NHL.COM: According to Dylan Strome, it’s Stanley Cup or bust for the Washington Capitals. “I mean, I think it has to be”, the Capitals forward said. “I think that with the pieces that we’ve added, you can’t ask much more from management, so now it’s time for the players to step up and do what’s asked of us.”
The Capitals were among the busiest teams this summer, acquiring Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, and Boone Jenner through trades and free agency, and signing team captain Alex Ovechkin to a one-year contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals’ recent moves were spurred by their disappointing performance last season after finishing first in the Eastern Conference in 2024-25. They are not only attempting to bounce back, but also give Ovechkin one last chance to stage a run for a second Stanley Cup before his inevitable NHL retirement.
THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: The Canadiens have officially announced that they’ve hired former Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde as their new associate coach, replacing Trevor Letowski.
DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL center Eddie Joyal passed away at the age of 86.
Joyal spent nine seasons in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, and Philadelphia Flyers from 1962-63 to 1971-72. He also spent four seasons in the WHA from 1972-73 to 1975-76.
In 465 NHL games, Joyal scored 128 goals and 134 assists for 262 points, and 11 goals and 19 points in 50 postseason games.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Joyal’s family, friends, and former teammates.
Connor Bedard had his shoulder surgery in Vail, Colorado. This procedure was necessary due to an injury he sustained while skating in Vancouver.
Just wondered if Canadian athletes have their surgeries in Canada? Or are the hospitals too busy there, or well, I don’t wish to stir anything up, but I don’t recall anyone having their surgeries in Canada unless it were an emergency.
Well to do folks are able and willing to pay for the best treatment available whether it’s in Vail, Victoria or Vietnam.
Yes Johnny, people get surgeries here including high end athletes.
Depends on the surgeon and the specialty and how cutting edge they are.
Regarding hospitals being too busy, I ruptured my achilles tendon playing ball in the evening, I had the surgery the next morning at 9:30 AM.
I understand US hospitals are busy too.
Regarding healthcare we spend 40% less per person than the USA and yet we live longer.
Delays for some stuff like hip replacements, that’s true, but it’s about choices.
Try google Johnny you can easily find this stuff out.
Johnny, hockey players have their medical procedures done at the direction of their team medical staff; in this case, the Blackhawks, who are based in Chicago. That’s one reason.
Another is that many of the top specialists for complicated hockey-related injuries are based in the United States. Since the surgery was Bedard’s choice based on consultation with the Blackhawks medical staff, that’s why his procedure was done in Colorado.
Strong statement by Strome! Put the pressure on players to perform.Other than Carolina that division is wide open. Nearly not as strong as the Atlantic division.Probably easier finishing in the top three than gaining a WC berth!