Recapping Friday’s action, the 2026 franchise valuation rankings, and the latest on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF FRIDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Alex Tuch scored twice in his debut for the Washington Capitals, helping them defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-2. Logan Thompson made 31 saves, and Jakob Chychrun had a goal and an assist for the Capitals. Sebastian Aho and Logan Stankoven replied for the Hurricanes.

Washington Capitals winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes continue to suffer from the dreaded “Stanley Cup hangover.” They were shut out 1-0 by the Florida Panthers in their season opener and were outplayed by the Capitals.

The New York Rangers got a 22-save shutout from backup Dylan Garand to blank the Detroit Red Wings 2-0. Sean Durzi and Eeli Tolvanen were the goal scorers. John Gibson turned aside 19 of 20 shots for the Red Wings in their home opener.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Red Wings center Dylan Larkin missed this game with an upper-body injury. Red Wings fans booed him during the pregame player introductions.

Larkin made headlines by requesting a trade this summer and is currently sidelined with an upper-body injury. The Wings were criticized for including Larkin in the introductions, but it was his decision to stand with his teammates and face the music.

Red Wings fans also voiced their displeasure about the drama surrounding the club, chanting “Sell the team!” at one point.

It could be an ugly season in Hockeytown.

St. Louis Blues goaltender Joel Hofer made 25 saves to shut out the Dallas Stars 4-0. Mason McTavish scored in his debut with the Blues while Jimmy Snuggerud and Pius Suter each had a goal and an assist. Jake Oettinger stopped 20 of 22 shots for the Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Early in the third period, Blues defenseman Brandon Carlo was ejected for a knee-on-knee hit on Stars center Roope Hintz, who briefly left the game but later returned. Blues forward Alexey Toropchenko left this game in the second period with an undisclosed injury.

An overtime goal by JJ Peterka lifted the Boston Bruins over the Winnipeg Jets 4-3, spoiling the latter’s season opener. Elias Lindholm scored the tying goal to set the stage for Peterka’s heroics, and Jeremy Swayman stopped 30 shots for the Bruins. Kyle Connor had a goal and an assist for the Jets.

The Anaheim Ducks built a 4-0 lead and hung on for a 4-3 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. Leo Carlsson had a goal and an assist while Lukas Dostal made 27 saves for the Ducks. Jack Eichel collected two assists for the Golden Knights.

HEADLINES

SPORTICO recently revealed its 2026 NHL franchise valuation rankings.

The Toronto Maple Leafs topped the list with a valuation of $4.8 billion, followed by the New York Rangers ($4.15 billion) and the Montreal Canadiens ($3.88 billion).

The New Jersey Devils ($2.72 billion) and New York Islanders ($2.7 billion) moved up into the top 10, sitting ninth and tenth respectively.

The Columbus Blue Jackets ($1.5 billion) were 32nd overall, with the Winnipeg Jets ($1.52 billion) at No. 31 and the Buffalo Sabres ($1.53 billion) at No. 30.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link above for the full list and methodology.

TSN: Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov underwent an MRI on Friday. Barkov left Thursday’s game against the San Jose Sharks with an injured left knee. He underwent season-ending surgery on his right knee last September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: An update on Barkov’s status is expected on Saturday. No word on the severity of his injury, but there’s speculation that he could miss some time.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson and winger Warren Foegele have been cleared to play in their season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Sabres defenseman Olen Zellweger has recovered from a concussion and is expected to play in their home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko has rejoined his teammates after taking time away to attend his father’s funeral. He will wear No. 62, which is how old his father was when he was killed by a bear in Russia last week.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Devils defenseman Seamus Casey underwent knee surgery and is expected to miss eight to 10 weeks.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico interviewed Jonathan Lachance, the agent for Anaheim Ducks defenseman Tristan Luneau, about how the six-year, $43.2 million extension for the 22-year-old came about.

Despite Luneau’s limited professional career, the Ducks were impressed by his standout performance during training camp and bet on his long-term future as a potential top-four defenseman.