NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 14, 2025
Check out the latest on Alex Ovechkin and Ilya Sorokin, the Canucks trade Arturs Silovs to the Penguins, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
RG.ORG: Sergey Demidov reports Alex Ovechkin is denying reports claiming he decided to retire from the NHL following the 2025-26 season.
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).
In May, Ovechkin’s wife Nastasyia suggested the family might move back to Russia in 2026, after his contract with the Washington Capitals expires.
“She said maybe we’ll come and play in Russia,” Ovechkin told reporters. “But it was just a ‘maybe’. No one mentioned a specific date. It’s all nonsense that you guys are twisting and putting Nastasyia in a position where it sounds like she said I’m playing my last NHL season. Let’s just wait and see!”
Asked if he would consider continuing his NHL career beyond this season, the 39-year-old Ovechkin was noncommittal. “Anything is possible. I’m not saying no, but I’m not saying yes either.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin appears to be keeping his options open. He turns 40 in September and isn’t the player he once was. Nevertheless, he netted 44 goals in 65 games last season, setting the NHL’s all-time goal-scoring record. He also had five goals in 10 playoff games.
Another productive season that helps the Capitals remain a playoff contender could entice Ovechkin into extending his NHL career by another season or two.
Meanwhile, New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin shut down recent speculation suggesting he was a trade candidate during last month’s NHL Draft.
“I wasn’t surprised by the rumors – it’s part of the business,” Sorokin said. “What did surprise me, though, was how seriously people took them, even though everyone knows I have a no-trade clause. But overall – let them talk.”
Sorokin expressed his happiness over the new long-term contract signed by teammate Alexander Romanov and his surprise over Noah Dobson being traded to the Montreal Canadiens.
“That one surprised me,” he said, but admitted the salary cap meant the Isles couldn’t afford to keep Romanov and Dobson.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sorokin’s agent, Dan Milstein, swatted down the speculation last Thursday, claiming his client had never been part of any trade talk involving the Islanders.
THE PROVINCE/PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Vancouver Canucks traded goaltender Arturs Silovs to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for prospect forward Chase Stillman and a fourth-round draft pick in 2027.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: With Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen under long-term contracts, Silovs was the odd man out in the Canucks crease. His waiver-exempt status was a contributing factor behind this decision.
Silovs became a fan favorite in Vancouver during the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs. Replacing a sidelined Demko and then-backup Casey DeSmith, he backstopped the Canucks into the second round before falling to the Edmonton Oilers in seven games. His struggles early last season led to his demotion to the Canucks’ AHL affiliate in Abbotsford, where he became playoff MVP, carrying that team to its first Calder Cup championship.
The Penguins will be counting on a more consistent effort from Silovs as they attempt to shore up their shaky goaltending. Starter Tristan Jarry’s performance has been erratic, and promising Joel Blomqvist struggled in his 15-game NHL debut last season.
TSN: Former NHL forward Joe Pavelski won the American Century Golf Championship on Sunday at Tahoe. He closed with an eagle to defeat former MLB pitcher John Smoltz by nine points in the celebrity tournament.
“I don’t know what to say, actually,” said the 41-year-old Pavelski. “But just an amazing week. This place is incredible. It means the world to me.”
DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Former Red Wings forward Daniel Sprong appears to be out of NHL options. Known for his powerful shot, the 28-year-old winger has garnered a reputation in NHL circles for his uninspiring defensive play.
Sprong’s next stop could be in the KHL. He’s reportedly received interest from Avangard Omsk and CSKA Moscow.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: In nine NHL seasons (2015-16 to 2024-25), Sprong has 87 goals and 79 points for 166 points in 374 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, Washington Capitals, Seattle Kraken, Red Wings, Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils.
Here are the 27 RFAs not signed to new deals listed by team (as Lyle mentioned yesterday any player that has Filed For Free Agency – (FFA) after their name – or Taken To Arbitration by the GM – (TTA) after their name – is not eligible for an offer-sheet). Also shown – after the team name – is the amount of available cap as of this morning, followed by the number of players so far committed to for next season – by position – all as shown at Puckpedia.
I know in most cases the delays can be traced to differences of opinion as to “worth” but I can’t help but wonder if teams have left some open to offer-sheets on purpose to entice offers, and THEN decide whether it’s to their advantage to match or let him go and take the compensation:
Anaheim $28,988,812 – 19 (11F 6D 2G) – C Mason McTavish; RD Drew Helleson (FFA); RW/C Sam Colangelo; G Lucas Dostal (FFA)
Chicago $22,312,024 – 20 (12F 6D 2G) – LD Wyatt Kaiser; RD Louis Crevier; G Arvid Soderblom (FFA)
San Jose $20,540,832 – 22 (13F 7D 2G) – RD Jack Thompson; LW Danil Gushchin
Winnipeg: $19,898,810 – 19 (10F 7D 2G) – C Gabriel Vilardi (FFA); LD Dylan Samberg (FFA); C Morgan Barron (FFA);
Columbus $16,342,501 – 22 (13F 7D 2G) – RW Mikael Pyyhtia
Calgary $15,412,500 – 22 (13F 7D 2G) – C Connor Zary
Buffalo $13,640,319 – 21 (13F 6D 2G) – G Devon Levi; LD Bowen Byram (TTA); RD Connor Timmins (FFA)
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
Nashville $10,116,039 – 21 (11F 8D 2G) – RW Luke Evangelista
New Jersey $6,906,667 – 22 (13F 7D 2G) – LD Luke Hughes; C/W Thomas Bordeleau
Los Angeles $6,768,333 – 22 (12F 8D 2G) – RW Alex Laferriere
Toronto $5,333,081 – 23 (13F 8D 2G) – LW/RW Nick Robertson (FFA)
Ottawa $4,294,286 – 22 – (13F 7D 2G) – LD Donovan Sebrango
NY Islanders $3,875,000 – 23 (14F 6D 2G) – W Maxim Tsyplakov (FFA)
Montreal OVER THE CAP BY $5,419,167 – 23 (14F 6D 3G) – LD Jayden Struble (FFA)
Vegas OVER THE CAP by $7,638,571 – 22 (13F 7D 2G) – RW Alexander Holtz
In the first para – not “Filed For Free Agency” – sheesh – should be “Filed For Arbitration”
Following is the Cap situation for the 15 teams with no RFAs left to sign:
Pittsburgh $13,053,571 – 23 (13F 8D 2G)
Detroit $12,086,628 – 23 (14F 7D 2G)
Carolina $10,644,291 – 23 (14F 7D 2G)
Utah – $6,657,143 – 23 (12F 8D 3G)
Washington $4,125,000 – 23 (13F 8D 2G)
Colorado $4,123,333 – 21 (12F 7D 2G)
Boston $2,081,667 – 23 (14F 7D 2G)
Dallas $1,955,084 – 21 (12F 7D 2G)
Tampa $1,180,001 – 23 (15F 6D 2G)
Vancouver $795,000 – 22 (13F 7D 2G)
NY Rangers $777,976 – 23 (13F 8D 2G)
St. Louis $625,150 – 23 (14F 7D 2G)
Philadelphia – $370,238 – 22 (11F 8D 3G)
Edmonton $225,834 – 23 (14F 7D 2G)
Florida OVER THE CAP BY $3,725,000 – 23 (14F 7D 2G)
Today the Jets signed RFA Morgan Barron – 2 years – $1,850,000 per and San Jose signed RFA Jack Thompson – 1 year – $800,000.
The Islanders also signed 18 y/o Victor Eklund to 3 year ELC @ $975,000 per
The above for Winnipeg and San Jose are amended to
San Jose $19,740,832 – 22 (13F 7D 2G) – LW Danil Gushchin
Winnipeg: $18,048,810 – 20 (11F 7D 2G) – C Gabriel Vilardi (FFA); LD Dylan Samberg (FFA);
GeorgeO,by the looks of it,Philly is going to need some forwards to round out their group!
Yeah, perhaps Sr … but I don’t see them starting the season with 3 goalies and 8 D … that’s what they show at Puckpedia now, but that’ll change as training camp ends … depending upon how that goes they could elevate 2 or 3 F from their system prospects – or maybe 2 and sign one of the available UFAs.
I’ve been ragging on him for his mistakes;
Credit where credit is due
This is a trade win for sure
Stillman will be a career AHLer; the 4th two years from now may not even have an AHL career
Silovs did well in the AHL this year, especially playoffs; only 24; good size; will definitely push/compete with Murashov and Blomquist for the Penguins future between the pipes
A tad over League min; RFA next year; basically zero downside with fair possibility of pretty good upside; and even a small possibility of a blossoming goalie that could be a future star
For basically nothing in return
Good trade
And he still has just over $13 mil o work with over the summer
True
But he’s had big space all summer
He needs to move Karllson (at 50%) ; which means $5M more (less whatever comes in from that trade) Cap space upcoming
Unless Tkachuk waits until a week before training camp to have surgery, Florida will need to move somebody with term off their roster to comply with the cap limit.
So, too, might Edmonton, Philadelphia, St. Louis, NYR and Vancouver who are all perilously close to the limit and who, through injuries not requiring LTIR designation, would not have sufficient cap space to call up replacements from the minors.
Those with substantial cap space and a plethora of future picks would be well-positioned to swoop in and take a decent player through trade.
I’d say Dubas can trade Karlsson for a decent return and only hold 30%.
A couple of sub standard seasons on a poor hockey club shouldn’t define a player like him.
Wait and see.
George:
The prevailing logic around the Panthers is that Tkachuk will be undergoing surgery for the adductor and hernia. That said, I cannot see him being out the entire season with the Olympics in play. The cap compliance moves will most likely involve Rodriguez and Boqvist (if necessary).
Karlsson will only waive to go to a contender and maybe Ottawa, whose not far off. Aside of Carolina, nine of the contenders has the cap space at 50% retained, nevermind 30% and I don’t see any of them in need of Karlsson to give up anything of value to get him. My guess he stays in Pittburgh till at least the TDL
That’s the way I see it unfolding too, Yogi (unless that uneasy feeling I keep having that Staios (and Andlauer) would like to “bring him home” comes true.
Matt, that’s the kind of scenario I had in mind above when I posted “Those with substantial cap space and a plethora of future picks would be well-positioned to swoop in and take a decent player through trade.”
In Florida’s case, the best they could hope for – if forced into making such a move when Tkachuk does return – is a prospect or a pick since they couldn’t take a cap hit back.
And teams will be well aware of that. So, basically, it could amount to a salary (or salaries) dump.
Of course, that could also work to Florida’s advantage in terms of what quality prospect and/or how high a pick they eventually get.
Say they’re still over as the date for Tkachuk’s return approaches … so they dangle Rodrigues (and maybe Boqvist) as trade bait … teams might know they are forced to move players, but if those players are seen as the type several teams are seeking, the bidding could become competitive.
It’s going to be interesting to watch it all unfold, Given Zito’s track record, like Nill in Dallas he’ll do all right.
30% retention ($7 M cap) may (HUGE on “may”) get a single team to call
At 50% ($5 M) ; up that number to a handful at best
Pens remaining cash responsibility on Karllsson is just $10 M TOTAL (for the two years)
@ 50%; cap hit is $5 M and Total cash responsibility to bidding teams is just $5 M TOTAL (so effective Cash AAV of just $2.5 M)
He’s in full control; will waive for a cup contender or Sens (rightfully pointed out by Yogi)
Canes (definite contender) have buckets of space and currently only have Walker and Chatfield as RDs
Lightning only have Cernak and Raddish as RDs; would need to have $3.9’ish M Cap coming back in deal
Stars ($2 M space but only for 21/23) have Lyubushkin, Lundkvist, Petrovic as righties; could do with an RD upgrade
Leafs (would he agree to go there?) have the space; have 3RDs: Tanev, Carlo, Meyers; would they look to upgrade RD?
Knights have $1.2 M in space (once Petro goes on LTIR) and only 2 natural Righties (although Theodore plays both sides) Whitecloud and Korczack; AND a GM that tends to go all in; $3.8 M exit (plus current space) and Karllsson could be fit in
Sens will have $3.3 M once they get Sabrango signed. Do they wan’t him (Karllsson) back????They already have 4 RDs: Zub, Jensen, Spence, Mantipalo
At 30% retained ($7M); I would think , at best, it’s just Canes who may be interested
Retention of 50% a must!! More viable bidders; definitely better return
Larsson plays the right side and Karlsson wouldn’t be an upgrade
Also, Sebrango still has minor league options and, once signed, will be ticketed to Belleville to start the year and so won’t affect Ottawa’s available cap – still at $4,294,286
As for Jensen he’s still recovering from surgery and although things are reportedly going well with his rehab, his return to action will be sometime well into the new season – perhaps as much as a month – and so he will need time to catch up to the rest in terms of contact, etc.
As I posted not long ago, if that uneasy feeling I have about Staios and Andlauer wanting to “bring Karlsson home” comes to fruition, I can see Zub being moved to make room (but NOT to Pittsburgh as part of the deal since what Dubas is trying to do is clear a portion of Karlsson’s cap).
Nor should we forget RD Carter Yakemchuk. If he has a camp half as good as last year’s, he’ll be in the RD mix, which would add the offensive output from the back end.
I had seen in 1 blog that if Tkachuk sat out on LTIR for 20 games, that no other action would be necessary to bring Matty back. I don’t see it, but I would need an explanation if that were possible.
Now you’re getting into the small print Johnny Z … and this is where Cap/LTIR loses me.
Hopefully, someone with more detailed knowledge of that overly-convoluted entire process can explain (in layman’s terms – LOL).
Do you have a link to that blog you’re referring to, Johnny Z? I’d like to read it and can’t find anything about the Panthers not needing to do anything to be cap compliant if Tkachuk is on LTIR for 20 games.
Lyle, for the heck of it, I Googled “If Matthew Tkachuk misses just 20 games Florida will not need to make any cap adjustments when he gets back” …. and got this
“No, that statement is incorrect. If Matthew Tkachuk misses just 20 games, the Florida Panthers will still need to make cap adjustments when he returns. To clarify, if a player is placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), his salary does not count against the team’s cap while he is on LTIR. However, when he returns, the team must be cap compliant, meaning their total salary cap spending must be within the league’s limit. If the Panthers have made other roster moves to utilize the cap space created by Tkachuk’s absence, they will need to make adjustments to get back under the cap upon his return.
Here’s why:
• LTIR and Cap Relief:
Players on LTIR are removed from the team’s cap, creating temporary relief.
• Roster Moves:
Teams often use this temporary cap relief to make trades or sign other players.
• Returning to Compliance:
When a player on LTIR returns, the team must become cap compliant again, meaning their total salary cap spending must be below the limit.
• Adjustments Required:
If the Panthers have used the cap space created by Tkachuk’s absence, they will need to make corresponding adjustments, such as trading or waiving other players, to bring their cap spending back within the limit.
Therefore, even if Tkachuk misses just 20 games, the Panthers will need to make cap adjustments to accommodate his return if they have made other moves using the cap space created by his absence.”
If you find the blog Johnny Z you may wish to send this along to them.
Thanks, George, I had typed in something similar and got the same result. That’s why I wanted to see the blog Johnny was referring to. In the 20 years I’ve been covering the NHL in the salary cap era (which went into effect in July 2005, how times flies!), I’ve never heard of a scenario where a team wouldn’t need to be cap compliant if a player was on LTIR for a certain period of time.
If you’re 3 mill over the cap when you put tkachuk on LTIR you’re still 3 mill over the cap 20 games later. The only thing is that it gives you 20 games to figure out how to get under the cap.
Yeah, this didn’t make sense to me either. I was under the impression that teams that are over the cap with LTIR relief do not accrue cap space (which is why teams wait until the absolute last possible moment to put a player on LTIR). If Tkachuk is on LTIR for 20 games or for 81 games, it shouldn’t have an impact on accrued cap space in that regard.
That’s right, Matt. There is no accrual of cap space during the period the player is on LTIR. As you noted, if Tkachuk returns after 20 games, the Panthers can start accruing cap space, provided they’re cap compliant upon his return.
Re Tkachuck and surgery and LTIR
1) I’d think he’s getting 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc opinions as he in no way would want to be in a scenario where he potentially misses the Olympics
2) The GENIUS known as King Zito; will already have multiple multiple flow charts/decision trees on the go. King Zito WILL make things work
3) If Tkachuck DOES do surgery; just pushes final decision time (Zito) down the road
4) worst case scenario for Zito, as at now; is that he’s got basically 3 months to make a move (if required by then); no rush
The sad thing for us non Panther’s fans:
Zito has a huge chunk of the core locked up; if he massages the Cap this year without losing a key piece; Panther’s once again then favs for Cup; AND Cap going up next year AND goalie commitment going down (Zero chance that Bob [who will bd 38 for start if ‘26/27 season] will get near $10 M again)—dynasty??