NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2026
Brady Tkachuk hopes to write a new chapter in Florida, Zach Werenski and the Blue Jackets to discuss his future, analysis of Tuesday’s trade action, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
THE LATEST ON BRADY TKACHUK AND ZACH WERENSKI
FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Brady Tkachuk was formally introduced as the newest member of the Panthers on Tuesday. He was acquired in a trade with the Ottawa Senators on Sunday.
Tkachuk said he’s looking forward to starting a new chapter in his life and career with the Panthers. He got to know the team well during its back-to-back Stanley Cup championships through his brother, Matthew Tkachuk.
“Their sole focus is winning, and that’s something I’m excited to join, to help out,” Tkachuk said.
Tkachuk also thanked his former club, singling out team owner Michael Andlauer, general manager Steve Staios, his former coaches and teammates. He said it wasn’t an easy decision to leave, and would always be thankful to the Senators for what they did for him as a player and a person. “They always have a piece of my heart,” he said.
THE ATHLETIC: Justin Bourne pushed back against the notion that the appeal of warm-weather, US-based teams in no-tax states is a growing trend, suggesting it’s part of a boom-bust cycle.
Teams such as the Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars have been riding high in recent years, and NHL players want to play for winning franchises. However, Bourne pointed out several factors that will make it harder for those clubs to maintain their positions.
A significant factor will be the increasing difficulty of maintaining Stanley Cup contenders when they’re getting thin on tradeable assets. Their respective prospect pipelines rank 24th or worst among all NHL clubs. Some are lacking first-round picks over the next two to four years. As key players age out and their contracts remain on their books, it becomes harder to acquire talent to replace them.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Strong management was the prime reason why those four clubs became preferred destinations for NHL stars. However, as Bourne points out, they could soon reach the point where they will lack sufficient assets to maintain their place as Cup contenders.
Meanwhile, well-managed teams like the Hurricanes and Wild are becoming enticing landing spots for talented players. Rising clubs like the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks, and Utah Mammoth could join them if they build into Stanley Cup contenders.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Columbus Blue Jackets and Zach Werenski will meet following the upcoming NHL Draft to discuss his future. The 28-year-old superstar defenseman will be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status in July 2028.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)
With trade requests around the league dominating headlines and the rumor mill, Werenski’s future in Columbus has become the subject of growing speculation.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets narrowly missed the playoffs over the past two seasons, sparking the conjecture that Werenski might be getting frustrated over their inability to get over the postseason hump. However, he could be willing to see how next season unfolds before deciding if his future lies elsewhere. They could also name him their new team captain if Boone Jenner departs via free agency on July 1, which could also factor into his plans.
ANALYSIS OF TUESDAY’S TRADES
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link for the details of the four notable trades that occurred on Tuesday.
BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Bill Hoppe wonders what other moves Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has in store after shipping defenseman Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.
Moving Byram and winger Jordan Greenway free up over $10.25 million in salary cap space. The Sabres could use it to attempt to re-sign pending UFA winger Alex Tuch, or to add another established talent.
THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn reported Tuch is expected to test the free-agent market on July 1. He thinks GM Jarmo Kekalainen could use the first-round pick in this year’s draft (No. 4 overall) that he received from the Blackhawks as a trade chip if he wants to add another player. However, the Sabres GM could keep the pick and use it to add a potentially franchise-altering talent.
CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Jack Bushman believes Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson overpaid for Byram and Greenway by including the fourth-overall pick as part of the return, along with blueliner Louis Crevier and a 2026 second-round pick.
Bushman also pointed out that Davidson still has to find a suitable winger to play alongside first-line center Connor Bedard. That task becomes more difficult without that No. 4 pick.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Davidson made no secret of his intent to bolster their blueline. Nevertheless, the reaction to this move has been mostly negative among Blackhawks fans. Some preferred he use that first-round pick to select a promising young defenseman, while others hoped he’d use it as bait for a proper wingman for Bedard.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber believes Jordan Kyrou will be a perfect fit with the Washington Capitals. They acquired the speedy winger from the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday. She noted that the Capitals needed scoring depth at right wing.
THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford pointed out that more moves could be coming for the St. Louis Blues. They got a first-round pick from the Capitals in this deal, giving them four in this year’s draft. He also thinks the addition of Connor McMichael will boost the Blues’ top nine, while forward Milton Gastrin will boost their prospect pipeline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s doubtful the Blues will retain all four of those picks. They could bundle a couple of them in a trade for another young player or two.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch noted that Senators GM Steve Staios wasted little time making another trade after shipping Brady Tkachuk to Florida on Sunday. He bundled the first-round pick (No. 9 overall) he received from the Panthers with two prospects to the San Jose Sharks for winger William Eklund. Garrioch believes Staios will use the No. 25 pick as a trade chip to pursue another player, pointing out their interest in Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish.
SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng noted the Sharks now hold the No. 2, 9, and 27 picks in this year’s draft. Moving Eklund could clear the path for them to use the No. 2 pick to select prospect forward Ivar Stenberg, but they could also use it as trade bait for an established talent.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks still need to bolster their blueline. One or two of those draft picks could be used to add a quality defenseman.
CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin reports Flames GM Craig Conroy pursued Simon Nemec because he thought highly of the young defenseman. He traded away two first-round picks (one from the Golden Knights, one from the Colorado Avalanche) to the New Jersey Devils as part of the return for the 22-year-old blueliner.
NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols noted that the Flames don’t have a contract extension in place for Nemec, who is a restricted free agent on July 1. The move frees up space on the crowded Devils blueline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nemec should be a good addition to the rebuilding Flames. He was going to be an expensive re-signing for the Devils. They can use those two first-round picks as trade chips to address their need for more scoring punch among their top-six forwards. This move probably means that the Devils won’t be trading veteran blueliner Dougie Hamilton.
IN OTHER NEWS…
EDMONTON JOURNAL: As expected, the Oilers officially hired Mike Babcock as head coach.
PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Hoffman Family of Companies received unanimous approval from the NHL Board of Governors to purchase the Penguins. The purchase process had been ongoing since last August.
THE ATHLETIC: The NHL is exploring the feasibility of expansion into either Austin or Atlanta. It has entered a short-term agreement with Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin to put a franchise in one of those cities. The agreed-upon price is $3.5 billion, covering the expansion fee ($2 billion) and the cost of a new arena ($1.5 billion).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The worst-kept secret in the league is now, finally, out in the open. Expect an NHL franchise in at least one of those cities by 2030.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: The New York Islanders hired Pascal Dupuis as their new Director of Player Development. Since 2021-22, the former NHL forward has owned the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes, serving in different roles with the team.
Re “Rising clubs like the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks, and Utah Mammoth could join them if they build into Stanley Cup contenders.”
I guess, from that, that the Senators have gone from “rising” to “flatlining” in your estimation. As I’ve said in the past, they’re the Rodney Dangerfield of the NHL.
George: No disrespect intended. Until this season, the Senators were among the rising clubs in the league IMO. However, their goalie inconsistencies, their ongoing issues finding suitable right-side blueline depth, and now the Tkachuk departure are serious issues that must be addressed if they’re going to make significant strides like the Sabres and Canadiens did in the East. And yes, I know those clubs have their issues too, but nothing as serious as the Senators.
None taken, Lyle.
Just that, this team, despite the goalie inconsistencies, questionable RD make-up, and Tkachuk’s teammates knowing for some time that their “captain” had no intention of re-upping with the Senators, they still wound up 1 point shy of 100 and just 7 b/o Montreal and 10 b/o Buffalo. Over 82 games. Hardly insurmountable.
I think Tkachuk’s departure will actually have a positive effect on team chemistry. That, combined with close to $20 mil in cap reserve and more moves by Staios to come – including the acquisition of a veteran (and consistent) back-up goalie and probably a RD in a deal involving the 25th overall, it’s a bit too early to be writing them off.
George. I recall pointing out at end of season that Ottawa had a better win % when Brady was hurt. Chemistry does matter. I don’t think anyone can seriously look at Carolina’s roster before season and had them winning cup. Internet has turned NHL into an offseason league. Apparently fans enjoy discussing “windows” and prospect pools more than games and team winning.
I remember your citing that Slick62. And it takes on new meaning now. Frank nailed it pretty good as to Tkachuk’s self-centered attitude … even though he misconstrued what I suggested to Lyle – lol.
You’re kidding, right, George? The entire league and most fans see the Jackets as a finishing school for top prospects. Mark my words, beginning next season’s trade deadline, rumors that Kirill Marchenko is leaving the Jackets in some fashion will be all over the place.
The Rumors regarding Marchenko are already starting.
Look for him to be on Ottawas radar.!
What.?
I’ve read many of your George.O but that’s ridiculous if you think that of the Senators as a flatlining team.!!
They are in a great spot and got rid of a cancer in the room, last year Brady went from being a leader to a player that left the dressing room early and often seen by himself as he was not being the “Captain” now that he is gone, Staois with what he got started addressing it with the great addition of Eklund as they are a very intriguing young team to watch with Cup contention starting next year.
Someone Please keep Brady Tkachuk from a microphone as he isn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer and spews lie after lie.!
Frank, read what I posted again please. I didn’t suggest they were a “flatlining” team. I used that term to poke some fun at Lyle suggesting HE was regarding them as “flatlining” by not including them among his list of “rising” teams.
And for the record, I totally agree with your views on Tkachuk.
Sheesh.
There was no oxygen left in Alberta’s capital after the Mike Babcock anouncement. Then you look at
all the trades. Trades that affect the chances of the
Oilers Stanley Cup run.
Bowman has frittered away all our prospects, denuded the pipeline of draft picks, plus we have
No CAP.
Great day in Edmonton.
Edmonton still has a very good team, but agree Alan. Bowman, and I would add Jackson to that as he is responsible for the Broberg/Holloway debacle, have made this team worse.
This whole Babcock thing could work out, and here’s hoping he has learned, but sure looks like a desperation move from the outside.
His press conference didn’t sound like he has, and I think the Oil know that too. They know what they are buying and wanted it.
We will see how this goes when the Oilers have their first 3 game losing streak, and how it goes in the room.
Interesting to say the least, and I have no idea how this will work out. Hopefully for my Oiler fan friends it does work out.
Some rather underwhelming returns for high draft picks. In all of those trades really. Either the trading team doesn’t see the value in the picks….or the receiving teams don’t see the values in the players leaving. They all have a bit of a smell to them. I know, it seems like I’m being overly obvious. But…why…if Nemec is SO good..and such a high prospect right shot D is….he on the outs in NJ? And why, if SanJose loves this Ecklund kid so much are they giving him away at this moment for the 9th over all pick.
Finally. I sure hope Edmonton knows what they’re doing. Because those two donkeys, together, running a bench with some of the best players on the planet…..it has all the feel of a “glass canon”
I’m with you on this Dark. I can’t understand Ottawa giving up a top 10 pick for Eklund, who’ll be a middle six winger at best. Nor Chicago giving up #4 for Byram and Greenway. Byram is a solid defenseman but not worth such a high pick.
I’m more positive in what Calgary did. I think Nemec will be a solid defenseman and the picks they gave up will be low in the round, far from guaranteed to become impact players.
I think the Caps made a good deal. Kyrou will bounce back.
Well you may, of course, be right, Howard. Only time will tell on that score. But if you query the scouts/analyst consensus assessment of Eklund’s abilities what you get is something entirely different … and a lot more positive (but what do they know, right?):
“The consensus evaluation for William Eklund is that of a highly-skilled, two-way playmaking forward. Scouts and hockey analysts generally view the former seventh overall pick (2021) as a reliable top-six NHL player whose well-rounded, high-compete game makes him a strong long-term asset.
Following a massive trade that sent Eklund from the San Jose Sharks to the Ottawa Senators, the consensus from projections and evaluations centers on his long-term trajectory and player profile:
• Playmaking Vision: Known as an “assist machine” with high hockey IQ. He excels at surgical forechecking, cycling the puck, and generating space for his linemates.
• Two-Way Capability: Evaluators highlight his compete level and reliability in all three zones, which allows him to be trusted in defensive and transitional situations.
• Offensive Ceiling: While he has proven to be an effective 50-to-60 point player, some analysts believe he is still developing his scoring touch and could unlock even higher production if deployed alongside elite finishers.
NHL Production Track Record
• Career Totals: Eklund has established himself as an everyday NHLer, posting 50 goals and 113 assists (for 163 career points) in 252 games.
• Recent Seasons: He recorded back-to-back campaigns of 53 points with San Jose while maintaining strong possession numbers.
Consensus Projections
• Career Projections: Experts evaluate Eklund as a prototypical top-six winger who can comfortably produce around the 60-point mark while playing a responsible, complementary role.
• Current Status: Now with the Senators, analysts expect him to contend for a top-line or top-six role, utilizing his playmaking ability to drive offense on a more competitive roster. He is signed through the 2028-29 season at an AAV of $5.6 million.
SJ needs a top flight D, and want Stenberg at 2OA.
Now they replace Eklund with Stenberg, and there will be a high end D prospect at #9.
Probably.
Daxon Rudolph, big upside, gamer, needs seasoning.
Smits, surefire NHL’er in your top 4, doesn’t have the offense that Rudolph does.
Guessing 2 of those 3 guys if you believe mock drafts and these guys will still be on the board.
SJ had a nice season, but they want to build a contender that lasts. Not there yet, still big holes on D. This is how you do that.
I think the Byram deal is more about getting someone for RIGHT NOW rather than a prospect for later (who may or may not be better than Byram).
The seat is likely getting hot in Chicago for them to finally put talent around Bedard and get him in the post season. The GM and Coach might not be here in another year or 2 if the losing continues, so that 4th overall might not help them while they are here.
And all these trades make me wonder: do GMs have carte blanche to trade away picks/players? Do trades ever (always?) go through owners too for approval?
I always found it odd that GMs sometimes seem to make moves that align with “their timeline” even though it might hurt the org long term. That’s where I wondered if owners are involved for final approval.
Austin would be nice, but I’m waiting for the League to really grasp the nettle and announce an expansion team in Stockholm, and three other European cities. Run the road trips the way baseball did in the very early years when only the Dodgers & Giants were on the west coast. Be an international league.
FLA and Vegas are going to be in trouble in a couple of years, when their vets start showing their age, and there are no top prospects coming up to take their spots. Both teams have traded away #1 picks for upcoming years, and their is only so much cap space that can be used to sign new players, especially if you no longer have top prospects to trade. both teams may been in a 3-5 year rebuilding phase in a couple of seasons.
so their fans better enjoy the runs now
cant blame Florida for keeping the run going.
Helps their 1st overall Ekbald and 2nd overall Barkov worked out for them in the core.
It seems that Detroit did the same thing after their last finals appearance. And look where they are now! Still trying to crawl out of the swampy, mushy middle after 7 years of Yzerplan, and 5 years of Hollandaise.
No question FL & Vegas are facing a dark future, but a few Cup wins the next few years will be worth it.
As a Pens fan, I can comfortably say, preach brother. You are correct. Those fan bases should live it up now.
If you win though, its all worth it. Those 3 Stanley cup parades, starting in 2009, wouldn’t trade em for anything. Win now mode is a fun time for fans.
Tampa is a team in a similar predicament, and they may be stuck in a rebuilding phase sooner than FLA/VGK.
if Tuck is leaving, maybe BUF will use the 4th overall pick to acquire a goalie? Hellyebuck ?
Part of the reason that the tax free states are in their winning cycle is that they are able to sign 1 or 2 quality pieces because of the savings. Taken Bennett and Lundell out of Florida are they in that window?
The tax thing is overblown. The average state payroll tax in the US is about 4% on average. Everyone is still paying Federal at the same rate.
So that’s only $40k state hit on a million dollars. Plus they still have to pat state taxes on all the away games, so the savings is probably closer to $20-$25k per $1M.
And those state taxes are on their weekly paychecks, not their signing bonuses. The signing bonuses get paid where they reside in the offseason.
A long way of saying, the tax thing is way overblown.
Seattle is tax free, and none of the stars are migrating there to save a couple bucks.
It’s about winning and the org / management.
With all this talk about US players leaving Canadian teams, it’s not like there’s a stampede away from Canada. It all comes down to wining.
Caufield and Hutson have committed long term to the Habs. Sanderson has in Ottawa. Miller did in Vancouver before the situation there got too difficult for him. Matthews has been and continues to be patient. If the Leafs bounce back next season and he feels they can win a Cup he’ll stay.
And it’s not just Canada. Larkin wants out of Detroit because he’s tired of losing. Werenski may be on the same path in Columbus.
Tkachuk had the extra incentive of wanting to play with his brother. Maybe Quinn Hughes eventually as well. But it comes down to a chance to win. If and player in any city feels comfortable with his team and teammates and believes they have a chance to win he’ll stay. If not he’ll want out.
SJ needs a top flight D, and want Stenberg at 2OA.
Now they replace Eklund with Stenberg, and there will be a high end D prospect at #9.
Probably.
Daxon Rudolph, big upside, gamer, needs seasoning.
Smits, surefire NHL’er in your top 4, doesn’t have the offense that Rudolph does.
Guessing 2 of those 3 guys if you believe mock drafts and these guys will still be on the board.
SJ had a nice season, but they want to build a contender that lasts. Not there yet, still big holes on D. This is how you do that.