The full 2026-27 schedule is released, forwards Connor McMichael and Kirby Dach avoid arbitration, the Canucks bring back Alexander Edler in a front-office role, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The league released the full schedule for 2026-27. It begins on Sept 29 with five games, featuring the Carolina Hurricanes raising their 2025-26 Stanley Cup banner at home against the Florida Panthers.

Other notable games throughout the season include the Hurricanes and Seattle Kraken playing two games in Helsinki, Finland (Nov. 12 and 14), and the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators playing two games in Düsseldorf, Germany (Dec. 18 and 20), as part of the NHL’s Global Series.

The first outdoor game of the season features the Winnipeg Jets hosting the Montreal Canadiens in the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic on Oct. 25. The Utah Mammoth host the Colorado Avalanche at Rice-Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah in the Discover NHL Winter Classic on Dec. 31. The Dallas Stars will host the Vegas Golden Knights at AT&T Stadium in the 2027 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series on Feb. 20.

After a two-year hiatus, the NHL All-Star Game returns as the New York Islanders will host the 2027 All-Star Game at UBS Arena, with the skills competition on Feb. 5 and the game itself on Feb. 6.

The season concludes with all 32 teams in action on Saturday, Apr. 10.

St. Louis Blues forward Connor McMichael (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link above for the full schedule.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The St. Louis Blues avoided salary arbitration with Connor McMichael, signing the 25-year-old forward to a six-year contract worth an average annual value of $6.75 million.

The Blues acquired McMichael last month from the Washington Capitals as part of the trade that sent winger Jordan Kyrou to Washington.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McMichael completed a two-year contract with an AAV of $2.10 million. He had a career-best 57-point performance in 2024-25, but his production slipped to 46 points last season.

The Blues are banking on the versatile, play-making McMichael to regain his form as a key part of their young core of forwards. His pay raise is in line with the $6.4 million that AFP Analytics projected he’d get.

MTL HOCKEY NOW: The Montreal Canadiens avoided arbitration with Kirby Dach, signing the 25-year-old forward to a one-year, $3.6 million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is a slight increase over the $3.36 million that Dach received as his AAV on his previous deal.

This is a “last chance” contract for Dach with the Canadiens. Acquired four years ago from the Chicago Blackhawks, he was expected to become their second-line center. However, he’s been plagued by injuries that have hampered his development, resulting in inconsistent performances.

TSN: The Vancouver Canucks have brought back Alexander Edler as part of their front-office staff.

Edler spent 15 of his 17 NHL seasons with the Canucks as a defenseman. He is joining their player development department and will be working with the club’s prospects.

NJ HOCKEY NOW: Earlier this week, the New Jersey Devils announced the new additions to their coaching staff.

Leo Luongo was named Director of Goaltending, while Ted Donato and AJ MacLean will be assistant coaches.

NHL.COM: The Tampa Bay Lightning announced they’ve extended their affiliation with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch through 2029-30.