NHL Rumor Mill – February 7, 2026

by | Feb 7, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 7, 2026

The Olympic roster freeze is in effect, but that hasn’t stopped the trade speculation. Check out the latest on the Canucks, Senators, and Blackhawks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE CANUCKS TRADE CONOR GARLAND?

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance reported the Vancouver Canucks had been active in trade talks leading up to the implementation of the current Olympic roster roster (Feb. 4 – 22). However, the club didn’t feel any pressure to make a move before then.

The Canucks won’t execute a trade unless their price is met for one of their pending unrestricted free agents. They include Evander Kane, Teddy Blueger, and David Kampf, or one of their veterans with term remaining on their contracts.

Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland (NHL Images)

Of the latter group, Drance thinks Conor Garland and Brock Boeser should be considered the most likely who could be realistically traded by March 6. However, the Canucks aren’t proactively pursuing deals to move one of them.

THE PROVINCE: Paul Chapman believes the biggest trade question facing the Canucks is whether they’ll move Garland at the deadline. The 29-year-old forward lacks no-trade protection on his current contract, but his new deal ($6 million annually with a full no-movement clause) begins on July 1.

Chapman indicated that teams like Garland’s style of play. However, they aren’t fond of the six-year term on his next contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garland seems more likely to be moved than Boeser, who is in the first year of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7.25 million with a full no-movement clause. However, that six-year deal could scare off contenders with limited cap space for next season.

SENATORS TO CONSIDER THEIR OPTIONS DURING THE OLYMPIC BREAK

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports league executives claim Senators general manager Steve Staios continues to seek a right-shot, top-four defenseman and a top-six winger.

Acquiring a right-shot defenseman and a scoring winger are difficult because of the asking prices and the number of teams seeking them. The list of sellers is short, with the Canucks, St. Louis Blues, and Calgary Flames in the Western Conference, and only the New York Rangers thus far in the East.

Garrioch claimed the Senators have spoken with the Flames about defenseman MacKenzie Weegar. It’s believed they’d want a second-round pick and a top prospect in return. The Detroit Red Wings could also be pursuing Weegar.

The Senators are hoping to string some wins together coming out of the Olympic break to close the gap on the teams they’re chasing in the Eastern Conference playoff race. However, they could go from buyers to sellers if they fail to gain ground in the standings, meaning they’ll face decisions about pending UFAs such as Claude Giroux, Nick Cousins, David Perron, Lars Eller, and Nick Jensen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Weegar, 32, is signed through 2030-31 with an AAV of $6.25 million and a full no-trade clause. Assuming he’s willing to move, the Flames can afford to wait patiently for someone to meet their asking price, which could be higher than what Garrioch cited if enough teams get into the bidding. If they don’t find any suitable offers by March 6, they’ll wait until the offseason.

BLACHAWKS TRADE CANDIDATES

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers, Mark Lazerus, and Chris Johnston examined which Chicago Blackhawks players could be moved by the March 6 trade deadline.

Connor Murphy is considered their best trade chip. He’s eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1 with an affordable $4.4 million cap hit. While the Blackhawks don’t need to trade him, he has value as an experienced defenseman with a right-hand shot.

Like Murphy, Jason Dickinson is UFA-eligible with a cost-effective cap hit ($4.25 million). He can fill a third or fourth-line center role on a playoff team.

Winger Ilya Mikheyev, left-shot defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, and team captain Nick Foligno could also become trade candidates. They’re also UFA-eligible players with affordable cap hits.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy would have the best value in the trade market, but he’s also made no secret of his desire to stay in Chicago. The Blackhawks could trade him and attempt to bring him back this summer as a free agent.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 7, 2026

by | Feb 7, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 7, 2026

Men’s Olympic hockey begins on Feb. 11, the league’s three stars of the week, the felony assault charge against prospect Gavin McKenna is withdrawn, Henrik Zetterberg talks about life after hockey, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Men’s Olympic hockey schedule begins on Feb. 11 with Slovakia facing off against Finland (10:40 AM ET), and Sweden taking on Italy (3:10 PM ET).

On Feb.12, Switzerland meets France at 6:10 AM ET. Czechia goes against Canada at 10:40 AM ET. Latvia plays the United States, and Germany faces Denmark, with both games at 3:10 PM ET.

The following day, Finland takes on Sweden, and Italy faces off against Slovakia (both games start at 6:10 AM ET), France squares off against Czechia (10:40 AM ET), and Canada meets Switzerland at 3:10 PM ET.

Minnesota Wild winger Matt Boldy (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link above for the full schedule. I will provide recaps following each day’s action throughout the Olympics.

NHL.COM: Minnesota Wild winger Matt Boldy, New York Islanders center Bo Horvat, and Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka are the league’s three stars for the week ending Feb. 5.

WJAC TV: Prosecutors in Centre County, Pennsylvania, have withdrawn the felony aggravated assault charge against NHL prospect Gavin McKenna. The 18-year-old Penn State forward was arraigned earlier this week following an incident outside of a pub in downtown State College.

McKenna is accused of punching another male in the face twice, resulting in the victim suffering multiple jaw fractures that required surgery. Upon further review of the evidence, prosecutors believed McKenna didn’t act with intent to cause serious bodily harm nor recklessly acted with extreme indifference to the value of human life.”

McKenna still faces a misdemeanor charge of simple assault, and summary offenses for harassment and disorderly conduct.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The felony assault charge was the most serious. Earlier reports indicated that it carried a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

RG.ORG: Andrew Knoll recently interviewed former Detroit Red Wings star Henrik Zetterberg, who discussed his life after the NHL, the 2026 Winter Olympics, and the current state of the modern game.

Zetterberg said he felt today’s NHL game is faster and less structured, with fewer deliberate plays. He believes elite players, such as Edmonton Oilers stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, stand out for their ability to slow down the pace of the game and control possession.

Zetterberg is impressed that former opponents such as Pittsburgh Penguins stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang are still playing well. He credits the work they put in off the ice year-round for their ability to adapt to today’s faster-paced game.

HOCKEY 24/7: Frank Seravalli reports the 2026 first-round pick that the Florida Panthers sent to the Chicago Blackhawks in last year’s Seth Jones trade is top-10 protected.

If that pick ends up among the top 10 following the 2026 Draft Lottery, the Panthers will retain it, and the Blackhawks will receive the Panthers’ 2027 first-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the regular season ended today, the Panthers would be 22nd in the standings, putting them one point outside the bottom-10 clubs. Assuming they finish at their current position in the standings, they could end up with a top-10 pick if the lottery balls bounce their way.

DAILY FACEOFF: Tampa Bay Lightning forward Curtis Douglas was fined $2,018.23 for “serving as the aggressor in an altercation” with Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 6, 2026

by | Feb 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 6, 2026

The latest on Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault, Flames center Nazem Kadri, Sabres winger Alex Tuch, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

KINGS WERE INTERESTED IN VINCENT TROCHECK

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Los Angeles Kings’ recent acquisition of winger Artemi Panarin doesn’t diminish their need for a center. They reportedly tried to get Vincent Trocheck included in the deal with Panarin, but his preference is to remain in the Eastern Conference. Kings general manager Ken Holland is also looking to move winger Warren Foegele, who’s been a healthy scratch lately.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

Friedman also mentioned that the Detroit Red Wings attempted to sign Trocheck when he was an unrestricted free agent, but the Rangers beat them to it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck is going to draw plenty of attention leading up to the March 6 trade deadline. The 32-year-old center is signed for three more seasons with an average annual value of $5.625 million and a 12-team no-trade list. Most of the teams on that list could be from the Western Conference.

COULD THE PREDATORS SHOP MARCHESSAULT AND O’REILLY?

Elliotte Friedman believes Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault could be a trade candidate. He has a full no-movement clause, but could waive it to go to a place with a good minor hockey infrastructure for his children.

Friedman believes the Montreal Canadiens are interested in Ryan O’Reilly, but it’s unknown if the Predators center will be traded.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchessault could be available, but his stock is down from two years ago because of the decline in his production. He’s 35 and carries a $5.5 million average annual value through 2028-29.

As for O’Reilly, Predators general manager Barry Trotz said he hasn’t received an offer suitable enough to take to the 34-year-old center. That could change as the trade deadline approaches, but he could be content to stay in Nashville.

THE LATEST ON FLAMES FORWARDS KADRI AND COLEMAN

Elliotte Friedman believes one of the reasons Nazem Kadri’s market slowed is the availability of Trocheck and St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas. He said the Utah Mammoth checked in with the Calgary Flames and believes this could pick up. There is a slight concern about the remaining term in Kadri’s contract, but the Flames are willing to be flexible.

Friedman also mentioned there has been a lot of talk linking winger Blake Coleman to the Montreal Canadiens, but he doesn’t think that’s feasible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames are facing pressure to move Kadri and Coleman because the duo is signed beyond this season. Nevertheless, one of them could be on the move by the March 6 trade deadline.

Coleman seems the most likely candidate because of his versatility, experience, and affordable $4.9 million cap hit.

OTHER TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes some teams will use the Olympic break to engage in contract extension discussions.

He wondered how the Winnipeg Jets and center Jonathan Toews might feel about another year. Meanwhile, there’s been some discussion between the Buffalo Sabres and winger Alex Tuch, but they’re not close to a deal. He noted that the Sabres aren’t interested in making their team worse, which suggests they’re not going to move Tuch. Friedman also thinks they might add a “beefier blueliner, if possible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres are in a good position to end their 14-year playoff drought. They won’t risk upsetting that by moving Tuch even if they can’t agree on a new contract. They’ll hang onto him and revisit those discussions in the offseason.

The Toronto Maple Leafs seek a first-round pick for winger Bobby McMann. What makes it challenging is that several possible suitors, such as the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights, traded away their 2026 first-rounders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs could end up settling for a second-round pick bundled with another pick or a prospect.

The Edmonton Oilers need to move Andrew Mangiapane.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Easier said than done thus far. They have reportedly trying to trade him since December without success.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 6, 2026

by | Feb 6, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 6, 2026

Recapping the final games before the Olympic break, Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis is named to Canada’s Men’s Olympic hockey team, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF THURSDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Tampa Bay Lightning picked up their fifth straight win by taming the Florida Panthers 6-1. Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 33 shots, Oliver Bjorkstrand and Pontus Holmberg had a goal and an assist, and Nikita Kucherov picked up an assist to extend his points streak to 10 games for the Lightning (37-14-5), who lead the Eastern Conference with 78 points. Mackie Samoskevich scored for the 29-25-3 Panthers, who have lost five of their last six games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning-Panthers feud continued as multiple fights occurred in the third period, highlighted by a spirited tilt between Brandon Hagel of the Lightning and Matthew Tkachuk of the Panthers. Florida head coach Paul Maurice was ejected as the two teams combined for 114 minutes in penalties, with nine players receiving 10-minute misconducts.

The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4-1. Adin Hill made 32 saves, and Mark Stone had a goal and two assists for the 27-16-12 Golden Knights, who hold first place in the Pacific Division with 68 points. Trevor Moore replied for the Kings (23-19-14), who are 1-3-1 in their last five games.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kings captain Anze Kopitar picked up an assist on Moore’s goal, becoming the 39th player in league history to reach 1,300 career regular-season points. He needs eight more points to break Marcel Dionne’s franchise record of 1,307.

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi made 16 saves to shut out the New York Rangers 2-0. Andrei Svechnikov and Jordan Staal scored for the Hurricanes (36-15-6), who are 8-0-2 in their last 10, and hold first place in the Metropolitan Division with 78 points. Jonathan Quick kicked out 41 of 42 shots for the 22-29-6 Rangers, who have lost seven of their last eight contests.

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Avery Hayes scored twice in his NHL debut in a 5-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Rookie Ben Kindel also tallied two goals for the Penguins (29-15-12). Tage Thompson and Jason Zucker scored for the Sabres (32-19-6), who are 1-2-1 in their last four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins called up Hayes with forwards Blake Lizotte, Rickard Rakell, and Noel Acciari out of this game for various reasons.

Washington Capitals center Pierre-Luc Dubois returned from a 47-game absence (abdominal surgery) with a goal and an assist in a 4-2 win against the Nashville Predators. Logan Thompson made 27 saves after missing four games with an upper-body injury as the Capitals (29-23-7) have won four of their last five contests. Jonathan Marchessault and Michael McCarron replied for the 26-24-7 Predators.

An overtime goal by Tim Stutzle lifted the Ottawa Senators over the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1. Nick Cousins also scored for the Senators, who have won five of their last six games to improve their record to 28-22-7. Jamie Drysdale tied the game late in the third period for the Flyers (25-20-11).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators’ backup goalie James Reimer filled in for starter Linus Ullmark, who was a late scratch due to illness.

Speaking of the Senators, top prospect Carter Yakemchuk remains focused on becoming a full-time member of their defense corps. He said that he was drafted to one day become a defense partner for Jake Sanderson. It’s expected that Yakemchuk could be called up from their AHL affiliate in Belleville following the Olympic break.

The New York Islanders beat the New Jersey Devils 3-1. Bo Horvat scored the winning goal and collected an assist while Ilya Sorokin made 23 saves for the 32-21-5 Islanders. Nico Hischier scored for the Devils (28-27-2), who have dropped five of their last six games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL schedule is now on its’ Olympic break until Wednesday, Feb. 25.

IN OTHER NEWS…

TSN: Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis will replace Tampa Bay Lightning center Braydon Point on Canada’s Men’s Olympic hockey team in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Point suffered a knee injury on Jan. 12 and hasn’t fully recovered in time for the Olympics. Jarvis played for Canada in last February’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Point is the second member of the Lightning forced to miss the Olympics due to an injury. Teammate Anthony Cirelli was also selected as a member of Team Canada, but he was replaced earlier this week with Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett, who also played in the 4 Nations tournament.

THE SCORE: cited a report by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, claiming Artemi Panarin rejected a $56 million contract offer from the Seattle Kraken before agreeing to be traded to the Los Angeles Kings earlier this week, where he signed a two-year, $22 million deal.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: cited Friedman saying that Panarin’s agent was telling teams that his client was going to the Carolina Hurricanes, but that seemed to have been posturing to try and get other interested club to raise their offers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken have been seeking a scoring star for years, but offering up a 34-year-old winger a four-year deal worth $14 million annually is ridiculous. Panarin turns 35 in October, and his production has declined since his career-high of 120 points in 2023-24. That contract would’ve aged poorly for the Kraken.

SPORTSNET: Details are emerging regarding the incident that led to Penn State forward Gavin McKenna facing charges of aggravated and simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct.

A police affidavit stated McKenna was caught on video punching a man in the face twice, resulting in the victim requiring surgery for a fractured jaw that had to be wired shut.

The alleged assault occurred as McKenna and several of his teammates were coming from a pub after Penn State had hosted Michigan State at Beaver Stadium. He allegedly punched the victim after words were exchanged between the two men.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McKenna, 18, is considered among the top prospects in this year’s NHL Draft.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 5, 2026

by | Feb 5, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 5, 2026

​What’s next for the Predators after Barry Trotz announced he’s stepping down as GM? Could the Red Wings pursue Blues defenseman Justin Faulk? What’s the latest on the Canucks? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL’s Olympic trade freeze began on Feb. 4 and lasts until 11:59 PM ET on Sunday, Feb. 22. That hasn’t stopped the rumor mill. Follow along for the latest.

HOW WILL THE PREDATORS NAVIGATE THE TRADE DEADLINE?

SPORTSNET: Josh Beneteau looked at what’s next for the Nashville Predators after Barry Trotz announced earlier this week that he was stepping down as general manager.

Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly (NHL Images).

Trotz is remaining in the role until a suitable replacement can be found. In the meantime, he must decide if he’ll be a buyer or a seller by the March 6 trade deadline. While his club is close to a playoff berth, Trotz still intends to listen to offers.

Beneteau’s colleague Elliotte Friedman has reported that teams are making pitches for forwards Ryan O’Reilly and Steven Stamkos. Other trade candidates could include Jonathan Marchessault, Erik Haula, Michael McCarron, Michael Bunting, and Nick Perbix.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection, but the Predators are treating him as though he has. Trotz recently said he hasn’t received any offers yet that would convince him to approach O’Reilly about a trade.

Stamkos is well ahead of last season’s disappointing offensive numbers, which could improve his value in the trade market. However, he’s got a full no-movement clause, making it unlikely that he’ll be playing for another club anytime soon.

COULD JUSTIN FAULK BE A FIT WITH THE RED WINGS?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports the Detroit Red Wings’ most pressing need is for a second-pairing defenseman. He believes Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues could address that issue.

Faulk, 33, has one more season left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million. He also has a 15-team no-trade list.

Khan pointed out that Faulk no longer fits within the Blues’ long-range plans. A right-shot defenseman, he could replace rookie Alex Sandin-Pellikka alongside Ben Chiarot on their second pairing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings have plenty of cap space to take on Faulk’s remaining contract, and lots of promising young players and prospects to use as trade bait to entice the Blues. However, it could come down to whether Detroit is on his no-trade list, and if so, whether he’d be willing to waive it.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes that the Vancouver Canucks didn’t make any trades before the Olympic roster freeze because the players’ mothers were on their recent road trip.

Canucks forwards Evander Kane and Teddy Blueger are UFA-eligible and thus considered trade candidates. Management must also decide whether to retain or trade winger Conor Garland, whose new contract begins on July 1. He lacks no-trade protection on his current deal.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 5, 2026

by | Feb 5, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 5, 2026

A big game for the Blue Jackets, a hat-trick performance by the Wild’s Matt Boldy, the Blues and Devils make a trade, top prospect Gavin McKenna charged with assault, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Columbus Blue Jackets won their seventh straight game by blanking the Chicago Blackhawks 4-0. Jet Greaves stopped 21 shots as the Jackets won their second straight game via shutout. Zach Werenski scored his 20th goal of the season, and Charlie Coyle collected two assists for the 29-20-7 Blue Jackets. Spencer Knight stopped 16 of 19 shots for the Blackhawks, who slipped to 22-26-9.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Werenski leads all NHL defensemen in goals this season and sits second to Edmonton Oilers blueliner Evan Bouchard with 62 points. Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko missed his second straight game due to illness. Meanwhile, Blackhawks forwards Wyatt Kaiser and Colton Dach left this game with injuries.

Minnesota Wild winger Matt Boldy cracked the 30-goal plateau with a hat trick, and Jared Spurgeon scored in overtime for a 6-5 victory over the Nashville Predators. Boldy also collected an assist for a four-point game, and Quinn Hughes had two assists for the 34-14-10 as they extended their win streak to five games. Steven Stamkos and Ryan O’Reilly each had three points for the Predators (26-24-3).

Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn scored his second goal of the game with 23 seconds remaining in the third period to defeat the St. Louis Blues 5-4. Benn also had an assist while Jason Robertson tallied his 200th career NHL regular-season goal for the 34-14-9 Stars as they picked up their sixth consecutive victory. Jimmy Snuggerud and Jordan Kyrou each had a goal and an assist for the 20-28-9 Blues, who’ve dropped eight of their last nine games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin returned to action after missing four games with a lower-body injury. Teammate Lian Bichsel is expected to return to the lineup following the Olympic break. He’s been out of action since Nov. 30 with a lower-body injury.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon has two assists, including his 700th career NHL regular-season assist, as his club doubled up the San Jose Sharks 4-2. Artturi Lehkonen tallied twice, and Valeri Nichushkin picked up three assists for the 37-9-9 Avalanche, who lead the league with 83 points. Timothy Liljegren and Philipp Kurashev replied for the Sharks (27-24-4), who are 0-3-1 in their last four contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks are 4-6-1 in their last 11. Before that slide, they were sitting third in the Pacific Division. They’ve since slipped to sixth, sitting five points out of a wildcard berth in the Western Conference.

The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Winnipeg Jets 5-1. Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson each had a goal and two assists, and goaltender Sam Montembeault kicked out 36 shots for the 32-17-8 Canadiens, extending their points streak to five games (4-0-1). Kyle Connor replied for the Jets, who dropped to 22-26-8.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Big win for Montembeault, who bailed out his teammates during their sluggish first period. Following the game, he revealed that he had gone through an emotional time recently, with his grandmother passing away on Jan. 27 and the Canadiens firing goalie coach Eric Raymond, who had coached Montembeault since 2021.

Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell had a goal and two assists in a 5-4 shootout victory over the Boston Bruins. Matthew Tkachuk and Uvis Balinskis each had a goal and an assist, and Brad Marchand tallied the winning goal in the shootout for the 29-24-3 Panthers, snapping a four-game losing skid. Michael Eyssimont tallied twice for the Bruins (32-21-4).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy was fortunate to avoid a serious injury after receiving an illegal hit to the head by Panthers forward Sandis Vilmanis midway through the first period. McAvoy left the game but returned in the second period. Vilamanis received a two-minute minor penalty but left the game with an upper-body injury.

Calgary Flames goaltender Devin Cooley stopped 36 shots, and Ryan Lomberg snapped a 3-3 tie in a 4-3 upset of the Edmonton Oilers. Matvei Gridin had a goal and an assist for the 23-27-6 Flames. Leon Draisaitl scored twice, and Evan Bouchard had three assists for the Oilers (28-22-8), who have lost three straight contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl was not impressed with his club’s recent performance. Following the game, he blasted everyone (himself included), from the coaches to his teammates. His remarks fueled comments on social media suggesting head coach Kris Knoblauch is in danger of losing his job.

It was a sour end to what had been a good day for Draisaitl, as he learned he was named one of the flagbearers for his native Germany in the opening ceremony for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics.

The Utah Mammoth got a goal and an assist each from Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz to lead their club over the Detroit Red Wings 4-1. Karel Vejmelka stopped 29 shots for the 30-23-4 Mammoth. Dylan Larkin scored for the Wings (33-19-6).

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel had a goal and an assist in a 5-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Mark Stone picked up two assists for the Golden Knights (26-16-14), who hold first place in the Pacific Division with 66 points. Teddy Blueger collected two assists for the 18-33-6 Canucks.

Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright scored twice in a 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Joey Daccord stopped 25 shots for the Kraken (27-20-9). Andrei Kuzmenko scored both goals for the Kings (23-18-14).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings will be looking forward to Artemi Panarin’s production. They acquired the playmaking superstar yesterday in a trade with the New York Rangers.

IN OTHER NEWS…

TSN: The St. Louis Blues traded center Nick Bjugstad on Wednesday to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for forward Thomas Bordeleau and a conditional 2026 fourth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The sell-off begins in St. Louis as this move could lead to more deals involving more notable Blues players before the March 6 trade deadline. Goaltender Jordan Binnington, defenseman Justin Faulk, and forwards Brayden Schenn, Robert Thomas, and Jordan Kyrou have been mentioned as trade candidates.

The Devils were seeking experienced depth at center. Bjugstad could skate on the third or fourth line.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of the Devils, there’s no certainty that sidelined center Jack Hughes will be in their lineup for Thursday’s game against the New York Islanders. He remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury, but he is expected to play for Team USA in the upcoming Winter Olympics.

DAILY FACEOFF: Top NHL prospect and Penn State forward Gavin McKenna faces a felony assault charge stemming from an alleged altercation on Saturday. He was also charged with misdemeanor simple assault and two offenses for disorderly conduct and harassment.

A conviction of a first-degree felony carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred in a downtown bar in State College, Pennsylvania, following Penn State’s 5-4 loss to Michigan State in the outdoor game at Beaver Stadium. The unidentified victim suffered a broken jaw.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It is important to remember that McKenna is innocent until proven guilty. Nevertheless, this incident casts a cloud of uncertainty over his future.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins defenseman Caleb Jones has been suspended 20 games without pay for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA performance-enhancing substances program.

In a statement, Jones indicated he was receiving exosome therapy for a documented injury from an outside provider. He believes his positive test result was related to a contaminated substance associated with the treatment, adding that he didn’t intentionally use the prohibited substance. Nevertheless, he apologized for his actions.