NHL Rumor Mill – August 22, 2026

by | Aug 22, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 22, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: suggested destinations for Oilers captain Connor McDavid as the offseason silliness continues, and a look at the Red Wings’ cap space.

BLEED OIL BLUE: NHL Network’s E.J. Hradek recently discussed hypothetical destinations for Connor McDavid if he were to leave the Edmonton Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid, 28, is entering the first season of his two-year contract extension with the Oilers. That has generated speculation about what the superstar center might do if the club fails to return to Stanley Cup contender status after last season’s disappointing performance.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images)

Hradek said he doesn’t have a close relationship with McDavid. However, speaking with “a couple of different sources,” he said that if McDavid were to leave Edmonton, perhaps the Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings were locations that he might be amenable to.

The New York Rangers come up “because the Rangers are gonna have a lot of cap space, and it is New York, after all.” Hradek suggested that seeing the outpouring of love for the New York Knicks after winning the NBA championship could influence someone to join the Rangers.

Hradek ultimately believes that if McDavid leaves, it’ll be to join a club where he can win the Stanley Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With all due respect to Hradek and his sources, the Flyers, Red Wings, and Rangers won’t give McDavid the best chances to win hockey’s holy grail.

The Flyers are a promising team, and they definitely need a first-line center. They exceeded expectations last season by reaching the playoffs and advancing to the second round. However, even the most die-hard Flyers fan knows that their team is still several years away from Cup contention.

Meanwhile, in Detroit, the Red Wings have become a soap opera. A decade-long playoff drought prompted team captain Dylan Larkin to request a trade, forcing ownership to relieve franchise icon Steve Yzerman of his duties as general manager and sparking speculation about his eventual replacement. Of the teams Hradek mentioned, the Wings are the furthest from Cup contention.

As for the Rangers, GM Chris Drury has been attempting to retool his roster on the fly over the past two years. While this season’s edition is bound to be better than last season’s, they are no closer to regaining their Cup contention status from two years ago.

I realize I’m noting where these teams are now and that a lot can change by the time McDavid’s contract expires in 2028, assuming he departs as a free agent and doesn’t push for a trade beforehand.

Nevertheless, I don’t see those three clubs improving over that period to become certain Cup contenders, which I believe is what it would take to entice McDavid.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen recently reported that whoever becomes the next general manager of the Red Wings will be swimming in salary-cap space this season.

According to PuckPedia, the Red Wings have a league-leading $19,572,084 of cap space for 2026-27. That will go down once restricted free agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson is re-signed. Assuming he gets an average annual value of $9 million, it would still leave the Wings with over $10 million to work with. They could also gain another $8.7 million, depending on what they gain if they trade Dylan Larkin.

Allen noted that the Red Wings could have over $40 million in projected cap space for 2027-28. Next summer’s free-agent pool could be deep. Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild are among the stars who could be available. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Having lots of salary-cap space won’t matter if the top players in next summer’s UFA market aren’t willing to sign with your club. The Red Wings’ current status suggests they could have a difficult time wooing the best free-agent talent.

They could put that cap space to better use in the trade market, provided they target players lacking no-trade protection or those who would be willing to waive their clauses to come to Detroit.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 22, 2026

by | Aug 22, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 22, 2026

Notable questions facing the Penguins, the latest on a potential expansion team, plus updates on Senators center Tim Stutzle, Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The play of veterans Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson is among the notable questions facing the Pittsburgh Penguins this season.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

Malkin, 40, had 61 points in 56 games last season while the 36-year-old Karlsson had 66 points in 75 contests. Both are entering the final seasons of their contracts, and Malkin may be heading toward retirement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin and Karlsson helped the rebuilding Penguins exceed expectations by qualifying for the playoffs last season for the first time in three years. However, any significant decline in their performances could cripple their postseason hopes.

The Penguins must also determine who will be their starting goaltender. Arturs Silovs is the likely candidate, with Sergei Murashov and Joel Blomqvist to jockey for the backup role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Goaltending will also be a key factor for the Penguins this season. Consistency was an issue for former starter Tristan Jarry, who was traded to the Edmonton Oilers last season for Stuart Skinner, who also had issues with steadiness between the pipes.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: David Alter interviewed NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly, who said a 33rd NHL franchise could begin play as early as 2029-30.

Two Texas cities, Houston and Austin, have emerged as the top two destinations for the next expansion team. Daly said Houston was the priority market, with Austin as an alternative.

According to Daly, the league has agreed to a “framework of a transaction” with a potential ownership group in Houston. “We hope to have definitive agreements in place that would commit the franchise as early as December of this year,” Daly said. “And we expect that they’ll be able to play as early as the 2029-30 season, closing the transaction early 2029.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve been saying for months that a new NHL team would be in place by the end of this decade. Daly didn’t mention Atlanta, which has also been rumored as a destination for another expansion club, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t interest in making it happen, provided suitable deep-pocketed ownership can be found, and a suitable NHL arena is constructed.

Daly also discussed expansion into Canada, noting that the interest in owning and operating a franchise in Canada is “less vibrant” than it is for some markets in the United States. He addressed Quebec City as a destination, saying there wasn’t a potential ownership group willing to buy a franchise and operate there.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to Alter, Daly’s comments suggest the depth of potential expansion markets in the United States and the lack of serious Canadian ownership interest explains why an eighth franchise in Canada is unlikely for the foreseeable future.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators center Tim Stutzle believes he and his teammates must turn the page after long-time teammate and captain Brady Tkachuk was traded to the Florida Panthers in June.

Stutzle said there was nothing he or his teammates could do about Tkachuk’s decision. He praised his former captain as a great player and teammate, saying they will miss him.

“We’re focused on what we have ahead of us and the team we have right now,” Stutzle said, adding that he wished Tkachuk “all the best.” He’s also confident that there is sufficient leadership on the current roster to fill the role of team captain.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stutzle will play a substantial role in how the Senators adapt to Tkachuk’s departure. The 25-year-old playmaking center has been their leading scorer in three of the past four seasons. They will also be looking to him for leadership.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: In a recent interview with the German magazine Eishockey News, Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider said that he was caught off guard by team captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request earlier this summer.

“Everyone certainly has their reasons for making certain decisions. Whether I or we approve of it is not for us to answer,” Seider said. However, he added that he felt the Red Wings were a better club with Larkin on the roster.

Seider also said that he’s had enough of the Red Wings “falling asleep in the home stretch” and missing the Stanley Cup playoffs. “It’s the month of March,” he said. “We always lose some momentum after the trade deadline. When you’re caught in that kind of downward spiral, it’s hard to get out.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seider also said it was important for the Red Wings to put the offseason noise behind them and get off to a strong start to this season. Whether they can pull that off remains to be seen.

The Red Wings must do something to address their trend of late-season collapses. Otherwise, Seider could reach a point when he starts seeking an exit strategy before his contract expires in 2031.

DAILY FACEOFF: Hall of Fame defenseman Zdeno Chara recreated his hardest shot record of 108.8 MPH during his farewell event in Slovakia on Friday. The 49-year-old originally hit that mark during the skills competition at the 2012 NHL All-Star Weekend.

The farewell event also featured a charity game involving active players such as Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak, former NHLers Patrice Bergeron and Raymond Bourque, and fellow Slovaks Jaromir Jagr and Marian Hossa.

THE MERCURY NEWS: The San Jose Sharks re-signed their affiliation agreement with the ECHL’s Wichita Thunder for the 2026-27 season.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 21, 2026

by | Aug 21, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 21, 2026

Sidney Crosby to the Canadiens? Cutter Gauthier back to the Flyers? We’ve truly hit the silliest part of the offseason dog days, folks. Check it out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE SID SEIXEIRO SHOW: On Wednesday, Seixeiro dismissed the notion of Sidney Crosby signing a contract extension for one or two seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins before the start of the season. “I’ll believe that when I see it,” he said.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Despite Crosby’s loyalty to the Penguins, Seixeiro believes the day will come when the future Hall of Famer will lose faith in general manager Kyle Dubas’ roster building. He suggested that the Montreal Canadiens should make a pitch for Crosby. Addressing Canadiens fans, Seixeiro asked if they would swap prospect Michael Hage and a first-round pick for Crosby.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Josh Yohe of The Athletic reported earlier this week that contract extension talks between Crosby and the Penguins will start when the summer ends. He believes it’ll likely be a one- or two-year deal. Yohe hasn’t been wrong in any of his reports about Crosby’s contract intentions yet.

The “Crosby-to-Montreal” talk began among several pundits (some based in Toronto) two years ago when the Penguins captain was approaching the final season of his previous contract. It was merely suggestions or wishful thinking rather than anything based in fact.

Seixeiro loves to stir the pot, and since there’s been a dire dearth of real hockey news to talk about, he’s just resurrecting the Crosby-to-Montreal speculation for his own amusement and that of his listeners.

TSN 690: During a recent appearance on the Campbell vs Gallo show, Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff was asked if the Philadelphia Flyers might hit the Anaheim Ducks with another offer sheet, this time by targeting winger Cutter Gauthier.

The Flyers signed Ducks center Leo Carlsson last month to a five-year offer sheet worth an average annual value of $18 million, which the Ducks subsequently matched. Gauthier was a Flyers prospect who was traded to the Ducks in January 2024 after refusing to sign an entry-level contract.

Gauthier is a restricted free agent without arbitration rights. Di Marco doubted that the 21-year-old winger would be interested in signing with the Flyers. If there were another RFA they might take a shot at signing, it would be Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets, but Di Marco’s sources said it’s something the Flyers aren’t willing to do.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gauthier is ineligible to sign an offer sheet because he hasn’t played the mandatory number of games to qualify. Even if he were eligible, Di Marco is right that he won’t sign with the Flyers.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio wondered if the St. Louis Blues might be forced to explore a trade for Pavel Buchnevich.

The 31-year-old winger has struggled over the past two seasons. He’s entering the second season of an eight-year contract with an AAV of $8 million, and he carries a full no-trade clause.

Gaudio doesn’t believe Buchnevich’s situation has reached the “must-trade” stage. However, Blues GM Alex Steen may have to consider his options if the winger’s performance doesn’t improve.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We finish with some conjecture that isn’t silly. Nevertheless, another subpar performance will make Buchnevich difficult to move given his cap hit and no-trade protection. They could be stuck with him for a while.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 21, 2026

by | Aug 21, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 21, 2026

The big questions facing the Senators, Juraj Slafkovsky on the Canadiens’ ultimate goal, Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins sidelined by an injury, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: How quickly the Ottawa Senators and their fans can put the Brady Tkachuk era behind them, and whether they can find consistency in goal, are among the big questions facing the club this season.

Tkachuk was traded to the Florida Panthers in June, sparking heated emotions among Senators fans after he stated on numerous occasions that he didn’t want to leave Ottawa.

Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images)

Meanwhile, the Senators will be looking for stability from starting goalie Linus Ullmark after last season’s roller-coaster performance. The club hired his friend and mentor, Maciej Szwoch, as director of goaltending scouting and development.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be a test of the Senators’ mettle how they adjust to Tkachuk’s departure. Senators fans point out that their club played better when Tkachuk was sidelined for several weeks with an injured thumb last fall. They also noted that Ullmark’s performance improved after he took a midseason mental health break.

The Senators should be able to cope without their former captain, and they might even perform better without the constant questions about his future with the team. However, the real issue is whether Ullmark can carry over his solid second-half performance into this season. If he regains the form that won him the Vezina Trophy in 2022-23 and remains healthy, the Senators shouldn’t have much difficulty clinching a playoff spot.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky said he and his teammates are focused more on winning multiple Stanley Cup championships than they are on pursuing expensive contracts.

Slafkovsky is among several young Canadiens core players signed to affordable long-term contracts, giving the club considerable salary cap flexibility in the coming seasons to build around that young talent.

“It’s not really about the money (in Montreal),” Slafkovsky told reporters after being named Slovakia’s Hockey Player of the Year for the third straight year. “We all have the same goal on that team. Nobody really cares about the money at this point. I mean, all those contracts that the guys have, or even I personally have, it’s already made our lives easier. Nobody really needs more than that. We’d rather focus on collecting those (Stanley Cup) rings, because that’s a much bigger number, and I don’t think any amount of money can top that.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens have attempted to build a winning culture among their young players. Based on what young stars such as Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov have recently signed, they’re buying into what management and the coaching staff have been preaching. If it works, the Canadiens could have the cap space to build and maintain a Stanley Cup contender for the next decade.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins is sidelined indefinitely after undergoing shoulder surgery on Aug. 17.

General manager Don Waddell said Merzlikins had been experiencing some discomfort in his shoulder during his offseason workouts. Following an MRI, it was decided that surgery was the best option. Waddell indicated that the 32-year-old goaltender will be reevaluated in a few weeks, after which they hope to have a clearer picture of when he could return to action.

Merzlikins is entering the final season of his five-year contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Merzlikins lost the starting goaltender role to Jett Greaves last season. Pheonix Copley is expected to be Greaves’ backup. He signed a one-year, $850,000 contract earlier this summer.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins will induct former goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, former defenseman Larry Murphy, former general manager Jim Rutherford, and former owner Jack McGregor into its Hall of Fame. The foursome will be inducted in a pregame ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 14.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This could be a prelude for Fleury’s eventual induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He will be eligible for that honor in 2028.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL forward Joe Pavelski has joined the University of Wisconsin’s men’s hockey program as director of player development.

Pavelski spent 18 seasons in the NHL. He played college hockey for Wisconsin from 2005 to 2007 and spent the past two years coaching his son Nate for the AAA Madison Capitals.

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston reports the NHL is partnering with soccer giant FC Bayern to grow the league’s popularity in Germany. The partnership comes as the league is making a concerted push in the German sports market, including staging additional regular-season games there as part of its annual Global Series.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the league intends to bring more games to Germany in 2028-29, and could eventually stage an outdoor game at FC Bayern’s 75,000-seat Allianz Arena in Munich.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL stages several outdoor games each season throughout North America, but an outdoor game in a large European market would be a unique event that helps to grow the product.

THE SCORE: The New York Islanders announced the winner of their popular fan-designed third jersey contest on Thursday, revealing a navy sweater with a large lighthouse logo in the center.

The winning design was selected from eight finalists chosen from over 80,000 submissions. The Isles will wear the unique jersey for several games in 2027-28.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 20, 2026

by | Aug 20, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 20, 2026

Potential trade candidates for the Flames, how the Panthers might replace sidelined winger Brad Marchand, and the latest on the Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CALGARY SUN: Kent Wilson expects the rebuilding Flames will be outside the playoff picture again by the March trade deadline. He looked at several players who could be moved out by then.

Morgan Frost is one candidate. The 27-year-old center can become an unrestricted free agent next July. A strong performance by Frost this season could make him an attractive trade target for clubs seeking depth at center.

Zach Whitecloud could be the Flames’ most valuable trade chip. The 29-year-old defenseman has two years remaining on his contract with an affordable average annual value of $2.75 million. Wilson believes the Flames will retain him for this season to mentor their younger defensemen, but he could be moved this season if Simon Nemec and Zayne Parekh make major strides.

Calgary Flames center Morgan Frost (NHL Images)

Like Frost, Ryan Strome is a center who is UFA-eligible next July. However, the 33-year-old must have a better effort than his disappointing 21-point effort last season to garner much interest in the trade market.

Winger Joel Farabee and young defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz could also become trade candidates. However, the Flames could re-sign Farabee while Brzustewicz could be stashed in the minors for another season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Frost and Whitecloud have the most value as trade chips, with the latter likely to draw the most attention if he becomes available. It would be worthwhile to monitor their performances this season if the Flames are sellers again at the trade deadline.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert recently examined ways the Florida Panthers could replace sidelined winger Brad Marchand until the 37-year-old returns from surgery later this season.

One option is to work the waiver wire in the hope a reasonable short-term solution becomes available. Lambert also recommended signing free-agent forward Michael Bunting, or simply gutting it out until Marchand returns, with the latter perhaps the most likely outcome.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lambert observed the Panthers don’t have much salary-cap space, plus Marchand might return by the end of October at the latest. Given those factors and the overall improvement in their roster’s health entering this season, they’ll likely wait for Marchand to return.

THE ATHLETIC: In his latest mailbag segment, Arpon Basu reported Montreal Canadiens defenseman Adam Engstrom has appeared in trade rumors.

Engstrom, 22, is among the Canadiens’ top prospects. He made his NHL debut last season, appearing in 15 games.

According to Basu, teams have asked about Engstrom in trade discussions, and the Canadiens are open to moving him. However, they haven’t moved him yet because they see him as having considerable value.

Basu also noted that Engstrom is among several mobile puck-moving defensemen on the Canadiens blueline who aren’t overly imposing physically. He feels that could elevate the importance of Arber Xhekaj and/or Jayden Struble to the Habs’ defense corps.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Basu pointed out the Canadiens have Lane Hutson, Mike Matheson, Noah Dobson and Alex Carrier, who play a style similar to Engstrom’s. David Reinbacher is another, but Basu pointed out that he has a bit of a physical edge to his game when he reaches his peak comfort zone.

Xhekaj and Struble have been mentioned as trade candidates this summer, especially Xhekaj. However, they could stick around to maintain some physicality within their defense corps if the Canadiens are open to including Engstrom in a deal that addresses their need for a second-line forward, preferably a center.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 20, 2026

by | Aug 20, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 20, 2026

Notable questions facing the Rangers, regular-season games to be played in Germany in 2027-28, the latest on Sergei Bobrovsky, Jaccob Slavin, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The New York Rangers entered 2026-27 facing the prospect of how to replace Vincent Trocheck and who centers offseason addition Pavel Dorofeyev among their notable questions to be addressed.

The Rangers traded Trocheck to the Utah Mammoth on July 1, leaving them without a reliable second-line center and key contributor to their power play. Alexis Lafreniere could replace Trocheck on their first PP unit. J.T. Miller could take over as a primary center at even strength.

The New York Rangers acquired Pavel Dorofeyev from the Vegas Golden Knights on June 26. (NHL Images).

Dorofeyev was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights on June 26, signing a seven-year, $77 million contract. The 25-year-old winger could be on the Rangers’ top PP unit with Miller and Mika Zibanejad.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This season could be a critical one for the Rangers as their retooling process enters its third year. Failure to qualify for the playoffs could lead to more changes, perhaps starting in their front office.

NHL.COM: The NHL and NHLPA announced that Munich and Cologne will host NHL regular-season games during the 2027-28 campaign as part of the league’s annual Global Series. It’s the first time regular-season games will be played in Germany.

The Boston Bruins will play two games in JJ Peterka’s home city of Munich, while the Edmonton Oilers will play two games in Leon Draisaitl’s native city of Cologne.

The league is also partnering with FC Bayern for a first-of-its-kind multiyear partnership to accelerate the growth of hockey in Germany and the development of FC Bayern in North America.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL continues to make strides in its efforts to promote its brand into European markets. It could be setting the stage for a potential expansion into Europe, though that appears to be years away. For now, it will continue to grow the game there, ensuring a steady stream of the best European talent makes its way to the NHL.

TORONTO SUN: Former NHL goaltender Glenn Healy downplayed concerns among Maple Leafs followers about whether Sergei Bobrovsky’s best years are behind him. He believes the 37-year-old netminder can still be an effective starter for the Leafs, whose experience could be an inspiration for the retooling club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bobrovsky’s struggles last season with the injury-ravaged Florida Panthers raised concerns that he’s past his prime. A bounce-back performance on his part will be crucial to the Maple Leafs’ hopes of regaining playoff contention this season following their own disappointing performance.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin will use his day with the Stanley Cup this weekend to help raise funds, in part, to support the Grayson Murray Foundation.

Murray, a Raleigh native, was a two-time winner on the PGA Tour who died by suicide two years ago. The nonprofit foundation, which has support from the PGA, raises greater awareness and support for mental health and addiction challenges while advancing and funding innovative research and services.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers signed defenseman Scott Morrow to a one-year, two-way contract worth $850,000 at the NHL level. Morrow, 23, played 29 games with the Rangers last season.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Bill Hoppe recently reported Radim Mrtka was praised by his WHL coach over how the Sabres prospect defenseman handled rumors linking him to the St. Louis Blues before the March trade deadline.

Mrtka was reportedly part of the return to the Blues if defenseman Colton Parayko waived his no-movement clause. The deal died when Parayko refused to do so.

According to Seattle Thunderbirds coach Matt O’Dette, Mrtka handled the speculation well, calling him unflappable. “He just kind of goes about his business and kind of shrugged off that distraction a little bit,” O’Dette said.

Mrtka finished what was likely his final season with the Thunderbirds before joining the Sabres’ AHL affiliate in Rochester.

AZ HOCKEY INSIDER: Craig Morgan reports NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told him that the league continues to have an interest in having a franchise return to Phoenix.

The Coyotes played in the Phoenix area from 1996-97 to 2023-24, relocating to Salt Lake City, Utah, in April 2024.

Daly indicated that there is interest among “a number of people in Arizona to bring an NHL franchise back to the Phoenix area.” He indicated that the league has been open and honest that, given the right circumstances, they continue to believe it would be a good market for a successful NHL franchise.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the league considering another expansion attempt into Atlanta, it shouldn’t be surprising that they would maintain an interest in Phoenix. Part of the “right circumstances” would be stable, deep-pocketed ownership and the construction of a new NHL-worthy arena in Phoenix. Without either one, there won’t be a return to Phoenix anytime soon.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks radio broadcasts will reportedly be moving to Rogers-owned Kiss Radio. The news comes six weeks after the demise of Sportsnet 650.