NHL Rumor Mill – December 18, 2025

by | Dec 18, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 18, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Roundup, we have the latest on Sabres winger Alex Tuch, Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, and winger Ondrej Palat, plus updates on the Blues and Oilers.

ALEX TUCH SEEKS A CONTRACT LARGER THAN ADRIAN KEMPE’S DEAL

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Andre Leal referenced a report claiming that former Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams revealed that Alex Tuch seeks a contract bigger than that of winger Adrian Kempe of the Los Angeles Kings.

Kempe, 29, signed an eight-year extension with the Kings in November that was worth an average annual value of $10.625 million.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

During TSN’s Overdrive show, insider Darren Dreger said that the 29-year-old Tuch “is looking for money just beyond Adrian Kempe.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Tuch is actually seeking more than Kempe, he is overrating his value.

Since Kempe’s breakout performance in 2021-22, he’s been the Kings’ leader with 150 goals and 297 points in 351 games. He’s also their leader in shorthanded goals (10) and game-winning goals (26).

Over the same period, Tuch is second among Sabres scorers with 117 goals and third in points with 271 in 312 games. He also has a team-leading 10 shorthanded goals and 21 game-winning goals.

Kempe has played more games than Tuch, but he’s far more important to the offensively starved Kings than Tuch is to the Sabres. 

That said, Tuch can make a case for $10 million annually, but the Sabres were reportedly unwilling to go that high. If that remains the case after their management change, he’ll be playing elsewhere before the March 6 trade deadline.

THE LATEST ON DOUGIE HAMILTON AND ONDREJ PALAT

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton and winger Ondrej Palat addressed recent rumors claiming the club was trying to move them in cost-cutting trades.

Hamilton repeated what he said during training camp when asked about rumors that surfaced during the summer, saying he signed with the Devils because he believes he can help them win the Stanley Cup. He brushed off a question about whether he’d waive his no-trade clause, saying it’s not something he thinks about.

Palat was more direct when he was asked about the rumors. He said that general manager Tom Fitzgerald hasn’t approached him about a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those rumors about Hamilton and Palat surfaced in the aftermath of the Vancouver Canucks trading Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild last Friday. The Devils were among the clubs that made a legitimate offer, but they had to clear cap space to absorb Hughes’ $7.85 million cap hit. When they couldn’t, the Canucks jumped at the offer from the Wild.

Having lost out on the Hughes sweepstakes, it’ll be interesting to see what Fitzgerald does to bolster his roster and whether Hamilton or Palat would be part of it in one way or another.

BLUES READY TO CONSIDER ALL OPTIONS

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford reports St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong is willing to consider all his options regarding his roster, including the possibility of trades.

Armstrong remains hopeful that his struggling team will go on a run to secure a playoff position. However, he’s realistic about his club’s current situation, saying he’s starting to field calls from other clubs that he wouldn’t entertain otherwise, admitting teams are kicking tires.

The Blues GM isn’t ruling out a December trade, but he’s most likely to be preparing for moves later in the season, either before the Olympic roster freeze in February or the March 6 trade deadline.

Some of the Blues mentioned in trade rumors (goaltender Jordan Binnington, center Brayden Schenn, defenseman Justin Faulk) are players Armstrong could have an incentive to move because they’re in their thirties with term left on their contracts.

Armstrong is open to offers for those players, each of whom has some form of no-trade protection. However, he stressed that he’ll want full value in any trade, hoping to add to his younger core of players rather than adding draft picks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Armstrong could start peddling players by mid-January if the Blues haven’t reversed their fortunes by then. Binnington has a 14-team no-trade list, while Schenn and Faulk have 15-team no-trade lists.

Teams could also be interested in some of the Blues’ younger players. Jordan Kyrou has frequently surfaced in the rumor mill since June. However, he now has a full no-trade clause, and Armstrong would likely prefer hanging onto him.

THE OILERS MIGHT NOT BE DONE ADDING TO THEIR ROSTER

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples reports Oilers insider Bob Stauffer believes the Oilers aren’t done making moves after trading goalie Stuart Skinner to Pittsburgh for netminder Tristan Jarry.

Stauffer thinks the Oilers could pursue a top-nine forward. He felt they could consider adding a player comparable to Vasily Podkolzin, who wasn’t initially considered a “sexy” addition but has since become a valuable role player.

Staples pointed out that the Oilers are in desperate need of offense from their third line.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As with the swap of Skinner for Jarry, salary-cap space will be an issue for the Oilers. It’ll have to be a dollar-in, dollar-out move, or a separate cost-cutting deal to free up room for that third-line forward.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 18, 2025

by | Dec 18, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 18, 2025

Recaps of Wednesday’s games, the latest on the sale of the Penguins, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

RECAPPING WEDNESDAY’S ACTION

NHL.COM: Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho scored two goals and collected an assist to lead his club to a 4-1 victory over the Nashville Predators. Jackson Blake had a goal and an assist for the Hurricanes (22-9-2), who picked up their fifth straight win and hold first place in the Eastern Conference with 46 points. Filip Forsberg replied for the Predators, who dropped to 13-16-4.

Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes forward Jordan Martinook left this game with a lower-body injury. Predators winger Cole Smith returned to action after missing 19 games with an upper-body injury.

A shootout goal by Jesper Bratt lifted the New Jersey Devils over the Vegas Golden Knights by a score of 2-1. Connor Brown opened the scoring for the Devils, who improved to 19-14-1. Pavel Dorofeyev tied the game for the Golden Knights (16-6-10), who took over first place in the Pacific Division with 42 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (illness) and defenseman Shea Theodore (upper-body injury) missed this game and are listed as day-to-day. Jeremy Lauzon returned to the lineup after missing the past month with an unspecified injury. Devils defenseman Brett Pesce returned after missing 24 games with an upper-body injury. 

The Utah Mammoth got a goal and an assist from Clayton Keller in a 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings. Karel Vejmelka made 27 saves as the Mammoth improved to 17-16-3. Emmitt Finnie scored for the Red Wings (19-13-3), who remain in first place in the Atlantic Division with 41 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vejmelka picked up his league-leading 15th win of the season.

Florida Panthers forwards Anton Lundell, Carter Verhaeghe, and Sam Bennett scored as their club held off the Los Angeles Kings 3-2. Daniil Tarasov made 27 saves, and Brad Marchand had two assists for the 18-13-2 Panthers, who have won three straight games and six of their last seven. Joel Armia and Kevin Fiala replied for the Kings (14-10-9), who are winless in their last four games (0-3-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kings center Phillip Danault missed his third straight game with the flu. He’s been the subject of recent trade speculation, but there is no indication that the Kings intend to move him before the upcoming NHL holiday roster freeze (Dec. 20-27).

The St. Louis Blues blanked the Winnipeg Jets 1-0 on a goal by Justin Faulk. Joel Hofer turned in a 24-save shutout for the Blues, who improved to 13-15-7. Connor Hellebuyck made 25 saves for the 15-16-2 Jets, who are 1-4-1 in their last five contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets winger Kyle Connor’s points streak ended at nine games.

HEADLINES

TRIBLIVE.COM: Multiple reports indicated Fenway Sports Group has reached an agreement in principle to sell the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Hoffman Family of Companies.

The purchase price is reportedly between $1.7 billion and $1.8 billion. Fenway Sports Group purchased a controlling interest in the Penguins from Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle in 2021 for $900 million.

Final sale of the Penguins requires approval from the NHL Board of Governors, which is expected to be a formality that should unfold with little difficulty.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The upcoming change of ownership isn’t expected to adversely affect the Penguins’ current front office or their salary-cap payroll.

Lemieux and Burkle maintained a minority stake in the Penguins. It is uncertain what role, if any, they’ll have with the incoming ownership.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers forward Tyson Foerster is expected to be sidelined for five months following shoulder surgery. He suffered the injury during a Dec. 1 game against the Penguins.

SPORTSNET: Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: Seattle Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour is being evaluated for an injury suffered on Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanche.

THE ATHLETIC: The New York Rangers called up prospects Gabe Perreault and Brennan Othmann.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL winger Milan Lucic signed with the EIHL’s Fife Flyers.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 17, 2025

by | Dec 17, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 17, 2025

Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson is drawing more interest, the latest on the Maple Leafs, an update on Alex Tuch’s contract situation following the Sabres’ change in management, the Flyers seek a center, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

GROWING INTEREST IN FLAMES DEFENSEMAN RASMUS ANDERSSON

CALGARY SUN: In the wake of the Vancouver Canucks trading defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild last Friday, Kent Wilson recently examined the implications of that deal for the Flames.

With Hughes off the trade block, the Flames’ Rasmus Andersson becomes the best defenseman available. He’s not on the same skill level as Hughes and won’t fetch a comparable return. The Wild shipped three promising young players (Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, and Liam Ohgren) and a 2026 first-round pick to Vancouver.

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (NHL Images).

The Hughes trade could also raise interest in Flames forwards Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman. Potential suitors include the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Washington Capitals.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Calgary Flames received an increase in calls about Andersson after the Quinn Hughes trade.

Andersson, 29, is due to become an unrestricted free agent next July. LeBrun wonders if the Flames will move him as a rental player or attempt a sign-and-trade scenario in order to get a better return.

The Toronto Maple Leafs attempted to acquire Andersson at last season’s trade deadline. LeBrun said they’ve circled back on him. They are believed to be among the teams that Andersson would consider with, if a trade can be worked out between the two clubs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson’s rumored willingness to sign with Toronto is likely tied to his relationship with Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving, who was GM of the Flames for most of Andersson’s tenure in Calgary.

LATEST MAPLE LEAFS SPECULATION

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving would like to add one or two top-six forwards. However, the Leafs’ lack of depth in their prospect pool could hamper those efforts.

Dreger later said that the Maple Leafs have continued interest in Rasmus Andersson or another top-four defenseman in the trade market. He also mentioned that they could use a top-line winger to skate alongside center Auston Matthews.

NESN: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said the Boston Bruins attempted to acquire Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth last summer before he was traded to the Maple Leafs.

Maccelli hasn’t been a fit with the Maple Leafs, who would be open to moving him. Friedman isn’t sure if the Bruins would still be interested in the struggling winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As with Andersson, any attempt by the Leafs to land one of the bigger names in the trade market will be hindered by their limited number of tradable assets on their roster and within their prospect pipeline.

Treliving will wait and see if the asking prices go down or if more players become available as more teams drop out of the playoff race. However, that might not come soon enough to bring in the help the Leafs need.

UPDATE ON ALEX TUCH’S CONTRACT TALKS WITH THE SABRES

TSN: Contract extension discussions with Alex Tuch’s representatives are among the issues facing Jarmo Kekalainen, who replaced Kevyn Adams on Monday as the Buffalo Sabres new general manager.

Kekalainen told reporters on Tuesday that he intends to take charge of the situation. He said the teams appreciate and like Tuch, and want to get him signed. The 29-year-old winger is UFA-eligible next summer. He’s completing a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $4.75 million.

Pierre LeBrun reports Kekalainen had a pretty good feel for what his predecessor discussed with the Tuch camp. According to LeBrun, the previous negotiations fizzled because the Sabres weren’t willing to go double digits on the AAV (over $10 million annually).

DAILY FACEOFF: Jeff Marek believes the Dallas Stars could be a good destination for Alex Tuch. He thinks the Stars are going for it again this season and believes Tuch would fit in well with them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tuch will depart via free agency next July unless Kekalainen can somehow talk him down from $10 million annually. If so, expect the veteran winger to become available leading up to the March 6 trade deadline.

FLYERS SEEK A CENTER

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports the Philadelphia Flyers are seeking another center, specifically for their fourth line. It might also make sense for them to add a middle-six center, given Noah Cates’ struggles in the faceoff circle.

If UFA-eligible centre Christian Dvorak opts to head to market next summer, Kurz wondered if the Flyers might get more aggressive and pursue a higher-end option like Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues or Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators.

Kurz doesn’t see the Flyers dangling their high-end young players or top prospects as trade bait. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t willing to part with some of their future assets for a player who could help them make a playoff push.

KINGS CENTER PHILLIP DANAULT REPORTEDLY REQUESTS A TRADE

RG.ORG’s Marco D’Amico reports sources indicating that center Phillip Danault has requested a trade. His camp hopes to secure a deal sooner rather than later, perhaps before the upcoming NHL holiday roster freeze (Dec. 20-27).

D’Amico said the Kings are willing to wait it out because they seek a player-for-player trade. The Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Carolina Hurricanes are among the teams reportedly interested in Danault.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Over the weekend, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said the Kings aren’t inclined to move Danault without a good reason because good centers are hard to come by in this season’s trade market. A trade request could be the inclination they need.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 17, 2025

by | Dec 17, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 17, 2025

Oilers star Leon Draisaitl reaches 1,000 points, Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon continues his high-scoring ways, Sharks center Macklin Celebrini moves up in the scoring race, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF TUESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Leon Draisaitl collected four assists to surpass 1,000 career NHL regular-season points as his Edmonton Oilers defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-4. Connor McDavid scored two goals and set up two others for the 16-12-6 Oilers. Erik Karlsson had a goal and an assist for the 14-9-9 Penguins, who are winless in their last six games (0-2-4).

Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers are the only team in NHL history to have five players reach the 1,000-point plateau as Draisaitl joined McDavid, Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Jari Kurri. Meanwhile, McDavid continues his surge in this season’s scoring race, sitting second with 56 points.

This was the first game between the two clubs since they swapped starting goaltenders last Friday. The Oilers’ Tristan Jarry made 26 saves for the win, while the Penguins’ Stuart Skinner turned aside 17 shots.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon tallied twice and collected an assist in a 5-3 victory over the Seattle Kraken. Cale Makar, Martin Necas, and Valeri Nichushkin each had two assists, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 34 saves as the league-leading Avalanche (24-2-7) picked up their third straight win. Shane Wright, Jordan Eberle, and Chandler Stephenson replied for the Kraken (12-13-6) as they’ve dropped nine of their last 10 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon leads all NHL scorers with 28 goals and 58 points. He’s on pace to reach 70 goals. The last players to reach that milestone were Hall of Famers Teemu Selanne and Alexander Mogilny, who each had 76 goals in 1992-93.

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini had two goals and two assists to lead his club over the Calgary Flames by a score of 6-3. Barclay Goodrow scored twice and had an assist, and winger Tyler Toffoli the 300th regular-season NHL goal for the 17-14-3 Sharks, who’ve won three straight contests. Blake Coleman, Ryan Lomberg, and Nazem Kadri scored for the 13-17-4 Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Celebrini is third in this season’s scoring race with 51 points. Earlier in the day, the Sharks deemed forward Philipp Kurashev as week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

The Minnesota Wild got a 25-save performance from Filip Gustavsson to shut out the Washington Capitals 5-0. Vladimir Tarasenko and Danila Yurov each had three points, and Quinn Hughes collected an assist in his second game with the Wild, who picked up their fifth straight win and improved to 20-9-5. Charlie Lindgren stopped 27 of 32 shots for the 18-11-4 Capitals, who drop to 1-3-2 in their last five contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild forward Marcus Foligno returned to action after being sidelined since Nov. 26 with a lower-body injury.

Boston Bruins winger Morgan Geekie scored twice in a 4-1 win over the Utah Mammoth. David Pastrnak had two assists for the 20-14-0 Bruins, who’ve won five of their last six games. Barrett Hayton replied for the Mammoth, who dropped to 16-16-3 on the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Geekie sits second among league scorers this season with 24 goals. Before this game, the Bruins placed defenseman Jonathan Aspirot (upper body) on injured reserve, and claimed blueliner Vladislav Kolyachonok off waivers from the Dallas Stars.

The Philadelphia Flyers downed the Montreal Canadiens 4-1. Trevor Zegras scored to extend his goal streak to four games, and Travis Konecny had a goal and an assist for the 17-9-6 Flyers, who extended their points streak to five games (2-3-0). Alexandre Texier scored for the Canadiens, who dropped to 17-12-4.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson missed this game with an upper-body injury and is listed as day-to-day. They also sent goaltender Sam Montembeault to their AHL affiliate on a two-week conditioning stint. Meanwhile, Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen made his season debut after recovering from triceps surgery in March

Two goals in eight seconds by Auston Matthews and Dakota Joshua late in the third period rallied the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Matthews and William Nylander finished with two points each, and Joseph Woll stopped 23 shots for the 15-12-5 Maple Leafs. Wyatt Kaiser and Jason Dickinson scored for the Blackhawks, who’ve lost three straight games and slipped to 13-14-6.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks defenseman Artyom Levshunov was scratched from this game after being late for practice on Monday.

Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat netted two goals in the third period as his club nipped the New York Islanders 3-2. Lucas Raymond collected three assists for the Red Wings (19-12-4). Emil Heineman and Scott Mayfield replied for the Islanders (19-12-3) as their three-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the win, the Red Wings regained first place in the Atlantic Division with 41 points.

An overtime goal by Adam Fantilli gave the Columbus Blue Jackets a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Zach Werenski had two goals and an assist as the 14-13-6 Blue Jackets snapped a five-game losing skid. Mikael Granlund and Ryan Poehling each had two points for the Ducks (20-12-2), who have dropped three of their last four games (1-2-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 42 points, the Ducks cling to first place in the Pacific Division, one point ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Vancouver Canucks blanked the New York Rangers 3-0. Thatcher Demko kicked out 23 shots for the shutout while Evander Kane, Liam Ohgren, and Conor Garland scored for the 13-17-3 Canucks. The Rangers (16-15-4) have one win in their last six games (1-3-2).

IN OTHER NEWS…

TSN: The Los Angeles Kings placed goaltender Darcy Kuemper on injured reserve and recalled netminder Pheonix Copley.

The St. Louis Blues claimed winger Jonatan Berggren off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings.

THE TENNESSEAN: Former US college football coach Nick Saban purchased a minority stake in the Nashville Predators.

TORONTO SUN: Former NHL forward Paul Gagne passed away at age 63 after battling cancer. Gagne spent eight seasons 1980-81 to 1989-90) with the Colorado Rockies, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Islanders. He had 110 goals and 101 assists for 211 points in 390 games.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Veteran TSN broadcaster Michael Whalen passed away earlier this week at age 82. Whalen was TSN’s bureau reporter for Montreal and Quebec from 1986 to 2007.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to the family and friends of Gagne and Whalen.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 16, 2025

by | Dec 16, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 16, 2025

Check out the latest on Penguins defensemen Kris Letang and the Devils’ Dougie Hamilton and Ondrej Palat, plus updates on the Red Wings, Rangers, Senators, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PENGUINS CONCERNED ABOUT KRIS LETANG’S PLAY

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports there is considerable concern among the Pittsburgh Penguins’ organization regarding Kris Letang’s struggles this season. The 38-year-old defenseman has always been plagued by the occasional mental lapse in his game, but his athleticism and stamina often offset that issue. Not anymore.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (NHL Images)

Letang won’t be traded, partly because he’s got a full no-movement clause. There’s also no market for him given his age, a health history that includes two strokes, and his $6.1 million average annual value through 2027-28.

Yohe also pointed out that a buyout is unlikely. Letang was 35 when he signed his current contract, meaning the Penguins won’t receive any cap relief. Retirement is unlikely unless health or another circumstance forces his hand.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This isn’t a trade rumor, but the frustration over the decline in Letang’s play could prompt some Penguins fans to call on the club’s management to peddle him, even if it means retaining half of his cap hit. It’s worthwhile pointing out the reasons why such a move is unlikely.

DEVILS REPORTEDLY ATTEMPTED TO MOVE HAMILTON AND PALAT

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols noted that ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported the Devils attempted to move defenseman Dougie Hamilton and winger Ondrej Palat. According to Weekes, Hamilton and Palat were mentioned in potential trade scenarios involving the Devils.

Hamilton surfaced in trade rumors during the summer when the Devils were reportedly gauging the trade market for the 32-year-old defenseman. He shrugged them off at the time, insisting that he wanted to remain with the Devils. Hamilton is signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $9 million and a 10-team trade list, along with a no-movement clause that prevents his demotion to the AHL without his permission.

Palat, 34, has the same conditions in his contract. He’s signed through next season with an AAV of $6 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those contracts are sticking points in any attempt to move those two players, as is the decline in their production. Still, Hamilton could garner more interest given his puck-moving abilities.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE DEVILS, RED WINGS, AND RANGERS AFTER MISSING OUT ON QUINN HUGHES?

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon speculated over which players the Devils and the Detroit Red Wings might pursue after failing in their efforts to acquire Quinn Hughes before he was traded to the Minnesota Wild on Friday.

Dixon wondered if the Devils might consider Buffalo Sabres power forward Alex Tuch as a trade target. He believes Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames would be a good fit for the Detroit Red Wings as their second-line center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames ownership insisted that Kadri won’t be traded, so we must assume he’s unavailable. Tuch, however, could become a trade candidate if the Sabres feel they could lose him to free agency next summer.

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano took note of New York Rangers GM Chris Drury’s interest in Quinn Hughes. He thinks Drury could attempt another big swing at a big-name player in the trade market. However, the Rangers GM has depreciated his club’s prospect pool, which makes it difficult to win any bidding wars for notable talent in the trade market.

Mercogliano speculated that Drury may have offered up winger Alexis Lafreniere, defenseman Braden Schneider, and at least one of their two first-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft to the Vancouver Canucks for Hughes.

However, the Canucks sought a young, top-six center, which the Rangers don’t have. Meanwhile, the trade value of Lafreniere and Schneider isn’t what it was a few years ago.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings are better-positioned than the Devils and Rangers to land a noteworthy player in the trade market. They have more cap space and plenty of young players and promising prospects to draw on for trade bait if they wish to.

THE LATEST ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios continues to scour the trade market for a top-nine forward and a defenseman. He believes Staios has contacted sellers such as the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, and the Nashville Predators.

Many teams remain in the playoff chase, which means the sellers’ asking prices remain high.

The Senators are among the clubs interested in Canucks winger Kiefer Sherwood, who carries a $1.5 million cap hit and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July. He’s also drawn interest from the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, and Philadelphia Flyers.

Sherwood’s teammate, Conor Garland, isn’t expected to be traded. However, Garrioch claims that if the Canucks were to peddle Garland, he’s a player that Senators head coach Travis Green holds in high regard. However, the 29-year-old’s six-year contract extension kicks in next season, with a $6 million AAV and a full no-movement clause.

Garrioch believes Staios has had conversations with Flames GM Craig Conroy. He thinks Flames winger Blake Coleman could be a good fit with the Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The problem in landing Sherwood and Coleman is that a lot of teams are interested in them, meaning the Canucks and Flames will retain them for as long as possible to drive up their value before the March 6 trade deadline. Garland’s new contract is a big stumbling block that could be insurmountable unless the Canucks are willing to retain salary.

REICHEL ON THE TRADE BLOCK AGAIN

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports the Vancouver Canucks are willing to entertain trade offers for Lukas Reichel.

The Canucks acquired Reichel from the Chicago Blackhawks earlier this season. Projected to become a top-six forward when drafted by the Blackhawks, he’s struggled to meet expectations as a scorer.

Kuzma cited Reichel’s poor decision-making, penchant for turnovers, lack of battle, and misfiring on scoring chances as the reasons why he’s been demoted to the Canucks’ AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 16, 2025

by | Dec 16, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 16, 2025

A notable hat trick by Predators winger Filip Forsberg, the Ducks’ Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba return to New York, the Sabres make a management change, the three stars of the week, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF MONDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: A hat-trick performance by Filip Forsberg carried the Nashville Predators to a 5-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Roman Josi and Ryan O’Reilly each collected two assists for the 13-15-4 Predators, who have won seven of their last 10 games. Dalibor Dvorsky netted both goals for the Blues, who dropped to 12-15-7.

Nashville Predators winger Filip Forsberg (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Forsberg picked up his 11th career hat trick, tying Markus Naslund for the second-most NHL hat tricks by a Swedish player. Kent Nilsson is the leader with 14.

Before this game, the Blues announced that winger Dylan Holloway would miss at least six weeks with an ankle injury.

Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier scored twice, and goalie Lukas Dostal stopped 26 shots to defeat the New York Rangers 4-1. Ryan Poehling had two assists for the Ducks (20-12-1), as they ended a two-game losing skid. Matthew Robertson replied for the Rangers (16-14-4), who have dropped four of their last five games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the first game back in New York for former Rangers Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba, who received ovations from the fans at Madison Square Garden during tribute videos for both players. Both were traded to the Ducks in separate trades last season.

Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad was benched from this game for missing a team meeting.

Florida Panthers winger Sam Reinhart tallied two goals in a 5-2 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Carter Verhaeghe had a goal and an assist, and Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 26 shots for the 17-13-2 Panthers, who’ve won five of their last six contests. Brayden Point had two assists for the Lightning (18-12-3), who hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 39 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning forward Brandon Hagel left this game in the third period after a questionable hit by Panthers defenseman Seth Jones. Earlier in the day, the Lightning announced that defenseman Emil Lilleberg will miss several weeks with an injury, while sidelined goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy could return to the lineup before Christmas.

The Dallas Stars beat the Los Angeles Kings by a score of 4-1. Mikko Rantanen, Matt Duchene, and Wyatt Johnston each had a goal and an assist, and Casey DeSmith made 27 saves for the 22-7-5 Stars. Andrei Kuzmenko scored for the Kings (14-9-9), who are 0-1-2 in their last three games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper left the game in the first period with an upper-body injury following a collision with Rantanen.

An overtime goal by Brady Tkachuk gave the Ottawa Senators a 3-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Tim Stutzle had three assists, and Jake Sanderson scored the tying goal late in the third period for the Senators (15-13-4). Neal Pionk and Logan Stanley replied for the 15-15-2 Jets, who have three wins in their last 10 games.

HEADLINES

TSN: The Buffalo Sabres fired general manager Kevyn Adams, replacing him with Jarmo Kekalainen on a full-time basis.

Adams was in his sixth season as the Sabres’ general manager. He was criticized for mismanaging the team’s assets, his inability to secure a franchise goaltender, and his failure to address a lingering leadership void within the team.

In June, Adams hired Kekalainen as a senior advisor. He spent 10 seasons as general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A recent report in The Athletic indicated the Sabres were internally discussing replacing Adams. During his tenure, the Sabres’ postseason drought stretched to a league-record 14 seasons and counting. His two biggest blunders were trading Jack Eichel to the Vegas Golden Knights and Sam Reinhart to the Florida Panthers. Both players flourished with their new teams, becoming Stanley Cup champions.

Adams lacked management experience when he was hired for the job. He did his best, but he had no business being in that role. It was yet another example of the ineptitude of the club’s ownership, which has gone through five general managers, eight head coaches, 28 goaltenders with more than one game played, and seven team captains since 2011.

Kekalainen has considerable management experience. He guided the Blue Jackets through their most successful period in franchise history from 2016 to 2020, reaching the playoffs in four straight seasons. However, things fell apart soon afterward, leading to his firing last year. Whether he fares better than his four predecessors remains to be seen.

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson, and Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek are the league’s stars for the week ending Dec. 14, 2025.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: The Blackhawks placed center Connor Bedard (upper body) on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 12.

DAILY FACEOFF/DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane will miss the next two games with an upper-body injury. The Wings also placed forward Jonatan Berggren on waivers.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Former Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner and defenseman Brett Kulak joined the Pittsburgh Penguins’ active roster after resolving their immigration status over the weekend. On Friday, the Oilers traded Skinner and Kulak to the Penguins for goalie Tristan Jarry and forward Sam Poulin.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Sharks placed forwards Will Smith and Philipp Kurashev on injured reserve.

TSN: The Vancouver Canucks agreed to a two-year contract extension with center Max Sasson. He will earn an average annual value of $1 million.

RG.ORG: Prospect winger Gavin McKenna is hoping for redemption at the 2026 World Junior Championship. He was part of Canada’s junior team that failed to medal last season.

McKenna believes his move from the CHL to the NCAA with Penn State University this season has improved his decision-making, defensive play, and physical growth. He thinks those attributes will help his performance in this year’s tournament.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McKenna said his focus is on winning gold, and he’s not looking at this tournament as an opportunity to elevate his status in the 2026 NHL Draft. Nevertheless, he has slipped from the top spot in some recent draft rankings. A strong performance at the WJC could help him regain that placement.