NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 15, 2025

by | Jul 15, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 15, 2025

The 2025-26 season-opener is released, the Sabres avoid arbitration with Bowen Byram, an ownership group led by Mario Lemieux is interested in buying the Penguins, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The 2025-26 regular season will kick off with a triple-header starting Tuesday, Oct. 7.

The first game of the season features the Florida Panthers raising their 2024-25 Stanley Cup banner at home as they host the Chicago Blackhawks.

The second game sees the New York Rangers hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the evening concludes with the Colorado Avalanche visiting the Los Angeles Kings.

The full regular-season schedule will be released on Wednesday, July 16.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres avoided arbitration with defenseman Bowen Byram as the two sides agreed to a two-year contract worth an average annual value of $6.25 million.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byram, 24, will be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status at the end of this contract. He was the subject of frequent trade speculation since last season. The Sabres could still move him, but for now, he’s part of their plans for this season.

The signing leaves the Sabres with over $7.3 million in cap space. Restricted free agents Devon Levi and Conor Timmins remain unsigned, with the latter awaiting the date for his arbitration hearing.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports that a group led by former NHL owner and superstar Mario Lemieux remains very interested in purchasing the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Lemieux spent his entire 17-season NHL career with the Penguins. He co-owned the club from 1999 to 2021.

Fenway Sports Group (FSG) released a statement earlier this year indicating they have no interest in selling the Penguins. Nevertheless, the Lemieux group is considering its financial options and avenues to regain control of the club at some point.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yohe’s source also stated that the Lemieux group expects the NHL will add two expansion teams over the next several years, resulting in a significant windfall for the existing 32 clubs.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: As the 2024-25 Panthers have their names engraved on the Stanley Cup (many for the second straight year), columnist Alan Greenberg reflected on his 17 seasons covering the team, and how far they’ve come from the first 12 years that he followed them.

During that period, they were among the league’s bottom feeders. Ownership didn’t provide the funds to add top free-agent talent, and the franchise was generally not a desirable place to play. The arena was less than half full for most games, media coverage was scarce, and there were rumors of relocating the franchise to Quebec City.

Things began to turn around when the Viola family took over in 2013. Former general manager Dale Tallon drafted core players like Aleksander Barkov and Aaron Ekblad, and signed goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Bill Zito, Tallon’s successor, built up the franchise by acquiring notable players like Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett, Carter Verhaeghe and Gustav Forsling, and hiring head coach Paul Maurice.

Today, the Panthers sell out their home arena, receive more local and national coverage, and merchandise sales are booming. The players form a close-knit group, fostering a positive atmosphere within the team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: From 1993-94 to 2019-20, the Panthers reached the playoffs six times over those 26 years. Since 2020-21, they’ve been a perennial playoff team, reaching the Stanley Cup Final three straight times and winning back-to-back championships since 2023-24.

The rise of the Panthers is primarily attributed to Zito’s appointment as general manager. In five years, he built upon the foundation left by Tallon, turning a laughingstock into a dominant franchise poised to become the first true Stanley Cup dynasty (three consecutive championships) since the 1980-82 New York Islanders.

THE ATHLETIC’s Kevin Kurz reports Philadelphia Flyers winger Tyson Foerster continues to rehab an injured tendon near his elbow. He will undergo an MRI next week to check on the infection that developed following the injury.

The Flyers hope Foerster will be ready to start the season, but plenty of uncertainty remains.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets avoided arbitration with RFA forward Morgan Barron, signing him to a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.85 million.

Negotiations continue between Jets management and winger Gabriel Vilardi and defenseman Dylan Samberg. Like Barron, they filed for salary arbitration on July 5.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: The Islanders signed forward Victor Eklund to a three-year entry-level contract. Eklund was chosen 16th overall in last month’s NHL Draft and was one of three first-rounders by the Isles.

SPORTSNET: The Edmonton Oilers have shifted Paul Coffey from an assistant coach to an advisory role in the front office. They added Paul McFarland as power-play coach, Peter Aubry as their goaltending coach, and Connor Allen as a skills development coach.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 14, 2025

by | Jul 14, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 14, 2025

The latest on the top remaining unrestricted free agents and suggested destinations for several of them in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently looked at the latest buzz on some of the top remaining unrestricted free agents.

Former Carolina Hurricanes forward Jack Roslovic (NHL Images).

Forward Jack Roslovic tops the list as the best player available. He enjoyed a productive 2024-25 season with the Carolina Hurricanes, netting 22 goals and 39 points in 81 games. Fox cited colleague Elliotte Friedman indicating that the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in signing the versatile 28-year-old forward. Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals could also take a long look at him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The rising salary cap means most NHL clubs remain flush with cap space this summer. However, many of the remaining UFAs (like Roslovic) will likely get low-cost, short-term contracts that are easy to shed if they don’t pan out.

The Score’s Josh Wegman recently suggested the Leafs could be the best fit for Roslovic. While defensively inconsistent and a healthy scratch during the playoffs, he played alongside Leafs captain Auston Matthews in 2014-15 with the US National Team Development Program.

Winger Victor Olofsson is No. 2 on Fox’s list. He’s a power-play specialist with three 20-plus goal seasons on his resume.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wegman thinks the Boston Bruins would be a good landing spot for Olofsson. Their power play was among the league’s worst last season, finishing 29th overall.

Matt Grzelcyk is an undersized (5’10”, 180 pounds), left-shot defenseman who had a career-best 40 points last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to Wegman, the Colorado Avalanche could use a puck-mover like Grzelcyk. They need an experienced No.3 left-shot defenseman.

Ilya Samsonov could be an intriguing option in a thin goalie market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wegman suggested the Pittsburgh Penguins as a destination. Since he published this piece four days ago, the Penguins acquired Arturs Silovs, making it unlikely that they’ll add a UFA netminder.

Oft-sidelined winger Max Pacioretty is still weighing all his options, including retirement. Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving recently said the door remains open for the 35-year-old winger’s return.

Forward Luke Kunin recently changed agents and the physical forward reportedly garnered interest from multiple teams.

Winger Joel Kiviranta reached career highs in games played (79) and goals (16) last season. He could be a good addition to a team seeking depth among their bottom-six forwards.

Former Utah Mammoth Michael Carcone’s speed and edge could make him a cost-effective bottom-six forward.

Jan Rutta’s playoff experience and defensively responsible game could make the blueliner a good addition on a one-year contract.

Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev suffered a precipitous decline last season. However, Fox believes the workhorse netminder is better than his recent performance.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wegman suggests the Edmonton Oilers, who are beating the bushes in search of a goaltending upgrade. However, Georgiev would likely be a desperate last choice for them at this stage.

Wegman’s suggested destinations for other notable UFAs include Joe Veleno to the New York Rangers and James Reimer to the Calgary Flames.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 14, 2025

by | Jul 14, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 14, 2025

Check out the latest on Alex Ovechkin and Ilya Sorokin, the Canucks trade Arturs Silovs to the Penguins, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RG.ORG: Sergey Demidov reports Alex Ovechkin is denying reports claiming he decided to retire from the NHL following the 2025-26 season.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

In May, Ovechkin’s wife Nastasyia suggested the family might move back to Russia in 2026, after his contract with the Washington Capitals expires.

“She said maybe we’ll come and play in Russia,” Ovechkin told reporters. “But it was just a ‘maybe’. No one mentioned a specific date. It’s all nonsense that you guys are twisting and putting Nastasyia in a position where it sounds like she said I’m playing my last NHL season. Let’s just wait and see!”

Asked if he would consider continuing his NHL career beyond this season, the 39-year-old Ovechkin was noncommittal. “Anything is possible. I’m not saying no, but I’m not saying yes either.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin appears to be keeping his options open. He turns 40 in September and isn’t the player he once was. Nevertheless, he netted 44 goals in 65 games last season, setting the NHL’s all-time goal-scoring record. He also had five goals in 10 playoff games.

Another productive season that helps the Capitals remain a playoff contender could entice Ovechkin into extending his NHL career by another season or two.

Meanwhile, New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin shut down recent speculation suggesting he was a trade candidate during last month’s NHL Draft.

“I wasn’t surprised by the rumors – it’s part of the business,” Sorokin said. “What did surprise me, though, was how seriously people took them, even though everyone knows I have a no-trade clause. But overall – let them talk.”

Sorokin expressed his happiness over the new long-term contract signed by teammate Alexander Romanov and his surprise over Noah Dobson being traded to the Montreal Canadiens.

“That one surprised me,” he said, but admitted the salary cap meant the Isles couldn’t afford to keep Romanov and Dobson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sorokin’s agent, Dan Milstein, swatted down the speculation last Thursday, claiming his client had never been part of any trade talk involving the Islanders.

THE PROVINCE/PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Vancouver Canucks traded goaltender Arturs Silovs to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for prospect forward Chase Stillman and a fourth-round draft pick in 2027.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen under long-term contracts, Silovs was the odd man out in the Canucks crease. His waiver-exempt status was a contributing factor behind this decision.

Silovs became a fan favorite in Vancouver during the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs. Replacing a sidelined Demko and then-backup Casey DeSmith, he backstopped the Canucks into the second round before falling to the Edmonton Oilers in seven games. His struggles early last season led to his demotion to the Canucks’ AHL affiliate in Abbotsford, where he became playoff MVP, carrying that team to its first Calder Cup championship.

The Penguins will be counting on a more consistent effort from Silovs as they attempt to shore up their shaky goaltending. Starter Tristan Jarry’s performance has been erratic, and promising Joel Blomqvist struggled in his 15-game NHL debut last season.

TSN: Former NHL forward Joe Pavelski won the American Century Golf Championship on Sunday at Tahoe. He closed with an eagle to defeat former MLB pitcher John Smoltz by nine points in the celebrity tournament.

“I don’t know what to say, actually,” said the 41-year-old Pavelski. “But just an amazing week. This place is incredible. It means the world to me.”

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Former Red Wings forward Daniel Sprong appears to be out of NHL options. Known for his powerful shot, the 28-year-old winger has garnered a reputation in NHL circles for his uninspiring defensive play.

Sprong’s next stop could be in the KHL. He’s reportedly received interest from Avangard Omsk and CSKA Moscow.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In nine NHL seasons (2015-16 to 2024-25), Sprong has 87 goals and 79 points for 166 points in 374 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, Washington Capitals, Seattle Kraken, Red Wings, Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 13, 2025

by | Jul 13, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 13, 2025

The latest on Marco Rossi and updates on the Flames and Jets in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

STARTRIBUNE.COM: Sarah McLellan reports the contract stalemate persists between the Minnesota Wild and Marco Rossi. The 23-year-old center is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract, giving Wild general manager Bill Guerin the hammer in their negotiations.

The two sides have traded contract offers, with the Wild making short and long-term proposals.

Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi (NHL Images)

Rossi is eligible to sign an offer sheet with a rival club. However, Guerin said his club is prepared for that, saying they’ll match any offer. “We’d rather make a deal with Marco,” he said.

McLellan observed that recent contracts for comparable players have run the gamut. New York Rangers winger Will Cuylle received a two-year, $7.8 million contract, while William Eklund of the San Jose Sharks signed a three-year, $16.8 million deal. Meanwhile, Logan Stankoven got a maximum-term eight-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes worth $48 million, while Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies landed a six-year, $46.5 million deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rossi’s been the subject of trade speculation since last year. His current contract impasse continues to make him a fixture in this summer’s rumor mill.

It’s doubtful Rossi will receive an offer sheet. The Wild have over $10 million in cap space, and it’s unlikely a rival club will exceed that amount to pry him away, let alone having to part with four first-round picks as compensation for a successful signing.

A trade is possible if this standoff carries on through training camp and the start of the regular season. However, the Rossi camp could settle for a short-term bridge deal and look to use his arbitration rights to land a more lucrative contract down the road.

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis believes the Calgary Flames would prefer trading Rasmus Andersson before the fall and avoid the risk of injury. However, general manager Craig Conroy has pledged to retain the 28-year-old defenseman for as long as possible to maximize the potential return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July, making him the frequent subject of trade rumors since the end of last season.

Conroy could move Andersson before training camp opens in September or the start of the regular season in October. If he doesn’t receive a suitable offer by then, he could wait until the March trade deadline.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon cited that the Winnipeg Jets’ priority is signing wingers Gabriel Vilardi and Kyle Connor to a new contract. Vilardi is currently a restricted free agent, while Connor is UFA-eligible next July.

The Jets must also re-sign defenseman Dylan Samberg and center Morgan Barron. Like Vilardi, they are restricted free agents. The trio is ineligible to receive offer sheets because they filed for arbitration.

Team captain Adam Lowry is also a year away from UFA status. The 32-year-old forward will miss the first two months of the season recovering from hip surgery.

Dixon also believes Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will monitor the trade market for a potential replacement for departed winger Nikolaj Ehlers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers’ departure could make some Jets fans nervous about Connor’s future in Winnipeg. However, Cheveldayoff convinced goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and center Mark Scheifele to forego the riches of free agency and buy into his plan to make the Jets a contender. He could do the same with Connor.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 13, 2025

by | Jul 13, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 13, 2025

Notable points from the NHL/NHLPA CBA Memo of Understanding, teams vote to continue decentralized, the Canadiens pass on Evgeny Kuznetsov, and more in today’s morning coffee headlines.

NHLPA: released the link to download the 2025 NHL/NHLPA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding updates to their collective bargaining agreement. It goes into effect on September 16, 2026, and expires on September 15, 2030.

PUCKPEDIA: has a breakdown of the key changes, including playoff long-term injury reserve (LTIR), double-retained contracts, the reduction of contract term limits by one year, elimination of deferred salary on future contracts, revised limitations on front-loaded contracts and signing bonuses, maximum entry-level compensation, emergency backup goalie (EBUG) rules, and more.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the changes were reported late last month and summarized on this site on June 27 and June 28. The NHLPA link provides detailed information on the noteworthy updates, while the PuckPedia link is a worthwhile summary for quick reference.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the NHLPA was focused more on player lifestyle issues in this MOU.

The league gained on systemic issues, including contract lengths, bonus structure that affects hypothetical buyouts, deferred salary, and front-loading of contracts. However, the PA gained on more universal issues such as pension contributions, workman’s compensation, increasing the playoff fund, and accommodation for family members’ visits. They also codified the NHL’s participation in the 2030 Winter Olympics.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers felt the PA gave up too much in this MOU while gaining very little. However, most of their concessions affect only a minority of their membership (the highest-paid players) to a small degree, while the gains are for the good of the overall membership.

SPORTSNET: Sources confirm a two-thirds majority of the NHL’s 32 teams voted to keep the decentralized draft format for 2026. They intend to make changes to the production to shorten the length of the opening round, which lasted over four hours this year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like many of you, I’m no fan of the decentralized draft, but if they’re going to continue the format, they must improve their presentation and production. The opening round of this year’s draft was an embarrassment, overshadowing what was the biggest moment in the lives of the young players chosen in that round.

LA PAGE SPORTIVE: Louis-Andre Lariviere reported that the Montreal Canadiens won’t be offering a contract to Evgeny Kuznetsov.

The former Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes center spent last season in the KHL as a linemate with Montreal prospect Ivan Demidov. Kuznetsov was linked to the Canadiens, who need a second-line center this season.

Kuznetsov’s agent, Shumi Babaev, said his client is not currently in the Canadiens’ plans. “Evgeny would be a good fit. He wants to play in Montreal, but there’s no room,” Babaev said.

Babaev said as many as 10 teams are interested in Kuznetsov. He remains optimistic about landing an NHL contract for the 33-year-old center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Kuznetsov’s performance during his final two years in the NHL might have had something to do with the Canadiens’ reluctance to sign him.

TSN: Columbus Blue Jackets first-round pick Pyotr Andreyanov signed a five-year contract with KHL club CSKA Moscow last week. The 18-year-old was selected 20th overall in this year’s draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Young Russian prospects often spend several years in the KHL before making the jump to the NHL. This will allow Andreyanov an opportunity to develop his skills against professional players, some of whom have NHL experience.

TSN: Former Olympic figure skating champion David Pelletier joined the Dallas Stars last week as an assistant coach. He spent the last 11 years as a skating coach with the Edmonton Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NHL players have trained with figure skaters to improve their skating ability since the early 1970s, when former US Olympian Laura Stamm pioneered power skating instruction.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 12, 2025

by | Jul 12, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 12, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Erik Karlsson, and what the Oilers, Canucks and Senators have left to do this summer.

THE CHRIS JOHNSTON SHOW: Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson is willing to waive his no-movement clause to accept a trade. However, there are only a few teams he’d consider as acceptable destinations.

Johnston thinks Karlsson’s contract is easier to move now because there are only two years left. The 35-year-old defenseman is signed through 2026-27, with the Penguins carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million average annual value.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)

If the Penguins move Karlsson, Johnston doesn’t think it’ll be strictly to shed salary. They view him as an asset that should fetch a reasonable return, especially if they were to retain part of his salary to facilitate a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston believes Karlsson could be tradeable, but he also thinks that it might not happen this summer. He didn’t say which teams the three-time Norris Trophy winner would agree to, but they could be those that he thinks would give him the best chance to win the Stanley Cup.

Karlsson agreed to sign his contract with the Sharks in 2019 because he thought they were Cup contenders after reaching the Western Conference Final that year. He accepted a trade to the Penguins because he felt that joining Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang would give him a shot at hockey’s holy grail.

Of course, Karlsson was wrong on both counts, but as the old saying goes, the third time’s a charm.

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector believes Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman will continue to explore the goaltender market in the hope of finding an upgrade between the pipes.

Spector doubts Bowman will find a suitable solution, but he also doesn’t see “a Jack Campbell-type acquisition by a desperate GM.” He suggests that something could emerge during the season, perhaps by the trade deadline, that could address this situation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s little available via free agency or trade right now to improve the Oilers’ goaltending. However, that could change during the regular season as teams that fall out of playoff contention seek to shake up their rosters.

Meanwhile, in Vancouver, Iain MacIntyre believes the Canucks must remain patient and continue looking for depth at center. To create cap space to do so, he suggested winger Dakota Joshua (three years, $3.25 million AAV) and center Teddy Blueger (one year, $1.8 million).

MacIntyre also suggested looking at the market for third-string goaltender Arturs Silovs. The 24-year-old was the MVP of the AHL playoffs by backstopping the Canucks’ AHL affiliate in Abbotsford to the Calder Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s a seller’s market for centers right now. The Canucks have little choice but to bide their time and hope that it improves during the season.

In Ottawa, Alex Adams believes the Senators are short of an elite top-six winger who can score. He thinks GM Steve Staios is perusing the league despite the limited options, the club’s lack of salary-cap space and assets at his disposal.

Adams suggested Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish as a possible trade target. He claims there’ve been rumblings out of Anaheim that McTavish and the Ducks aren’t a happy family.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There have also been reports dismissing the speculation about McTavish’s supposed unhappiness in Anaheim. The 22-year-old restricted free agent is coming off his entry-level contract and has little leverage in contract negotiations, but no reports suggest talks have become stalled or contentious.

One rumor this spring speculated the Ducks could move winger Cutter Gauthier off the top line and into the second-line center position, pushing McTavish down to the third line. However, there has been no indication that the Ducks are considering that option.