NHL Rumor Mill – December 31, 2024

by | Dec 31, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 31, 2024

The latest on Canucks center Elias Pettersson, three Red Wings trade candidates, and proposed blueline trade targets for the Maple Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

IS A ELIAS PETTERSSON TRADE A POSSIBILITY?

SPORTSNET: Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin told Iain MacIntyre that he believes Elias Pettersson has the talent to be the club’s top center. However, he said the 26-year-old must mature, expect things won’t get any easier, and be accountable when things don’t go well.

When MacIntyre asked Allvin about trading Pettersson the Canucks GM didn’t dismiss the notion. “I guess I would say anything is possible.”

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Allvin’s comments could be considered a shot across the bow for Pettersson. He’ll remain the subject of media trade conjecture leading up to the March 7 trade deadline if he fails to improve or the Canucks keep struggling.

Pettersson has had difficulty meeting expectations after inking an eight-year, $92 million contract earlier this year. Recent reports claim he’s clashed with teammate J.T. Miller. Both players denied the rumors but some observers suggest one of them could be moved if they don’t resolve their differences and improve their respective performances.

This isn’t the first time Pettersson has come up in the rumor mill this year. On Feb. 29, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Canucks held trade discussions with the Carolina Hurricanes regarding Pettersson. The Canucks decided to take one last shot at signing the center, with the two sides agreeing to a contract extension on March 2.

Pettersson’s expensive contract won’t be easy to move during this season. However, his no-movement clause doesn’t go into effect until July 1. That could make him easier to peddle than Miller, who has a more affordable cap hit ($8 million) but also carries a full NMC.

THREE PROPOSED RED WINGS TRADE CANDIDATES

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau noted the Detroit Red Wings remain flawed despite replacing Derek Lalonde as head coach with Todd McLellan.

The Red Wings remain well out of playoff position with seven teams ahead of them in the standings. Proteau believes general manager Steve Yzerman should consider shopping veterans Patrick Kane, Vladimir Tarasenko and Cam Talbot at the March 7 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane can become an unrestricted free agent in July. The 36-year-old winger has faded this season but a contender could be tempted by his Hall-of-Fame resume and considerable playoff experience.

Talbot is signed through next season with an affordable annual cap hit of $2.5 million. The 37-year-old goaltender has put up decent numbers this season, making him enticing for playoff-bound clubs seeking experienced depth between the pipes.

Tarasenko has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $4.75 million. The 33-year-old winger has a full no-trade clause but might be open to waiving it for a contender. He’s won two Stanley Cups but has only 13 points in 35 games this season. Teams could be interested but Yzerman might have to retain some salary in the deal

WHICH DEFENSEMEN COULD BECOME LEAFS TRADE TARGETS?

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel recently suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs shop for a defenseman who could play alongside Morgan Rielly.

Siegel proposed the Leafs consider calling the Nashville Predators about Luke Schenn, pointing out how well Schenn and Rielly played together during the 2023 playoffs. The 35-year-old is in the second season of a three-year contract with the Predators carrying an AAV of $2.75 million.

Other options include David Savard of the Montreal Canadiens or Cody Ceci of the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs GM Brad Treliving could be active in the trade market for a blueliner leading up to March 7. He could pursue one of those mentioned by Siegel or he might have another right-side rearguard on his radar.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 31, 2024

by | Dec 31, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 31, 2024

Recaps of Monday’s games, last week’s three stars are revealed, the 2025 Draft will be held in Los Angeles, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING MONDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Winnipeg Jets regained first place in the overall standings (55 points) by blanking the Nashville Predators 3-0. Connor Hellebuyck made 22 saves for his league-leading fifth shutout while Gabriel Vilardi tallied two goals to reach 17 on the season as the Jets picked up their fourth straight victory and their sixth in their last seven games. Predators goaltender Juuse Saros stopped 25 shots.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck has been the league’s top goaltender during the first half of this season. He’s also the leader among starters with 24 wins, a 2.00 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage. The Jets goalie is on pace to win his second straight Vezina Trophy and his third since 2019-20, making him the dominant netminder of the decade thus far.

Jets center Mason Appleton missed this game with a lower-body injury. He has been placed on injured reserve.

Florida Panthers forward Jesper Boqvist scored twice in a 5-3 win over the New York Rangers. Sergei Bobrovsky made 33 saves as the Panthers snapped a two-game losing skid to take over first place in the Atlantic Division with 48 points. Filip Chytil, Ryan Lindgren and Chris Kreider replied for the free-falling Rangers as they’ve dropped four in a row and seven of their last eight, sliding to 14th in the Eastern Conference with 33 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers’ mounting losses ensure they’ll remain the focus of media trade speculation entering the New Year. They’re moving closer to becoming sellers by the March 7 trade deadline.

The Seattle Kraken defeated the Utah Hockey Club 5-2. Jaden Schwartz led the way with a goal and two assists, Kaapo Kakko collected two assists, and Philipp Grubauer turned aside 28 shots. Logan Cooley and Alex Kerfoot scored for Utah, who’ve gone 0-3-1 in their last four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah remains within striking distance of a Western Conference wild-card berth but their recent inconsistent play could send general manager Bill Armstrong into the trade market for help.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Jets center Mark Scheifele, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, and Columbus Blue Jackets blueliner Zach Werenski are the league’s three stars for the week ending Dec. 29.

ESPN.COM: Greg Wyshynski reports the 2025 NHL Draft will be held in Los Angeles from June 27-28, 2025 at the Peacock Theater.

It will also be the NHL’s first decentralized draft. The top prospects and league officials will be in attendance, but teams will make their selections from their home facilities.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The league is following the same format as the NBA, NFL, and MLB. It makes sense for the teams as they don’t have to travel to a different location each year. However, it might not be as enjoyable for the fans. It could also affect how general managers wheel and deal during the draft as they’ll no longer be able to discuss potential trades face-to-face.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The NHL fined the Stars $100,000 for violating the CBA’s rule against staging a practice during the NHL’s holiday break.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was expected after reports emerged on Saturday that the league was investigating the Stars for holding an optional skate on Dec. 26.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes is sidelined week-to-week with an injured hand while center Elias Pettersson will be out this week with an undisclosed injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both players missed Saturday’s 5-4 loss to the Seattle Kraken. Losing two of their biggest stars is a major blow for the Canucks.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews participated in practice yesterday but he won’t be in the lineup for Tuesday’s game against the New York Islanders. It’ll be the fifth straight game he’s missed with a nagging upper-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers wonder if the Leafs might shut Matthews down for the regular season, put him on long-term injury reserve, use the $13.25 million in cap savings to acquire depth for the playoffs, and activate Matthews once the postseason begins when the salary cap is no longer in effect.

That scenario works if Matthews undergoes a procedure that sidelines him until the end of the regular season or receives a certified medical evaluation recommending complete rest and rehab until late April. They’re not even close to that plan yet as he continues to work his way back into the lineup.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: St. Louis Blues defenseman Cam Fowler will play his 1,000th NHL regular-season game during Tuesday’s Winter Classic matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks at Wrigley Field.

NHL.COM: Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov was fined $2, 473.96 by the department of player safety for high-sticking Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield during Sunday’s game between the two clubs.

Blackhawks forward Pat Maroon was fined $3,385.42 for elbowing Stars forward Mavrik Bourque on Sunday.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere is expected to be sidelined longer than day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He left Saturday’s game against the New Jersey Devils during the third period and didn’t return.

THE DENVER POST: Colorado Avalanche winger Jonathan Drouin is expected to rejoin his teammates for Tuesday’s game against the Jets. Injuries have limited Drouin to five games this season.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins placed winger Jesse Puljujarvi on waivers.

THE SCORE: Former Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is contemplating a comeback. The 36-year-old center’s last NHL game was on Apr. 13, 2023. He’s been sidelined by chronic immune response syndrome and symptoms of long COVID.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 30, 2024

by | Dec 30, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 30, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we review some proposed destinations for recent notable trade candidates.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston recently played “NHL Trade Matchmaker” by predicting where the top trade candidates could end up by the March 7 deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the links above to see their full lists and the reasons behind their proposed deals. I’m singling out the five most notable, offering a brief take on each.

Ivan Provorov, Columbus Blue Jackets: LeBrun has the 27-year-old defenseman going to the Colorado Avalanche while Johnston sees the Tampa Bay Lightning as a landing spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche have $3.75 million in trade-deadline cap space while the Lightning have 4.5 million. The Blue Jackets carry $4.725 million of his $6.75 million. Both clubs could want the Blue Jackets to retain salary or take on a salaried player in the deal. They also lack 2025 first-rounders to offer up as trade bait but the Lightning carry two 2025 second-rounders.

Brock Nelson, New York Islanders: Johnston suggests the Minnesota Wild as a good destination for the 34-year-old center. LeBrun mentions the Dallas Stars as his best guess.

New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nelson’s cap hit is $6 million. The Wild have almost $2.1 million in projected cap space. The Stars have $1.5 million but they’re expected to place sidelined center Tyler Seguin and his $9.85 million AAV on long-term injury reserve (LTIR) and use the savings to make one or two significant additions. They can more easily afford the remainder of Nelson’s daily cap hit by the March 7 deadline.

John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks: LeBrun thinks the 31-year-old goaltender could head to the Carolina Hurricanes. Johnston proposed the Edmonton Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun and Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos and Elliotte Friedman claimed the Hurricanes had trade discussions with the Ducks about Gibson last summer. LeBrun believes both clubs have “re-engaged” about this topic.

The Hurricanes seem a more likely destination for Gibson and his $6.4 million AAV through 2026-27 than the Oilers. Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal doesn’t see him as an upgrade over the current Oilers tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. Even if the Oilers took him on at half his cap hit, it would put a significant dent into their long-term cap space when they’ve got Evan Bouchard to re-sign next summer and Connor McDavid in 2026.

Taylor Hall, Chicago Blackhawks: Johnston pitched the Avalanche for the 33-year-old left wing. LeBrun suggested the Utah Hockey Club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hall carries an AAV of $6 million for this season. Picking up the remainder of it at the deadline will be a tight squeeze for the Avs, though the asking price could be more affordable than what the Blue Jackets could seek for Provorov. Utah can easily fit him within their $24 million projected trade deadline cap space. They also have three second-rounders in 2026 to use as trade bait.

Rasmus Ristolainen, Philadelphia Flyers: LeBrun sees the 30-year-old blueliner heading to the Winnipeg Jets. Johnston sees the Stars as his eventual destination.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $5.1 million. The Jets can afford to fit him into their $11.7 million AAV for the trade deadline. They also have plenty of cap room to fit him within their payroll beyond this season. The Stars can afford him if they put Seguin on LTIR but keeping him beyond this season could complicate efforts to re-sign Jamie Benn, Matt Duchene and Wyatt Johnston next summer.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 30, 2024

by | Dec 30, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 30, 2024

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby breaks a franchise record, Red Wings forward Patrick Kane reaches a career milestone, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin moves closer to Wayne Gretzky’s goals record, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF SUNDAY’S NHL ACTION

NHL.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby collected his 1,034th regular-season assist, passing Mario Lemieux for the most in franchise history in a 3-2 win over the New York Islanders. Michael Bunting and Philip Tomasino each had two points for the Penguins as they’re 4-2-0 in their last six games. Anders Lee and Bo Horvat replied for the Islanders, who’ve dropped four of their last six contests.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: What a difference a month has made for the Penguins. They were near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings just after American Thanksgiving and seemed to be fading fast. Today, they’re one point out of the final wild-card berth. Penguins defenseman Kris Letang was a late scratch from this game with a lower-body injury.

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane had a goal and an assist to reach his 1,300th career regular-season point as his club doubled up the Washington Capitals 4-2. Lucas Raymond also had a goal and an assist while Alex DeBrincat tallied twice as the Wings got their first win under new head coach Todd McLellan. Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored to reach his 870th regular-season goal, putting him 25 away from passing Wayne Gretzky for the most goals in league history.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals center Lars Eller returned to action after an illness sidelined him for four games.

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Ilya Samsonov made 31 saves in a 3-0 shutout of the Calgary Flames. Brett Howden, Victor Olofsson and Tanner Pearson scored for Vegas, who’ve won six straight and sit atop the overall standings with 53 points. Dan Vladar stopped 34 shots for the Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames’ points streak ended at five games (3-0-2).

The Anaheim Ducks scored four unanswered goals to upset the Edmonton Oilers 5-3. Cutter Gauthier, Robby Fabbri and Mason McTavish each had a goal and an assist as the Ducks collected their second win in their last five games. Leon Draisaitl scored twice and Connor McDavid had two assists for the Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks forward Brock McGinn missed this contest with a lower-body injury. He’s been placed on injured reserve.

Third-period goals by Josh Norris and Claude Giroux gave the Ottawa Senators a 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Leevi Merilainen stopped 30 shots as the Senators snapped a two-game losing skid to hold onto the final Eastern wild-card berth with 40 points. Wild forward Frederick Gaudreau scored his club’s only goal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild got some good news as Joel Eriksson Ek returned to action after missing 11 games with a lower-body injury. However, superstar Kirill Kaprizov missed his second straight game with what’s been called a minor lower-body injury.

Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans scored to extend his goal streak to five games in a 5-2 upset of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Joel Armia had a goal and an assist, Alexandre Carrier collected two helpers, and Brendan Gallagher netted his 10th of the season for the Canadiens. Nikita Kucherov and Brandon Hagel scored for the Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens have won four of their last six (35 points), sitting five points behind the Ottawa Senators for the final Eastern wild-card spot. Speaking of the Habs, goalie Cayden Primeau cleared waivers and was sent to their AHL affiliate in Laval. Meanwhile, Lightning winger Jake Guentzel missed this game with an upper-body injury and is listed as day-to-day.

The Los Angeles Kings nipped the Philadelphia Flyers 5-4 on two third-period goals by captain Anze Kopitar. Adrian Kempe had a goal and an assist and Kevin Fiala tallied his 14th of the season as the Kings picked up their seventh straight home victory. Flyers forwards Scott Laughton and Matvei Michkov each had a goal and an assist.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Michkov was benched in the third period of his previous game but responded well with a better showing in this contest.

Five unanswered goals powered the Dallas Stars over the Chicago Blackhawks 5-1. Jamie Benn and Matt Duchene each had a goal and two assists as the Stars (43 points) hold the first Western Conference wild-card berth. Connor Bedard scored his 10th of the season for the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks winger Tyler Bertuzzi received a game misconduct for elbowing Stars center Colin Blackwell. Reports indicate the league will fine the Stars for violating a CBA rule prohibiting on-ice activities and travel on specified dates during the Christmas holiday break. The team held an “optional practice” on Dec. 26.

The Buffalo Sabres collected their third straight win with a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen kicked out 35 shots while Tage Thompson and Jason Zucker had a goal and an assist each. The Blues got goals from Brayden Schenn and Nathan Walker.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 29, 2024

by | Dec 29, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 29, 2024

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest on the Oilers, Rangers, Sabres and Red Wings plus updates on Blues winger Brandon Saad and Canadiens center Jake Evans.

PROPOSED TRADE TARGETS FOR THE OILERS

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell recently looked at possible trade targets for the Edmonton Oilers.

The Oilers could use a left-shot defenseman who regularly faces elite talent. Three options include Bowen Byram of the Buffalo Sabres, Olli Maatta of the Utah Hockey Club and Mike Matheson of the Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s unlikely the Sabres will move Byram. If anything, they could use another defenseman like him. Maatta could be available if Utah isn’t in playoff contention by the trade deadline.

Pundits like bringing up Matheson because he’s playing on a rebuilding team and has a year remaining on his contract. However, it will take a significant offer to pry him out of Montreal given their lack of experienced blueliners. The most likely to move is pending free agent David Savard but he’s a right-hand shot who plays second or third-pairing minutes.

Mitchell also suggested the possibility of the Oilers acquiring a low-cost, experienced backup goaltender. However, he doesn’t see them landing John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks, citing the cost of the return and his $6.4 million annual average value.

St. Louis Blues winger Brandon Saad (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson also has a 10-team no-trade clause. It’s rumored all seven Canadian teams are on that last.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Brandon Saad’s future with the St. Louis Blues continues to be something to monitor moving into 2025.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman mentioned Saad two weeks ago, claiming the Blues would like to move him. The 32-year-old winger has a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $4.5 million. He has a no-trade clause but Friedman claimed he’s willing to accept other options.

The struggling New York Rangers remain a team “everyone’s watching” now that the holiday roster freeze has been lifted.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers were defeated 6-2 on Saturday by the Tampa Bay Lightning with goalie Igor Shesterkin lifted after giving up five goals on 13 shots. That was their third straight loss and the sixth in their last seven games. They’ve won only four of their last 18 games and are five points out of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with the lowly Montreal Canadiens threatening to overtake them.

Trading Jacob Trouba to Anaheim and Kaapo Kakko to Seattle earlier this month did nothing to improve the Rangers’ lot. If management’s plan isn’t to make a season-saving deal or a coaching change then we must assume they intend to become sellers at the March 7 trade deadline.

Friedman also indicated that the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings continue to scout each other. He thinks they “looked at something” before the holiday roster freeze, adding “We’ll see if that continues”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The two clubs faced off on Dec. 9 with the Wings winning 6-5 in a shootout. They don’t meet again until after the March 7 trade deadline (March 12) so it’s unlikely they’re keeping tabs on each other for that game.

WILL THE CANADIENS MOVE JAKE EVANS?

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan believes Jake Evans could be too expensive for the Canadiens to re-sign. The 28-year-old checking-line center is on pace for a career-best performance in his contract year with nine goals and 22 points in 35 games.

Evans is in the final season of a three-year contract with an AAV of $1.7 million and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Cowan thinks Evans is worth at least double that annual cap hit if not more on a four-year deal. He doubts the rebuilding Canadiens will pay that much for that long, suggesting Evans could be shopped by the trade deadline unless he accepts a hometown discount.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Evans has developed into a reliable two-way checking-line center. If the Canadiens were poised to become Stanley Cup contenders they’d pay to keep him around.

However, Evans turns 29 in June and will want to use his UFA status to cash in. Management could balk at a long-term investment with so many promising young players coming up in the roster. He could fetch a solid return from a contender seeking depth at center.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 29, 2024

by | Dec 29, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 29, 2024

Alex Ovechkin scores in his return from injury, a milestone game for Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour, the Predators and Avalanche make a trade, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin continued to pursue Wayne Gretzky’s goal record by scoring an empty-netter for career goal 869 in a 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Ovechkin returned to action after missing 16 games with a fractured left fibula. Jakob Chychrun and Andrew Mangiapane each had a goal and an assist and Logan Thompson stopped 35 shots for the win. John Tavares and Bobby McMann replied for the Leafs.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin extended his league record for empty-net goals to 60, four more than Gretzky. The Washington captain needs 26 goals to break The Great One’s record. Meanwhile, the Capitals (50 points) sit one point behind the Eastern Conference-leading New Jersey Devils.

Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour became the fastest NHL coach to reach 300 regular-season wins as his club defeated the Devils 5-2. Brind’Amour achieved the feat in 488 games (300-143-45) thanks to Jack Roslovic scoring twice and setting up another while Seth Jarvis collected three assists. Paul Cotter and Ondrej Palat were the Devils’ scorers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils forward Timo Meier received a five-minute major and a game misconduct for kneeing Hurricanes forward Martin Necas, who hobbled off the ice but would return to finish the game. Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere missed this game with an upper-body injury and was replaced by call-up Ty Smith.

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes turned in a 34-save shutout in his first NHL game in a 4-0 upset of the Florida Panthers. Kirby Dach tallied twice, Jake Evans netted a shorthanded goal and Cole Caufield potted his 18th of the season for the Canadiens, who’ve gone 11-8-1 over their last 20 games. Spencer Knight stopped 21 shots for the Panthers as their four-game win streak ended.

Three unanswered third-period goals set the stage for Vince Dunn’s overtime winner as the Seattle Kraken overcame a 4-1 deficit to upset the Vancouver Canucks 5-4. Dunn finished the game with two goals and an assist and teammate Jaden Schwartz also tallied twice for the Kraken as they ended a five-game losing skid. Brock Boeser scored twice while fellow Canucks forwards Conor Garland and Jake DeBrusk also found the back of the net.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks captain Quinn Hughes and center Elias Pettersson missed this game due to injuries but they’re not expected to be out of action for long. Vancouver starter Thatcher Demko looked rusty as he continues to work his way back into game form after missing most of the season recovering from a knee injury.

Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield scored twice, including the winner in overtime, to lead his team over the Edmonton Oilers 4-3. Former Oiler Warren Foegele tallied his 10th of the season as he and Byfield each finished with three points to give the Kings their first win in three games. Kasperi Kapanen, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and former King Viktor Arvidsson scored for the Oilers as their three-game win streak was snapped.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings placed forward Trevor Moore on injured reserve. They recalled forward Arthur Kaliyev from his AHL conditioning stint but he didn’t play in this game.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman turned aside 18 shots to shut out the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-0. Morgan Geekie had a goal and an assist and David Pastrnak netted his 13th of the season as the Bruins improved to 5-1-1 in their last seven. Daniil Tarasov made 24 saves in his first game since Dec. 5 as his Blue Jackets saw their two-game win streak end.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Despite the loss the Blue Jackets (36 points) are just two points behind the Ottawa Senators for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. The Bruins called up forward Fabian Lysell, who was held scoreless in his NHL debut.

The Winnipeg Jets overcame a 2-0 deficit for a 4-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele each scored their 22nd goal of the season, Nikolaj Ehlers collected three points and Connor Hellebuyck kicked out 33 shots as the Jets sit first overall with 53 points. Tim Stutzle and Ridly Greig scored for the Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators had to rely on the goalie tandem of Mads Sogaard and Leevi Marilainen with their regular netminders Linus Ullmark and Anton Forsberg sidelined by injuries. Soggard was the starter in this game with Marilainen expected to start on Sunday against the Minnesota Wild.

Tampa Bay Lightning forwards Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point each had a goal and two assists in a 6-2 victory over the New York Rangers. Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 42 shots as the Lightning have won eight of their last 10 games. Vincent Trocheck had a goal and an assist for the struggling Rangers as they pulled goalie Igor Shesterkin after he gave up five goals on 13 shots. The Blueshirts have just two wins in their last 10 contests.

The New York Islanders defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3. Casey Cizikas and Anders Lee each scored two goals for the Islanders while Rickard Rakell had a goal and an assist for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders head coach Patrick Roy demoted rookie forward Maxim Tsyplakov to the fourth line during this game, citing two penalties and several turnovers committed by the winger.

Calgary Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau tallied twice and Nazem Kadri collected two assists to defeat the San Jose Sharks 3-1. Mikael Backlund also scored for the Flames while Dustin Wolf got the win with a 21-save effort. Sharks netminder Yaroslav Askarov stopped 30 shots while fellow rookie Macklin Celebrini scored his 12th of the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The win moves the Flames into a tie with the Dallas Stars but the latter holds the final Western Conference wild-card spot with a game in hand and 20 wins to the Flames 17. Sharks forward Carl Grundstrom left this game in the first period with an undisclosed injury. Meanwhile, it was revealed that Sharks goaltender Vitek Vanecek suffered a fractured cheekbone earlier this month and is week to week.

Philadelphia Flyers forward winger Noah Cates scored to extend his goal streak to five games in a 3-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee also scored for the Flyers as Samuel Ersson made 32 saves for the win. Troy Terry replied for the Ducks.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE TENNESSEAN/COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Nashville Predators traded forward Juuso Parsinen and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Colorado Avalanche for minor-league forward Ondrej Pavel and a 2026 third-rounder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the second trade between these two clubs. They recently swapped goaltenders with the Predators shipping Scott Wedgewood to the Avalanche for Justus Annunen.

Parsinen, 23, had a promising start to his NHL career in 2022-23 with 25 points in 45 games but struggled to earn a regular roster spot with the Predators. The Avalanche hope the 6’3”, 212-pounder can provide depth to their center position.

ROTOWIRE: Speaking of the Avalanche, defenseman Oliver Kylington is listed as month-to-month with an upper-body injury.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS/THE ATHLETIC: It’s been a difficult month for the Dallas Stars.

It was reported yesterday that sidelined center Tyler Seguin’s home was broken into earlier this season. They also learned yesterday that forward Mason Marchment is week-to-week after suffering a “gruesome” facial injury during their 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Friday.

The NHL is also investigating the Stars for a potential CBA violation for staging an “optional skate” on Dec. 26 during the league’s holiday break.