NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 20, 2026

by | Jun 20, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 20, 2026

The latest on Sabres winger Zach Benson, Ron Francis returns to the Penguins, the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup win could benefit youth hockey in Carolina, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reports sources tell him the Buffalo Sabres are working on a new contract for winger Zach Benson that could be comparable to the deal they signed with winger Josh Doan.

Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson (NHL Images

Benson, 21, is coming off his entry-level contract. He netted a career-best 43 points in 65 games this season, along with five goals and nine points in 13 games.

Doan, 24, signed a seven-year contract extension with the Sabres in January worth an average annual value of $6.95 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Benson garnered plenty of attention with his performance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He’s a sparkplug player who gave his teammates a jolt of energy and timely offense when needed most.

Benson’s pesky ways also got under his opponents’ skin. His slewfoot of Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy in their first-round series showed a level of recklessness that could get him into trouble if he continues with those antics. He’ll need to keep his head on a swivel the next time those two clubs face each other.

Nevertheless, Benson emerged this season as an invaluable part of the Sabres’ roster. He’ll be crucial to their efforts to build on this season’s success.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Ron Francis has returned to the Penguins as the Special Advisor, Hockey Operations to president of hockey ops and general manager Kyle Dubas.

Francis won two Stanley Cups with the Penguins as a player from 1991 to 1998. He recently left the Seattle Kraken after spending six years in front-office roles, mostly as their general manager.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Carolina Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup championship run this season could provide a boost to local youth hockey as their first Cup run did twenty years ago.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Toronto Marlies are the AHL’s Calder Cup champions after defeating the Chicago Wolves 4-3 in Game 5 of the Cup Final. It’s the second time they’ve won the AHL championship in eight years.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs forward Easton Cowan finished third among the postseason scorers with 18 points, including three assists in the Cup-clinching game.

The Marlies also had the sweater of the late Maple Leafs prospect Radim Amirov in their Calder Cup championship photo. His No. 72 jersey had been hanging in their dressing room and practice facility this season. Amirov was the Leafs’ first-round pick in 2020. He passed away in 2023 from a brain tumor.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the Marlies for their Calder Cup championship. It was also a classy gesture on their part to honor Amirov’s memory.

Some folks on social media tried to credit the Marlies’ success to newly-hired Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka, but he had nothing to do with it. This team was built by Maple Leafs assistant GM (and Marlies general manager) Ryan Hardy, under the supervision of former Leafs GM Brad Treliving.

RATINGS.ORG: Marco D’Amico profiled prospect defenseman Xavier Villeneuve of the QMJHL’s Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. He will be playing for Boston University next season.

The 5’11, 162-pound Villeneuve’s size has dropped him in the overall prospect rankings. However, his style of play has drawn comparisons to Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes and Montreal Canadiens blueliner Lane Hutson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hutson’s size was the reason why he dropped to the second round in the 2022 draft, where the Montreal Canadiens selected him. Considering how Hutson has become a star in Montreal, teams seeking a puck-moving defenseman could keep that in mind to avoid making the same mistake with Villeneuve.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2026

by | Jun 19, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram has resurfaced in the trade market, the trade chatter about Leafs winger Matthew Knies doesn’t make sense, plus the latest on the Oilers and Canadiens.

TEAMS ARE CALLING ABOUT BOWEN BYRAM

TSN: Darren Dreger reported “multiple teams” are looking into acquiring Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram.

The 25-year-old blueliner has a year remaining on his two-year contract with an average annual value of $6.25 million. He can sign a contract extension starting on July 1.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

However, Dreger claimed that Byram’s agent, Darren Ferris, has a history of marching his clients to unrestricted free agency, which is why the Sabres are looking into trading him.

Byram posted a career-best 42 points in 82 games this season. He also had seven points in 13 playoff contests.

FRANKLY HOCKEY: Frank Seravalli reports this has nothing to do with money. He indicated that Byram likes Buffalo and the Sabres’ trajectory.

Seravalli claims Byram sees himself as a No. 1 defenseman in the NHL, and his performance in this postseason makes that case. However, he’s not going to get that opportunity with the Sabres.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Bill Hoppe believes Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is listening to offers for Byram. However, he expects Kekalainen will set a high asking price for the puck-moving blueliner.

Hoppe believes Byram should fetch a top-six forward, especially if Alex Tuch departs as a free agent on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byram can play left or right defense, but his strong side is on the left, and he’s not supplanting team captain (and Norris Trophy finalist) Rasmus Dahlin from that spot on the top pairing.

Kekalainen doesn’t have to rush into moving Byram, but it might be best to do so this summer while the rearguard has a year left on his contract. That’ll make him more valuable to rival clubs than he’d be as a rental player at the March trade deadline. It would also avoid questions about Byram’s future becoming an unwelcome distraction through next season.

Byram also lacks no-trade protection, giving Kekalainen plenty of potential trade options. Clearing his $6.25 million from the Sabres’ books could make it easier to re-sign or replace Tuch, and to re-sign restricted free agent winger Zach Benson.

THE LATEST OILERS SPECULATION

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker believes Rangers GM Chris Drury must ensure he has sufficient salary-cap space down the road to recruit Connor McDavid if the Edmonton Oilers superstar decides his path to the Stanley Cup lies elsewhere.

McDavid’s new two-year contract goes into effect on July 1. It’s believed he could move on as a free agent in 2028 if the Oilers haven’t improved their chances of winning hockey’s holy grail by then.

Walker also felt that Drury must do the best he can to build up the Rangers into the type of team that could convince McDavid that they could offer him his best chance of winning the Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: From my end of the telescope, the Rangers won’t be in that position in two years.

They’ve got two aging forwards (Mika Zibanejad, JT Miller) on expensive contracts that would be difficult to move, let alone fetch a return that would immediately improve the Blueshirts. Top defenseman Adam Fox seems uncertain whether his long-term future remains in New York, while winger Alexis Lafreniere remains an enigma.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson observed that there’s trade interest in Darnell Nurse, but “no perfect trade prescription”. The 31-year-old Oilers defenseman submitted his trade request to management last week.

Making a one-for-one swap with the Toronto Maple Leafs for Morgan Rielly would be the cleanest move. However, Rielly has a full no-movement clause, he’s never been a great defender, and his point production has declined.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon listed the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Winnipeg Jets, and San Jose Sharks as potential trade destinations for Nurse.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins have plenty of salary-cap space now to take on Nurse, but doing so would run counter to their efforts to replace aging veterans with promising young players. The Bruins are likely to put more effort into shoring up their depth at center. I doubt the Jets are on Nurse’s list of preferred destinations.

That leaves the Sharks as the best option. They have the cap space and desperately need to add veteran depth to their defense corps. They recently added Michael Kesselring, but could use someone like Nurse on the left side. However, they could also be off his list of landing spots. If he’s willing to go to San Jose, the Sharks could prefer the Oilers retain some salary or include a sweetener to take on his full cap hit.

WHY WOULD THE MAPLE LEAFS TRADE MATTHEW KNIES?

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes the recent trade speculation dogging Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Knies, 23, is young and on his way to becoming a top NHL power forward. He’s also on a team-friendly contract for the next five years.

The Leafs hiring Jim Hiller is another indication that they’re in “win-now” mode. Getting a return of draft picks and prospects for Knies would indicate they’re rebuilding, not retooling. His departure would also leave a gaping hole on the left side of the Leafs’ top-six forwards. It would be better for the Leafs to have Knies and either Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg instead of just one of those unproven youngsters.

Koshan doesn’t fault Leafs GM John Chayka for listening to offers for Knies. However, unless the return is something that makes the Maple Leafs demonstrably better, they would be wise to hang onto him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Koshan makes a sensible argument for why the Maple Leafs should retain Knies, and why they probably will. However, that’s not going to stop some pundits from speculating about where he might go and what type of return he’d fetch.

MORE CANADIENS CONJECTURE

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels was asked what the cost would be for the Montreal Canadiens to acquire Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish and whether it would be worth it.

Engels believes it’ll cost “something significant” to land the 23-year-old McTavish, and his contract ($7 million AAV through 2030-31) would be exorbitant if he doesn’t blossom into a top-six center, which there are no guarantees that he will.

McTavish’s skating and defensive acumen are cause for concern, raising questions as to whether he can improve those deficiencies. Engels thinks that the Ducks forward isn’t a top priority for the Canadiens.

Asked about whether Arber Xhekaj or Jayden Struble could be moved, Engel isn’t convinced that they will. He thinks a prospect defenseman such as Adam Engstrom or David Reinbacher ends up on the move if Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is able to get what he’s after.

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu noted the Canadiens’ rumored interest in Leafs winger Matthew Knies. He believes they could pursue a second-line left winger if they’re unable to find any suitable options for a second-line center.

Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha might be available. However, the 29-year-old is only a year away from UFA eligibility, and whatever terms he’d seek on his next contract could limit whatever the Canadiens were willing to offer for him. The same applies for 31-year-old winger Mason Marchment of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who is UFA-eligible on July 1.

Basu also indicated that the Canadiens could be open to bringing back Samuel Montembeault to play out the final season of his contract. That would enable Jacob Fowler to spend another season in the AHL to develop his game, while providing insurance in case Jakub Dobes struggles to build on his strong postseason performance.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s expected that Canadiens GM Kent Hughes will make a move or two this summer to improve his roster. However, he’s not going to just make deals for the sake of doing so, and it’s unrealistic to expect that he’ll address all his roster issues this summer.

McTavish seems the best option to address that pressing need for a second-line center. However, his struggles this season, combined with his skating and defensive skills, are a concern. They might be easier to handle if he were on a shorter, more affordable contract, but his current deal makes him a riskier trade target.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 19, 2026

by | Jun 19, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 19, 2026

Maple Leafs acquire Darren Raddysh, Mike Babcock cleared to join the Oilers, Jonathan Toews to announce his retirement, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: reports the Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired defenseman Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a sign-and-trade deal.

Toronto Maple Leafs acquire Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL Images).

Raddysh’s new contract, which will go into effect on July 1, is an eight-year deal worth an average annual value above $8 million. The Lightning are believed to be receiving a late-round pick.

The 30-year-old blueliner had 22 goals, 48 assists, 70 points, along with a plus-minus of plus-21 while averaging 22:42 of ice time per game. All of those stats were career highs.

Raddysh is completing a two-year contract with an average annual value of $975,000.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Raddysh had back-to-back 30-plus point seasons before his breakout performance this season, which was largely due to his filling in for sidelined Lightning star Victor Hedman, especially on the power play.

This is the biggest move thus far by John Chayka, the Maple Leafs’ new general manager. It will mollify his critics, who weren’t impressed with his hiring of Jim Hiller as head coach and his trading away popular goalie Joseph Woll to the Philadelphia Flyers.

It remains to be seen if Raddysh can replicate his 70-point performance on the Maple Leafs. If he can, he’ll provide a big boost to their offense while providing much-needed puck-moving skill on the right side of their blueline. If he can’t, his contract will become a millstone that Chayka’s critics will happily hang around his neck.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The NHL completed its investigation into the reasons behind coach Mike Babcock’s brief tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets. It ruled that, “even in a light least favorable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the League.”

The decision clears the way for Babcock to be hired as head coach of the Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This decision received an overwhelmingly negative response from pundits and fans on social media, but the Oilers aren’t concerned with the public’s reaction. Everyone in the franchise, from the team owner to management to the players, reportedly wants to bring in Babcock as their next head coach.

If they hire Babcock as expected, it feels like a desperation move by a club that came oh-so-close to winning the Stanley Cup two years ago but declined significantly this season as their roster weaknesses worsened.

Should Babcock somehow guide this team to the Stanley Cup despite its obvious roster weaknesses (including the glaring hole in net), he’ll be praised as a genius. If it doesn’t work (especially if Babcock’s reputation as a bully dominates headlines again), it could hasten the demise of the Connor McDavid-Leon Draisaitl era in Edmonton.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Jonathan Toews is expected to announce his retirement on Friday. The 38-year-old center staged a comeback with the Jets this season after being sidelined for two seasons by health issues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was clear that age and the time away from the game had taken their toll on Toews. He played all 82 games, but his 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points were career lows as he was unable to fill the Jets’ second-line center position.

Nevertheless, Toews’ 15 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks ensure that he’ll be a first-ballot inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He captained them to three Stanley Cups, won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010, the Selke Trophy in 2012-13, and the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2014-15.

Toews finishes with 912 points in 1,149 regular-season games, and 119 points in 137 postseason contests.

TSN: The Boston Bruins will retire Patrice Bergeron’s No. 37 during a pregame ceremony next season.

Bergeron spent the entirety of his 19-season NHL career with the Bruins from 2003-04 to 2022-23. He served as team captain during his final three seasons, and won the Selke Trophy as the top defensive forward a league-record six times. Bergeron also helped the Bruins win the Stanley Cup in 2011.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bergeron is eligible for induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame this year. He’s expected to be a first-ballot inductee.

NHL.COM: Left wing Pierre-Edouard Bellemare has announced his retirement. His 700 NHL regular-season games are the most by a player from France. He had 64 goals and 74 assists for 138 points from 2014-15 to 2023-24 with the Philadelphia Flyers, Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Seattle Kraken, along with 15 points in 85 playoff games.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Anaheim Ducks winger Troy Terry underwent surgery on June 9 to repair a right hip impingement and labral tear. He’s expected to be sidelined for five to six months.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Devils assistant coach Jeremy Colliton is leaving the organization to pursue other business opportunities.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators have cut ties with winger Alex Formenton, making him eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Formenton was among the five players of the 2018 Canadian World Junior team charged with sexual assault and later acquitted.

KUKLA’S KORNER: Paul Kukla, who ran the hockey blog Kukla’s Korner, passed away earlier this week. He was among a group of pioneering hockey bloggers who rose to prominence during the 2004-05 NHL lockout, going on to carve out a long career covering the NHL, particularly the Detroit Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I got to know Paul during that season-killing lockout, striking up an online friendship that lasted two decades. We frequently corresponded on all things hockey or to commiserate during the difficult times that come with being freelance writers.

When I was laid off by Fox Sports in 2011, Paul hired me to write a column for the 2011-12 season. I’m forever grateful to him for that.

Paul had been dealing with health issues in recent years, which at times required him to take some time away from his blog.

Nevertheless, the strong hockey community that he built never wavered, supporting him to the end.

Paul was an inspiration to aspiring hockey bloggers, providing a home for those trying to launch careers, and helping those (like myself) who were trying to keep a writing career alive during a low point.

Rest in peace, Paul, and thank you.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 18, 2026

by | Jun 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 18, 2026

The latest on Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, Panthers netminder Sergei Bobrovsky, Ducks center Mason McTavish, Maple Leaf winger Matthew Knies, Canucks winger Brock Boeser, and many more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

IS JETS GOALTENDER CONNOR HELLEBUYCK AVAILABLE?

TSN: Darren Dreger is the latest to claim there is “noise in Winnipeg” regarding Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

Dreger believes teams are calling the Jets about Hellebuyck because the goaltender shared his disappointment about their performance this season. He believes Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff “is at least in a position where he knows he has to listen.”

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

According to Dreger, the Jets need centers for their second and fourth lines, and they’d also like to look at their blueline. If they trade Hellebuyck, they’ll need a replacement for him as well.

The Jets struggle to make big trades because it’s hard to lure players with no-trade protection to Winnipeg. But if the three-time Vezina Trophy-winning Hellebuyck is in play, who has a no-movement clause, and teams are calling, Dreger believes Cheveldayoff “is at least willing at this point to consider that.”

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos also reports there is “lots of noise” growing around the league that Hellebuyck wants a change of scenery. However, he acknowledged that, if the goaltender has requested a trade, both sides have done a tremendous job keeping it quiet.

If Hellebuyck has asked to be traded, Kypreos suggested the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, and the Florida Panthers as possible landing spots.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Ken Wiebe and Mike McIntyre report the Hellebuyck camp and Jets management aren’t commenting on the trade speculation.

Wiebe and McIntyre noted Hellebuyck’s frustration over the Jets’ disappointing performance during his end-of-season media availability and in his exit interview with Cheveldayoff, who praised his goalie’s competitiveness.

The expectation was that the Jets would attempt to address Hellebuyck’s concerns by making off-season upgrades while he remains front and center in their efforts to put this season behind them.

So far, there’s nothing official about a trade request. Wiebe and McIntyre suggest the recent buzz is an example of playing “connect the dots” after Hellebuyck’s Team USA teammates Dylan Larkin requested a trade from the Detroit Red Wings and Quinn Hughes forced his way out of Vancouver.

The recent speculation doesn’t mean a trade is imminent, but the prospect is at least worth acknowledging. If the Jets put Hellebuyck on the block, their asking price will be high.

History shows Cheveldayoff isn’t one to make a panic move when a player requests a trade. Evander Kane, Jacob Trouba, Patrik Laine, and Pierre-Luc Dubois weren’t moved until the Jets received what they considered to be suitable offers.

Wiebe and McIntyre also point out that this isn’t the first time that Hellebuyck was considered to be on his way out of Winnipeg. He and Scheifele were considered trade candidates entering the final season of their previous contracts, only to sign contract extensions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The only reason I can see for the Jets to trade Hellebuyck is if he wants out. Otherwise, trading him would derail their chances of regaining playoff contender status next season, let alone any chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

The Jets are built to win right now, with Hellebuyck as the centerpiece of that plan. That’s why they re-signed Kyle Connor to a lucrative long-term extension last fall. It’s why Cheveldayoff brought in Jonathan Toews and Gustav Nyquist last summer, who ultimately turned into busts and were contributing factors in the Jets missing the playoffs.

I agree with what Wiebe and McIntyre are saying about this situation. If Hellebuyck wants out, Cheveldayoff won’t rush into a deal. The Jets will also need a new starting goaltender, and no, they won’t want a castoff or a washed-up veteran. They also won’t want a package of solely draft picks and prospects.

The asking price will be high, and Cheveldayoff will wait for the right return, even if it takes until next year’s trade deadline to get it. That shouldn’t adversely affect Hellebuyck’s performance because playing at his best will maintain his high value in the trade market.

As Dreger admitted, everything is just speculation right now, and will remain so until there’s definitive word that Hellebuyck is on the trade block.

THE LATEST MAPLE LEAFS SPECULATION

TSN: Darren Dreger reports “a number of NHL executives” believe the Toronto Maple Leafs will trade winger Matthew Knies. GM John Chayka is conducting his due diligence, while other clubs are finding out why the 23-year-old power forward would be available.

Dreger also thinks Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly seems more likely to change addresses. Management isn’t pushing it, but that’s the expectation from the Rielly camp.

Teams are also calling about defenseman Jake McCabe. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs would be interested in Darren Raddysh if the Tampa Bay Lightning blueliner hits the open market on July 1.

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos also reports that the buzz about Matthew Knies hasn’t gone away with the Leafs’ recent management change. He noted that everyone links Knies to the Montreal Canadiens, but other clubs are also looking into it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Understandably, Chayka would at least want to find out what Knies’ trade value would be, and whether the return would improve the Leafs. As with Hellebuyck, however, there’s no certainty he’ll be moved. Leafs ownership wants this club to bounce back as a playoff contender, and Knies would play an important role in those efforts.

As for Rielly, recent reports indicate he hasn’t been asked to waive his no-movement clause, and he hasn’t submitted a list of preferred destinations.

FOUR CANUCKS ON THE TRADE BLOCK

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports the rebuilding Vancouver Canucks “are virtually shopping everyone this offseason”. That includes center Elias Pettersson and wingers Brock Boeser, Nils Hoglander, and Jake DeBrusk.

The Canucks aren’t going out of their way to trade Boeser, but Johnston said he’s believed to be available. A source claimed that management believes Hoglander needs a fresh start, but he won’t fetch much of a return.

DeBrusk has said he’s not keen to be part of a rebuild, and the Ottawa Senators are believed to be interested. As for Pettersson, Johnston cited a source claiming the Los Angeles Kings considered a move for the 27-year-old center at the trade deadline. He wonders if they might revisit their interest now that Anze Kopitar has retired.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk seems the most likely to be dealt. Boeser could draw some interest, but his contract (with a full no-movement clause) could be a stumbling block. Speaking of contracts, Pettersson’s $11.6 million AAV through 2031-32 makes him almost immovable unless the Canucks retain salary or take back a couple of contracts in return.

UPDATES ON BOBROVSKY AND TUCH

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos reports the Florida Panthers and pending UFA goalie Sergei Bobrovsky remain far apart in contract talks. It’s believed the 37-year-old Bobrovsky seeks a $42 million contract over a six or seven-year period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Any general manager who signs Bobrovsky to that type of deal should be fired immediately. It doesn’t matter how much the salary cap rises; paying a goalie who turns 38 in September a long-term deal worth between $6 million and $7 million annually is ridiculous.

Kypreos wondered if the Seattle Kraken would pursue Alex Tuch if the Buffalo Sabres winger goes to market on July 1. Kraken GM Jason Botterill is facing a lot of pressure to shake up their roster and add more scoring. Kypreos believes they can afford to sign the 30-year-old Tuch to a long-term deal worth over $10 million annually.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a lot to hand out to a 30-year-old power forward whose best seasons could soon be in his past.

LATEST ON MASON MCTAVISH AND SIMON NEMEC

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes tweeted Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish is drawing plenty of attention in the trade market. The Ducks would be seeking a “hockey trade”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, the Ducks prefer a player-for-player swap. They could be open to a larger deal where draft picks and/or prospects are involved, but they’ll also want to get an established player (likely a good young forward) in return.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec continues to be a player of interest in the trade market.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 18, 2026

by | Jun 18, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 18, 2026

The Maple Leafs hire Jim Hiller as head coach, the latest Golden Knights news, two coaches receive contract extensions, Rangers center Vincent Trocheck changes agents, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

MAPLE LEAFS END COACHING SEARCH, NAME HILLER AS THEIR NEW BENCH BOSS.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs announced the hiring of Jim Hiller as their new head coach.

Hiller had been head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, hired midway through the 2023-24 season, and fired 59 games into this season. Before that, he spent 10 seasons as an assistant coach with the Detroit Red Wings, Maple Leafs (2015-16 to 2018-19), New York Islanders, and the Kings.

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hiller was not among the candidates mentioned by NHL insiders covering the Leafs, earning that group considerable scorn on social media.

Eric Stephens of The Athletic covered Hiller’s tenure with the Kings, pointing out that they had success with him as head coach until pivotal moments.

Stephens cited Hiller’s interpersonal communication, adaptability, and willingness to shake up his lines when things weren’t working to be among his strengths. Nevertheless, his botched coach’s challenge during Game 3 of the Kings’ opening-round series against the Edmonton Oilers last year changed the course of that series, as did his player deployment as that series went on.

Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star noted that one reason the Leafs hired Hiller was that he’s considered a player’s coach and an early adopter of analytics. He also had a good relationship with Auston Matthews and William Nylander during his previous tenure with the Leafs.

Hiller’s hiring isn’t going down well in some part of Leafs Nation, with Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun calling Hiller an underwhelming hire whose limited resume leaves something to be desired.

Time will tell whether Hiller can silence his critics and get the Maple Leafs back on track. If he succeeds, he’ll be heralded as a coaching genius. If he fails, it’ll only deepen the dread and anxiety among Leafs supporters.

THE LATEST GOLDEN KNIGHTS NEWS

NHL.COM: As expected, the Vegas Golden Knights named Ryan Craig as their new head coach. It’s a promotion for Craig, who spent the past three seasons coaching their AHL affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said his club permitted one NHL team to speak with former head coach Bruce Cassidy midway through the postseason. However, it did not come to fruition. He added that permission to speak to Cassidy will be handed on a case-by-case basis.

McCrimmon also provided updates on several injured players.

William Karlsson will require surgery for a broken wrist suffered during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final. Defenseman Noah Hanifin played with an upper-body injury that would’ve sidelined him for six to eight weeks during the regular season. Blueliner Brayden McNabb received 30 stitches to his nose after being struck by a puck, and he played through two other injuries.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: SinBin.vegas reported team captain Mark Stone had a torn adductor muscle.

OTHER NOTABLE NHL NEWS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: According to Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Washington Capitals have agreed to a multiyear extension for head coach Spencer Carbery, and Utah Mammoth coach Andre Tourigny got a one-year extension.

TSN: Darren Dreger said sources claim that New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck has hired Pat Brisson and CAA Sports to represent him. The move comes amid rumors claiming the Rangers intend to trade the 33-year-old Trocheck this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings, and the Maple Leafs are believed to be among the suitors for Trocheck, who wants to remain in the Eastern Conference.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT/THE MERCURY NEWS: The Buffalo Sabres traded defenseman Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall pick in this year’s draft to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for the 20th overall pick that originally belonged to the Edmonton Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres acquired Kesselring last June from the Utah Mammoth in a blockbuster move that also saw Josh Doan head to Buffalo in exchange for winger JJ Peterka. He was projected to play top-four minutes alongside Owen Power, but he suffered early-season injuries and eventually lost his spot in the roster, playing only 34 games.

Kesselring will get a chance to reset in San Jose as GM Mike Grier attempts to bolster his blueline. The 26-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights coming off a two-year, $2.8 million contract, so he should be an affordable signing for the Sharks.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators hired Jamie Langenbrunner as special assistant to general manager Chris MacFarland. Langenbrunner had been with the Boston Bruins in various front-office roles since 2015.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche depth forward Zakhar Bardakov is reportedly returning to the KHL to play for SKA St. Petersburg. He had 10 points in 60 games with the Avalanche this season.

TSN: The NHL’s first contract buyout window opened yesterday and will close at 5 pm ET on June 30.

Arbitration hearings are scheduled from July 20 through August 1. The deadline for players to file for arbitration is 5 pm ET on July 5.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 17, 2026

by | Jun 17, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 17, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: The latest noise about Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, the Flyers could be interested in landing one of the Senators’ centers, and updates on Flames winger Blake Coleman and Canadiens winger Patrik Laine.

“A LOT OF NOISE” AROUND JET GOALTENDER CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos believes Connor Hellebuyck could be the player we hear the most about in trade rumors this summer. The Winnipeg Jets goaltender publicly expressed his frustration about the club’s direction at the end of this season.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Kypreos claims there’s “a lot of noise” about Hellebuyck, saying other teams are watching his situation closely. He’s not sure how this will end up, but he’s an intriguing name

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kypreos’ colleague, Elliotte Friedman, said the same thing recently about “a lot of noise” around Hellebuyck.

This speculation is based on Hellebuyck’s end-of-season comments. With his Team USA teammate Dylan Larkin requesting a trade, some observers wonder if the three-time Vezina Trophy winner will do the same.

However, there’s a big difference between Hellebuyck’s situation and Larkin’s. The latter’s request was the result of the Wings’ decade-long postseason drought with no end in sight amid growing tension between Larkin and general manager Steve Yzerman.

The Jets, meanwhile, are a year removed from winning the Presidents’ Trophy for the first time. It’s understandable why Hellebuyck would be frustrated about their struggles this season, and his public remarks were likely no different than his private comments to Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff.

Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that he wants out of Winnipeg, though he was likely putting Cheveldayoff on notice that he could go that route if things don’t improve down the road. So far, there’s no indication that he wants a trade or that the Jets intend to move him.

THE LATEST SENATORS SPECULATION

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reports sources claim the Philadelphia Flyers are interested in Ottawa Senators centers Shane Pinto, Dylan Cozens, and Ridly Grieg, in that order. The two clubs have had off-and-on trade discussions going back to the 2024-25 season.

Senators GM Steve Staios is in the market for a right-shot defenseman. He’s reportedly shown on-and-off interest in Flyers blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen.

At this point, it’s uncertain if the Senators are willing to move one of their centers. Nevertheless, Di Marco believes the Flyers will be circling if they do.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators are interested in adding a top-six winger for Tim Stutzle’s line and a backup goaltender, as well as a top-four, right-shot blueliner.

They’re open to offers for defenseman Jordan Spence, who is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Winger Fabian Zetterlund is also out there in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Senators move a center, it could be Cozens, who hasn’t fully met expectations as a second-line center. However, it would likely be for that elusive scoring winger.

UPDATES ON BLAKE COLEMAN AND PATRIK LAINE

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported the Calgary Flames will be gauging the trade market for Blake Coleman. However, they are open to re-signing the 34-year-old winger to a contract extension. If they move him this summer, they prefer a hockey trade over a return of draft picks and prospects.

LeBrun also reports there’s a decent amount of interest in Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine. The 28-year-old winger is UFA-eligible on July 1 and isn’t expected to be re-signed by the Canadiens. A team can sign him to a low-risk, performance-bonus-based contract with a low AAV because he spent over 100 days on injured reserve this season.