NHL Rumor Mill – September 20, 2025

by | Sep 20, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 20, 2025

The latest Penguins speculation and an update on Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Mark Madden wondered what Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas would do if the opportunity to trade Sidney Crosby presented itself.

It would have to be the deal of a lifetime to trade the Penguins captain, but Madden thinks Dubas would do it. He thinks the 38-year-old Penguins captain would fetch a king’s ransom of at least a first-round draft pick, a top prospect, and an NHL-ready top-six forward or top-four defenseman.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Madden claims the Montreal Canadiens would reportedly overpay to get him, believing the asking price must include promising winger Ivan Demidov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas would set a high asking price. Whether he’d get that full king’s ransom is another story. Crosby at 38 doesn’t hold the same value as he would’ve if he were five years younger and had more than two years left on his contract.

The Penguins would still get a significant return for Crosby. However, finding one that would match what Madden suggests would be difficult, especially with Crosby’s no-movement clause giving him full control over where he could be dealt.

As for the Canadiens overpaying to get Crosby, most of that speculation flies in the face of what they have been building over the past three years. If the Habs were to make a pitch for Crosby, Demidov won’t be part of it. And if Dubas said no, they’d have no problem moving on to other trade targets.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reports Evgeni Malkin doesn’t want to leave the Penguins and isn’t anxious to be traded to a Stanley Cup contender. Nevertheless, he said he didn’t know how he’d react if he were asked to waive his no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin has said he prefers to retire as a Penguin, but that would depend on whether the club wants to keep him. Maybe he would consider it if Dubas approaches him, saying a Cup contender is interested in acquiring him. Maybe not.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel reports Bryan Rust laughed off questions about hearing his name in trade rumors during the offseason. However, he realizes there’s a real possibility that he could be moved this season.

Rust’s no-trade clause expired on July 1, meaning the Penguins can trade him anywhere. However, he’s hopeful they’ll hang onto him. “Yeah, I plan on playing here until I’m 40,” said the 33-year-old Rust.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rust is also signed through 2027-28, which would also make him enticing for a contender seeking a top-six winger with cost certainty. Given his contributions to the Penguins, Dubas might give him a choice on where he could be traded. However, he’ll most likely move him to the club with the best offer.

THE HOCKEY WRITERS’ Mark Scheig reports Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov is open to staying with the team. He reiterated his love of the city and the fans, adding that he and head coach Dean Evason “understand each other” after talking recently.

SPECTOR’S NOTE Chinakhov, 24, requested a trade through his agent this summer, citing “misunderstandings” with Evason stemming from a reduction in playing time last season after returning from a back injury. It appears they’ve cleared the air, but this situation could still bear scrutiny depending on his performance to start the season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 20, 2025

by | Sep 20, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 20, 2025

Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin reveals his fiancée underwent a heart transplant, Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl hopes to be in the Selke Trophy conversation, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin revealed that his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, underwent heart transplant surgery earlier this summer while the couple was on vacation in France.

Dahlin said Matovac suffered “major heart failure” requiring life-saving CPR. She was placed on life support “for weeks” before undergoing a heart transplant, and is currently recovering in Sweden.

Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin (NHL Images).

“I see my fiancée work hard every day, and that makes me very motivated,” Dahlin said. “I’m good right now.” He went on to thank the club and his teammates for their support, as well as the medical staff in France and Sweden who saved Matovac’s life.

Dahlin continues to train with his teammates in preparation for the upcoming 2025-26 season. He asked for privacy as Matovac continues her rehab in Sweden before joining him in Buffalo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to Dahlin and Matovac as she continues her recovery.

THE SCORE: Leon Draisaitl said he hopes to be in the running for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, which honors the NHL’s top defensive forward. The 29-year-old Edmonton Oilers center finished sixth among Selke voters last season, the highest finish of his career.

Draisaitl acknowledged there are aspects of his game that need improvement to win the Selke, but he also pointed out that there are parts of it that he does well. “Just looking to chip away at it and get even better,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl is already among the league’s elite offensive forwards. Improving the defensive side of his game will not only make him a more well-rounded forward but also improve the Oilers’ chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

Draisaitl is drawing inspiration from Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar, who announced this week that the coming season will be his last. Kopitar is considered among the NHL’s top two-way forwards, winning the Selke Trophy twice in his long career.

NEW YORK POST: Adam Fox hopes to get his game back on track after struggling through the worst season of his career.

Winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2020-21, the 27-year-old Rangers defenseman is considered to be among the league’s best blueliners. However, he seemed a step slower in 2024-25 and was prone to losing ice battles. Those issues affected his performance with Team USA during the 4 Nations Face-Off, resulting in a reduction of his playing time during the tournament.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A bounce-back effort by Fox will be crucial to the Rangers’ hopes of rebounding from last season’s disappointing effort. He’s projected to be paired with offseason acquisition Vladislav Gavrikov, who could be a steadying influence.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins forward Kevin Hayes is expected to miss the start of the upcoming season after suffering an upper-body injury during the opening day of training camp. The injury occurred after being hit by defenseman Ryan Graves, sidelining him for at least one month.

DAILY FACEOFF: Utah Mammoth forward Alex Kerfoot is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks center Macklin Celebrini missed practice during the second day of training camp due to an illness. However, it’s not considered serious and he should return soon.

TSN: Montreal Canadiens center Kirby Dach was absent from training camp on Friday, but is expected to play preseason games. The 24-year-old underwent his second knee surgery in February and is hoping to be ready for the start of the season next month.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens envisioned Dach as their second-line center when they acquired him three years ago, but knee injuries have hampered his development. Nevertheless, they intend to give him another opportunity to establish himself in that role.

OTTAWA SUN: Contract extension talks have begun between the Senators and center Shane Pinto. However, those discussions could be shelved if an agreement isn’t reached when they open their season next month. The 24-year-old Pinto is in the second season of a two-year deal with an average annual value of $3.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pinto is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next July. He’s indicated that he wants to focus on his play during the upcoming season and not have his contract situation become a distraction.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Ray Shero is the 2025 winner of the Lester Patrick Trophy. The award is given to a person based on their outstanding contributions to hockey in the United States.

Shero passed away in April at age 62. He served as an assistant GM with the Nashville Predators and Ottawa Senators. He went on to become the GM of the Penguins from 2006 to 2014, building the team that won the Stanley Cup in 2009.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A well-deserved posthumous honor for Shero, who also drafted several players (Jake Guentzel, Matt Murray, Bryan Rust, and Olli Maatta) who went on to play key roles in the Penguins’ two Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and 2017.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 19, 2025

by | Sep 19, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 19, 2025

The latest on Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov, updates on the Penguins, the latest on Ducks winger Mason McTavish, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON KAPRIZOV’S CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

STARTRIBUNE.COM: Sarah McLellan reports Kirill Kaprizov is focusing on training camp as the Minnesota Wild prepare for the coming 2025-26 regular season.

Neither he nor Wild general manager Bill Guerin said much about the status of their contract negotiations. Guerin called the talks “private”, but added that things were going fine. “The most important thing is we want to sign Kirill,” Guerin said.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

Kaprizov is leaving the contract issues to his agent, Paul Theofanous. He indicated that he wants to stay with the Wild. “You guys know I like Minny, and everyone knows this,” Kaprizov said. “We have a lot of time. It’s just 2025, and it’s one more year I have. I just want to play hockey and focus and win some games and go in playoffs and win from there. Just focus on this now.”

The 28-year-old winger is in the final season of a five-year deal worth $45 million. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July if he and the Wild fail to agree to a new deal by then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaprizov’s recent rejection of an eight-year, $128 million offer from the Wild raised eyebrows as well as questions about his future with the club.

Kaprizov’s remarks were the first he’s made on the subject. It’s apparent he doesn’t want this to be a distraction, but the longer he goes without an extension, the more speculation will grow.

UPDATE ON THE PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reports Penguins GM Kyle Dubas spoke with the media on Thursday about the club’s plans for the coming season.

Dubas indicated that the message to the veteran players is that the younger players are coming and will get every opportunity to make the roster. The veterans know what the expectation is if they want to retain their jobs. If a younger player earns a roster spot, Dubas will deal with the fallout regardless of the veteran’s salary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, Dubas will trade or demote the veteran to make room for the younger player.

Dubas also downplayed a recent comment by Sidney Crosby’s agent suggesting there was always a possibility that his client could be traded. He expects a better performance from defenseman Erik Karlsson this season, and shrugged off a report claiming the Penguins had reached out to free-agent goaltender Carter Hart.

The Penguins GM said he’d had plenty of trade discussions during the offseason, but he wasn’t just going to offload key veterans. “So if the right return is there, we would look at anything, and in the meantime, we’re gonna do everything we can to get the most out of those guys.”

TSN: Dubas also said that there was no change in Evgeni Malkin’s contract status. Management will meet with the 39-year-old center during the Olympic break to discuss his future. Malkin is in the final season of a four-year contract with a full no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This season could be Malkin’s last in the NHL. A great player in his prime, his performance has declined in recent years as age and injuries have taken a toll. He’s said that he wants to retire as a Penguin, but that depends on his play this season and if he wants to continue his playing career.

Karlsson said he’s not surprised that he wasn’t traded this summer despite plenty of rumors about his future with the Penguins. “It was a quiet summer for me,” he said. “Didn’t really hear much other than what I read from you guys (reporters) and all the other people around the league, which is typical for the offseason.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson frequently surfaced in media trade chatter this summer. However, the decline in his performance over the last two years, combined with his hefty salary-cap hit through 2026-27, makes him a tough sell in the trade market.

THE LATEST FREE-AGENT CHATTER

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Mason McTavish is training with the OHL’s Ottawa 67s as contract negotiations continue with the Anaheim Ducks. The 23-year-old center hasn’t requested a trade and wants to stay in Anaheim. There hasn’t been any real offer-sheet talk.

LeBrun’s colleague, Eric Stephens, indicated both sides remain interested in getting a long-term deal done and remain in regular contact. However, this is starting to dredge up memories of the previous contract standoffs with Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, who are no longer with the club.

Stephens claims the Ducks have no interest in trading McTavish, who they see as an important part of their roster going forward. However, he believes GM Pat Verbeek needs to get this deal done soon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Verbeek has a well-earned reputation as a tough negotiator with players coming off their entry-level contracts. The more training camp time McTavish misses, the more likely it is that it will adversely affect his performance this season.

LeBrun also touched on the contract standoff between the Nashville Predators and restricted free agent Luke Evangelista. He stated that GM Barry Trotz has no intention of trading the young forward. Contract talks are expected to resume on Friday.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports an NHL executive said the Utah Mammoth and Carolina Hurricanes are among the teams showing an interest in goaltender Carter Hart.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 19, 2025

by | Sep 19, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 19, 2025

Kings captain Anze Kopitar to retire, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin uncertain if this season is his last, and the latest on Predators captain Roman Josi, Panthers winger Brad Marchand, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

LOS ANGELES TIMES: King captain Anze Kopitar announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2025-26 season.

The 38-year-old center is entering his 20th NHL season, all of them spent with the Kings. He helped them win the Stanley Cup in 2011-12 and 2013-14, and is a three-time winner of the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy and a two-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy.

Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar (NHL Images).

Kopitar is the Kings’ all-time leader in games played (1,454). He can surpass Marcel Dionne as the franchise points leader (1,307) with a 30-point performance this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kopitar became one of the best two-way forwards in the league over the past 25 years. He was chosen in the first round (11th overall) in the 2005 NHL Draft, becoming their foundation player as they rose from being an also-ran into a two-time Cup champion and one of the dominant teams in the league between 2010 and 2015.

Kopitar and defenseman Drew Doughty are the only players from those championship years still with the Kings.

DAILY FACEOFF: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin said he doesn’t know yet if this season will be his last in the NHL. The 40-year-old is in the final season of his five-year contract. He believes there’s plenty of time to discuss that with Capitals management.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin left practice during the opening day of training camp with a lower-body injury, but the move was for precautionary reasons and is considered to be a minor ailment.

TSN: Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi was among the first players on the ice for training camp on Thursday. The 35-year-old defenseman had been sidelined since Feb. 25, and in June was diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS).

Following a long rehab, Josi doesn’t believe that his health will be an issue now that he has the tools to manage the issue. “I’m more so relieved and really excited just having a plan,” Josi said. “I feel great. I feel 100 percent. I feel good on the ice and so I’m not concerned at all.”

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Brad Marchand said contract term was one factor that led to his departure from the Boston Bruins. He indicated he wasn’t interested in a short-term deal, while the Panthers were willing to give him a long-term contract.

According to Marchand, being in a non-tax state played a significant role in the Panthers’ efforts to retain some of their key players. “If we were not in a non-tax state, it probably wouldn’t have worked out for two guys,” he said.

Marchand added that the Panthers’ no-tax advantage wouldn’t have been as big a factor if they weren’t as competitive or well-run.

“That is the main thing. You care about the hockey. You care about the organization. You’re not going to walk into a non-tax state if the team’s not run well or if they’re a bad team. That’s just not the case anymore. These non-tax state teams are some of the best-run teams in the league.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers have had a non-state tax advantage since their inception in 1993-94, but it didn’t help them during their first 25 years. They were a laughingstock during that period, reaching the playoffs only five times while going through 10 general managers and 15 coaches.

It wasn’t until they hired Bill Zito as general manager in 2020 that they finally turned things around. Stability in the front office is the primary reason behind their current success and why players like Marchand want to play for them now.

CONTRACT UPDATES

THE ATHLETIC: Artemi Panarin said he’s focusing on hockey and won’t publicly discuss his contract situation with the New York Rangers. The 33-year-old winger is in the final season of his seven-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $11.6 million.

Panarin declined to comment about a report by The Athletic claiming he and Madison Square Garden Sports paid financial settlements to a Rangers employee in August 2024 after she alleged he sexually assaulted her.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald said contract extension talks have begun with Jacob Markstrom. The 35-year-old goaltender is in the final season of his six-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $6 million.

Fitzgerald also said that he’s disappointed the contract talks with Luke Hughes remain unresolved. The restricted free-agent defenseman seeks a five-year contract, while the Devils prefer a bridge deal or a long-term contract. The two sides continue to negotiate.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Alex Tuch said he loves Buffalo and hopes to stay with the Sabres for the long term. The 29-year-old forward is in the final season of a six-year deal with an AAV of $4.75 million.

THE SCORE: It was recently reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anthony Stolarz are in talks about a contract extension. However, the 31-year-old goalie is unwilling to continue negotiations during the regular season. He’s in the final season of a two-year deal with an AAV of $2.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been reported that the two sides could have a deal in place before the start of the regular season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Alexander Holtz still lacks a contract for this season, but the restricted free agent forward will attend Vegas Golden Knights training camp on a professional tryout offer (PTO) until a deal is reached or the two sides part ways.

INJURY UPDATES

TSN: Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman will remain sidelined by a wrist injury until early November.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Golden Knights center Jack Eichel left practice yesterday for precautionary reasons. Head coach Bruce Cassidy said Eichel “tweaked something” but remains hopeful that he could return to practice on Friday.

DAILY FACEOFF: Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin said winger Mats Zuccarello (undisclosed) could miss the start of the regular season.

TSN: Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Laurent Brossoit remains sidelined long-term following offseason hip surgery. He missed all of last season after undergoing knee surgery in August 2024.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic is sidelined indefinitely with a knee injury. Forward Stefan Noesen is expected to miss some time with a groin injury stemming from a pre-existing one that he suffered last season.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 18, 2025

by | Sep 18, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 18, 2025

Check out the latest on Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, Stars winger Jason Robertson, Avalanche forward Martin Necas, Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports the uncertainty over defenseman Quinn Hughes’ future with the Vancouver Canucks has several teams, including the Detroit Red Wings, keeping an eye on his situation.

Hughes, who turns 26 next month, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent when his contract expires in 2027. Media speculation suggests the Canucks could consider trading their captain if he’s unwilling to sign a contract extension.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Jim Rutherford, the Canucks’ president of hockey operations, knows his club must improve this season to better its chances of re-signing Hughes. They attempted to acquire a second-line center during the offseason, but the asking prices were high. However, he might have to bite the bullet if he wants to hang onto his franchise player.

Rutherford acknowledged that Hughes might want to move on even if the Canucks improve, perhaps to join his brothers (Jack and Luke), who currently play for the New Jersey Devils. However, he said that’s not a certainty, and the Canucks will try to build the best team they can around him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This season is a crucial one for the Canucks. If they bounce back from last season’s disappointing performance, it could convince Hughes to sign an extension next summer. If they struggle again, it could set the stage for his departure, perhaps as early as the March 2026 trade deadline.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos reports Stars GM Jim Nill said contract talks with Jason Robertson are at a standstill.

The 26-year-old winger is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next July, and he’ll be UFA-eligible by July 2027 unless he and the Stars agree to a long-term deal next summer. His current average annual value (AAV) is $7.75 million.

Rumors swirled this summer suggesting Robertson could price himself out of Dallas because of the club’s limited salary-cap space. Some wondered if he could be traded, but Nill believes things were blown out of proportion.

Nill said the Stars had to shed salary this summer. That prompted teams to contact them about certain players, including Robertson, before they eventually shipped out Mason Marchment to Seattle and Matt Dumba to Pittsburgh in cost-cutting moves.

However, Nill had no intention of trading Robertson. The goal is to reach an agreement on a long-term extension that works for both sides. The Stars GM said neither side is in a rush because plenty of time remains to get a deal done. He indicated that both sides want to see what the market looks like.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It might be a different story if Robertson were UFA eligible next July. In this case, however, both sides can remain patient and see how things unfold this season. If it appears a deal isn’t possible, the Stars can peddle him next summer, where there won’t be a lack of suitors, especially if Robertson has another good season.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak reports Martin Necas had little to say about the possibility of a contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche. The 26-year-old forward is UFA-eligible next summer.

“We’re talking, and we’ll see what’s going to happen,” Necas said. “I can’t really tell you. I don’t even know. It will be interesting. It’s more about my agent.”

Masisek believes everyone is waiting for Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid and Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov to reset the market, but neither of them is close to signing. Necas joined the Avalanche last season in the Mikko Rantanen trade, and the two sides haven’t had much time to determine if they’re a long-term fit.

Necas could be expensive to re-sign if he plays well this season. If a deal isn’t possible, the Avalanche might not be as lucky in replacing him as they were in replacing Rantanen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas’ situation has been overshadowed by all the attention on McDavid, Kaprizov, Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor, and Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe. Nevertheless, he could become the top forward in next summer’s UFA market if those three end up re-signing with their current teams.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported on Tuesday that the New Jersey Devils and restricted free-agent defenseman Luke Hughes continue to “grind away” in their contract talks.

Once Hughes is re-signed, LeBrun wonders what the future holds for Devils blueliner Dougie Hamilton. “How many power-play quarterbacks do you need in the modern NHL?”, he asked.

Hamilton has three years left on his contract with an AAV of $9 million and a 10-team list of teams that he can be traded to. LeBrun believes that’s something to file away until the March 6 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton’s name popped up frequently this summer in the rumor mill. The Devils have just over $6 million in cap space, and it could cost them over $8 million to get Hughes under contract. That could result in a cost-cutting trade, which is why Hamilton has surfaced in recent trade speculation.

THE ATHLETIC: Jesse Granger reports the Utah Mammoth will place goaltender Connor Ingram on waivers as the two sides have agreed to part ways.

Ingram recently completed the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. The club is happy for him and his path to recovery. However, they are set in goal this season with Karel Vejmelka and offseason acquisition Vitek Vanecek, while Jaxson Stauber is under contract for the next two years.

Granger listed the Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Ottawa Senators as possible landing spots for Ingram.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ingram, 28, is in the final season of a three-year contract with a cap hit of $1.95 million.

TSN: Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios said forward Alex Formenton will not be returning to the club. Both sides agree he’d be better off with a fresh start elsewhere, and the club is gauging the trade market.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames are not bringing back Dillon Dube. GM Craig Conroy felt the winger would be better off with a fresh start elsewhere.

TSN: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving remains in the market for a top-six forward. However, he dismissed recent speculation linking his club to Dube.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Formenton and Dube were among the five former Hockey Canada players found not guilty of sexual assault stemming from an incident in June 2018 in London, Ontario.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 18, 2025

by | Sep 18, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 18, 2025

In today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines: the Bruins’ David Pastrnak and the Panthers’ Matthew Tkachuk are among the notable sidelined players as training camps open, and the latest contract signings.

LATEST INJURY UPDATES AS NHL TRAINING CAMPS OPEN

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: David Pastrnak will miss the start of Bruins training camp while dealing with tendonitis. The 29-year-old winger is expected to return to full practice next week.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers forwards Matthew Tkachuk and Tomas Nosek will be sidelined for the upcoming start of the regular season. He’s expected to be out at least through December.

Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk (NHL Images).

Tkachuk is recovering from surgery in August to repair a sports hernia and torn adductor muscle. Nosek suffered a knee injury during offseason training and is expected to be out for months.

THE ATHLETIC’s Jeremy Rutherford reports St. Louis Blues defenseman Torey Krug failed his medical and there is no expectation he’ll play this season. The Blues are expected to place him on in-season long-term injury reserve (LTIR).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Krug missed all of last season following surgery last September to address pre-arthritic changes in his left ankle. His contract runs through 2026-27, but his playing career is over. He’ll likely remain on LTIR for the remainder of his contract.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers winger Zach Hyman is no longer wearing a cast on his right arm. He underwent season-ending surgery after dislocating and tearing ligaments in his wrist during the 2025 Western Conference Final.

Hyman is skating on his own, but he isn’t ready to join his teammates for the start of training camp. It’s uncertain if he’ll play in any of the Oilers’ eight preseason games. His goal remains their season opener on Oct. 8.

DAILY FACEOFF: Seattle Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour is out one to two weeks following the removal of a bursa from his ankle.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche players Logan O’Connor, Samuel Girard, and Mackenzie Blackwood will all miss the start of training camp with injuries. Girard (lower body) and Blackwood (undisclosed) are expected to be back at or around the beginning of the regular season next month, but O’Connor (hip surgery) isn’t slated to return until early November.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson will miss training camp and the entire preseason with a lower-body injury. He’s expected to return around the start of the regular season.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning forward Nick Paul underwent surgery last Friday for an upper-body injury. He’s expected to be sidelined until early November.

TSN: Ottawa Senators forward Lars Eller will miss the start of training camp following a minor abdominal procedure.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs forward Max Domi is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: Buffalo Sabres winger Jordan Greenway underwent core surgery in July and could miss most of training camp. Teammate Alex Tuch is day-to-day with a minor injury.

Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Rutger McGroarty and Noel Acciari will be in attendance at training camp, but aren’t yet medically cleared to participate. McGroarty and Acciari were shut down late last season due to injuries. General manager Kyle Dubas is expected to provide more details on Thursday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given the grueling offseason training regimens of most players, some of the injuries listed above may have been the result of overtraining. Proper rest and recuperation are just as important.

LATEST NOTABLE CONTRACT SIGNINGS

CALGARY SUN: The Flames signed captain Mikael Backlund to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of $3.25 million. “That’s the goal and the dream – I don’t want to play for another team,” Backlund said.

Speaking of his family, the 36-year-old center said he and his family love living in Calgary. “This is where our heart is at.” He also believes the Flames have a bright future and he wants to be part of it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Backlund has spent his entire 17-season NHL career with the Flames. He’s second all-time among their franchise leaders with 1,066 games played. If he stays healthy, he will break Jarome Iginla’s record of 1,219.

Backlund is in the final season of a two-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. His new contract comes with a full no-movement clause through December 31, 2027, followed by a 10-team no-trade list.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: The Blackhawks signed defenseman Wyatt Kaiser to a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.7 million. Kaiser, 23, completed his entry-level contract last season.

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH: The Blues signed fourth-line forward Nathan Walker to a two-year extension with an AAV of $887,500.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins signed forward Robby Fabbri to a professional tryout offer (PTO).