NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 24, 2025

by | Feb 24, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 24, 2025

A hat trick moves Alex Ovechkin closer to Wayne Gretzky’s goal record, brothers Jason and Nicholas Robertson achieve a rare milestone, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF SUNDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin continued pursuing Wayne Gretzky’s goal record with a hat trick in a 7-3 drubbing of the Edmonton Oilers. Dylan Strome had a goal and two assists and Aliaksei Protas collected three assists as the Capitals moved ahead of the Winnipeg Jets into first place in the overall standings with 84 points. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a goal and an assist for the Oilers (72 points), who sit second in the Pacific Division but have lost three straight games.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 882 goals, Ovechkin is 13 away from breaking Gretzky’s record.

The Dallas Stars got a hat trick from Jason Robertson to nip the New York Islanders 4-3. Jake Oettinger made 34 saves while Roope Hintz and Matt Duchene each had two assists as the Stars sit second in the Central Division with 76 points. Pierre Engvall, Kyle Palmieri and Anthony Duclair replied for the Islanders (57 points), who’ve lost four of their last five games and remain five points behind the Ottawa Senators for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders activated defenseman Scott Mayfield and Ryan Pulock off injured reserve for this game. Teammate Max Tsyplakov said he’s had no contract talks yet with Isles general manager Lou Lamoriello. His agent told a Russian news agency that the two sides are already in extension talks but Tsyplakov believes there’s plenty of time for that following the season. He’s eligible to become a restricted free agent on July 1.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nicholas Robertson tallied twice in a 5-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Max Domi, Chris Tanev and Jake McCabe each had two points as the Leafs vaulted over the Florida Panthers into first place in the Atlantic Division with 72 points. Blackhawks forward Tyler Bertuzzi had two assists.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Robertsons became the first pair of brothers to score multiple goals on the same night since Pavel and Valeri Bure did it on March 1, 2000.

Three unanswered second-period goals by Brayden Schenn, Colton Parayko and Dylan Holloway lifted the St. Louis Blues over the Colorado Avalanche 3-1. Jordan Binnington turned aside 28 shots for the Blues, who sit five points behind the Vancouver Canucks for the final Western wild-card spot with 58 points. Devon Toews scored for the Avalanche, who remain in the first Western wild card with 68 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cale Makar assisted on Toews’ goal, becoming the third-fastest defenseman to reach the 400-point plateau (374 games played) behind Hall-of-Famers Bobby Orr (333 games played) and Paul Coffey (359 games played).

New Jersey Devils goaltender Nico Daws kicked out 29 shots for his first NHL shutout in a 5-0 victory over the Nashville Predators. Nico Hischier collected three assists while Jesper Bratt, Dougie Hamilton and Luke Hughes each had two points as the Devils sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 70 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bratt reached the 50-assist plateau for the second straight season while Hamilton and Ondrej Palat reached the 500-point milestone.

The New York Rangers got two goals from J.T. Miller to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-3. Adam Fox scored the winning goal and Igor Shesterkin made 36 saves as the Rangers (60 points) moved within two points of the final Eastern wild-card berth. Ryan Shea scored two goals for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers winger Chris Kreider was a late scratch with an upper-body injury. Penguins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk left this game in the first period with an undisclosed injury after being hit from behind by Rangers forward Matt Rempe.

An overtime goal by Patrick Kane lifted the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-4 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Kane finished with two goals and an assist while Lucas Raymond and Marco Kasper for the Red Wings, who hold the first Eastern wild-card berth with 64 points. Cutter Gauthier tallied twice for the Ducks as their four-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Red Wings forward Michael Rasmussen left this game in the second period following a blindside hit to the head from Ducks winger Trevor Zegras. There was no call on the play and it remains to be seen if Zegras will receive supplemental discipline from the league. Meanwhile, the Ducks recalled goalie Oscar Dansk as John Gibson was ruled out for this game with an upper-body injury

Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 36 shots as his club defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-1. Brandon Hagel had a goal and an assist for the Lightning (68 points), who’ve won five straight and sit third in the Atlantic Division. Shane Wright replied for the Kraken.

Calgary Flames defenseman Joel Hanley snapped a 2-2 tie to lift his club to a 3-2 victory against the San Jose Sharks. Nazem Kadri had a goal and an assist and rookie goalie Dustin Wolf made 27 saves for his 20th win of the season as the Flames (62 points) moved within one point of the Canucks for the final Western wild card. Macklin Celebrini and Tyler Toffoli scored for the Sharks, who’ve dropped 11 of their last 12 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames forward Connor Zary was held scoreless as he returned to action after being sidelined since Jan. 7 with a knee injury.

Speaking of the Canucks, they fell 2-1 to the Utah Hockey Club. Dylan Guenther snapped a 1-1 tie in the third period as Utah (59 points) moved within four points of the Canucks. Jake DeBrusk scored for Vancouver.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah placed defenseman Juuso Valimaki on waivers Sunday. The Canucks placed goaltender Thatcher Demko on injured reserve retroactive to Feb. 8 and recalled defenseman Victor Mancini.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: NHL alumni, celebrities and first responders participated in the Skate For LA Strong charity game at Crypto.com Arena to support relief efforts for the devastating wildfires in Southern California.

Hockey Hall of Famers Mark Messier, Rob Blake, Jeremy Roenick and Cammi Granato, singer Justin Bieber and actor Steve Carrell were among the notables suiting up for this game. Celebrity coaches included Snoop Dogg and Will Ferrell.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Matthew Tkachuk isn’t expected to travel with the Panthers for Tuesday’s game against the Predators in Nashville. TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie reported there is concern that Tkachuk could miss the remainder of the season due to a suspected groin injury, claiming the club is awaiting medical results.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tkachuk was injured during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. He missed the Panthers’ 2-1 loss to the Kraken on Saturday.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said there is no timeline for sidelined defenseman Hampus Lindholm to return to the lineup. He’s been out since mid-November following surgery to repair a broken kneecap. It seems unlikely he’ll be back before the end of the regular season.

Sweeney also said there is no timeline for blueliner Charlie McAvoy’s return after he suffered a shoulder injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The absence of their top defensemen puts the Bruins at a disadvantage as they jockey for a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. They’re currently one point behind the Senators for that final spot.

TSN: The NHL confirmed it will stage its first decentralized draft at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles from June 27 to 28.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 23, 2025

by | Feb 23, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 23, 2025

Check out the latest on Mikko Rantanen, Brayden Schenn, Seth Jones, Brock Boeser and Karel Vejmelka in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHAT WILL THE HURRICANES DO WITH MIKKO RANTANEN?

SPORTSNET: Elliott Friedman reports Mikko Rantanen could potentially become the biggest name leading up to the March 7 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Carolina Hurricanes acquired Rantanen last month from the Colorado Avalanche in a blockbuster three-team trade. The 28-year-old winger is in the final season of his contract with a $9.25 million cap hit, of which the Hurricanes hold half ($4.625 million) and the Chicago Blackhawks the other half as part of the terms of the three-team deal. He is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

During the 4 Nations Face-Off, Hurricanes management met with Rantanen’s representatives. Friedman believes the Canes made an offer “into the nine digits” (over $10 million annually). Rantanen has yet to decide as he’s still processing the trade from the Avalanche and everything else since then. It shouldn’t be taken one way or the other.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

If Rantanen becomes available, interested teams want to ensure they have their best trade assets ready. Friedman also wondered if the Hurricanes are confident they can get Rantanen under contract after March 7 if they’ll keep him and attempt a Stanley Cup run.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers wonder if Rantanen is a good fit with the Hurricanes, citing his lack of production since joining the club.

Mark Lazerus of The Athletic disputes this, as does Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky. They point to his solid overall analytic numbers, and while his shooting percentage is down, it’s only a matter of time until that improves. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour is also pleased with Rantanen’s performance.

The Hurricanes obviously want to retain Rantanen, hence the rumored offer of an eight-year contract with an AAV of $14 million. However, he’s still trying to adjust to a significant change in his life that he wasn’t expecting, or at least, wasn’t expecting so soon.

TEAMS COULD TRY TO UNITE THE SCHENN BROTHERS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman observed there’s been much recent trade talk about Brayden Schenn. Last week, the St. Louis Blues captain said he hasn’t been approached by management about waiving his no-trade clause and is trying not to think about it.

Friedman thinks there are teams talking about uniting Brayden with his brother Luke Schenn (who plays for the Nashville Predators) in separate trades. They previously played together with the Philadelphia Flyers from 2013 to 2016.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would be an expensive acquisition. Brayden has three more seasons after this one with an AAV of $6.5 million while Luke has a year left on his deal with an AAV of $2.75 million.

The rising cap for next season would make it easier to take on over $9 million in combined salary. However, it won’t be easy to do leading up to this year’s trade deadline when only nine teams currently have over $10 million in cap space.

LATEST ON SETH JONES, BROCK BOESER AND KAREL VEJMELKA

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman followed up on Seth Jones’ recent comments about his openness toward the possibility of a trade from the Chicago Blackhawks. He doesn’t believe the 30-year-old defenseman has given them a list of destinations but if he does go, he wants it to be to a contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap space would be an issue. Jones carries an AAV of $9.5 million for the next five seasons. A deadline deal is possible if the Blackhawks retain up to half of his annual cap hit. Otherwise, it might be an offseason trade when teams have more cap room.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports contract talks remain at an impasse between the Vancouver Canucks and winger Brock Boeser. He considers it hard to imagine the Canucks not moving him before the March trade deadline since teams are willing to pay for a proven playoff performer.

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance believes the Canucks could retain Boeser as an “own rental” for the playoffs unless they stumble in the standings leading up to March 7.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks will seek a solid return for Boeser. Their preference could be for a good young NHL forward plus a draft pick and/or a prospect.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports there are ongoing contract talks between the Utah Hockey Club and goaltender Karel Vejmelka. He suggested recent contract extensions for goaltenders could be used as comparables. “Depending on the progress of negotiations, Vejmelka is potentially an interesting trade target.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those comparables include Vancouver’s Kevin Lankinen (five years, $4.5 million AAV) and Colorado’s Mackenzie Blackwood (five years, $5.25 million AAV).










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 23, 2025

by | Feb 23, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 23, 2025

The NHL regular season returned from its 4 Nations Face-Off break with 14 games on Saturday. Check out the recaps and more in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines

NHL.COM: The league-leading Winnipeg Jets got two goals by Gabe Vilardi and a shootout winner from Kyle Connor to nip the St. Louis Blues 4-3, extending their win streak to a season-best nine games. Vilardi scored the tying goal with 28 seconds left in the third period. Robert Thomas scored twice and collected an assist for the Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets sit first overall with 83 points and are the first team to reach 40 wins this season. They went with backup goalie Eric Comrie to give starter Connor Hellebuyck a break after he played three games for Team USA in the 4 Nations tournament. Blues starter Jordan Binnington was in the lineup for the Blues but served as backup for Joel Hofer. Binnington appeared in four games for Canada at the 4 Nations.

Speaking of the Jets, they signed forward Vladislav Namestnikov to a two-year contract extension. The average annual value is $3 million.

Washington Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun scored two of five second-period goals in an 8-3 drubbing of the Pittsburgh Penguins, extending their points streak to seven games (4-0-3). Pierre-Luc Dubois had three assists for the Capitals, who hold first place in the Eastern Conference and sit one point behind the Jets in the overall standings. Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and Danton Heinen replied for the Penguins.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (NHL Images).

The Minnesota Wild overcame a 3-1 deficit to squeak past the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 on an overtime goal by Marco Rossi. Wild forwards Matt Boldy and Marcus Foligno scored in the third period to force the extra frame. Alex DeBrincat, Lucas Raymond and Dylan Larkin each had a goal and an assist for the Red Wings as they hold the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot with 62 points. The Wild hold third place in the Central Division with 72 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was another milestone game for Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. He passed Roberto Luongo for the second-most games played by an NHL goaltender with 1,045. Hall-of-Famer Martin Brodeur holds the record with 1,266. Red Wings forward Andrew Copp left the game late in the second period with an apparent shoulder injury following a melee behind the Minnesota net following a thunderous bodycheck by DeBrincat on Wild defenseman Brock Faber.

Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin and center Tage Thompson each had two goals and an assist as their club thumped the New York Rangers 8-2. Jason Zucker picked up three assists and Ryan McLeod tallied twice as the Sabres erupted for five first-period goals, chasing Rangers starter Igor Shesterkin from the net before the end of the period. Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad scored for the Blueshirts (58 points) as they remain four points behind the Ottawa Senators for the final Eastern wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres rinkside commentator Rob Ray was struck in the face by a puck early in the first period. Sabres training staff attended to the former NHL enforcer, who finished the game. Sabres forward Jordan Greenway and defenseman Mattias Samuelsson were activated off injured reserve.

The Philadelphia Flyers got two goals from Owen Tippett in a 6-3 upset of the Edmonton Oilers. Sean Couturier and Matvei Michkov each had a goal and two assists for the Flyers (57 points) as they sit five points behind the Red Wings in the Eastern standings. Leon Draisaitl and John Klingberg each had a goal and an assist for the Oilers, who sit second in the Pacific Division with 72 points.

Seattle Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord stopped 26 shots to beat the Florida Panthers 2-1. Kaapo Kakko and Jared McCann scored for the Kraken while Eetu Luostarinen tallied for the Panthers, who hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 71 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk missed this game with a lower-body injury suffered during the 4 Nations Face-Off. Kraken captain Jordan Eberle returned to action after missing 40 games following pelvic surgery in mid-November.

The Dallas Stars got a 31-save performance from Casey DeSmith in a 4-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Matt Duchene and Wyatt Johnston each had a goal and an assist as the Stars (74 points) remain two points ahead of the Wild for second place in the Central Division. Jack Hughes had both goals for the Devils (68 points) as they sit two points behind the second-place Carolina Hurricanes in the Metropolitan Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils captain Nico Hischier returned to the lineup after missing six games with an oblique injury.

Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault broke a 1-1 tie in the third period to lift his club past the Colorado Avalanche 2-1. Juuse Saros made 31 saves and Justin Barron also scored for the Predators. Sam Malinski had the lone goal for the Avalanche, who hold the first Western Conference wild-card berth with 68 points.

An overtime goal by Leo Carlsson gave the Anaheim Ducks a 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins. Carlsson and Jackson Lacombe each finished with two points as the Ducks have won seven of their last eight games. Elias Lindholm and Morgan Geekie scored for the Bruins (61 points) as they sit one point behind the Senators for the final Eastern wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins winger David Pastrnak collected an assist to extend his points streak to 14 games. Ducks goalie John Gibson left the game following the second period with an upper-body injury.

The Toronto Maple Leafs downed the Carolina Hurricanes 6-3. Auston Matthews scored his 389th regular-season goal, tying Darryl Sittler for second-most in Leafs history. Pontus Holmberg scored twice and set up another while rookie Alex Steeves scored his first NHL goal as the Leafs (70 points) moved within a point of the first-place Panthers in the Atlantic Division. Andrei Svechnikov had a goal and an assist for the Hurricanes (70 points) as they sit second in the Metro Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs winger Max Pacioretty missed this game with an undisclosed injury and will be sidelined for Sunday’s match with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Montreal Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher had a goal and an assist in a 5-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators to snap a three-game losing skid. Nick Suzuki picked up two assists and Sam Montembault turned aside 25 shots as the Canadiens (57 points) moved within five points of the Senators in the Eastern wild-card race. Tim Stutzle had a goal and an assist for the Senators as their losing streak reached four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montreal winger Juraj Slafkovsky was a physical presence in this game, scoring a goal, fighting with Senators center Ridly Greig, and making a team-leading eight hits. Canadiens forward Emil Heineman returned to action after a 14-game absence with a lower-body injury after being struck by a car in Salt Lake City last month. Senators captain Brady Tkachuk missed this game with an undisclosed injury suffered during the 4 Nations tournament.

The Columbus Blue Jackets ended a four-game winless skid by defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 5-1. Zach Werenski had a goal and two assists to extend his home points streak to 22 games while Kent Johnson scored twice for the Jackets (62 points). They’re just behind the Senators, who have two more regulation wins. Craig Smith scored for the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets fans sang Happy Birthday to Johnny Gaudreau Jr on his first birthday. His father was killed by an alleged drunk driver last August.

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty had a goal and two assists in a 5-3 victory over the Utah Hockey Club. Kevin Fiala had a goal and an assist for the Kings as they hold third place in the Pacific Division with 67 points. Barrett Hayton tallied the first hat trick in Utah’s short franchise history.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson returned to the lineup after missing four games with an injured finger.

The Vegas Golden Knights got 33 saves from Adin Hill to defeat the Vancouver Canucks 3-1. Brandon Saad snapped a 1-1 tie with his first goal for Vegas since signing with them on Jan. 31. The Golden Knights have won three straight and hold first place in the Pacific Division with 74 points. Jake DeBrusk scored for the Canucks, who hold the final Western wild-card spot with 63 points.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 22, 2025

by | Feb 22, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 22, 2025

Mikko Rantanen is the subject of trade speculation again plus the latest on the Golden Knights in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman speculated the Carolina Hurricanes could put winger Mikko Rantanen on the trade block if unable to re-sign him before the March 7 trade deadline.

The Hurricanes acquired the 28-year-old Rantanen last month in a multi-player three-team trade involving the Colorado Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks. Carolina gave up Martin Necas and Jack Drury to the Avalanche for Rantanen.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

Friedman believes there were some contract discussions between Hurricanes management and the Rantanen camp. If he becomes a pure rental, there could be a long lineup of teams for him, opening it up for anyone to pursue him.

The Blackhawks retained 50 percent of his salary, leaving Carolina with a cap hit of $4.625 million. They have three salary retention spots, enabling them to retain up to half ($2.312 million) of their share of his cap hit in a trade.

Friedman speculated that teams like Vegas, Dallas, Winnipeg, Florida, Tampa, and Toronto might be interested. That could drive up Carolina’s asking price.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes are rumored to be willing to pay Rantanen an average annual value of $14 million but it could come down to whether he thinks they’re a good fit.

The Hurricanes could retain Rantanen for the playoffs. However, they gave up a lot to get him with the intention of making him a long-term addition to their roster.

Team owner Tom Dundon doesn’t want to repeat last year’s situation involving Jake Guentzel. They acquired Guentzel from Pittsburgh at the trade deadline hoping to re-sign him, only to end up trading his rights to Tampa Bay after he informed them he was going to market on July 1.

Rantanen’s scoring ability ensures he’ll draw plenty of interest if the Hurricanes shop him before the March 7 trade deadline. Retaining half of their share of his cap hit will make him more attractive and fetch a better return.

The teams mentioned by Friedman could become suitors for Rantanen but they could pass if he doesn’t address their pressing roster needs. For example, the Jets need a second-line center, the Leafs are looking for a third-line center, and the Panthers must shore up their blueline.

Not every club will have sufficient assets to win a bidding war Of the teams Friedman mentioned, the Jets are the only one with a first-round pick in this year’s draft. Some lack promising young assets after earlier trades drained the depth of their prospect pools.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Vegas Golden Knights could be a team to watch leading up to March 7. They have a history of making big moves before the deadline and GM Kelly McCrimmon is expected to have his eyes peeling on the trade market.

The Golden Knights have limited salary-cap space, no first-round picks until 2027, and a questionable prospect pool. However, they could garner some cap relief if defenseman Shea Theodore ends up on long-term injury reserve until the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Theodore suffered an upper-body injury playing for Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off. He has an AAV of $5.2 million.

Frank Seravalli believes the Golden Knights have likely made trade inquiries around the league. If Mikko Rantanen becomes available and the Hurricanes are willing to retain salary, he could fit within their cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights might not need Theodore to be on LTIR to acquire Rantanen in a salary-retention deal. They’re projected to have over $3.4 million of cap space at the trade deadline. Nevertheless, their short supply of trade capital puts them at a disadvantage trying to outbid other teams for someone like Rantanen or any other notable player they might have an eye on.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 22, 2025

by | Feb 22, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 22, 2025

The 4 Nations Face-Off championship draws big ratings in North America, top storylines for the remainder of the regular season, the Canucks sign Kevin Lankinen to a contract extension, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

THE SCORE: The 4 Nations Face-Off championship game between Canada and the United States drew 16.1 million viewers across North America

It was the second-most-watched hockey game on the continent in a decade. Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers drew more viewers (16.3 million).

ESPN averaged 9.3 million viewers in the United States, peaking at 10.4 million, making it the network’s largest-ever hockey audience.

Sportsnet averaged 10.7 million Canadians tuning in for the championship game, peaking at 7.3 million viewers and averaging 5.7 million. It was the second-most-watched game for that network, with Game 7 of last year’s Stanley Cup Final reaching 15 million Canadians.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nearly a decade without a best-on-best tournament involving most of the NHL’s top talent whetted the fans’ appetite for the 4 Nations Face-Off. The players bought in and performed at their best. It also helped that the championship game was a closely contested match between the world’s biggest hockey nations as they resumed their ongoing rivalry.

NHL.COM: Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s goal record, the playoff race, and the March 7 trade deadline are among the top storylines for the remainder of the NHL regular season.

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks signed Kevin Lankinen to a five-year, $22.5 million contract extension. The 29-year-old goaltender is currently on a one-year, $875K deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Starter Thatcher Demko’s knee injury and backup Arturs Silovs’ disappointing performance landed Lankinen his current contract. His efforts kept this struggling team in the Western Conference playoff race, earning him the long-term contract security he’d sought last summer.

Lankinen’s new contract raises questions about Demko’s future as he battles with injuries and inconsistency. The latter is a year away from becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Speaking of the Canucks, center Elias Pettersson is dealing with an undisclosed injury suffered at the 4 Nations Face-Off and is listed as day-to-day. Team captain Quinn Hughes (oblique injury) is doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk (lower-body) isn’t expected to play in Saturday’s game against the Seattle Kraken.

TSN: Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck won’t be playing in Saturday’s game against the St. Louis Blues. Morrissey is dealing with an illness that prevented him from playing for Canada in the 4 Nations championship game.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Devils captain Nico Hischier could return for Saturday’s game against the Dallas Stars. He missed their last six games with an upper-body injury.

THE ATHLETIC: New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck suffered a broken finger playing for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off. The injury reportedly occurred during Monday’s game against Sweden. A source claims he’s not expected to miss any games.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner (shoulder surgery) will make his season debut on Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Forward Kirill Marchenko (fractured jaw) and defenseman Dante Fabbro (concussion) will also return to action against the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This trio’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for the Blue Jackets. They’re one point behind the Detroit Red Wings for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

DAILY FACEOFF: Nashville Predators defenseman Adam Wilsby will miss the remainder of the regular season with an upper-body injury. Left winger Zach L’Heureux (upper body) is week-to-week.

Seattle Kraken defensemen Brandon Montour and Ryker Evans are expected to return to action in Saturday’s game against the Panthers. Team captain Jordan Eberle was upgraded to day-to-day. He’s been out since mid-November following pelvic surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken also moved center Yanni Gourde to long-term injury reserve retroactive to Jan. 4. He’ll be sidelined for another two weeks recovering from sports hernia surgery. It’s believed they’re putting him on LTIR to free up cap space for Eberle’s imminent return.

CALGARY SUN: Flames defenseman Tyson Barrie cleared waivers on Friday and was sent to their AHL affiliate.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2025

by | Feb 21, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2025

Check out the latest on Seth Jones, Nick Robertson, and potential Rangers trade-deadline targets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli took note of the news out of Chicago indicating Seth Jones and his agent were discussing trade possibilities with Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson. The 30-year-old defenseman hasn’t requested a trade but appears open to moving to a winner if the right opportunity arises.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones (NHL Images).

Seravalli doesn’t believe Davidson’s phone is ringing off the hook with calls about Jones. He also pointed out the blueliner’s contract is difficult to move. He’s signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $9.5 million and a full no-movement clause.

The biggest question for interested teams is how much of Jones’ cap hit would the Blackhawks retain. Jones must present Davidson with a list of trade destinations. Since he wants to go to a winner, those teams usually have the most salary-cap issues.

Seravalli believes the Blackhawks could afford to carry half of Jones’ cap hit over the next five seasons if it’ll fetch them a significant return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The significant projected increases in the salary cap over the next three seasons could make it easier for the Blackhawks to retain part of Jones’ cap hit. PuckPedia shows them carrying over $36 million of cap space for 2025-26 with 17 roster players under contract. There’s enough room to retain $4.75 million annually going forward.

The Blackhawks could find a trade partner for Jones by the March 7 deadline but it might take a three-team swap to pull it off. They should have better luck in the offseason when more clubs are flush with cap room.

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, James Mirtle was asked about Nick Robertson’s trade value. The 23-year-old forward is on a one-year, $875K contract and becomes a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights.

Mirtle observed that Robertson is a small offensive winger with 12 points in 47 games seeing sheltered minutes. He could become a salary-cap casualty at the trade deadline to create room if the Leafs attempt to add players at the trade deadline. Mirtle doesn’t see him fetching more than a fourth-rounder in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson was a hot topic for trade speculation last summer when he tried to force a trade by refusing to sign with the Leafs. He eventually inked his current deal before training camp opened last fall.

THE ATHLETIC: A reader asked Arthur Staple if he thinks the New York Rangers will try to add a third-line center or top-six winger by the March 7 trade deadline.

Staple doesn’t see Rangers GM Chris Drury going after a rental player like Ryan Donato. However, he thinks Drury would prefer adding a player who can be part of their future beyond this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple mentioned Ryan McLeod of the Buffalo Sabres as an example if he becomes available. The 25-year-old center is a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights carrying an AAV of $2.1 million on his current contract. He could also see the Rangers GM adding a pending UFA like Boston’s Trent Frederic if he can re-sign him.