NHL Rumor Mill – September 11, 2025

by | Sep 11, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 11, 2025

Could Penguins captain Sidney Crosby end up traded to the Avalanche or Canadiens? Could the Canucks land Ducks center Mason McTavish? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup

CROSBY TO THE AVALANCHE OR CANADIENS?

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen wonders if this is the beginning of the end of Sidney Crosby’s long tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins after his agent didn’t dismiss the idea of a trade.

Pat Brisson, Crosby’s agent, told The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun earlier this week that a trade was “always a possibility.”. Deen suggests that opens the door a crack to Crosby’s potential departure from Pittsburgh, even if the chances are remote that he gets traded.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Brisson pointed out the Penguins have missed the playoffs the past three years. He indicated that it would depend on how Crosby is going to be and how the Penguins are doing. It’s Brisson’s personal opinion that his client should be playing in the postseason every year.

Deen noted that Crosby’s long friendship with Avalanche star (and fellow Cole Harbour, NS native) Nathan MacKinnon has generated speculation that the Penguins star would end up in Colorado. However, Deen thinks Crosby would be a better fit with his boyhood team, the up-and-coming Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trading Crosby to the Avalanche is a long shot. They lack the cap space to take on his $8.7 million cap hit for this season, even if the Penguins retain half. The Avs don’t have their first-round pick in 2026, which is likely to be part of the asking price from any team interested in acquiring Crosby. Their prospect pool is ranked 32nd by The Athletic’s Corey Pronman, and they don’t have the type of young NHL-ready players that would tempt the Penguins.

The Canadiens would be a better fit, especially given their depth in 2026 draft picks, their prospect pool, and their young NHL talent. However, Crosby is the type of player a team acquires if they’re poised to be serious Stanley Cup contenders. The Canadiens aren’t there yet.

Jim Parson of The Hockey Writers cited the hosts of TSN’s Overdrive show discussing what a hypothetical trade of Crosby to the Canadiens would look like. Habs fans were overwhelmingly against the idea of parting with winger Ivan Demidov or defenseman Lane Hutson. Parsons believes moving Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, or Juraj Slafkovsky would also be non-starters for the Canadiens.

Giving up any of those young players for a 38-year-old Crosby would go against everything the Canadiens have been doing for the past three years. It could delay or derail their efforts to build into a perennial Stanley Cup contender.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Joe Starkey wonders if Crosby might be softening his stance on being a Penguin for life as a power play to bring back Mario Lemieux as team owner.

If the Crosby trade talk heats up, Starkey suggests that might make the club less attractive to a potential owner other than the Lemieux group.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s an interesting theory, but if Crosby decides to move on, it’ll likely be for one more opportunity to play for a Stanley Cup contender than to help Lemieux regain control of the Penguins.

NO MCTAVISH FOR THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston believes Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish would be a great fit as a second-line center for the Vancouver Canucks. However, the Ducks aren’t interested in moving on from the 22-year-old restricted free agent.

If McTavish became available, Johnston pointed out that the Canucks lack the blue-chip trade prospect to pry him away from the Ducks. Meanwhile, there’s a growing consensus among the pundits that the Ducks will get the young center re-signed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Other clubs with more depth in draft picks and prospects have been linked to McTavish in the rumor mill. However, as much as those teams need a second-line center like him, so do the Ducks.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 11, 2025

by | Sep 11, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 11, 2025

Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov reportedly rejects a $128 million contract offer, plus the latest on Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson, and more in today’s NHL morning Coffee Headlines.

REACTION TO KAPRIZOV REPORTEDLY REJECTING $128 MILLION OFFER

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith cited a report from Bleacher Report’s Frank Servalli claiming that Kirill Kaprizov rejected an eight-year, $128-million contract offer from the Minnesota Wild.

Kaprizov, 28, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. The average annual value of the proposed contract is $16 million, which would’ve made him the NHL’s highest-paid player. His current AAV is $9 million.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

Russo and Smith subsequently reported that Wild general manager Bill Guerin claimed talks were ongoing. “We love Kirill. We want to keep him here. I have a good relationship with his agent (Paul Theofanus), and we are still in talks. We are not panicking or anything. This is just part of negotiations.”

Guerin declined to go into detail about the offer. “My job as general manager is to protect my players, and I don’t want this in the public eye. That’s the way we’d like to keep it, so I’m not commenting any further on this.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Appearing on the “10,000 Takes” podcast, Guerin said he didn’t know where the rumors about Kaprizov rejecting a historic offer came from. “I know two things: that info didn’t come from us, and it didn’t come from Kirill’s agent.” Nevertheless, Guerin didn’t appear to deny that the offer had been made or that Kaprizov rejected it.

Russo and Smith wondered what the reported rejection of the offer meant. They feel the Wild must determine if Theofanus thinks his client could get more than $16 million on the open market next summer, or if it’s the beginning of the end for Kaprizov in Minnesota.

Signing Kaprizov to a larger deal will impact their future salary-cap situation as they attempt to build a contender. However, if Kaprizov intends to go to market, the Wild will have to find out from the winger (who has a full no-movement clause) which team he’s willing to get moved to before the March 6 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored that the Kaprizov camp was fine with the money but wanted a shorter term. We’ll see if that’s the case as we advance.

This could become a nightmare for the Wild. Re-signing Kaprizov for more than their reported offer will hamper their effort to build and maintain a potential Stanley Cup champion. If he intends to become a UFA next summer, they won’t get fair value in a trade, and his departure will be a significant blow to their offense.

Ultimately, the Wild prefers re-signing Kaprizov. Better to keep their superstar at a higher price than to trade him for below market value or lose him for nothing to free agency next July.

CANUCKS CAPTAIN QUINN HUGHES RESPONDS TO BROTHER JACK’S COMMENTS

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes responded to his brother Jack’s comments about wanting to play together someday.

Earlier this year, Canucks president Jim Rutherford mentioned that Quinn would one day like to play with his brothers Jack and Luke Hughes, who both play for the New Jersey Devils. That generated speculation that the Canucks’ defenseman could end up traded to New Jersey or sign with the Devils as a free agent when his contract expires in 2027.

“What’s (Jack) supposed to say, first of all? Like, ‘I don’t want to play with him,’ you know?”, Quinn said. “We have contracts and whatnot. He’s on a different team. Would it be fun to play with those guys at some point? Of course.”

Hughes said that he’s excited to be in Vancouver and hopes to help the team rebound from last season’s disappointing performance. “I’ve been fortunate to play in Vancouver because of the fans and what a special place it is, and how well you’re taken care of, because they love their hockey so much and care about their hockey. It’s normal in a Canadian market.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Quinn has been downplaying the speculation, but it’s not going to go away, especially if the Canucks struggle again this season. Another year out of the playoff picture will only fan the trade rumor flames.

THE LATEST ON JACK EICHEL AND MIKE MATHESON

ESPN.COM: Jack Eichel hopes to remain with the Vegas Golden Knights for the long term. The 28-year-old center is UFA-eligible next July.

“I love the organization. I love living here. I love the guys in the room. I love the people in the city. I love the fans,” Eichel said. “It’s a great place to live. It’s a great place to play hockey. I think there’s a lot of things to love and I’m just really happy here.

Talks between Eichel and the Golden Knights’ management are in the early stages, but the star center is optimistic about the process. Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon recently said getting Eichel re-signed was “an important order of business.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eichel is the Golden Knights’ first-line center and top offensive player. It’s expected he’ll be re-signed to a long-term deal worth between $13 million and $14 million annually.

LA PRESSE: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson has had discussions with management about a contract extension, although those talks are not recent.

Matheson is UFA-eligible and is earning an AAV of $4.8 million on his current contract. His agent said the 31-year-old blueliner wants to stay in Montreal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matheson catches some flak from Canadiens fans for his defensive play, but management has praised his skills, experience, and leadership. It wouldn’t be surprising if he gets a four or five-year extension.

IN OTHER NEWS…

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Sharks signed prospect forward Michael Misa to a three-year entry-level contract. The 18-year-old was chosen second overall in the 2025 NHL Draft.

If Misa makes the team this season, the Sharks could end up moving a contract to be within the mandated 50-contract limit.

DAILY FACEOFF: Veteran NHL forward Adam Erne is among four players signed to professional tryout offers by the Dallas Stars. He’s appeared in 382 NHL games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings, and Edmonton Oilers since 2016-17.

Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers signed defenseman Ben Harpur and forward Tyler Motte to PTO contracts.

Blues forward Zach Dean has entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

STLTODAY.COM: The St. Louis Blues signed prospect forward Justin Carbonneau to a three-year entry-level deal. He was selected 19th overall in this year’s draft.

FULL PRESS MEDIA: Steve Mayer, President of NHL Content and Events, believes the outdoor games involving the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning this season could become the talk of the sports world.

The Panthers will host the New York Rangers in the NHL’s annual Winter Classic on Jan. 2, 2026, while the Lightning hosts the Boston Bruins in the annual Stadium Series on Feb. 1.

SCOTTY WAZZ: presents the latest in his “Meh Rushmore” of players who just existed on their respective NHL teams. This week: The Central Division.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 10, 2025

by | Sep 10, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 10, 2025

Penguins star Sidney Crosby addresses the trade rumors swirling around him, the Devils’ Jack Hughes would love to play alongside brother Quinn, and the latest on Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CROSBY ADDRESSES TRADE RUMORS

TRIBLIVE.COM: Sidney Crosby is aware of the trade rumors swirling around him, now that he and the Pittsburgh Penguins have missed the playoffs for the last three years.

“I understand it,” Crosby said to reporters during the NHL player media tour in Las Vegas on Tuesday. “That’s the hard part about losing. Everybody thinks that the losing is the buzzer goes (off), you lose a game and that sucks, but there’s so much more than that. It’s the turnover. It’s the unknown, the uncertainty, the question marks. That’s the stuff that’s tough.”

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Crosby is starting a two-year contract with a full no-movement clause. However, rumors have linked the 38-year-old center to the Colorado Avalanche (where close friend Nathan MacKinnon plays) and his childhood team, the Montreal Canadiens.

“I get it, trust me,” Crosby said, recalling being in Montreal in June early in his NHL career and marveling about how the broadcasts were already projecting the training camp lineups for September.

“They’re so into it, and I get it as to why that would come up and that sort of thing. It doesn’t make it any easier when you’re losing, for sure, to hear those things, but at the same time, to know that a team like that wants you, it’s not the end of the world. It could be worse. I just think that’s part of it.”

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun asked Crosby’s agent, Pat Brisson, if he thought it possible that his client might be traded before his contract expires in 2027.

“I mean, I’m answering something that…let’s put it this way, it’s always a possibility, you know?,” Brisson said. “It’s been three years they haven’t made the playoffs. It all depends on how Sid is going to be and how the team is doing. I maintain the same position that I do believe that he should be playing playoff hockey every year. In my opinion.”

LeBrun writes that Crosby only sees himself as a Penguin for life. However, he wondered if that could change with another losing season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some pundits have been stumping for Crosby to accept a trade to Colorado, Montreal, or another major hockey market where he’ll get a chance to chase the Stanley Cup once more, “for the good of the game,” as some have intoned.

Another year of losing might change Crosby’s mind. However, the decision rests with him. His camp won’t pressure him into it, and the Penguins aren’t going to push him out if he wants to finish his career in Pittsburgh.

Sidney Crosby will do what he thinks is best for himself. He won’t do it because of what others want him to do. Whatever he decides when the time comes, we should respect that decision.

JACK HUGHES HOPES TO PLAY ALONGSIDE BROTHER QUINN

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston cited an interview that Jack Hughes had with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, in which the Devils center admitted he’d love to play alongside his brother Quinn one day.

Quinn Hughes is the captain of the Vancouver Canucks. The 25-year-old defenseman is signed through 2026-27. Speculation over his future in Vancouver arose earlier this year after Canucks president Jim Rutherford said Quinn would one day like to play with his brothers, Jack and Luke.

“Honestly, I’m not afraid to say it,” Jack said. “Yeah, I would love for Quinn to – eventually I’d love to play with him. And whether that’s in New Jersey or at what time that takes, at some point, I want to play with Quinn. But yeah, that’s the question going around. They talk all day about it in Vancouver, you know? But yeah, I’d love to play with Quinn at some point.”

Johnston assumed that Rutherford and Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin would love to one day acquire Jack and Luke and have the Hughes’ reunite in Vancouver. However, that would be incredibly hard to pull off, making Quinn’s departure to New Jersey seem the more likely route.

According to Johnston, some might argue that if the Canucks don’t have a clearer view on Quinn’s future before the end of this season, they should consider trading him earlier when he’ll have more value with a year left on his contract.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols noted that the Devils still have to sign younger brother Luke to a new contract. “Perhaps the term of that contract will indicate if the Hughes brothers plan to play together in New Jersey, or elsewhere.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks’ efforts to rebound from last season’s disappointing performance could play a significant role in determining Quinn’s future in Vancouver. Meanwhile, Luke reportedly seeks a five-year contract taking him up to 2030, when Jack’s current contract is due to expire.

THE LATEST ON RASMUS ANDERSSON

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin reports Rasmus Andersson is eager to start this season with the Flames, despite being in the final season of his contract.

The 28-year-old defenseman is UFA-eligible next July, making him the subject of trade speculation this summer.

Andersson denied a rumor claiming he’d only accept a trade to the Vegas Golden Knights. “The thing that bothers you is fake information that comes out,” he said. “I saw some reports that I would only sign with one team and this and that and it’s the furthest from the truth.”

The blueliner also dismissed the notion that his contract status would be a distraction for the team.

Austin believes the most likely scenario is that Andersson gets traded at some point this season. However, GM Craig Conroy isn’t closing the door on a contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A good season for Andersson and the Flames might be a step toward a new deal. However, he could seek more in dollars and years than they’re willing to invest.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 10, 2025

by | Sep 10, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 10, 2025

The Flames sign goalie Dustin Wolf to a seven-year contract extension, plus the latest on Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, Kings winger Adrian Kempe, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames signed goaltender Dustin Wolf to a seven-year, $52.5 million contract extension on Tuesday. Wolf, 24, is in the final season of his entry-level contract. The average annual value of his new deal is $7.5 million.

Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wolf got this contract because of his performance last season. Thanks to his stellar goaltending, the retooling Flames exceeded expectations, coming within a whisker of reaching the 2025 postseason. His efforts made him the runner-up for the Calder Memorial Trophy.

NHL.COM: Connor Bedard said his contract extension talks with the Chicago Blackhawks are going well. The 20-year-old center is in the final season of his entry-level deal.

“It’s nothing crazy,” Bedard told reporters during the NHL/NHLPA North American Player Media Tour on Tuesday. “We’re both comfortable with where we’re at. They know I want to be there; I know they want me. So, it’s really not on my mind that much, and I just think when it happens, it happens.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bedard played coy when asked if the deal could come before the start of the upcoming season. “We’ll see,” he said.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports Adrian Kempe wants to stay with the Los Angeles Kings. The 28-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Kempe told reporters that there is no rush on either side for a contract extension. However, he expects talks will pick up over the next several weeks or months.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kempe is in the final season of a four-year contract with an AAV of $5.5 million. He was their leading scorer in each of the last two seasons and their leading goal scorer in 2022-23 with a career-high 41 goals.

Another season with 30 goals and 70 points could put him in line to earn between $9 million and $10 million annually on his next contract.

THE BOSTON GLOBE’s Conor Ryan reports Bruins general manager Don Sweeney confirmed his club will start this season without a captain. “I think somebody will eventually emerge as the guy that should be the next captain,” Sweeney said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The last Bruins captain was Brad Marchand until he was traded to the Florida Panthers on March 7. Winger David Pastrnak and defenseman Charlie McAvoy are the likely front-runners for the role.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reported Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell said there’s been no contract extension talks with center Adam Fantilli.

Like Chicago’s Connor Bedard, the 20-year-old Fantilli is in the final season of his entry-level deal. Waddell stated a new contract won’t happen before the season begins, adding that the center’s camp isn’t in any hurry to get a deal done.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We shouldn’t read too much into that. Both sides could be waiting to see how this season unfolds before opening contract talks.

Fantilli had a solid sophomore campaign last season, tallying a career-best 30 goals and 54 points. If he builds on that performance, he’ll be in line for a substantial raise on his next contract.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Florida Panthers have invited forward Noah Gregor to training camp on a professional tryout offer (PTO). Gregor, 27, split last season between the Ottawa Senators and San Jose Sharks, collecting seven points in 52 games.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports St. Louis Blues prospect Justin Carbonneau hopes to crack the Blues’ roster and earn an entry-level contract. The 18-year-old right wing was chosen in the first round (19th overall) by St. Louis.

TVA SPORTS: The Montreal Canadiens will hold an “Andrei Markov Night” on Dec. 3 to honor the former Habs defenseman. Markov spent the entirety of his 16-season NHL career with the Canadiens, playing 990 regular-season games between 2000 and 2017 before ending his playing career in the KHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markov was the linchpin of the Canadiens’ blueline for most of his career. He’s sixth all-time among their franchise leaders in games played.

ESPN.COM: NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said the league is waiting for a “fully baked plan” from an ownership group in Atlanta before having its Board of Governors consider bringing an expansion team to the city.

Daly indicated the league met with multiple groups in July that are seeking to bring a franchise back to the city. Atlanta hosted an NHL team from 1972-73 to 1979-80, and another from 1999-2000 to 2010-11.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some wonder why the NHL would consider returning to Atlanta when the Flames and Thrashers failed in that market. The short answer is because it’s the seventh-largest metropolitan area in the United States. A better-run franchise could become a significant money maker there.

TSN: Daly also said the league has closed its investigation into Evander Kane spending last season on long-term injury reserve before joining the Edmonton Oilers for the playoffs. He indicated the Oilers will not face discipline as a result.

The deputy commissioner also expects a decision soon from the league on the status of five former Hockey Canada players acquitted of sexual assault in a high-profile case earlier this year.

Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote were acquitted on July 24. Following the decision, the NHL indicated the players were ineligible to return to the league until it had reviewed the findings.

Meanwhile, the NHL and NHLPA announced that they will contribute $4 million annually to the newly established Retired Players Emergency Healthcare and Wellness Fund.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 9, 2025

by | Sep 9, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 9, 2025

The latest on Ducks center Mason McTavish, Avalanche winger Martin Necas, and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman talked about Mason McTavish’s contract negotiations with the Anaheim Ducks.

Friedman pointed out that Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has shown a willingness to let talks carry on into training camp and preseason to get the contract they want. While they have a lot of salary-cap space, they want to ensure they have enough to re-sign promising players like Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson, Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov, and Owen Zellweger going forward.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish (NHL Images)

Verbeek could attempt to sign McTavish to a bridge contract. However, Friedman said he has heard that Ducks management isn’t keen on doing that, preferring to sign him to a long-term contract.

Friedman also said he doesn’t believe the Ducks want to trade McTavish.

THE BOSTON GLOBE: Conor Ryan believes the Bruins will need more depth at center. He suggested they look into acquiring McTavish if the Ducks make him available in the trade market.

Ryan anticipated that the Ducks’ asking price for McTavish could be one or two first-round draft picks and a prospect or young NHL player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish has been a fixture in the offseason rumor mill. The Bruins won’t be the only team that might pursue the 22-year-old center if the Ducks put him on the trade block.

Despite the frequent trade conjecture (most of which originates from everywhere except Anaheim), there is no indication that the Ducks intend to trade McTavish. Ducks beat writer Eric Stephens of The Athletic reported two weeks ago that they want to re-sign him. He’s just as important to them as a second-line center as he would be to the clubs that would be interested in acquiring him.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak has winger Martin Necas’ contract situation atop his list of the 10 biggest questions facing the Colorado Avalanche as training camp approaches.

The Avalanche must get Necas, 26, signed to a deal that works for them now and after Cale Makar’s mega-deal is in place.

If not, a trade would be a significant pivot point after trading away Mikko Rantanen to Carolina in the deal that brought Necas to Colorado. The return would have to be significant.

THE DENVER GAZETTE: Evan Rawal was asked if Necas would sign with the Avalanche before Kirill Kaprizov signs with the Minnesota Wild. Like Necas, the 28-year-old Kaprizov is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Rawal doesn’t dismiss the possibility of Necas signing first, but speculated the Avs winger could wait to see how much Kaprizov gets on his new contract with the Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaprizov will set the market for scoring wingers. It’s anticipated that the average annual value of his next contract could reach $16 million.

Necas won’t get anywhere near that much because he’s not at the same skill level as Kaprizov. Nevertheless, a strong performance during his contract year could push his asking price to at least $10 million annually.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets winger Yegor Chinakhov hasn’t rescinded his trade request. General manager Don Waddell remains open to moving the 24-year-old for the right offer.

However, it hasn’t reached the point of no return. Chinakhov was among the first players to return to Columbus and appears to be in excellent shape. Waddell considers his early return to be a positive sign.

Nevertheless, there must be a face-to-face conversation between Chinakhov and head coach Dean Evason before training camp to discuss the “misunderstandings” between the two that led to the winger’s trade request.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chinakhov’s unhappiness stems from his usage under Evason last season, especially following his return from a back injury in March. His performance declined, and he was made a healthy scratch toward the end of the season. Chinakhov could drop his request if he and Evason resolve their differences.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 9, 2025

by | Sep 9, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 9, 2025

The latest on Canucks forwards Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser, Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis, Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE PROVINCE: After a solid offseason of training, a healthy Elias Pettersson has returned to Vancouver eager to reunite with his Canucks teammates and keen to start the upcoming season.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

The 26-year-old center is coming off the worst season of his NHL career, managing 45 points in 64 games in a tumultuous, injury-shortened 2024-25 campaign. He said he and his teammates have put last season’s woes behind them and are focusing on bouncing back in 2025-26.

Winger Brock Boeser is among the Canucks hoping to rebound from a disappointing performance. The 28-year-old has contract stability after signing a long-term deal in July, and is happy that he won’t have to face trade rumors that dogged him last season.

Boeser seems likely to skate alongside Pettersson on the Canucks’ top line this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks need Pettersson and Boeser to regain their high-scoring ways if they hope to contend for a playoff berth this season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis said the offseason rehab for his shoulder injury went well, leaving him confident for the coming season. “I can rip out some pushups right now if you want,” he told reporters.

The 23-year-old decided not to undergo surgery on his right shoulder for the second straight year, saying it wasn’t an injury that inhibited his play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarvis’ versatile play has moved him up the Hurricanes’ depth chart. A healthy, productive performance this season will be crucial to their Stanley Cup hopes.

SPORTSNET: Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf was passed over for selection to Team USA’s Olympic orientation camp. The 23-year-old Calder Trophy finalist is using the snub as motivation for the upcoming season.

“You want to prove people wrong,” Wolf said. “Myself, our group, are continuing to prove people wrong on a daily basis in Calgary. That’s just another side of it.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Team USA has considerable goaltending depth with Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck, Dallas’ Jake Oettinger, Boston’s Jeremy Swayman, and Seattle’s Joey Daccord. However, a strong performance by Wolf in the first half of this season could earn him a nod if Swayman or Daccord struggle.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers announced they have hired former player Blake Wheeler as hockey operations advisor and Ryane Clowe as assistant general manager.

Wheeler, 38, retired in July after 16 NHL seasons, spending his final season (2023-24) with the Rangers. Clowe recently resigned as assistant GM of the San Jose Sharks.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Nashville Predators signed forward Dylan Gambrell to a professional tryout offer. Gambrell, 29, spent last season on a one-year, two-way contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, spending the season with their AHL affiliate in Cleveland.

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE: The Utah Grizzlies will relocate to Trenton, New Jersey, after this season. They are the Colorado Avalanche’s ECHL affiliate.