NHL Rumor Mill – January 20, 2025

by | Jan 20, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 20, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on the Rangers’ attempt to land Canucks center J.T. Miller and the latest on Stars captain Jamie Benn and Sharks center Nico Sturm.

UPDATE ON THE “MILLER TO THE RANGERS” RUMORS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports there have been on-and-off trade discussions between the Rangers and Vancouver Canucks regarding J.T. Miller since November. The 31-year-old Canucks center is signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $8 million and a full no-movement clause.

The Rangers AHL affiliate in Hartford scratched Bo Groulx, Adam Sykora and Jaroslav Chmelar from Saturday’s game against Charlotte, raising speculation they were to be part of a multiplayer deal for Miller. Brooks stated there was no indication that a trade had advanced that far.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

Rangers center Mika Zibanejad “will not be part of the bounty going to Vancouver in a potential deal for Miller.” It’s believed Alexis Lafreniere was part of the discussions. The 23-year-old Blueshirts winger carries a $7.45 million AAV through 2031-32.

Brooks believes Rangers management is willing to take a step back this season to be in a position to win the Stanley Cup within the next year or two. He acknowledged a potential swap of the older Miller for the younger Lafreniere might come back to haunt the Rangers down the road. “But this is a team that should focus on a window that, with smart use of cap space, should remain open for the next three years.”

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey believes Brooks’ report doesn’t necessarily mean the Rangers are willing to trade Lafreniere. He cited USA Today’s Vince Z. Mercogliano suggesting moving the talented young winger would be “a bridge too far.”

Mastey cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman report on Saturday that the deal was off. It’s unclear if Lafreniere was involved.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman broke the story on Saturday that the Canucks and Rangers had discussed a trade involving Miller that seemed close but fell apart. He didn’t name any Blueshirts that might’ve been part of the deal.

Friedman also reported earlier this month that the Canucks wanted a center as part of the return for Miller. Their rumored ask for Lafreniere suggests they’re now willing to accept a talented young forward regardless of position.

Brooks also mentioned Braden Schneider, saying he wouldn’t include the 23-year-old Rangers defenseman in the deal. He didn’t say the Canucks asked for Schneider but his comment gives that impression.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports Miller has not been asked to waive his no-movement clause. However, “the vibe around the player and the room in a season gone south would suggest that something has to give.” Kuzma also acknowledged the rumors earlier this season that had the Canucks swapping Miller for Zibanejad. However, he indicated the latter won’t waive his no-movement clause to go to Vancouver.

Meanwhile, Patrick Johnston wondered where Miller would go if he accepted a trade. “Will it be New York? Dallas? New Jersey? Boston?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald told TSN’s Pierre LeBrun last week that he wanted to acquire a center who could bring some “extra oomph” to his roster. Miller would fit the bill provided he’s willing to go to New Jersey.

The Stars could afford Miller’s cap hit for this season once they put Tyler Seguin and his $9.8 million AAV on long-term injury reserve. It’s unlikely the cap-strapped, prospect-thin Bruins could meet the Canucks’ asking price.

STARS LOOKING TO BRING BACK JAMIE BENN NEXT SEASON

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer reports Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill wants to re-sign captain Jamie Benn. He cited a “well-placed source” who says neither side is worried about completing the deal. Biringer adds that Benn is expected to finish his playing career with the Stars.

The 35-year-old Benn is completing an eight-year contract with an AAV of $9.5 million. Preliminary talks took place last summer but no numbers have been discussed.

Biringer’s source indicated the two sides agreed to get through this season before getting into serious talks. However, they believe Benn will still be with the Dallas Stars after July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Benn won’t get another lucrative long-term deal at this career stage. Nevertheless, he remains an effective part of the lineup. They could do a two or three-year deal at a lower salary than his current contract.

SHARKS’ NICO STURM ANTICIPATES A TRADE

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports San Jose Sharks forward Nico Sturm believes he’ll be moved by the March 7 trade deadline if he doesn’t receive a contract extension.

The 29-year-old Sturm is in the final season of a three-year, $6 million contract. He’s centered the Sharks’ fourth line this season. Pashelka thinks he could be “an attractive, low-risk addition to any playoff team.” He won the Stanley Cup in 2022 with the Colorado Avalanche.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 20, 2025

by | Jan 20, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 20, 2025

Recaps of Sunday’s games, the Canadiens unveil their Quarter-Century Team, Connor McDavid faces an in-person hearing for cross-checking Conor Garland, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING SUNDAY’S ACTION

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Patrik Laine lifted the Montreal Canadiens to a 5-4 victory over the New York Rangers. Canadiens rookie goalie Jakub Dobes stopped 23 shots for his fifth win in as many starts while Brendan Gallagher and Christian Dvorak each had a goal and an assist. Rangers netminder Jonathan Quick made 33 saves while Adam Fox picked up two assists.

Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montreal (50 points) sits one point behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson tied Barry Beck for the second-longest assist streak for rookie defensemen (eight games). The Habs called up forward Owen Beck for this game.

This loss left the Rangers two points behind the Canadiens.

The Ottawa Senators got a 25-save performance (16 in the first period) from Anton Forsberg to nip the New Jersey Devils 2-1. Senators rookie Zack Ostapchuk scored his first goal of the season and Artem Zub tallied the game-winner. Tomas Tatar replied for the Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The win vaulted the Senators (51 points) over the Blue Jackets into the first Eastern wild-card spot, extending their points streak to six games (5-0-1). The Devils sit second in the Metropolitan Division (58 points) but are winless in their last four contests (0-2-2).

First-period goals by Matej Blumel, Jason Robertson and Mavrik Bourque gave the Dallas Stars a 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings. Robertson extended his goals streak to five games while Jake Oettinger kicked out 33 shots for the Stars. Marco Kasper scored for the Red Wings (46 points), who sit five points behind the Blue Jackets in the Eastern wild-card race.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars (59 points) snapped a two-game losing skid and sit second in the Central Division. The Red Wings have dropped three of their last four contests.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: The Montreal Canadiens unveiled its Quarter-Century Team on Sunday.

The First Team consisted of goaltender Carey Price, defensemen Shea Weber and Andrei Markov, and forwards Saku Koivu, Tomas Plekanec and Alex Kovalev.

The Second Team featured goalie Jose Theodore, defensemen P.K. Subban and Sheldon Souray, and forwards Nick Suzuki, Max Pacioretty and Brendan Gallagher.

THE SCORE: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers face in-person hearings for cross-checking incidents that earned them match penalties on Saturday. The hearings are scheduled for Monday.

DAILY FACEOFF: Speaking of the Oilers, they placed center Derek Ryan on waivers and loaned defenseman Josh Brown to their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres called up goaltender Devon Levi to replace sidelined netminder Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. They also placed forward Ryan McLeod on injured reserve.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 19, 2025

by | Jan 19, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 19, 2025

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: a trade that would’ve sent Canucks center J.T. Miller to the Rangers stalls, updates on Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser, and the latest on Mikko Rantanen and Andrei Kuzmenko.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Vancouver Canucks were believed to be close to a trade that would’ve sent J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers. However, it appears that the deal is off for now.

At one point, it appeared the 31-year-old center would’ve been held out of the lineup from Saturday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers. Friedman claimed things had progressed where it looked like he wouldn’t play.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

Friedman said the Canucks sent a note around the league last week warning teams against talking to any of their players without the club’s permission. However, he believes several teams have permission to speak with Miller but he’s unsure who they are.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman wasn’t sure why the deal didn’t go through. CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reported Miller hadn’t been asked to waive his no-movement clause.

This situation could change quickly so it’ll be worth monitoring. Hopefully, we’ll get more details as to why the deal with the Rangers stalled and whether it can be salvaged. We might also learn which clubs could be speaking to Miller and his representatives.

Turning to Miller’s teammate Elias Pettersson, Friedman said the 26-year-old center lacks no-trade protection this season. He wants to stay in Vancouver and Friedman thinks the Canucks’ preference is to keep him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson is five years younger than Miller and is in his playing prime now. Miller remains in his prime but most of his best years are behind him.

Meanwhile, Friedman’s colleague Iain MacIntyre reports Canucks winger Brock Boeser acknowledged he could be moved if the club hasn’t turned things around by the March 7 trade deadline.

The 27-year-old Boeser can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He knows he hasn’t played well this season, admitting that management could view him as a trade candidate leading up to March 7.

Boeser netted a career-high 40 goals and 73 points in 2023-24. He has 15 goals and 27 points in 37 games this season. MacIntyre noted that management has been lukewarm in comments about re-signing the winger, partly because of the ongoing drama involving Miller and Pettersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser has a cap hit of $6.65 million this season and a 10-team no-trade list. He’ll draw plenty of interest if the Canucks peddle him before March 7 and should fetch a good return.

AVALANCHE WON’T SHOP RANTANEN

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer cites a source saying Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland had found contract negotiations with Mikko Rantanen tougher than he thought they would be.

The 28-year-old winger is UFA-eligible on July 1. It’s rumored he’s seeking a deal comparable to the $14 million AAV that Leon Draisaitl will make with the Edmonton Oilers starting next season. The Avalanche would prefer he signs for something close to teammate Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.6 million.

It’s been rumored that the Avalanche could shop Rantanen if he’s unsigned by the March 7 trade deadline. However, Biringer’s source said the Avs have no appetite to do that because of how valuable Rantanen is to the lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Worse comes to worse, Rantanen becomes the Avalanche’s “own rental” as they attempt to stage another run for the Stanley Cup.

FLAMES UNLIKELY TO MOVE KUZMENKO

CALGARY SUN: A reader recently asked Wes Gilbertson if Flames winger Andrei Kuzmenko could become a trade chip before March 7.

Gilbertson is doubtful given Kuzmenko’s scoring woes this season. The 28-year-old winger has only two goals and 11 points in 33 games. He’s two years removed from his 39-goal, 75-point debut with the Vancouver Canucks and had 46 points in 72 games last season split between the Canucks and the Flames.

Kuzmenko is UFA-eligible in July. He has a $5.5 million cap hit and a 12-team no-trade clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames could peddle Kuzmenko if they fall out of playoff contention by the trade deadline. They’ll likely have to retain part of his salary and won’t get much in return.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 19, 2025

by | Jan 19, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 19, 2025

A major comeback win for the Leafs, the Senators rally for a big win over the Bruins, milestone performances by the Avalanche’s Cale Makar and the Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov, the Capitals reveal their Quarter-Century Team, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Toronto Maple Leafs overcame a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Montreal Canadiens 7-3, snapping the latter’s six-game points streak. Oliver Ekman-Larsson tallied the winning goal and collected two assists, Mitch Marner had two helpers, and Joseph Woll stopped 32 shots as the Leafs sit atop the Atlantic Division with 60 points. Kirby Dach, Patrik Laine and Josh Anderson scored for the Canadiens (48 points), who sit two points behind the Ottawa Senators for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens dominated the first half of this game but took their foot off the gas in the second half and the Leafs made them pay. Woll made several big saves to prevent the Canadiens from running away with the game, enabling his teammates to stage their comeback.

A shootout goal by Tim Stutzle completed a three-goal comeback for the Ottawa Senators in a 6-5 victory over the Boston Bruins. Nick Jensen and Josh Norris scored late in the third period to set the stage for Stutzle’s winning goal, with Norris finishing the game with two goals. David Pastrnak had a goal and two assists for the Bruins, who slipped behind the Senators out of the final Eastern wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators and Bruins each have 50 points but the Sens have two games in hand and one more victory (23 to 22). Bruins coach Joe Sacco made the puzzling decision to bench captain Brad Marchand for overtime and the shootout.

Colorado Avalanche forward Artturi Lehkonen scored two goals and set up two others in a 6-3 win against the Dallas Stars. Cale Makar scored twice while Jonathan Drouin and Casey Mittelstadt each had a goal and two assists for the Avs, who hold the first Western Conference wild-card berth with 57 points. Jason Robertson tallied twice and picked up an assist and Wyatt Johnston had three assists for the Stars, who sit third in the Central Division with 57 points.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Makar reached the 100-goal plateau, becoming the sixth-fastest blueliner in NHL history to reach that milestone. George Boucher was the fastest (223 games played), followed by Bobby Orr (299), Paul Coffey (300), Raymond Bourque (329) and Denis Potvin (348).

The Tampa Bay Lightning downed the Detroit Red Wings 5-1. Nikita Kucherov and Jake Guentzel each had a goal and two assists and Andrei Vasilevskiy kicked out 39 shots for the Lightning, who’ve won three of their last four games and hold third place in the Atlantic Division with 53 points. Lucas Raymond replied for the Red Wings (46 points), who sit four points behind the Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kucherov became the second player in Lightning history to reach 600 NHL regular-season assists. Victor Hedman was the first to do so, reaching that milestone on Jan. 16 against the Anaheim Ducks. Following this game, the Red Wings sent goaltender Ville Husso back to their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids.

Utah Hockey Club forward Clayton Keller had a goal and three assists as he led his team to a 4-2 win over the St. Louis Blues. Logan Cooley had a goal and two assists as Utah snapped a three-game losing skid. Tyler Tucker and Jake Neighbours replied for the Blues (48 points), who sit three points behind the Calgary Flames for the final Western Conference wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah defenseman Mikhail Sergachev missed this game as he’s day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Speaking of the Flames, they got a 38-save performance by Dustin Wolf to upset the Winnipeg Jets 3-1. Blake Coleman had a goal and two assists and Andrei Kuzmenko scored his first goal since Oct. 15. Adam Lowry tallied Winnipeg’s only goal as their three-game win streak ended. With 65 points, the Jets sit second in the overall standings.

The Washington Capitals took over sole possession of first place in the overall standings (67 points) by dropping the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-1, extending their points streak to 10 games (7-0-3). Aliaksei Protas and Pierre-Luc Dubois each had a goal and an assist for the Capitals. Bryan Rust scored for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals unveiled their Quarter-Century Team on Saturday.

Forwards Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie, defensemen John Carlson and Mike Green, and goaltender Braden Holtby comprised the First Team.

The Second Team featured forwards Peter Bondra, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Tom Wilson, blueliners Sergei Gonchar and Dmitry Orlov, and goaltender Olaf Kolzig.

The Capitals also removed goalie Charlie Lindgren from injured reserve after missing the last three games with an upper-body injury.

New York Rangers netminder Igor Shesterkin made 27 saves to shut out the Columbus Blue Jackets 1-0. Vincent Trocheck scored the only goal in the shootout. Daniil Tarasov stopped 26 shots for his first career shutout, becoming the first netminder in league history to record a shutout and suffer a loss in the same game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: On Friday, the Blue Jackets announced defenseman Jake Christiansen signed a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of $975K.

Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes tallied twice and J.T. Miller picked up two assists as their club held on for a 3-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers. It was the Canucks’ second win in their last eight games, leaving them one point behind the Flames in the Western wild-card race. Leon Draisaitl scored both goals for the Oilers as their four-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers could face supplemental discipline from the league. McDavid cross-checked Canucks forward Conor Garland in the head after the latter pinned him to the ice. In the ensuing scrum, Myers cross-checked Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard in the face. Both players received match penalties.

Miller was the subject of trade buzz yesterday with some reports suggesting this game may be his last with the Canucks. I’ll have more details in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

The Chicago Blackhawks upset the Vegas Golden Knights 5-3, leaving the latter with five losses in their last six games. Tyler Bertuzzi scored two power-play goals and Nick Foligno collected an assist in his 1,200th NHL regular-season game as the Blackhawks snapped a four-game winless skid (0-3-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vegas and Edmonton are tied with 61 points but the Golden Knights hold first place in the Pacific Division with 26 regulation wins.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Bobby Brink snapped a 1-1 tie and Travis Konecny potted the insurance goal into an empty net in a 3-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. The Flyers are 4-0-1 in their last five (48 points) and sit two points out of the final Eastern wild-card spot. Dougie Hamilton scored for the Devils, who are winless in their last three games (0-1-2) and hold second place in the Metropolitan Division.

Florida Panthers goaltender Spencer Knight turned aside 34 shots to blank the Anaheim Ducks 3-0. Jesper Boqvist, Anton Lundell and Gustav Forsling were the goalscorers for the Panthers, who sit second in the Atlantic Division with 57 points. John Gibson made 42 stops for the Ducks, who are 1-4-2 in their last seven contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers forward Sam Reinhart received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for kneeing Ducks forward Isac Lundestrom late in the first period. Lundestrom left the game in obvious pain favoring his right leg.

The New York Islanders defeated the San Jose Sharks 4-1, handing the latter their fifth loss in their last six contests. Mathew Barzal and Brock Nelson each had a goal and an assist for the Islanders as they ended a two-game losing skid. Barclay Goodrow replied for the Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brent Sutter was inducted into the Islanders’ Hall of Fame in a pregame ceremony. Sutter spent 12 of his 18-season NHL playing career with the Islanders, helping them win two of the franchise’s four Stanley Cups. He had 610 points in 694 games with the Islanders, including a career-high 102 in 1984-85.

Nashville Predators winger Filip Forsberg scored twice and collected two assists in a 6-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Juuse Saros made 27 saves for the Predators, who picked up their third straight win. David Jiricek and Matt Boldy scored for the Wild as they are 1-4-0 in their last five contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators placed winger Luke Evangelista (lower body) on injured reserve before this game. He’s not expected to return until early February. Defenseman Adam Wilsby was taken off IR. Meanwhile, the Wild placed blueliner Jonas Brodin (lower body) on IR. They also recalled goalie Dylan Ferguson on an emergency basis as Filip Gustavsson was out of the lineup with an illness.

A hat trick by Jaden Schwartz led the Seattle Kraken to a 4-2 upset of the Los Angeles Kings. Kaapo Kakko collected three assists and Joey Daccord made 28 saves for the Kraken. Adrian Kempe and Jordan Spence replied for the Kings, who sit third in the Pacific Division with 55 points.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 18, 2025

by | Jan 18, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 18, 2025

Are the Devils interested in Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller? Could they peddle promising defenseman Simon Nemec? What’s the latest on the Bruins? Will the Sabres trade Jason Zucker? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE DEVILS

THE SCORE: In an interview with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald said he’s looking for a center “that can give up that extra oomph and maybe properly slot people to make us a strong four-line team come playoff time.”

League sources told LeBrun that the Devils are already checking on their list of trade targets.

Sean O’Leary mentioned some of the top potential playoff rental players including Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken and Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders. Players with term left on their contracts who’ve come up in the rumor mill include Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators, Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers and J.T. Miller of the Vancouver Canucks.

Could the New Jersey Devils pursue Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller? (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection but the Predators are treating him like he has a full no-movement clause. LeBrun’s colleague Kevin Kurz recently cited a Flyers source claiming the club has little interest in moving Laughton.

Miller’s situation has dominated the rumor mill since late December amid reports he and teammate Elias Pettersson weren’t getting along. Speaking of those two…

SPORTSNET: The New Jersey Devils are worth watching in the trade market. PuckPedia indicates they have over $7.4 million in projected trade deadline cap space. They also have the assets the Vancouver Canucks might be interested in if they’re trying to trade Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Kierszenblat cited CHEK-TV’S Rick Dhaliwal said many teams have checked in about J.T. Miller, including the Devils and Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Canucks would want a center in return for Pettersson or Miller. The Devils don’t have anywhere to spare in that department. They also lack a first-round pick in this year’s draft but have three second-rounders to use as trade bait.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman cited a report from Slovak media outlet Dennik Sport indicating defenseman Simon Nemec isn’t happy with his extended stay with the Devils’ AHL affiliate in Utica.

Nemec played 60 games as a rookie with the Devils in 2023-24 but only nine games with them this season. He believes he’s proven “multiple times” that he belongs in the NHL but stopped short of requesting a trade. “If this situation continues, it’ll have to be addressed, but for now, it is what it is”, said Nemec.

RG.ORG: James Murphy recently confirmed Fitzgerald hopes to begin contract extension talks with defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic. He’s become an indispensable part of the roster since his acquisition from the Montreal Canadiens last summer.

Murphy wondered what this could mean for Nemec’s future with the Devils. He cited a source suggesting the young blueliner could become available in the trade market, especially after his comments to Dennik Sport.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reached out to a Devils source about Nemec. The source acknowledged the young rearguard’s disappointment about not playing in the NHL but stated they weren’t aware of any frustration on the youngster’s part.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said he doesn’t expect the Devils to make any rash decisions about Nemec. “Put it this way, if it ever gets to a point where there’s an availability (in the Devils’ lineup), I guarantee you the Devils will be patient,” he said, adding the Devils selected Nemec at second overall in the 2022 draft for a reason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nemec’s initial comments caused a bit of a stir but it appears he’s not going anywhere unless he starts demanding a trade.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE BRUINS?

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa recently looked at the options facing the Boston Bruins if they become buyers or sellers by the March 7 trade deadline. He believes their performance over the next month will determine management’s direction in the trade market.

If the Bruins gain traction in the standings, that might help GM Don Sweeney to hammer out a contract extension for captain Brad Marchand. If they bottom out, Sweeney could consider trading the 36-year-old winger to accelerate the rebuild, though neither party prefers that route.

Pending UFA winger Trent Frederic would also be a trade candidate. Sweeney could also look at moving players with term left on their contracts like Charlie Coyle, Pavel Zacha and Brandon Carlo, who all have partial no-trade clauses.

If the Bruins become buyers, Shinzawa believes Sweeney would prefer adding players with term on their contracts. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s difficult to believe Sweeney would trade his heart-and-soul captain. However, anything can happen at the trade deadline when teams become sellers, especially if Marchand and Sweeney fail to agree to a new contract. Marchand has an eight-team no-trade clause plus his $6.125 million cap hit could be a sticking point, though the Bruins will have paid out most of that by March 7. 

WILL THE SABRES TRADE OR SIGN ZUCKER?

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn recently reported Jason Zucker’s solid performance this season could make him a valuable trade chip for the Buffalo Sabres if they become sellers by the March 7 trade deadline. However, the 33-year-old winger is keen to sign a contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zucker’s enjoyed a fine bounce-back performance this season with 33 points in 45 games. His future in Buffalo will depend on how much he wants and for how long. His age will make the Sabres leery about giving him anything longer than a two-year deal.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 18, 2025

by | Jan 18, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 18, 2025

A historic game for Penguins goalie Alex Nedeljkovic, the Hurricanes unveil their Quarter-Century Team, the league reportedly intends to cancel escrow payments for the remainder of the season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING FRIDAY’S NHL ACTION

NHL.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic became the first netminder in league history to score a goal and collect an assist in a single game in a 5-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Nedeljkovic picked up the secondary assist on Cody Glass’ game-winning goal and sealed the victory with an unassisted empty-netter. He also made 40 saves.

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic (NHL Images).

Glass, Bryan Rust and Matt Grzelcyk each collected two points for the Penguins (46 points), who moved within three points of the Boston Bruins for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Owen Power and Zach Benson replied for the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nedeljkovic also became the first goaltender to score a goal in the NHL, AHL and ECHL.

The Carolina Hurricanes got two goals from Seth Jarvis to hold off the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2, handing the latter their fourth loss in their last five contests. Pyotr Kochetkov made 29 saves as the Hurricanes sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 57 points. Tomas Hertl and Shea Theodore scored for the Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vegas is tied with the Edmonton Oilers for first place in the Pacific Division with 61 points but maintains their hold on first place due to their 26 regulation wins compared to the Oilers’ 22.

The Hurricanes activated goaltender Frederik Andersen from injured reserve and sent Dustin Tokarski to their AHL affiliate in Chicago. Andersen had been out since Oct. 26 with a knee injury.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: The Hurricanes revealed their Quarter-Century Team on Friday.

Forwards Rod Brind’Amour, Eric Staal and Sebastian Aho, defensemen Jaccob Slavin and Glen Wesley, and goaltender Cam Ward comprised the First Team.

The Second Team comprised forwards Ron Francis, Jordan Staal and Justin Williams, defensemen Justin Faulk and Bret Hedican, and goaltender Arturs Irbe.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cited a well-informed NHL source claiming the league will drop the escrow withholding rate from players’ salaries from six percent to zero effective Jan. 30 for the remainder of the regular season.

The source also told D’Amico that, because profits are expected to be higher than previously projected, the players will receive between two and six percent in extra earnings.

This sets the stage for a substantial increase in the salary cap for 2025-26. It was projected to reach between $92 million and $93 million but could now rise higher.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s good news for the players, especially those slated to become free agents on July 1. A higher-than-projected salary cap will also provide welcome help for teams with limited cap room for next season.

SPORTSNET: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman recently dismissed the theory that teams in low-tax states have an advantage over states and provinces with higher taxes. He pointed out that teams in California (with a tax rate comparable to Canadian teams) have won as many Stanley Cups as those in Florida.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As with all Stanley Cup champions, the recent success of the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning comes down to shrewd management and coaching.

The Panthers and Lightning have enjoyed low tax rates throughout their existence but that didn’t prevent them from spending years (in the Panthers’ case, decades) among the NHL’s worst teams. Improved management and coaching built them into champions.

Bettman also dispelled concern over the recent decline in the value of the Canadian dollar, pointing out that they do revenue-sharing in US dollars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s the biggest difference between now and the 1990s when a low Canadian dollar contributed to the relocation of clubs from Quebec City and Winnipeg and threatened the existence of several other Canadian franchises. Revenue-sharing was built into the CBA in 2005 to assist struggling teams.

The commissioner also said he doesn’t want to expand the playoff format as it diminishes the value of the postseason and regular season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agreed! The four-round postseason involving 16 teams is long enough. A play-in round is unnecessary.

Bettman hopes to sign a new collective bargaining agreement with the NHL Players Association this year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We all want to see that.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Evgeni Malkin’s three Stanley Cup rings were found inside his house following an investigation into the recent burglary of his home. The rings were initially reported missing. The investigation remains active.

SPORTSNET: The Minnesota Wild placed forward Marcus Johansson (upper body) on injured reserve and moved winger Kirill Kaprizov (lower body) on long-term injury reserve retroactive to Dec. 23.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaprizov is skating with his teammates and is expected to return to action soon. He was put on LTIR to allow the Wild to recall two forwards following Johansson’s injury.

TSN: The Edmonton Oilers signed John Klingberg to a one-year, $1-million prorated contract. The 32-year-old defenseman is attempting to resume his NHL career after recovering from a hip resurfacing procedure in December 2023.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is an affordable gamble by the Oilers to add experienced depth to their roster.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: An instant on-ice chemistry between Matty Beniers and Kaapo Kakko has generated cautious optimism that the young Kraken forwards can elevate each other. Both were chosen second overall in their respective drafts (Beniers in 2021, Kakko in 2019) but struggled to meet expectations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Beniers won the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year in 2022-23 but has encountered difficulty regaining that promising form. Kakko struggled for several seasons with the Rangers but has been on a tear (10 points in 13 games) since being traded to the Kraken last month.

NHL.COM: New York Islanders winger Maxim Tsyplakov received a three-game suspension from the NHL department of player safety for an illegal hit to the head of Philadelphia Flyers center Ryan Poehling on Thursday.

DAILY FACEOFF: The New Jersey Devils placed forward Erik Haula (ankle sprain) on injured reserve and called up defenseman Colton White.