NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 27, 2026

by | Jul 27, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 27, 2026

Patrick Kane explains his return to the Blackhawks, the biggest unresolved storylines of this offseason (thus far), the latest notable contract signings, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Patrick Kane said that nostalgia wasn’t the sole reason why he returned to the Blackhawks after spending the last three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings and part of the 2022-23 season with the New York Rangers.

Kane, 37, signed a two-year contract with the Blackhawks last week worth an average annual value of $8 million.

Chicago Blackhawks signed former Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane to a two-year contract. (NHL Images).

During a press conference in Chicago on Friday, Kane said that he didn’t return to the Blackhawks with the intention of “riding off into the sunset.” Instead, he wants to help the new generation of Blackhawks reach the playoffs.

Kane indicated that he’s looking forward to playing alongside young Blackhawks star Connor Bedard once the 21-year-old center returns to action in November. Bedard is currently recovering from shoulder surgery.

“This will be my 20th year in the league, and I’ll probably see passes I’ve never seen before playing with him,” Kane said. He’s also been skating with Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar, and is impressed by his work ethic and speed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks overpaid to bring Kane back to the city where he spent most of his NHL career and had his greatest success. He’s well past his prime, but management believes the investment will be worthwhile if he can help to shape their young players into postseason contenders. They could get closer to that goal if Kane and Bedard find some offensive chemistry.

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin recently listed the five biggest unresolved storylines of the 2026 NHL offseason.

Dylan Larkin’s trade request tops the list, as the 29-year-old center remains with the Detroit Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The removal of Steve Yzerman as general manager has complicated this situation. There’s also no indication the move has changed Larkin’s mind about a trade.

Connor Hellebuyck’s future with the Winnipeg Jets comes in at No. 2. It’s rumored that the 33-year-old goaltender would be open to being traded to the Buffalo Sabres. The two clubs were reportedly close to a deal a month ago. However, it fell through, and there’s no sign those discussions will resume.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been some recent conjecture over what it might cost the Sabres to acquire Hellebuyck and whether it would be worthwhile. However, they don’t seem any closer to a deal, and it’s possible they might never get one done. Hellebuyck has five years left on his contract, and the Jets aren’t in a hurry to move him.

Cutter Gauthier’s contract extension remains a hot topic. The 21-year-old Anaheim Ducks winger is ineligible to sign an offer sheet. However, linemate Leo Carlsson’s new contract (with its league-leading $18 million AAV) could push his asking price much higher than the Ducks originally expected.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s expected the Ducks will re-sign Gauthier, but they’ll also have to shed salary to fit his new contract within their limited salary-cap payroll.

Larkin is also interested to see if Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild, and Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning sign contract extensions this summer. They are eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next summer, and each stands a good chance to become the NHL’s highest-paid player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carlsson’s league-leading AAV will affect what Makar, Hughes, and Kucherov seek on their next contracts. Unlike Carlsson, they have the resumes to justify the huge raises they’re expected to get.

Larkin also wondered if we’ll see more offer sheets this summer. The Philadelphia Flyers signing Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson to a five-year, $90 million contract (matched by the Ducks) prompted speculation over whether Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets or Simon Edvinsson of the Detroit Red Wings could become offer-sheet targets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It depends on whether Fantilli and Edvinsson are open to offers from rival clubs. Nevertheless, the Carlsson offer sheet will have an impact on what those two youngsters receive, whether it’s with their current clubs or another team via offer sheet. It could explain why they haven’t been re-signed yet.

NHL.COM: The Blue Jackets avoided salary arbitration with Cole Sillinger, signing the 23-year-old forward to a three-year contract with a $4.625 million AAV.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers avoided salary arbitration with Akira Schmid. On Friday, the two sides agreed to a two-year contract worth an AAV of $2 million.

THE ORANGE COUNTRY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks signed Nikita Klepov to a three-year entry-level contract. They drafted the 18-year-old forward with the 15th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The St. Louis Blues hired Hall of Fame defenseman Sergei Zubov as an advisor to hockey operations. He was previously a team consultant with the Blues in 2012-13.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2026

by | Jul 24, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2026

Pursuing Connor Hellebuyck could be expensive for the Sabres; the Senators continue to search for a scorer; and an update on Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I will be off Saturday (July 25) and Sunday (July 26). The next update to this site will be Monday, July 27. Enjoy the weekend, everybody!

WHAT COULD IT COST THE SABRES TO ACQUIRE CONNOR HELLEBUYCK?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert recently pondered whether it would be worth it for the Buffalo Sabres to acquire goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

The Sabres were reportedly working on a trade for Hellebuyck with the Winnipeg Jets that fell through before the 2026 NHL Draft last month. It’s rumored the Jets sought the Sabres’ 2026 first-round pick (fourth overall), goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, winger Jack Quinn, and a prospect.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Lambert suggested a package of Luukkonen and Quinn (or a player of similar value), a pair of first-rounders (to replace the value of that fourth-overall pick from the original offer), and maybe a pair of decent prospects might get it done.

It would be a worthwhile bet for the Sabres but would raise the bar for them to exceed expectations.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Ken Wiebe looks at what it might cost the Sabres now to acquire Hellebuyck from the Jets.

Promising defenseman Radim Mrtka would be a good addition, but Wiebe believes the Sabres would have to add one or two good forwards in the deal. They won’t part with Zach Benson or Konsta Helenius. Options could include Quinn, Jiri Kulich, Ryan McLeod, or Noah Ostlund.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck was reportedly open to waiving his no-movement clause to go to Buffalo. It was also reported that the Sabres wanted the Jets’ 2026 first-rounder (eighth overall), which may have spiked the deal.

The two sides could revisit those trade discussions, but Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will still insist on a significant return. With Hellebuyck under contract for five more seasons, he’s not in a hurry to move him, and it doesn’t appear that the three-time Vezina Trophy winner is pushing him for a trade.

SENATORS STILL SHOPPING FOR A SCORER

OTTAWA SUN: Callum Fraser reports Senators GM Steve Staios remains in the market for a scoring forward.

Staios acquired wingers William Eklund and Andre Burakovsky via trades and brought back forwards Claude Giroux and Nick Cousins.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert looked at possible options available for the Senators.

Former Senator Vladimir Tarasenko is still out there in the free-agent market, but he’d have to take a pay cut to return to Ottawa. Patrik Laine is another, but he’s a streaky scorer with a long injury history.

Lambert noted that Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks could be an option if he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause. Pavel Zacha of the Boston Bruins and Kirill Marchenko of the Columbus Blue Jackets have also surfaced in the rumor mill, but it’s questionable if they’re available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators’ search for a pure scoring winger could carry on into the regular season.

Tarasenko has put up decent numbers, but his best years are now behind him. Laine’s declining speed has also been an issue, and he’s more of a power-play specialist now.

Boeser has been loyal to the Canucks despite their difficulties. The Bruins seem intent on re-signing Zacha. Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell swears that Marchenko will be in the Blue Jackets lineup this season.

UPDATE ON ARBER XHEKAJ

TVA SPORTS: According to Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Philadelphia Flyers are interested in Arber Xhekaj.

The 25-year-old Montreal Canadiens defenseman is a restricted free agent, and he has been the subject of trade speculation since last season. The Calgary Flames were also believed to be interested in the rugged blueliner.

Pagnotta claimed the Canadiens and Xhekaj’s camp are still negotiating a new contract for this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There have been mixed reports out of Montreal regarding Xhekaj’s value to the Canadiens. Some believe head coach Martin St. Louis lacks confidence in the big defenseman, but others believe his physical presence fills an invaluable role as the club’s enforcer.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 24, 2026

by | Jul 24, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 24, 2026

Patrick Kane returns to the Blackhawks, Mitch Marner’s agent claims the Maple Leafs never protected his client, John Tortorella wants to continue coaching, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I will be off Saturday (July 25) and Sunday (July 26). The next update to this site will be Monday, July 27. Enjoy the weekend, everybody!

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Patrick Kane is returning to Chicago. The 37-year-old winger signed a two-year contract with the Blackhawks worth an average annual value of $8 million. He also gets a full no-movement clause through 2027-28.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks had been trying to woo Kane back as they attempt to bolster their offense and add more skilled experience to their lineup. He could also be playing alongside rising superstar Connor Bedard on the top line once the latter returns from shoulder surgery in November.

Chicago Blackhawks sign former Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

It’s a feel-good story, but also a surprisingly expensive one. Kane’s earning much more per season on this deal than he did during his three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. He put up respectable numbers during his tenure with the Wings, but nothing that justifies $8 million annually. It’s unlikely those stats will improve given his age.

Nevertheless, the Blackhawks believe they can comfortably carry Kane’s new contract. They’ll feel justified in the investment if he helps them improve offensively.

Speaking of the Red Wings, Kane’s departure is another blow for a club whose captain has requested a trade and is currently seeking a new general manager after removing Steve Yzerman from that role. It could also push winger Alex DeBrincat closer to following Kane out the door via free agency next summer.

SPORTSNET: Mitch Marner’s agent, Darren Ferris, provided new information on what led to his client’s departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs for the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade move last June.

Ferris claimed Marner “bled” for the Maple Leafs, but he was “never really protected” by the organization. He rehashed some of the issues about the departure, claiming his client and his family became the scapegoat for the Leafs’ playoff failures, and blaming “misinformation” regarding his client’s previous contract negotiations with the club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Based on social media reaction, most Maple Leafs followers are fed up with what they perceive as whining from the Marner camp and want to move on.

Some of the flak that Marner received as a Maple Leaf was unjustified, such as the personal attacks against his family. But he was also one of the club’s highest-paid players and a local boy to boot, and that put him into a brighter spotlight than most. He also claimed he and his Leafs teammates were “looked upon as kind of gods” in discussing the love that they received from Leafs Nation.

Marner wasn’t solely responsible for the Leafs’ playoff woes, but he deserves his fair share of the blame.

THE ATHLETIC: In an exclusive interview with Joe Smith, John Tortorella said that he hopes to continue his NHL coaching career.

The 68-year-old Tortorella took over as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights late last season, guiding them to the Stanley Cup Final. However, the club subsequently informed him that they were replacing him with Ryan Craig.

Tortorella said he understood the decision, noting that the Golden Knights had spent several years grooming Craig, calling him “a good coach and a good man.” He said he was grateful to the Golden Knights but wanted to finish the job.

Asked what he felt was the turning point of the Cup Final, Tortorella said it was the Hurricanes replacing starter Frederik Andersen with Brandon Bussi in Game 3. He also defended his decision to stick with Carter Hart as his starter in the Final, crediting the latter with getting them to the Final.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tortorella’s role in getting the Golden Knights into the Stanley Cup Final hasn’t been overlooked. While he can be stubborn and outspoken, and has a contentious relationship with the media, he has a proven record for turning struggling teams into playoff contenders. It won’t be surprising if he’s back behind an NHL bench at some point this season.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets avoided salary arbitration with Jet Greaves, signing the 25-year-old goaltender to a three-year contract worth an AAV of $5 million.

In their arbitration filings, Greaves sought $7.5 million on a one-year deal while the Blue Jackets had offered $2.8 million. His hearing had been slated for Thursday morning.

The Blue Jackets have $19 million in cap space left with forwards Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger to sign. Sillinger is slated for arbitration on July 27.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jackets had little choice but to reach common ground with Greaves, who emerged as their starting goalie last season. They need reliable goaltending if they hope to make the playoffs this season.

Sillinger isn’t expected to cost much to re-sign, and it’s unlikely his case will reach arbitration.

The Jackets appear focused on getting Greaves and Sillinger signed before sorting things out with Fantilli, who lacks arbitration rights but is eligible to sign an offer sheet. A rival club could attempt to sign him if he’s receptive, but the Jackets should have enough space to match.

Speaking of the Blue Jackets, former defenseman Jack Johnson has joined the coaching staff of Ohio State University’s women’s hockey team as associate head coach.

NHL.COM: Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck appeared on “Celebrity Family Feud” alongside their fellow Olympic and Paralympic gold medalists.

RDS.CA: Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis is a big fan of Jerry Seinfeld, admitting earlier this year that he listens to “Seinfeld” episodes to relax.

On Thursday, St. Louis met his comedy idol during the Just For Laughs festival in Montreal. He presented the American comedian with a Canadiens jersey bearing Seinfeld’s name.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 23, 2026

by | Jul 23, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 23, 2026

 

Check out the latest on Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, plus updates on the Blues and Canucks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman wondered if Steve Yzerman stepping down as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings would affect center Dylan Larkin’s trade request.

Larkin, 29, listed the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers as his preferred trade destinations. It’s believed he expanded that list to include the Dallas Stars.

Bultman believes it’s a complicated situation, looking at several possibilities.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

One of them could be a new general manager taking a different stance from Yzerman’s hard-line approach to Larkin’s request. That GM could be more collaborative toward getting a deal done, which could convince Larkin to expand his list.

For now, it’s too soon to say how this will unfold until a new general manager is named.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan believes it would be worthwhile for the Red Wings if the new general manager can convince Larkin to stay. They have no one within their system to fill his role as first-line center, and such players are difficult to find in the trade market. His $8.7 million average annual value is considered a bargain in today’s market.

Larkin shouldn’t have any difficulty returning to the Red Wings dressing room if his strained relationship with Yzerman is the reason behind his trade request. Khan acknowledged that Larkin would be booed at first by Red Wings fans if he stays, but that could fade if he continues to produce as he has in recent years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been over a week since the Red Wings announced that Yzerman was out as general manager and executive vice president. So far, there’s no sign that Larkin has changed his mind about his trade request.

Larkin could be waiting to see who replaces Yzerman. On the other hand, his mind could be made up that he wants out regardless of who becomes GM.

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, Jeremy Rutherford was asked if Pavel Buchnevich will still be on the St. Louis Blues’ roster after the 2027 trade deadline.

Rutherford replied that he’d be shocked if the Blues were able to move Buchnevich, whose performance has declined in recent years. He noted that the winger will turn 32 in April and has four years remaining on his contract.

Rutherford was also asked if the Blues were interested in Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin and Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies.

The Blues have shown an interest in Nikishin and will continue to do so if the price is right. Rutherford is sure they checked in on Knies, but the asking price sounded exorbitant.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues have a better chance of landing Nikishin than they do Knies.

The Hurricanes are reportedly weighing trading Nikishin over re-signing the 24-year-old blueliner. Meanwhile, the new management in Toronto isn’t as keen to move Knies as their predecessor was.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston recently reported that the Vancouver Canucks’ ownership would like to reduce player payroll by $20 million.

He noted the Canucks are already down $12 million in payroll compared to last season. PuckPedia indicates that their current salary cap payroll is $86,185, 833.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks could attempt to free up that $8 million by trading Elias Pettersson, but his $11.6 million AAV and his declining production make him difficult to move.

Brock Boeser ($7.25 million AAV) and Jake DeBrusk ($5.5 million) are more likely trade candidates. One or both could be moved at the deadline, provided those moves don’t put the Canucks below the salary cap minimum of $76.9 million.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 23, 2026

by | Jul 23, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 23, 2026

The latest on Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, a look at possible trends regarding restricted free agents, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Defenseman Matthew Schaefer said it would be an honor if he were named captain of the New York Islanders, but that’s not his focus right now.

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (NHL Images).

Schaefer, who turns 19 in September, pointed out that the Islanders already have so many leaders. He singled out Bo Horvat and Brayden Schenn, who were captains with their previous teams. “I’m still young, so I’m in no rush.”

Entering his second NHL season, Schaefer will be eligible to sign a contract extension next July. However, he’s not concerned about getting a big payday.

“I’ll let my agent think about that,” Schaefer said. “I don’t need to think about that. I’m still a kid; I’m still a year away from any of that. I love Long Island; we have something special going on there. I don’t care about the money. I just want to play the game of hockey, and that’s what I love.”

The first-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Schaefer won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the 2025-26 Rookie of the Year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schaefer may not be thinking about his next contract, but his agent and Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche definitely will be. If he improves on his impressive debut campaign, he’ll be in line for a substantial raise that could reach at least $18 million annually.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Andre Leal recently suggested that Connor Bedard’s new five-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks signals a trend among restricted free agents signing mid-term contract extensions rather than maximum term.

Other RFAs who signed five-year deals include Leo Carlsson (via offer sheet) and Pavel Mintyukov of the Anaheim Ducks, Simon Nemec of the Calgary Flames, Cole Perfetti of the Winnipeg Jets, Brandt Clarke of the Los Angeles Kings, and Dylan Holloway of the St. Louis Blues.

Notable RFAs who opted for four-year terms this summer were Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale of the Philadelphia Flyers, Peyton Krebs of the Buffalo Sabres, and Jordan Spence of the Ottawa Senators.

Meanwhile, Ryan O’Hara noted that Utah Mammoth defenseman John Marino signed an eight-year extension this week. He suggested Marino’s deal might be the first of many massive extensions before Sept. 15.

That date is the deadline for teams to sign players to eight-year contracts. After that, the maximum term for re-signing players drops to seven years. Those for unrestricted free agents go from seven years to six.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see how many opt for the maximum term or a shorter deal. The remaining noteworthy RFAs include Cutter Gauthier of the Anaheim Ducks, Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Simon Edvinsson of the Detroit Red Wings, and Alexander Nikishin of the Carolina Hurricanes.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets signed forward Danton Heinen to a one-year, two-way contract.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner cited a report claiming former Boston Bruins assistant general manager Evan Gold could be heading to the New York Islanders.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 22, 2026

by | Jul 22, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 22, 2026

A look at the latest regarding the top remaining unrestricted free agents in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently looked at the latest speculation regarding the top remaining unrestricted free agents.

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

Patrick Kane tops Fox’s list. He noted there were rumors that the 37-year-old winger was considering contract offers from his former club, the Chicago Blackhawks, and his hometown team, the Buffalo Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane seems to be taking his time to consider his options. He’s unlikely to be an expensive signing for either club.

Defenseman Logan Stanley is reportedly still weighing his options. The 28-year-old is said to be seeking a four- or five-year contract worth up to $25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stanley might have to revise his asking price. The best opportunity for him to get that deal was within the opening week of the market.

Winger Eeli Tolvanen is believed to be seeking term on his next contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 27-year-old Tolvanen is among the youngest players in this summer’s market. It’s a little surprising that he hasn’t signed yet. The longest term he’s had on his previous contracts was three years.

Some observers wonder if the Edmonton Oilers might have an interest in winger Vladimir Tarasenko after they previously “kicked tires” on Claude Giroux before he signed with the Ottawa Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Julian Gaudio of The Hockey News has the Oilers on his list of suggested destinations for Tarasenko. The others include the Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Utah Mammoth.

Defenseman John Klingberg is fifth on Fox’s list. He noted the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers remain eager to boost the right side of their defense corps.

Winger Patrik Laine remains available. The New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames, and Minnesota Wild were reportedly considering him as a reclamation project.

Other notables include forwards Michael Bunting, Reilly Smith, and Philipp Kurashev, and goaltender Cam Talbot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The remaining players on this list might have to wait until late August or early September to get new contracts. Some could end up on professional tryout offers during training camp.