NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 30, 2024

by | Jun 30, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 30, 2024

Aftermath of the 2024 Draft, Steven Stamkos is heading to free agency, the Sabres will buy out Jeff Skinner, reaction to several notable trades at the draft including Mikhail Sergachev, Kevin Hayes and Chris Tanev, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

**UPDATE** The Carolina Hurricanes trade Jake Guentzel’s signing rights to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. 

AFTERMATH OF THE 2024 NHL DRAFT

NHL.COM: Saturday saw the completion of the 2024 NHL Draft as the 32 teams made their selections in rounds two through seven.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: You can see the complete list of picks by following the above link. FloHockey’s Chris Peters breaks down the selections by teams and grades how they did at the draft table.

Among the noteworthy selections on Saturday were those projected to be potential first-overall picks entering this draft who wound up being chosen in the second round.

They included winger Igor Chernyshov of KHL club Moscow Dynamo being chosen 33rd overall by the San Jose Sharks, Brandon Wheat Kings defenseman Charlie Elick selected 36th by the Columbus Blue Jackets, Medicine Hat Tigers winger Andrew Basha picked 41st by the Calgary Flames, Prince Albert Raiders winger Ryder Ritchie going 45th overall with the Minnesota Wild, and winger Nikita Artamonov of KHL club Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod going to the Carolina Hurricanes and 50th overall.

One of the notable stories of the first round on Friday was Jarome Iginla’s son Tij being chosen sixth overall by the Utah Hockey Club. On Saturday, another former NHL team captain’s son took a big step toward the NHL as the Montreal Canadiens selected center Aatos Koivu of TPS Jr in Finland in the third round (70th overall). His father, Saku Koivu, played 13 seasons for the Canadiens and served as their captain from 1999-2000 to 2008-09.

SPORTSNET: Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos appears headed to free agency on Monday. Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois and Stamkos’ agent Don Meehan independently confirmed their respective positions hadn’t changed despite two noteworthy cost-cutting trades by the Lightning during the draft.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos’ 16 seasons with the Lightning will end when free agency begins on Monday at noon ET barring a last-minute breakthrough. The 34-year-old winger will attract plenty of interest on the open market. He’s already been linked to the Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, and New York Rangers.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres announced they’ve begun buying out the final three years of Jeff Skinner’s contract. They will pay two-thirds of the remaining $22 million on his contract, which will count against their salary-cap payroll for the next six years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report also indicates it will give the Sabres $31 million in cap room for 2024-25. They could use some of it in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets.

NHL.COM: The Utah Hockey Club has shifted from rebuilding to ramping up their roster by acquiring defensemen Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning and John Marino from the New Jersey Devils.

SPORTSNET: The Tampa Bay Lightning freed up over $11 million in salary-cap space by trading Sergachev to Utah and winger Tanner Jeannot to the Los Angeles Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning got a solid return for Sergachev, acquiring defenseman JJ Moser, promising young center Conor Geekie and two draft picks. They didn’t fare as well with Jeannot. They got back a 2024 fourth-rounder and a 2025 second-rounder in a move that was a straightforward salary dump. They shipped defenseman Cal Foote, a conditional 2025 first-rounder, a 2024 second-rounder, and three picks in 2023 to the Predators for Jeannot before the 2023 NHL trade deadline.

The Sergachev trade was partly because BriseBois reacquired aging blueliner Ryan McDonagh and his full $6.75 million cap hit from the Predators.

Jeannot was not a good fit with the Lightning last season. The Kings hope he can regain his form and provides some additional grit and scoring to their lineup.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs acquired the signing rights to Chris Tanev. They have until noon ET on Monday to agree to a new contract before the 34-year-old defenseman becomes an unrestricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report also indicates the Leafs could be interested in adding another pending UFA defenseman like Nikita Zadorov, Oliver Ekman-Larsson or Matt Roy.

STLTODAY.COM: Trading Kevin Hayes to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday freed up an additional $3.571 million, giving the Blues about $15.5 million in cap space for next season. It also means they’ll have to add another center as they’re a little thin at that position.

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford suggested clearing Hayes from their books could help the Blues sign Pavel Buchnevich to a contract extension. The 29-year-old winger is a year away from UFA eligibility.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski suggests Hayes should improve the Penguins in the faceoff circle. He could skate on the second line with Evgeny Malkin or play a down-line role at center.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Logan Thompson learned an hour before an autograph signing at Sphere in Las Vegas that the Golden Knights had traded him to the Washington Capitals. Thompson said he had reached the stage in his career where he wanted to prove himself as a No. 1 goalie but felt it wouldn’t happen with Adin Hill holding that position with the Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thompson could’ve blown off the autograph session but did it anyway despite the awkward timing of his trade. A classy move on his part.

The Golden Knights acquired another goaltender when they got Akira Schmid (along with forward Alexander Holtz) from the New Jersey Devils. Schmid will likely serve as their third goalie as management considers other options to find a suitable backup for Hill.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS’ Ken Wiebe reports on “X” that Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff indicated Rutger McGroarty won’t attend the club’s prospect development camp next week.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A difference in opinion between the Jets and McGroarty over his path to the NHL has the Jets listening to trade offers for the promising young forward.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The NHL won’t change the qualifying offer rules for the five players involved in the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault scandal. That includes Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If those five players don’t receive qualifying offers by 5 pm ET on June 30, they will become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Utah Hockey Club signed defenseman Juuso Valimaki to a two-year contract extension.

NEW YORK POST: The Islanders are parting ways with assistant coach Doug Houda, who ran their defense and power play. His replacement will be named on Monday.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Former Avalanche goaltender Pavel Francouz is returning to the organization in an as-yet undefined role. Francouz hasn’t officially retired as a player but said in April that injuries have ended his playing career.










Notable Trades – Day 2 Of The 2024 NHL Draft

by | Jun 29, 2024

Notable Trades – Day 2 Of The 2024 NHL Draft

The Tampa Bay Lightning traded Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for JJ Moser, Conor Geekie, a second-round pick in the 2025 draft that originally belonged to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and a seventh-rounder in this year’s draft.

Tampa Bay Lightning trade Mikhail Sergachev to Utah Hockey Club (NHL Images).

The Vegas Golden Knights traded goaltender Logan Thompson to the Washington Capitals for pick No. 83 in this year’s draft and a 2025 third-rounder. 

The New Jersey Devils traded goaltender Akira Schmid and forward Alexander Holtz to the Vegas Golden Knights for forward Paul Cotter and a 2025 third-round pick. 

Toronto Maple Leafs acquired the rights to defenseman Chris Tanev from the Dallas Stars in exchange for minor-league forward Max Ellis and a seventh-round pick in the 2026 Draft. 

The Utah Hockey Club trades the 49th overall pick and a 2025 second-rounder (originally belonging to the Edmonton Oilers) to the New Jersey Devils for defenseman John Marino and a fifth-rounder that originally belonged to the Colorado Avalanche.

Los Angeles Kings acquire winger Tanner Jeannot from the Tampa Bay Lightning in return for a pick in this year’s draft (#118) and a second-round pick in 2025. 

The St. Louis Blues have traded forward Kevin Hayes and a 2025 second-rounder to the Pittsburgh Penguins for future considerations. 

Buffalo Sabres acquired forward Beck Malenstyn from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a second-round pick (43rd overall) in this year’s draft. 

 










NHL Rumor Mill – June 29, 2024

by | Jun 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 29, 2024

Entering Day 2 of the 2024 Draft, check out the latest on Steven Stamkos, Jake Guentzel, Jacob Trouba, Patrick Kane, Tyler Toffoli, Jakob Chychrun, Nazem Kadri and more in the NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON STEVEN STAMKOS AND JAKE GUENTZEL

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Tampa Bay Lightning’s limited salary-cap space could lead to the departure of long-time star Steven Stamkos. His agent said his client will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but LeBrun cautions things could change between now and then.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

If he goes to market, the Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings are potential options for Stamkos. LeBrun wonders if the Vegas Golden Knights might come calling if they fail to re-sign Jonathan Marchessault.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Carolina Hurricanes’ latest offer to Jake Guentzel is eight years with an average annual value of $8 million. Meanwhile, it’s rumored the Vancouver Canucks could be willing to offer the 29-year-old winger a seven-year deal ($9 million annually) if he tests the free-agent market on July 1.

Speaking of the Hurricanes, LeBrun believes there’s a chance they re-sign defenseman Brady Skjei. However, blueliner Brett Pesce is heading to market.

JACOB TROUBA TO THE RED WINGS?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports growing speculation the Rangers could trade captain Jacob Trouba to the Detroit Red Wings. The 31-year-old defenseman has a full no-movement clause until July 1, when it becomes a 15-team no-trade list. The Michigan would presumably accept that deal.

Trouba carries an annual cap hit of $8 million. However, the Rangers would reportedly retain $2.5 million per season. Trading him would leave them searching for a new captain and someone to replace Trouba’s physical presence on the blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This would be quite a shakeup for the Rangers. The move would free up $5.5. million in cap room that management can put toward making some roster additions.

LATEST ON PATRICK KANE AND TYLER TOFFOLI

NEW YORK POST: Brooks reports the Rangers remain interested in a reunion with Patrick Kane. The 35-year-old winger had a brief, injury-hampered tenure with the Blueshirts in 2022-23. The Red Wings remain interested in bringing back Kane. There’s also talk both clubs could be interested in Steven Stamkos if he becomes available on Monday.

ESPN: Emily Kaplan also reports the Red Wings and Rangers are in the mix for Kane. She doesn’t rule the Vegas Golden Knights as a possible replacement for Jonathan Marchessault.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports hearing Tyler Toffoli is on the Los Angeles Kings’ radar. The 32-year-old pending UFA winger began his career with the Kings, spending nearly eight seasons with them. The Rangers and Vancouver Canucks are also said to be interested in Toffoli.

PANTHERS INTERESTED IN JAKOB CHYCHRUN

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Florida Panthers are among the teams interested in Jakob Chychrun. The 26-year-old Ottawa Senators defenseman has a year remaining on his contract. It’s unknown if that deal will get done during Day 2 of the draft.

The Senators seek a draft pick for winger Mathieu Joseph.

TEAMS ARE CALLING THE FLAMES ABOUT NAZEM KADRI

TSN’s Darren Dreger reports teams contacted the Calgary Flames about Nazem Kadri. However, they’re not engaged in a full roster teardown but are trying to reset their roster. The 32-year-old center is a big part of that. He also has a full no-movement clause and likes Calgary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was some speculation earlier this week wondering if Kadri would prefer to move on after seeing so many veteran teammates getting traded this year. It sounds like that isn’t an issue to him.

AVALANCHE NOT INTERESTED IN TRADING JOSH MANSON

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Evan Rawal cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting teams are calling the Avalanche to express interest in defenseman Josh Manson. However, the Avs aren’t keen to move their most physical blueliner.

PREDATORS GETTING CALLS ABOUT YAROSLAV ASKAROV

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators are getting plenty of calls about promising goaltender Yaroslav Askarov. This comes following the news they’re poised to sign starting goalie Juuse Saros to a contract extension. The Predators have set a high price for Askarov.

DEVILS SHOPPING JOHN MARINO

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting the Devils are shopping John Marino. The 27-year-old defenseman is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $4.4 million and an eight-team no-trade list starting on July 1.

Seravalli speculates the Vancouver Canucks could be a suitor for Marino if Nikita Zadorov heads to free agency on July 1.

LATEST ON JETS PROSPECT RUTGER MCGROARTY

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates reports the Winnipeg Jets worked hard to trade Rutger McGroarty during the first round of the 2024 NHL draft. The 20-year-old prospect has indicated he’s returning to Michigan for his junior year amid reports of a disagreement between him and the Jets over their development plan for him.

The Minnesota Wild offered up the 13th overall pick but withdrew that offer once Zeev Buium became available. Trade talks took place with multiple clubs. The Jets aren’t in any rush to move McGroarty but his stock remains high despite his desire to play elsewhere.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NYI Hockey Now’s Russ Macias reported before the first round that the Islanders were among the clubs interested in McGroarty. They’ve also been linked to Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 29, 2024

by | Jun 29, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 29, 2024

Highlights from the first round of the 2024 Draft, and the latest on Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman, Sam Reinhart, Sidney Crosby, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FIRST ROUND OF THE 2024 NHL DRAFT

NHL.COM: The San Jose Sharks selected Macklin Celebrini with the first-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft at Sphere in Las Vegas on Friday evening. You can see the full list of first-round picks by following the link provided.

Macklin Celebrini (right) poses with Joe Thornton after being chosen first overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2024 NHL Draft (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No surprise here. Celebrini was the consensus top player among prospect evaluators. Sharks general manager Mike Grier has recently mentioned the Boston University center among his top prospects. Celebrini and promising Will Smith should give the Sharks a solid one-two punch at center in the coming years.

The Anaheim Ducks selected Oshawa Generals winger Beckett Sennecke third overall. He projects to be a top-six winger alongside one of the Ducks’ promising young centers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This one was a surprise as most evaluators expected Sennecke to be chosen in the middle of this round. However, a strong second half and postseason bolstered his stock. The Ducks are loaded with young centers like Leo Carlsson, Trevor Zegras and Mason McTavish. Sennecke could one day line up alongside one of them.

Russian winger Ivan Demidov was chosen fifth overall by the Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens fans were angry about their club passing over Matvei Michkov in the first round of last year’s draft but they should be pleased with this choice. Demidov was projected to go second overall by many evaluators. However, the Chicago Blackhawks took defenseman Artyom Levshunov with that pick, the Ducks chose Beckett Sennecke and the Columbus Blue Jackets went with center Cayden Lindstrom.

The 18-year-old Russian winger has been compared to Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov. If he develops as projected, the Canadiens could have a scoring superstar on their hands.

The Utah Hockey Club selected Tij Iginla with the sixth overall pick, the first since the teams relocated from Arizona this spring.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Iginla is the son of Hall-of-Famer Jarome Iginla and is a goalscorer like his father. A versatile forward, Iginla can play center or on the wing. He faces heightened expectations because of his famous dad but has the potential to become an NHL star in his own right.

University of Denver defenseman Zeev Buium was chosen 12th overall by the Minnesota Wild. They traded up from 13th overall with the Buffalo Sabres to land him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This year’s draft was notable for a crop of high-quality defense prospects including Buium, Levshunov, Carter Yakemchuk (chosen seventh by the Ottawa Senators), Zayne Parekh (ninth overall, Calgary Flames), Anton Silayev (10th, New Jersey Devils), and Sam Dickinson (taken 11th by the Sharks).

I expected Buium to be chosen among the top 10. He helped Denver win the Frozen Four tournament and was part of Team USA’s gold-medal squad at the 2024 World Juniors. This pick could end up becoming a steal for the Wild.

The New York Islanders selected Cole Eiserman of the USNTDP with the 20th overall pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Concerns about Eiserman’s defensive play sent the young scoring winger’s stock tumbling. However, this could work out well for the Islanders as they attempt to restock their depleted prospect pool. Eiserman broke Cole Caufield’s record for most goals in a USNTDP career. This kid has the potential to become an NHL scorer.

History was made in this draft as two Norwegians were chosen in the opening round for the first time. The Detroit Red Wings selected winger Michael Brandsegg-Nygard with the 15th overall pick while the Ducks chose defenseman Stian Stolberg at No. 23.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I love it when players from smaller hockey nations get chosen in the opening round of the NHL Draft. It shows how much the game is growing internationally.

Several notable prospects projected to go in the first round remain available heading into Day 2 of the draft on Saturday beginning at 11:30 am ET. They include KHL forward Igor Chernyshow, Prince Albert Raiders forward Ryder Ritchie, Medicine Hat Tigers winger Andrew Basha, Swedish defenseman Leo Sahlin Wallenius, and Brandon Wheat Kings defenseman Charlie Elick.

HEADLINES

TAMPA BAY TIMES: After 16 seasons, Steven Stamkos could be leaving the Lightning. General manager Julien BriseBois said Friday morning he’s uncertain if a deal can be done to keep the 34-year-old winger from heading to the free-agent market on Monday.

The issue is limited salary-cap space. The Lightning have 18 players under contract for 2024-25 with $5.335 million in cap space. That alone isn’t enough to re-sign Stamkos, let alone fill out the rest of the roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports Stamkos’ agent said his client is heading to market on July 1. It will be remembered that he appeared to be going to market in 2016 before signing an eight-year extension at the last minute. That doesn’t seem likely this time unless the Bolts free up sufficient cap space to make it happen.

BriseBois seems more optimistic about signing Victor Hedman to a contract extension. The 33-year-old defenseman has a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $7.875 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Stamkos departs, it will be interesting to see how that affects the Lightning’s efforts to re-sign Hedman.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports the Panthers could have a deal in place to re-sign Sam Reinhart. It’s expected to be worth $9 million annually and would have to be announced on June 30 if it’s to be for a maximum of eight years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Negotiations between the Reinhart camp and Panthers management have been ongoing for months. The 28-year-old winger has repeatedly expressed his wish to remain in Florida. It appears he’ll get his wish, taking one of the biggest names off this summer’s free-agent market.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Sidney Crosby indicated preliminary contract extension discussions with Penguins management have begun. The 36-year-old Penguins captain has one year remaining on his contract. He declined to elaborate but said they’ve had some conversations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby’s not going anywhere. He’ll likely get a four-year deal for around his current annual cap hit of $8.7 million and finish his career as a Penguin.

NHL.COM: The initial 24 players for the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face Off were announced on Friday.

Penguins center Sidney Crosby, Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon, Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand, and Lightning forward Brayden Point make up the first six of Canada’s roster.

Team USA’s first six players include Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews, Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk, Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox, and Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy.

Sweden’s first six include the Lightning’s Victor Hedman, Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander, Nashville Predators winger Filip Forsberg, New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad, Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson and Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling.

Panthers center Aleksander Barkov, Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen, Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho, Predators goaltender Juuse Saros, and Dallas Stars defensemen Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell are Finland’s first six players.

The rest of the rosters will be announced between Nov. 29 and Dec. 2. The tournament will be held in Montreal and Boston from Feb. 12-20, 2025.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers will buy out the final year of Cam Atkinson’s contract. 

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov will head to free agency on July 1.

TSN: The Edmonton Oilers signed backup goaltender Calvin Pickard to a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $1 million.

STLTODAY.COM: The St. Louis Blues acquired Alexandre Texier from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a 2025 fourth-round pick. The Blue signed the 24-year-old forward to a two-year contract with an AAV of $2.1 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 28, 2024

by | Jun 28, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 28, 2024

With the first round of the 2024 Draft fast approaching, the Flyers attempt an aggressive trade to move up on the draft order. Check out the details, updates on Mitch Marner, Jacob Trouba, Aaron Ekblad, Nikolaj Ehlers and Nazem Kadri, the latest UFA speculation, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FLYERS ATTEMPT TO MOVE UP IN THE FIRST-ROUND ORDER

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Philadelphia Flyers attempted to acquire the Columbus Blue Jackets’ first-round pick (fourth overall) in this year’s draft. It was an aggressive pitch, offering their 2024 first-rounder (14th overall), a roster player, and perhaps their 2025 first-round pick.

The Blue Jackets rejected the offers but LeBrun thinks the Flyers could try again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some social media chatter suggested GM Daniel Briere wants to draft Cayden Lindstrom of the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers to center Matvei Michkov. It would make sense that Briere would try to land a good young center to pair with his promising winger.

UPDATES ON MARNER, TROUBA, EKBLAD, EHLERS AND KADRI

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the most likely scenario for Mitch Marner will be finishing the final season of his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He thinks the Leafs could consider offering the 27-year-old winger a new contract and see where it goes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner holds all the cards here because of the full no-movement clause in his contract. For all the media speculation about his future in recent weeks, there’s no indication he’ll be traded. Of course, it wouldn’t be the first time a trade involving a star like Marner catches everyone by surprise. Still, there’s nothing the Leafs can do about it if Marner doesn’t want to move.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

Friedman also reported New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba’s full no-movement clause turns into a 15-team no-trade list on July 1. The Rangers have asked the 30-year-old defenseman for his list, which is normal procedure. However, Friedman doesn’t rule out the possibility of Trouba getting traded.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trouba has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8 million. While he struggled through an injury this season, he remains well-respected by his teammates and a physical presence on their blueline. Nevertheless, there’s been recent media conjecture about his future in New York. We likely haven’t heard the last of it.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: David Dwork reports hearing the Florida Panthers are shopping defenseman Aaron Ekblad. He’s entering the final season of his contract with an AAV of $7.5 million. The 28-year-old defenseman’s no-movement clause becomes a 12-team no-trade list on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would be a bold move by the Panthers coming so soon after winning their first Stanley Cup. The Toronto Sun’s Steve Simmons reported earlier this month that the Panthers would move Ekblad to free up cap space to re-sign Brandon Montour. This will be worth watching in the coming days.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff continues to receive calls about winger Nikolaj Ehlers and top prospect Rutger McGroarty. There’s no rush to move them, though the Jets are interested in moving McGroarty for a first-round pick, maybe a prospect or young player.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos wondered if Nazem Kadri might consider waiving his no-movement clause. It’s apparent the Calgary Flames are rebuilding after trading Jacob Markstrom last week to New Jersey. The question is where the 33-year-old center sees himself fitting in the short and long term.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri could ask to be traded but his age and contract will make him difficult to move. He carries a $7 million AAV through 2028-29.

LATEST UFA SPECULATION

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Carolina Hurricanes are still pushing hard to re-sign pending unrestricted free agent Jake Guentzel. They’re the only team that can offer him an eight-year contract which is giving the 29-year-old winger something to think about

LeBrun said the list of teams lining up to bid on Guentzel on July 1 is growing. Some would have to move some pieces around but are willing to do so if he becomes a UFA on Monday.

Darren Dreger believes the Vancouver Canucks could be among the suitors. They’re also considering what to do with Elias Lindholm. The 29-year-old center is heading to market and could be a good fit with the Boston Bruins.

Dreger also mentioned teams will be interested in Chris Tanev if the 34-year-old defenseman doesn’t re-sign with the Dallas Stars by Monday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes the Toronto Maple leafs could be among the suitors.

Chris Johnston believes pending UFA forwards Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi want to stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Negotiations are continuing as the Leafs are also looking at shoring up their blueline. Both players are waiting to see if the Leafs can afford them.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 28, 2024

by | Jun 28, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 28, 2024

The remaining 2024 NHL Awards are handed out, the Predators and Juuse Saros agree to a new contract, the Stars will buy out Ryan Suter, the Flames trade Andrew Mangiapane to the Capitals, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The major remaining NHL Awards were handed out on Thursday.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images)

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon took home the Hart Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player to his team and the Ted Lindsay Award as MVP as voted by the NHLPA membership. It’s the first time MacKinnon won those awards.

Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goaltender. He previously took home that award in 2018-19.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck and Sergei Bobrovsky of the Florida Panthers are the only active NHL goalies to win the Vezina twice.

Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. It’s the first time Hughes has won this trophy.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard won the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to this year’s winners of the NHL Awards.

MacKinnon, Hellebuyck and Hughes were part of the 2023-24 First All-Star Team along with Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov, New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin and Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi.

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid leads the 2023-24 Second All-Star Team. David Pastrnak and Filip Forsberg of the Nashville Predators are the wingers, Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche and Adam Fox of the New York Rangers are the defenseman, with Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks filling the goaltender’s spot.

Bedard headed the All-Rookie Team. The Minnesota Wild’s Brock Faber and New Jersey Devils’ Luke Hughes are the defensemen, Logan Cooley of the Arizona Coyotes (now Utah Hockey Club) and Faber’s teammate Marco Rossi are the forwards, with Pyotr Kochetkov as the goaltender. 

TSN: The Nashville Predators have reached an agreement with goaltender Juuse Saros on an eight-year contract extension with an average annual value of $7.74 million. He is eligible to sign the extension on July 1, the opening day of free agency.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros, 29, is coming off a four-year deal with an AAV of $5 million. He was the frequent subject of trade speculation this season, especially with promising Yaroslav Askarov expected to join their roster in 2024-25. How this affects Askarov’s future with the Predators remains to be seen.

At the very least, this ends the baseless speculation suggesting Saros would be part of a trade offer to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Mitch Marner.

SPORTSNET: Jeff Marek reported the Dallas Stars will buy out Ryan Suter’s contract. The 39-year-old defenseman had a year remaining on his deal with a cap hit of $4.3 million. The buyout will count as over $783K against the Stars’ cap for 2024-25 and $1.433 million for 2025-26.

Suter is a plus-35 player but is exempt from the 35-plus buyout rules because his contract was not frontloaded and doesn’t contain a signing bonus beyond the first year of the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the second time Suter has been bought out of a contract. The Minnesota Wild bought out the remaining four years of his deal with them in 2021.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames traded winger Andrew Mangiapane to the Washington Capitals on Thursday evening for a second-round pick in 2025. Mangiapane, 28, spent the past seven seasons with the Flames. He has a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $5.85 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The rebuild continues in Calgary as Mangiapane joins Jacob Markstrom, Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev and Elias Lindholm among the players traded by the Flames in 2024. Meanwhile, the Capitals continue to bolster their scoring depth, acquiring Pierre-Luc Dubois last week from the Los Angeles Kings.

TVA SPORTS: Former Montreal Canadiens captain Shea Weber shed light on the left foot and ankle injuries that ended his career.

“There were days when I couldn’t get out of bed, when I couldn’t walk. I don’t walk to talk about the amount of medication I took because it was adding up,” said Weber. He knew halfway through the 2020-21 season that it would be his last. Team doctors confirmed it following the end of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.

Weber admitted he initially struggled mentally with the premature end of his playing career. He said getting involved in his children’s sports helped him out of his depression.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Weber was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2024 earlier this week.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Washington Capitals GM Brian MacLellan said winger T.J. Oshie is still weighing his options regarding treatment for his chronic back issues. “He’s still in search of a permanent solution, talking to doctors, training staff,” said MacLellan.

Oshie, 37, was limited to 52 games in 2023-24 by recurring injuries, managing 12 goals and 25 points. Over the past several seasons, he was also plagued by back problems.

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks signed forward Dakota Joshua to a four-year contract extension with an average annual value of $3.25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No surprise here. Joshua, 28, tallied a career-high 18 goals last season on the Canucks’ third line and provided a physical presence to the lineup. He thrived under head coach Rick Tocchet.

The Canucks also re-signed Tyler Myers to a three-year contract with an AAV of $3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Entering this season, it was expected the Canucks would let Myers depart this summer as a free agent. Like Joshua, however, Myers performed well under Tocchet and became a valuable part of their defense corps.

It’s also believed the Canucks are considering bringing back Casey DeSmith to back up starter Thatcher Demko. While Arturs Silovs battled hard during the playoffs replacing both sidelined netminders, he still has some weaknesses in his game to sort out.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The San Jose Sharks have moved up in the order of the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft. They traded the No. 14 pick (acquired from Pittsburgh last summer in the Erik Karlsson deal) and No. 42 pick to the Buffalo Sabres for the No. 11 pick.

The Sharks also acquired forechecking winger Carl Grundstrom from the Los Angeles Kings for defenseman Kyle Burroughs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks general manager Mike Grier is wasting no time making moves in this offseason. He’s facing another busy summer as he continues rebuilding his roster.

STLTODAY.COM: The St. Louis Blues hired Claude Julien as an assistant coach and promoted Steve Ott to associate head coach.

TSN: Former NHL forward Daniel Winnik announced his retirement. He spent 11 seasons in the NHL from 2007-08 to 2017-18 with the Arizona Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals and Minnesota Wild. He had 251 points in 798 games.

Winnik spent the past six seasons playing for Geneve Servette in Switzerland.