NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 6, 2025

by | Sep 6, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 6, 2025

Hall of Fame goaltender Ken Dryden passes away at 78, the Canadiens trade Carey Price’s contract to the Sharks, the Flames sign Connor Zary, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Former Montreal Canadiens goaltender and Hall of Famer Ken Dryden died on Friday at age 78 after battling cancer.

Dryden’s NHL career spanned eight seasons (1970-71 to 1978-79), all of them with the Montreal Canadiens. He backstopped them to six Stanley Cups, including four in a row from 1975-76 to 1978-79, with a regular-season record of 258 wins, 57 losses and 74 losses, a 2.24 goals-against average, a save percentage of .922, and 46 shutouts. He won 80 of 112 playoff games, with a 2.41 GAA, an SP of .915, and 10 shutouts.

Hall of Fame goaltender Ken Dryden.

The Canadiens legend became the first player in NHL history to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP (1971) before winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year (1971-72). He was a five-time winner of the Vezina Trophy, and played for Team Canada against the Soviet Union in the 1972 Summit Series, playing in the eighth and deciding game.

Dryden retired in 1979. He became the TV analyst for ABC Sports during its coverage of the 1980 Winter Olympics, including the “Miracle on Ice” when Team USA upset the heavily favored Soviet Union. He was a bestselling author of multiple books, including 1983’s “The Game”, considered by many critics as the best book ever written about hockey. He was team president of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1997-98 to 2002-03, and a member of Canada’s parliament from 2004 to 2011. Dryden was also a tireless advocate for player safety at every level of hockey.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I first began watching hockey in 1970, and like every little kid back then, Boston Bruins defenseman Bobby Orr was my favorite player. That changed in 1971 after watching Dryden and the Canadiens upset Orr and the defending Stanley Cup champion Bruins in the 1971 quarterfinals.

Dryden stood out for more than his goaltending. He was a big man (6’3”, 207 pounds) playing a position dominated by smaller players at that time. He was also a thoughtful, articulate person who didn’t speak in cliches like other players during interviews.

In an era when most NHL players hadn’t completed high school, Dryden finished his law degree during his playing career. He wore glasses away from the rink, which inspired someone like me (who has worn glasses since I was 10 years old) that “nerds” could play sports and do it well.

I didn’t know that Dryden had cancer, which makes his death such a shock for me. I never met him, but he still inspired me with his play, his books, his love of hockey and of Canada, and his compassion. He meant so much to me when I was growing up, and I admired his accomplishments following his playing career.

Hockey never saw anyone like Ken Dryden before, and we haven’t seen anyone like him since. I doubt we ever will again.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW/SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens traded the contract of Carey Price and a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for minor-league defenseman Gannon Laroque.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This move clears the final season of Price’s contract (and its $10.5 million average annual value) from the Canadiens’ books, putting them under the $95.5 million salary cap by $4.568 million. That gives them invaluable cap space to put toward addressing their need for a second-line center at some point before the 2026 trade deadline.

It officially marks the end of an era for the Canadiens. Price had been with the organization since they chose him fifth overall in the 2005 NHL Draft, going on to become one of the greatest goaltenders in franchise history, setting the club record for most wins with 361. In 2015, he became the first goalie in NHL history to win the Hart Memorial Trophy, Vezina Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award, and the William M. Jennings Trophy in the same season. Price has been on permanent long-term injury reserve since 2022, effectively ending his playing career.

As for the Sharks, adding Price’s cap hit ensures they remain above the $70.6 million salary-cap minimum if the rebuilding club should move veteran players before the 2026 trade deadline. Price’s actual salary is $7.5 million, of which $5.5 million was paid as a signing bonus by the Canadiens on Sept. 1. Most of the remaining $2 million will be covered by insurance, making this a very affordable one-year addition to the Sharks’ payroll.

Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports the Sharks could have another move up their sleeve. They have 49 of the maximum 50 allowed NHL contracts, meaning they might have to make another trade if they intend to add promising prospects Sam Dickinson and Michael Misa to their roster this season.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames signed forward Connor Zary to a three-year contract on Friday. The average annual value is $3.775 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zary was their only remaining unsigned player. It was expected that he would sign an affordable bridge contract. The 23-year-old forward was a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract and has yet to establish himself as a reliable top-six forward.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils signed forwards Kevin Rooney and Luke Glendening and goaltenders Adam Scheel and Georgi Romanov to professional tryout offers (PTO).

TSN: The Minnesota Wild signed forward Brett Leason to a PTO.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: W. Graeme Rouston, the owner and publisher of The Hockey News, signed a definitive agreement earlier this week to acquire True Hockey from True Temper Sports Inc.

True Hockey is the manufacturer of high-performance hockey equipment. Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, Vegas Golden Knights winger Mitch Marner, and Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk are among several notable NHL players sporting their gear.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 5, 2025

by | Sep 5, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 5, 2025

The latest on the Penguins and a recent update on the status of Connor Zary’s contract talks with the Flames in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe is surprised that Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and Erik Karlsson remain on the Pittsburgh Penguins roster as training camp approaches.

General manager Kyle Dubas has been free to trade Rust and Rakell for some time. Karlsson is apparently willing to waive his no-movement clause for certain teams.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)

Trading Rust and Rakell would fetch significant returns of prospects, draft picks, or young NHL players. Moving all three would also make the Penguins worse for the coming season, improving their chances of winning the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penn State winger Gavin McKenna is considered the top player among the 2026 prospect class. Observers consider him a generational talent.

Two of those three players must be traded soon, even if Dubas doesn’t get the massive return he wants. Moving them would also increase the Penguins’ projected cap space for 2026-27. They currently have over $53 million available, giving them an enormous amount to invest in their roster starting next summer.

Yohe followed up by citing team sources saying Dubas is content to enter this season with his current roster. However, it doesn’t mean he won’t try to make a deal or two.

He still believes Karlsson has the greatest chance to move but is also more difficult to trade than Rust or Rakell because of his $10 million cap hit, his disappointing performances over the last two seasons, and his NMC.

Yohe said some teams remain interested in Karlsson, but not his cap hit. Whether the Penguins will retain a considerable chunk would depend on the return. A potential change in Penguins ownership could also affect efforts to trade Karlsson, though management still thinks moving him is for the best.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Considering how much cap space the Penguins already have for next season with Karlsson, Rust, and Rakell currently on their books, retaining part of his $10 million AAV shouldn’t be much of a sticking point, especially since they’re rebuilding even if they won’t publicly admit it. Nevertheless, the potential change in ownership could be what’s holding up that possibility.

CALGARY SUN: Kent Wilson recently looked at what might be holding up a new contract for Connor Zary. The 23-year-old Calgary Flames forward is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract.

Injuries and inconsistent play have made it difficult for the promising Zary to lock down a defined role. Drafted as a center, he’s spent most of his time with the Flames as a winger, bouncing around all four lines.

Zary might prefer a long-term contract, while the Flames might prefer a bridge deal. With training camp approaching, Wilson suspects Zary will sign a short-term contract worth around $3 million annually.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 5, 2025

by | Sep 5, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 5, 2025

Check out the latest on Oilers captain Connor McDavid, Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, Maple Leafs forward Scott Laughton, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Connor McDavid told Ryan Rishaug that there is nothing new to report regarding his contract extension negotiations with the Edmonton Oilers. The 28-year-old superstar center is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

McDavid said that everything is currently status quo. He’s in no rush, as he’s working through it with his family and his agent. He explained that this is a well-thought-out process for both sides to get a deal done that makes sense for him and the organization.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

The Oilers captain dismissed the notion that his negotiations might be a distraction for his teammates. “We’re all professional hockey players. We’re all adults; this is a mature group. If guys can’t play with Ryan Rishaug talking about a contract, then we’re probably in the wrong line of work here, we’re probably in the wrong business.”

McDavid also indicated that he’s focused on the upcoming season. He said he’s excited about it, adding that he felt he and his teammates have something to prove.

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector reported McDavid will focus on shooting the puck more this season after tallying only 26 goals last season. He wants to prove that his career-high 64-goal performance in 2022-23 wasn’t a one-off.

“Ultimately, I want to help this team win, and I’m happy to play the passer role. I’m always going to be that player,” McDavid said. “But I’d like to be a little bit more – not necessarily selfish – but assertive with my chances.”

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson reports Leon Draisaitl is eager to see his friend and teammate sign an extension.

“Of course I want him here as long as possible, and I want to do it (win) with him,” said Draisaitl, who is entering the first season of his eight-year contract. Nevertheless, he understands that McDavid’s decision comes down to what’s best for him and his family.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid’s contract situation might not be a distraction for his teammates, but it will become a regular subject of conjecture for fans and media for as long as he remains unsigned.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jeremy Swayman said he’s a changed man going into this season. The 26-year-old Bruins goaltender is hoping to rebound from a disappointing performance in 2024-25.

Swayman’s contract negotiations with management led to him missing training camp and preseason before an agreement was finally reached before the start of last season. He struggled to regain his form, and his inconsistency contributed to the Bruins missing the playoffs last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Swayman’s performance will be a key factor in whether the Bruins can bounce back and contend for a postseason berth this season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Scott Laughton is looking forward to his first full season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 31-year-old forward was acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers before the March trade deadline.

Laughton spent the offseason focusing on improving the small details of his game. He’s hoping that an improved performance will lead to a contract extension. The veteran forward is in the final season of his current deal with an annual cap hit of $3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton could seek over $5 million annually on his next deal, especially if he performs well in his contract year.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Former Red Wings forward Klim Kostin remains an unrestricted free agent. He blames his inability to land a new contract on his role with the Wings last season. The 26-year-old winger claims he was instructed by the team brass to act as an on-ice enforcer. He believes that has hurt his reputation as a player.

RG.ORG: Former NHL defenseman Josh Gorges is looking forward to his new role as head coach of his former junior team, the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets. Among the young players he’ll be working with is Montreal Canadiens prospect center Hayden Paupanekis, who stands out for his size and skillset.

Gorges spent over seven of his 13-season NHL career with the Canadiens from 2006-07 to 2013-14. He reflected on his time with the Habs and with goaltender Carey Price. “You don’t really appreciate what he did and who he is until you don’t have him around anymore,” Gorges said, going on to praise Price’s puckhandling abilities. “Half the time, he made better breakout plays than I did.”

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Former Lightning forward Pat Maroon has rejoined the club as an alumni brand ambassador and television analyst. Maroon spent four seasons with the Lightning from 2019-20 to 2022-23, helping them win two Stanley Cups.

SPORTSNET: Marco Scandella announced his retirement from the NHL after 14 seasons. The 35-year-old defenseman played with the Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, and St. Louis Blues from 2010-11 to 2023-24. He had 170 points in 784 regular-season games and nine points in 56 playoff contests.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 4, 2025

by | Sep 4, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 4, 2025

Check out the latest on Ducks center Mason McTavish and Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RG.ORG: James Murphy wondered if the NHL trade market for a second-line center would pick up with all general managers and coaches gathered in Detroit for meetings this week.

An NHL executive told Murphy he’s not sure, but he indicated that talks are picking up again. “I just think there are more buyers than sellers still,” he said.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish? (NHL Images)

The biggest name remains center Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks. A restricted free agent, McTavish remains unsigned with training camp two weeks away. However, an NHL executive told Murphy that there is no indication of an impasse between the 22-year-old center and Ducks management.

According to Murphy’s sources, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has not yet signaled to his peers that he’s shopping McTavish.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Verbeek and the McTavish camp have kept their contract talks out of the media for the most part. Nevertheless, Ducks beat writer Eric Stephens of The Athletic reported last month that the club wants to sign McTavish, claiming the two sides had exchanged several different contract proposals.

Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild (who recently signed a three-year contract), Jared McCann of the Seattle Kraken, Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames, and Boston Bruins forwards Casey Mittelstadt and Pavel Zacha have been mentioned as possible trade candidates. However, the executive told Murphy that he wondered which ones were really available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild didn’t sign Rossi with the intention of trading him. McCann has spent most of his tenure with the Kraken as a winger. Kadri has a full no-movement clause and hasn’t requested a trade, nor are the Flames interested in moving him.

Mittelstadt and/or Zacha could be available later this season if the Bruins fail to rebound from their disappointing 2024-25 campaign. For now, it’s unlikely either one will be moved.

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith reports Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold said his club wasn’t that far off from getting winger Kirill Kaprizov signed to a contract extension.

The 28-year-old superstar is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. His average annual value on his current contract is $9 million.

Contract extension talks have been ongoing during the summer, but the lack of a deal thus far has raised some speculation about his future with the Wild.

“I kind of think we’re there,” Leipold said. “I like to believe when Kirill comes over and gets a sense again for the excitement and the love of the city, I think we’ll be moving in a good direction”.

Leipold is prepared to open the vault for Kaprizov. “This will be a huge deal, likely the biggest in the NHL ever,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bleacher Report’s Frank Seravalli believes the AAV for Kaprizov’s next contract will be in the $15 million range. Smith’s colleague, Michael Russo, said he’s heard it could go as high as $16 million. The only question is whether he’ll want the maximum deal or a shorter term.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 4, 2025

by | Sep 4, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 4, 2025

General managers react to the implementation of new CBA rules, Quinn Hughes talks about his future with the Canucks, Blues winger Dylan Holloway on his departure from the Oilers last year, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports on the reaction from several NHL general managers regarding the implementation of new CBA rules regarding a playoff salary cap starting this season.

Teams will no longer be able to stash injured players on long-term injury reserve to use the cap savings to acquire talent for the playoffs. Teams will be limited to a 20-man roster that is cap-compliant for each game.

LeBrun also indicated that changes to the LTIR exception will be applied to salary-cap accounting before the playoffs. “That part needs to be figured out fully before puck drop next month,” he wrote.

Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman believes the changes could result in fewer moves because teams are always looking ahead. However, he understands why there was concern among fans and media regarding how some teams used LTIR to bolster their rosters for the playoffs.

Washington Capitals GM Chris Patrick believes teams will have to learn as they go and start developing new strategies. Brad Treliving of the Toronto Maple Leafs acknowledged the logic behind the change, and Kent Hughes of the Montreal Canadiens believes it ensures all teams are on an equal footing.

Ken Holland of the Los Angeles Kings was at the forefront of those suggesting a playoff cap several years ago. “I think it’s great for the league, great for the fans, great for the players,” Holland said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see how the general managers adjust to the changes. Player movement could be affected during the season, especially in the weeks leading up to the annual trade deadline.

LeBrun also reported that the 2026-27 regular season will begin in late September, and the Stanley Cup will be awarded no later than mid-June. The preseason will be shortened, while the regular-season schedule will be expanded to 84 games.

SPORTSNET: Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes said Tuesday that he hasn’t made any decisions yet about his long-term future with the team.

The 25-year-old defenseman has two years remaining on his contract. He’s eligible to sign a contract extension starting next July. He said he’s focused on helping the Canucks rebound from a disappointing performance last season.

Hughes had hoped that Rick Tocchet would remain as head coach and was disappointed by his departure to the Philadelphia Flyers. However, he praised Adam Foote, who was promoted from defensive coach to replace Tocchet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speculation arose earlier this year suggesting Hughes would like to play with his brothers, Jack and Luke, one day. That prompted rumors that he could be traded to the New Jersey Devils if he’s unwilling to commit to the Canucks beyond 2026-27. The Canucks ability to bounce back from last season’s tumultuous campaign could determine whether Hughes sees his long-term future in Vancouver.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parsons cited Dylan Holloway telling “The Cam & Strick Podcast” that the Edmonton Oilers undervalued him and pushed him out when he wanted to stay.

Holloway, 23, signed an offer sheet with the St. Louis Blues last summer, which the Oilers declined to match. He said it rubbed him the wrong way how little Oilers management thought of him.

“I wanted to go back to a team we went so far with, but as soon as Edmonton didn’t reciprocate that feeling, I was all in on St. Louis,” Holloway said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Parsons wondered if Holloway’s departure affected team captain Connor McDavid, who is UFA-eligible next summer and whose contract extension status is making headlines. He believes the Oilers made “a monumental mistake” letting Holloway go, suggesting that decision could influence the level of trust McDavid has in management’s decisions for the future.

THE MINNESOTA STAR-TRIBUNE: Former NHL stars Zach Parise and Joe Pavelski head the 2025 class for the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

Former NHL forward Scott Gomez, Team USA defender Tara Mounsey, and photographer Bruce Bennett are also among this year’s inductees.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the five members of the US HhoF Class of 2025 for this well-deserved honor.

TSN: Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving said contract extension talks are underway with Anthony Stolarz. The 31-year-old goaltender is UFA-eligible next July.

TSN: Utah Mammoth prospect Tij Iginla is fully healthy after undergoing surgery on both hips last season. The 19-year-old forward appeared in only 21 games with the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets in 2024-25. He was chosen sixth overall by the Mammoth in the 2024 NHL Draft.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators’ ending their seven-year playoff drought last season has had a positive effect on the box office. Cyril Leeder, the club’s president and CEO, said season tickets are up about 15-20 percent from last season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Goaltender Aaron Dell announced his retirement on Wednesday. The 31-year-old spent seven of his 13-season professional career in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres, and New Jersey Devils from 2016-17 to 2022-23.

In 130 regular-season games played, Dell had a record of 50 wins, 50 losses, and 13 overtime losses, with a 2.92 goals-against average, a .905 save percentage, and five shutouts. He saw action in four playoff games, finishing with a 2-2 record, a 3.08 GAA, and an SP of .898.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Former NHL forward Brandon Yip has retired. He spent five seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators, and Arizona Coyotes from 2009-10 to 2013-14, finishing with 29 goals and 27 assists for 56 points in 174 regular-season games. Yip had six points in 16 postseason contests.

From 2014-15 to 2024-25, Yip spent most of his career playing in the KHL, as well as in Germany and Finland.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 3, 2025

by | Sep 3, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 3, 2025

A prediction on when Kirill Kapizov and Jack Eichel will sign their contract extensions, the latest on the Canadiens’ efforts to trade Carey Price’s contract, plus an update on UFA winger Jack Roslovic in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BLEACHER REPORT: Frank Seravalli predicted when Kirill Kaprizov will re-sign with the Minnesota Wild and Jack Eichel re-ups with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

Seravalli predicts both players will sign extensions with their current clubs, but believes Eichel will sign first. He thinks the 28-year-old Golden Knights center will get a deal with an average annual value (AAV) in the $13 million to $13.5 million range.

According to Seravalli, Kaprizov has more leverage because their scoring would suffer without him. He believes the Wild winger will get an AAV in the $15 million range.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: An AAV in the $13 million range for Eichel would mean the Golden Knights will have over $25 million invested in two forwards after landing Mitch Marner and his $12 million AAV on June 30. Factor in the combined AAVs of Mark Stone ($9.5 million) and Tomas Hertl ($6.75 million), and they’ll have $41.25 million tied up in four forwards.

That would leave the Golden Knights with around $7 million in projected cap space for 2026-27.

As for Kaprizov, Wild beat writer Michael Russo of The Athletic recently reported hearing the Wild could pay him an AAV as high as $16 million.

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels reports Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes said his team is looking at ways to create more salary-cap flexibility this season. That could include trading the contract of permanently-sidelined goalie Carey Price.

“We’re fine, we don’t have to trade Carey Price,” Hughes said. “If we can find a trade to move his contract that makes sense for us and makes sense for another team, we’ll pursue it. But we don’t have to.”

The Canadiens could continue to put Price on long-term injury reserve (LTIR) to remain cap-compliant as they’ve done over the past three seasons. Nevertheless, Engels believes it’s more likely they’ll trade Price before the start of the season, including an asset in the deal to a team closer to the salary-cap floor.

TSN: Chris Johnston believes the Canadiens could pursue a second-line center if they can move Price’s contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Check out the Sept. 1 and 2 Rumor Mills for more details on why the Canadiens would prefer to trade Price’s contract rather than place him on LTIR again.

LEAFS NATION: cited Bleacher Report’s Frank Seravalli recently indicating that the Toronto Maple Leafs remain in contention to sign Jack Roslovic. The 28-year-old forward is considered the best player still available in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

Seravalli said that nothing appears imminent, but the Leafs remain in touch with Roslovic’s camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report also noted that Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported in July that the Maple Leafs need to free up some cap space before signing Roslovic. They currently have just over $1.9 million available.

It’s rumored they could attempt to peddle a forward like David Kampf ($2.4 million) or Calle Jarnkrok ($2.1 million). Both players carry 10-team no-trade lists.