NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 10, 2024

by | Aug 10, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 10, 2024

Predicting which players will fill six captain vacancies, the club Ryan McDonagh considers a team to beat this season, Oliver Kylington explains why he signed with the Avalanche, a make-or-break season for Ilya Samsonov, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman recently predicted which players he believes will fill the vacant captaincies for the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, Seattle Kraken, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Utah Hockey Club.

Wegman thinks Mason McTavish will become the Ducks’ next captain in 2025-26, filling a role last filled by Ryan Getzlaf from 2010 to 2022. He predicts Rasmus Dahlin will fill the vacant Sabres captaincy after Kyle Okoposo was traded to Florida in March.

Connor Bedard could be the next Blackhawks captain in 2025-26, filling the role previously held by Jonathan Toews from 2008 to 2023. Wegman believes Yanni Gourde should be tapped for the captaincy of the Seattle Kraken, a position last held by Mark Giordano during their inaugural season (2021-22).

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (NHL Images).

Victor Hedman is Webman’s choice as Lightning captain, replacing the departed Steven Stamkos (2014-2024). Clayton Keller is his pick to captain Utah, whose previous one was Oliver Ekman-Larsson from 2018 to 2021 during the franchise’s incarnation in Arizona.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hedman is the obvious choice for Tampa Bay. Time will tell if the others get the job with their respective clubs. Bedard could be named Blackhawks captain if he establishes himself as a leader on and off the ice. Dahlin would be a solid option for the Sabres.

TSN: Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh believes the Nashville Predators could be a force to be reckoned with this season. The 35-year-old defenseman spent the past two seasons with the Predators before being traded back to Tampa Bay in May.

McDonagh cited how the Predators rallied in midseason after being counted out by observers to reach the playoffs. “There’s no question that they’re going to be a team to beat this season,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The additions of Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei and former Lightning captain Steven Stamkos should also bolster the Predators this season.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Former Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington explained why he chose to sign with the Colorado Avalanche this summer. He indicated the Flames were in the picture for a long time but the Avalanche made him feel like they really wanted him.

“It was a very compelling factor that they wanted me so much that I felt that all the pieces beyond that felt natural to choose. It felt good considering how hungry they are. I am involved in a new start with a new organization,” he said.

Kylington also remains grateful for the support he received from the Flames and their fans when he took time away to deal with his mental health.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Anthony Larocco wonders which version of Ilya Samsonov the Vegas Golden Knights will be getting as their new backup goaltender this season. The 27-year-old Samsonov is on his third team in five years and this season could be his last chance to prove he belongs in the NHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Consistency has been an issue for Samsonov in his five-season NHL career. He’s on a one-year contract with the Golden Knights and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Another shaky performance could make this season his last in the NHL.

THE ATHLETIC’s Aaron Portzline reported on X.com that the Columbus Blue Jackets are getting closer to a new contract with forward Cole Sillinger. It’s believed to be a two-year deal.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars general manager Jim Nill is still confident he’ll get restricted free agent defenseman Thomas Harley under contract soon. He said that talks continue between the two sides. “We’re going to get him signed,” said Nill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Training camps don’t open for another month – plenty of time for Sillinger, Harley, and other RFAs to be signed to new deals. The time to start worrying is when training camp opens if they aren’t under contract. Until then, enjoy what’s left of the summer.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 9, 2024

by | Aug 9, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 9, 2024

How much could Canucks winger Brock Boeser get on his next contract? Could the Sabres pursue Flyers forward Joel Farabee? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston looked at what Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser could get on his next contract.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

Boeser, 27, is coming off the best season of his NHL career, with 40 goals and 73 points in 81 games. He’s in the final season of his three-year contract with a cap hit of $6.65 million, putting him in a strong negotiating position if he repeats last season’s performance.

Johnston argues that Boeser isn’t in the range of the top wingers despite his solid two-way play.

He noted the four players ahead of Boeser on the salary table (Anaheim’s Troy Terry, Minnesota’s Matt Boldy, the New York Islanders’ Anders Lee, and Colorado’s Gabriel Landeskog) each carry an average annual value of $7 million.

The next three above them are Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor ($7.142 million), Utah’s Clayton Keller ($7.15 million), and Dallas’ Jason Robertson ($7.75 million).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston believes Boeser will get a raise on his next contract but it could be difficult to determine how much it’ll be.

It could come in between $7 million and $8 million annually on a seven or eight-year deal. However, another 40-goal season ensures it’ll be pushed into the $9 million range for the Canucks and even higher if he tests the open market.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: During a recent mailbag segment, Lance Lysowski was asked if there was a chance the Sabres remain interested in Philadelphia Flyers forward Joel Farabee.

Lysowksi noted the Sabres have $8.4 million in cap space, of which some will go to re-signing forward Peyton Krebs. However, he believes there’s enough left to add an impact player. He suggested packaging defenseman Connor Clifton in a trade for Farabee or Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers.

Farabee also underwent the same artificial disk replacement surgery as former Sabre Jack Eichel, which could concern Sabres owner Terry Pegula.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres could add another forward but their signing of Jason Zucker last month could be all they do for now. They’ll likely assess their roster during training camp and preseason but any further additions could come from within.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 9, 2024

by | Aug 9, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 9, 2024

The latest on Brett Pesce, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff looks for promising youngsters to step up this season, the Blue Jackets make more coaching changes, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Kristy Flannery reports Brett Pesce is looking forward to joining the New Jersey Devils after nine seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes. The 29-year-old defenseman signed a six-year, $33-million contract with the Devils on July 1.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Brett Pesce (NHL Images).

Appearing on Morning Cuppa Hockey, Pesce said he enjoyed his time with the Hurricanes. However, he wanted to be close to his Tarrytown, NY home and is excited about joining the Devils. He praised their young stars and noted their June addition of goaltender Jacob Markstrom could make them even better.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pesce is among several notable offseason additions (including Markstrom) by the Devils as they hope to bounce back from a disappointing 2023-24 campaign. He’ll play a key role in shoring up their blueline depth.

TSN: Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff hopes his organization’s promising young players make big strides in their development this season.

Cheveldayoff believes center Cole Perfetti is just scratching the surface of his potential, acknowledging that injuries held him back last season. He’s also looking for forwards Brad Lambert and Nikita Chibrikov to step up this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets have an established core of talented veterans including Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor and Nikolaj Ehlers. Nevertheless, Cheveldayoff hopes those promising kids will become the club’s next stars ensuring he Jets remain a competitive playoff contender.

DAILY FACEOFF: The changes to the Columbus Blue Jackets coaching staff continued on Thursday with the hiring of new assistant coaches Mike Haviland and Scott Ford.

Haviland spent the last two years as an associate coach with the Blue Jackets AHL affiliate in Cleveland. Ford is coming off eight years as an assistant coach with the Nashville Predators AHL affiliate in Milwaukee.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former Edmonton Oilers defenseman Oscar Klefbom formally announced his retirement as a player. The 31-year-old’s last NHL game was during the COVID bubble playoffs on Aug. 7, 2020. He underwent surgery for a nagging shoulder injury that sidelined him for the remaining three years of his contract.

Klefbom had 34 goals and 122 assists for 156 points in 378 NHL games with the Oilers from 2013-14 to 2019-20.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Klefbom was a promising puck-moving defenseman for the Oilers until injuries derailed his playing career.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 8, 2024

by | Aug 8, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 8, 2024

Check out the latest on Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Patrik Laine in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATES ON CROSBY AND MALKIN

THE ATHLETIC: Rob Rossi reports multiple sources said Sidney Crosby’s birthday (Aug. 7) was never a target date for the new contract that and the Pittsburgh Penguins are working on. Both sides remain confident of agreeing to a new deal.

Crosby has told close friends that he intends to re-sign with the Penguins and that his camp and general manager Kyle Dubas remain largely aligned about the details of his new contract. His focus right now is training for the upcoming season. A league source also said there are no issues between Crosby and the Penguins.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Both sides agree that a delay in finalizing the deal will generate speculation. There’s also some concern on the Penguins’ business side that it could affect sponsorship deals and season ticket sales.

A team source said the actual money isn’t an issue. Because Crosby’s next contract is a 35-plus deal, there are strict limitations on signing bonuses (none beyond the first year of a multiyear deal) plus the year-to-year salary cannot decrease. The player’s full cap hit will continue to apply should he retire before the end of his contract.

Rossi cites a source close to Crosby claiming he’s unsure how long he wants to keep playing and wants to avoid putting the Penguins in a difficult spot if he retires early.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Term seems to be the issue. It’s been speculated the 37-year-old Penguins captain could sign a three-year deal.

I guessed that Crosby might sign on his birthday because of his superstitious attachment to No. 87. However, I’m not surprised yesterday passed without a deal.

Plenty of time exists for Crosby to sign his extension with the Penguins. It’s important to him and the team that they get this right. It’s garnered so much attention because of who he is and the lack of real hockey news during the dog days of the offseason.

It will get done, either before the start of training camp or soon afterward. I don’t see this dragging on into this season becoming an unnecessary distraction for Crosby and the team.

Rossi also reports Evgeni Malkin intends to honor the remaining two years of his contract. It was rumored he would retire at the end of this season. “Not true,” said Malkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin made it clear he intended to play out the full term of his contract when he signed it. So did Kris Letang when he signed his deal. Malkin might return to Russia at the end of his deal and finish his playing career there, but he and Letang want to finish their NHL careers together with Crosby in Pittsburgh.

THE LATEST ON PATRIK LAINE

WINNIPEG SUN: In a recent mailbag segment, Scott Billeck was asked whether the Jets might bring back Patrik Laine. The Jets traded him to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Pierre-Luc Dubois in January 2021.

Billeck doesn’t see a fit for Laine with the Jets. He pointed out they lack the cap space to make it work even if the Blue Jackets retained half of his $8.7 million cap hit without shipping out someone. The Jets’ top-six forward lines are more or less set, with head coach Scott Arniel planning to give more playing time to Cole Perfetti.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Billeck suggested moving Nikolai Ehlers and his $6 million cap hit but pointing out Arniel likes the Danish winger. Laine returning to Winnipeg seems unlikely to me.

TVA SPORTS: cited Sportsnet’s Eric Engels dismissing the notion of the Montreal Canadiens acquiring Laine. Appearing on “The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro”, he said it made him laugh to see posts on X.com claiming the Canadiens were the front-runners.

“I would say the interest is pretty minimal,” said Engels. He pointed out that Laine’s game isn’t up to par in every aspect that excludes goal scoring. It’s unlikely that Laine will want to go to the lion’s den that is the Montreal market after exiting the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine went into the program seeking help for his mental health. Facing the unrelenting pressure of Montreal’s hockey hothouse is probably not high on his “to-do” list.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Anthony Larocco thinks Laine could be a good fit with the Carolina Hurricanes as a replacement for the departed Teuvo Teravainen. He would improve their depth on the wings, helping them further solidify their chances of contending for first place in the Metropolitan Division.

Turning to the Washington Capitals, Sammi Silber believes a trade for Laine doesn’t make sense for them right now. Laine’s contract and the Capitals’ limited cap space makes it difficult to pull off that deal. Finding a suitable spot on their roster is another factor.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 8, 2024

by | Aug 8, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 8, 2024

The potential effect of Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault on the Predators’ power play, Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond could take on leadership roles with the Red Wings, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE TENNESSEAN: Last month’s signings of Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault are expected to bolster the Nashville Predators power play. The Preds struggled with the man advantage during their playoff series with the Vancouver Canucks.

Stamkos and Marchessault will likely be part of the Predators’ top power-play unit alongside Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi and Ryan O’Reilly. Stamkos will mostly stay on the left side, Marchessault and O’Reilly will play around the net and in the slot, while Forsberg and Josi keep pucks in play and shots from the points.

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators improved on the power play in 2023-24, finishing 16th overall with a PP percentage of 21.6. Adding Stamkos and Marchessault could push them into the top 10 this season.

THE SCORE: Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde intends to have Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond take on greater roles with the club this season.

In an interview with Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, Lalonde said he’d spoken with the pair over the summer about an increased leadership role with the team.

Seider and Raymond are restricted free agents but Lalonde isn’t concerned that both remain unsigned.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seider and Raymond are expected to be under contract when training camp opens next month. They’ve already taken on larger roles as their play improves and their experience grows. They’ll play important roles with the Red Wings in the coming years.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald explained his recent acquisition of Paul Cotter from the Vegas Golden Knights. He anticipates the 24-year-old forward will replace the physicality the Devils lost when Miles Wood departed last summer as a free agent.

Cotter had 25 points in 76 games last season with the Golden Knights along with 233 hits and forcing 35 turnovers.

LAS VEGAS SUN: The Vegas Golden Knights are taking steps to expand their fan base by touring in Jackson, Wyoming; Boise, Idaho; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Billings, Montana; and Reno.

In addition to participating in on-ice clinics, fans will get the opportunity to meet players, broadcasters and other members of the organization.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Smart move by the Golden Knights to grow their fanbase by extending their reach outside the Las Vegas region, especially in areas with no NHL franchises.

TSN: Dillon Dube and Michael McLeod are listed on KHL rosters as they await trial in London, Ontario after being charged with sexual assault in February. Dube is listed on Dinamo Minsk’s roster and McLeod with Astana Barys.

Both players became unrestricted free agents when their NHL clubs declined to qualify their rights.

A trial date is expected to be set on Aug. 13.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 7, 2024

by | Aug 7, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 7, 2024

Check out the latest on the Rangers and Oilers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill

THE ATHLETIC: A reader asked Arthur Staple if there is any clear indication that the New York Rangers will attempt to trade or buy out Jacob Trouba after this season.

Staple replied that Trouba submitted his 15-team no-trade list valid until July 1, 2025. There’s nothing set in stone but both sides understand that the Rangers need salary-cap space next summer.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers attempted to move Trouba before his no-movement clause ended on July 1 and became a 15-team no-trade list. He waited until July 1 (as is his right) to submit that list.

Both sides say there is no bad blood and they’ll work together this season. However, this season is likely Trouba’s last with the Rangers and he understands that. Whether they find trade partners willing to take on his $8 million cap hit for 2025-26 depends on his performance this season.

Asked about Kaapo Kakko, Staple believes he’s not a player other teams are coveting now, speculating the Rangers may be getting offers but nothing worthwhile. He considers the 23-year-old winger a “buy-low player” in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would explain why Kakko hasn’t moved despite plenty of offseason trade speculation. He’ll likely start this season with the Rangers. Improvement in his performance will boost his trade value but could also give them second thoughts about moving him.

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell looked at some Oilers storylines to follow for the remainder of the summer.

He believes no news is good news regarding contract extension talks with Leon Draisaitl. If things were going poorly, the Oilers would drop hints about trade options. As things stand, Mitchell considers the signing inevitable and possibly not far away.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: General manager Stan Bowman said talks have become and there’s nothing negative to report. Draisaitl’s contract situation gets interesting if the season begins without him putting pen to paper. Until then, it’s not worth fretting about.

The Oilers remain over the $88 million salary cap with restricted free agents Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg to be signed.

One way to address this would be placing Evander Kane (hip injury) on long-term injury reserve to start the season but they’ll have to be cap-compliant when he’s ready to return. If he’s coming to training camp, Cody Ceci or Brett Kulak could be traded to free up cap space to sign Holloway and Broberg.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ceci carries a $3.25 million cap hit this season while Kulak’s is $2.75 million annually through 2025-26.