NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 7, 2024

by | Aug 7, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 7, 2024

The preseason schedule is announced, Evgeny Kuznetsov talks of his struggles with the Capitals and Hurricanes, the Blue Jackets shake up their coaching staff, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The league released its 15-day, 106-game preseason schedule across 40 NHL and neutral-site venues in North America and Europe from Sept. 21 to Oct. 5.

The highlights include the Utah Hockey Club’s debut, the Buffalo Sabres playing in Munich, Germany and the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrating Kraft Hockeyville in Elliot Lake, Ontario.

The opening day of preseason features the Penguins facing off against the Buffalo Sabres, the St. Louis Blues going up against the Dallas Stars, and the Minnesota Wild meeting the Winnipeg Jets.

Former Carolina Hurricanes center Evgeny Kuznetsov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So what are your thoughts on the preseason? Are you looking forward to it? Is it too long? Let me know in the comments below.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Evgeny Kuznetsov told Russia’s MatchTV that he wasn’t happy with his performance during the final two seasons of his NHL career. It bothered him so much that he didn’t want his children to watch him play.

The former Capitals and Hurricanes center admitted last week that he’d been dealing with rheumatoid arthritis that causes pain in the joints. He was taking medication and injections to address the condition. He was also dealing with severe insomnia. Kuznetsov sought help through the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

Kuznetsov said he’s been off the medication for three months and is feeling better as he begins the next stage of his career. He terminated the final year of his NHL contract and signed a four-year deal with KHL club SKA St. Petersburg.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuznetsov said he wants his family, including his children, to see what he can really do now that he’s back in the KHL.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Columbus Blue Jackets shook up their coaching staff under new bench boss Dean Evason.

Assistant coach Mark Recchi was fired after only one season. He joined the club under unusual circumstances last September after Pascal Vincent was promoted to replace head coach Mike Babcock when he was fired just before training camp.

Mike Haviland was promoted from associate coach with their AHL affiliate in Cleveland to join the Blue Jackets staff. Assistant coaches Steve McCarthy and Jared Boll will be retained. Meanwhile, Derek Dorsett resigned from his position as a player development coach.

TSN: New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said he isn’t closing the door to bringing back Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck. The two forwards remain unrestricted free agents.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello has previously waited until the last minute to sign some UFAs due to salary cap constraints. He could do the same with Clutterbuck or Martin but the Islanders are right at the $88 million cap with 22 active roster players under contract.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Konsta Helenius is foregoing the final season of his contract in Finland and is heading to North America to play for the Sabres or their AHL affiliate in Rochester this season. The 18-year-old forward was chosen 14th overall by the Sabres in this year’s NHL Draft.

OTTAWA SUN: Carter Yakemchuk signed his entry-level contract with the Senators. The 18-year-old defenseman was chosen seventh overall in this year’s draft.

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: The Blackhawks signed winger Marek Vanacker to an entry-level deal. The 18-year-old was the 27th overall pick in this year’s draft.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 6, 2024

by | Aug 6, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 6, 2024

Could the Wild acquire Patrik Laine? When will Sidney Crosby re-sign with the Penguins? Are the Rangers interested in Ducks forward Trevor Zegras? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILD INTERESTED IN PATRIK LAINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith and Michael Russo believe Patrik Laine is the type of player Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin would take a chance on if he could afford him.

NHL Network’s Mike Rupp believes the Wild could “kick the tires” on the 26-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets winger, who requested a trade this spring. He felt they needed the “star power” that Laine could bring. “They need somebody else that can help carry the workload as far as putting up big numbers,” said Rupp.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

However, Rupp also expressed concern over how well Laine would fit into the Wild’s system. He noted their style is that of a hardworking, lunchpail group all pulling in the same direction while the Blue Jackets winger is more of a freelancer.

Smith and Russo suggest it might make sense if they can get Laine at half his $8.7 million annual cap hit. However, the cap-strapped Wild have just $1.531 million available, which drops by $1 million if they carry goaltender Jesper Wallstedt.

The Wild could include goaltender Filip Gustavsson in the deal as his cap hit ($3.75 million) almost lines up with Laine’s half-salary. However, former Wild coach Dean Evason is now the Blue Jackets bench boss and couldn’t get good goaltending from Gustavsson before he was fired as the Wild’s coach last fall.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be a bold move by Guerin but would involve plenty of moving parts, such as a third team getting involved to spread Laine’s cap hit around. It could prove too complicated to pull off for the Wild.

MORE MUSINGS OVER THE STATUS OF SIDNEY CROSBY’S CONTRACT EXTENSION.

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: Tim Benz cited Mark Madden expressing his belief that Sidney Crosby will sign his contract extension on his birthday (Aug. 7). “If he doesn’t, I think we can start wondering,” said Madden, suggesting the Penguins should consider trading their captain to avoid the situation becoming a distraction if it drags through the season. However, he stressed he doesn’t see it coming to that.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Jason Mackey also thinks the superstitious Crosby could sign on his birthdate (8/7), pointing out the long-time Penguins star wears that number on his jersey and his current AAV is $8.7 million. Nevertheless, he admits it could become a concern if he doesn’t sign that extension soon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Rob Rossi last week cited sources claiming the two sides were comfortable enough in the direction of those negotiations that they felt comfortable enough to engage in their summer plans and enjoy some downtime.

They may have reached an agreement that could be announced on Aug. 7 or at the latest before the start of training camp. However, if training camp starts without an extension in place, then it’s time to start worrying about the situation.

RANGERS NOT INTERESTED IN TREVOR ZEGRAS

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, Arthur Staple was asked about trade rumors linking New York Rangers winger Kaapo Kakko to someone like the Anaheim Ducks’ Trevor Zegras.

Staple replied he doesn’t think the Rangers have ever been interested in Zegras, “much as the local kid would love to be a Ranger. If they were, it would take more than Kakko to pry him away from the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple was also asked about Kakko being linked to the Buffalo Sabres’ Alex Tuch. He doesn’t believe the Sabres have ever seriously considered moving Tuch but Kakko wouldn’t be enough to entice them.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 6, 2024

by | Aug 6, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 6, 2024

In today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines: lingering questions about the Rangers defense corps, the latest on the Senators’ Josh Norris and the Kraken’s Shane Wright, and the Avalanche sign Oliver Kylington.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers are set to return with five of the six regular defensemen they had last season. Talk of retooling the blueline by trading captain Jacob Trouba failed to materialize.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

The Rangers must determine who fills the sixth defense position following Erik Gustafsson’s departure as a free agent. It remains to be seen if K’Andre Miller was playing with Trouba or Braden Schneider. Questions linger over who quarterbacks the second power-play unit and how the depth chart adjusts in case of injury.

Training camp could see Zac Jones and Chad Ruhwedel jockeying with Ben Harpur, Connor Mackey, and Brandon Scanlin.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Steve Warne looked at the many layers of concern about Josh Norris. The 25-year-old Ottawa Senators center is a former 35-goal scorer whose career has been hampered by shoulder injuries.

The Senators’ chances of reaching the playoffs will improve with a healthy, productive season from Norris. However, questions remain over whether he can play a full season, regain his 35-goal form, if Shane Pinto has passed him on the depth chart, and how the club will adjust if he becomes sidelined again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: When healthy, Norris is a productive center for the Senators. Another injury-hampered season, however, could force them to seek a more reliable top-six center. Norris’ contract will also complicate things. He’s in his third season of an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $7.95 million.

THE SCORE: Shane Wright hopes to earn a full-time roster spot with the Seattle Kraken following his impressive play during his call-up late last season. He had four goals and an assists in five games.

Wright, the fourth-overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, spent most of last season with the Kraken’s AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley, scoring 22 goals and 47 points in 59 regular-season games and 13 points in 12 postseason contests.

Former Coachella Valley coach Dan Bylsma is now the Kraken’s bench boss. Wright is excited about making the step to the NHL with Bylsma, praising his communication skills and motivation.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche signed Oliver Kylington to a one-year, $1.05 million contract.

Kylington, 27, departed the Calgary Flames as an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He missed the entire 2022-23 season to take care of his mental health. He returned to action last season, with eight points in 33 games.

Having also signed Calvin de Haan and Erik Brannstrom, the Avalanche will have a crowded blueline for 2024-25. Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Josh Manson and Samuel Girard are the only locks. Sam Malinski will also be in the mix.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kylington isn’t a physical defenseman but his puck-moving skills could fit well into the Avs’ style of play. He was expected to re-sign with the Flames but those negotiations failed to result in a new deal.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines and Rumors – August 5, 2024

by | Aug 5, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines and Rumors – August 5, 2024

It’s a holiday Monday in Canada so there’s little hockey news to report. Here’s a brief look at the notable remaining unrestricted free agents plus a look at whether Patrik Laine would be a fit with the Bruins.

DAILY FACEOFF: recently listed the top remaining players in this summer’s unrestricted free agent market.

Right wing James van Riemsdyk tops the list, followed by defensemen Tyson Barrie and Tony DeAngelo.

Former Nashville Predators defenseman Tyson Barrie (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barrie was in his hometown of Victoria, BC, on Saturday hosting a charity concert featuring Grammy Award winner Sarah McLaughlan. There’s no word if he’s in discussions with any NHL teams for next season.

As for DeAngelo, SI.com cited Hockey News Hub claiming the blueliner was reportedly signing with SKA St. Petersburg. No official word yet from him or the club.

Right wings Tyler Johnson, Kevin Labanc and Mike Hoffman, defenseman Oliver Kylington, left wings Max Pacioretty and Jakub Vrana, and blueliner Justin Schultz rounded out the top 10.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: These players have occasionally surfaced in free agent rumors over the past month as options for NHL clubs seeking affordable depth. However, no reports suggest any of them are close to signing.

Other notables include defenseman John Klingberg, goaltender Kevin Lankinen, left wing Nick Cousins, goalie Antti Raanta, and wingers Cal Clutterbuck and Filip Zadina.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been no updates on Klingberg since he underwent season-ending hip surgery in December. The latest on Cousins is he’ll be having his day with the Stanley Cup on Aug. 20 but nothing on talks with NHL teams.

THE BOSTON GLOBE: Kevin Paul Dupont pondered the possibility of the Bruins looking into acquiring Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine. With the offseason departure of Jake DeBrusk, he believes the 26-year-old Laine could be a good fit among the Bruins’ top-six forwards.

Laine’s contract, however, is a significant obstacle. He has two years remaining on his deal with an average annual value of $8.7 million. The Bruins currently have $8.6 million in cap space but most of that will be taken up signing goaltender Jeremy Swayman.

To bring Laine to Boston, the Blues Jackets would have to retain some of Laine’s cap hit. Doing so, however, means the Bruins would be forced to ship out equal bucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dupont believes Laine will most likely suit up with a club that has the cap room to acquire him. He suggested the San Jose Sharks and Detroit Red Wings as the best bet given their depth of exciting young prospects.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 4, 2024

by | Aug 4, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 4, 2024

The possible trade value of Islanders center Brock Nelson plus speculation over the futures of Predators winger Philip Tomasino and Sabres forward Peyton Krebs in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHAT WOULD BE BROCK NELSON’S TRADE VALUE?

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple was asked by a reader if the New York Islanders would consider moving Brock Nelson if a contender offered a package like a first-rounder and two seconds or a first and a top prospect.

Staple believes Nelson would rise to the top of the list of Islanders who could fetch a sizeable return if general manager Lou Lamoriello becomes a seller. However, he doesn’t see a team pitching the type of offer proposed by the reader, pointing out the Carolina Hurricanes didn’t end up parting with a first-rounder or a B-plus prospect to get Jake Guentzel.

New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guentzel fetched a decent haul for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Hurricanes gave up winger Michael Bunting, two prospects (Vasili Ponomarev and Ville Koivunen), the rights to college prospect Cruz Lucius, a conditional first-round pick in 2024 (that became a second-rounder when the Hurricanes failed to reach the 2024 Stanley Cup Final), a conditional 2024 fifth-rounder, and minor leaguer Ty Smith.

Nelson’s been the Islanders’ most consistent player over the past five years so Staple isn’t firmly in the trade camp. He believes a lot depends on this season unless Lamoriello extends Nelson before this season begins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nelson can become an unrestricted free agent next July. The 32-year-old center is in the final season of a six-year contract with an average annual value of $6 million and a 16-team no-trade list.

Lamoriello won’t trade Nelson if he’s still playing up to his usual standard and the Islanders are in playoff contention. However, he could become a prime trade candidate if they’re out of contention by the March trade deadline.

In that case, Nelson’s performance will determine his trade value. A first-rounder isn’t out of the question but his age likely means the highest pick the Isles could get is a second-rounder in a package deal. They won’t get any top prospects for him but they could get a decent NHL forward comparable to Bunting.

PHILIP TOMASINO HAS AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE WITH THE PREDATORS

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty reports the Nashville Predators’ recent additions of veteran forwards Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault could squeeze out young winger Philip Tomasino.

Chosen 24th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft by Nashville, the 23-year-old Tomasino split the past two seasons with the Predators and their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee. The club’s apparent lack of confidence and the influx of new talent suggests change could be afoot, though they did qualify his rights. He’ll have to accept the qualifying offer or sign another contract to play this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators only have $595K in cap space for 2024-25 with 20 active roster players under contract. Tomasino could end up heading to Milwaukee for this season on his qualifying offer unless the Predators trade him.

COULD SABRES FORWARD PEYTON KREBS BECOME A TRADE CANDIDATE?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael Augello observed that Buffalo Sabres forward Peyton Krebs remains without a contract. Chosen 17th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2019 NHL Draft, he was part of the trade that sent Jack Eichel to Vegas.

Krebs, 23, has struggled to establish his role in the NHL, spending most of last season in a fourth-line role. Augello noted rumors going back to the March trade deadline linked Krebs to the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Sabres still need a goal scorer to replace Jeff Skinner, who was bought out in June. Augello suggests Flyers forward Joel Farabee could be a fit as he came up in trade rumors earlier this year. He could become a cost-cutting candidate following the Flyers’ signing of Travis Konecny to a long-term extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers are already sitting above the $88 million salary cap by over $829K. However, they’ll get relief by placing permanently sidelined defenseman Ryan Ellis and his $6.25 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve.

Farabee’s $5 million cap hit through 2027-28 is a concern for the Flyers if his consistency doesn’t improve. That will also make it difficult for the Flyers to shed his contract. Given his cap hit, Farabee must improve to be enticing for the Sabres at that price.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 4, 2024

by | Aug 4, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 4, 2024

Matthew Tkachuk talks about celebrating his Stanley Cup win with his father, former Sharks GM regrets letting Joe Pavelski depart from San Jose, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE SCORE: Matthew Tkachuk said he never saw his father, former NHL star Keith Tkachuk, cry before until the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup.

Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk (NHL Images).

“He was bawling his eyes out like a big baby in the stands as those few minutes went by after we won,” Tkachuk said during a recent appearance on “The Jim Rome Show”. “The emotion from my family…it was something that I’ll never forget.”

Keith played 18 seasons as a power forward in the NHL but never got to win the Cup. Matthew said he was honored to celebrate the victory with his father.

“It was a dream,” he said. “Me handing the Cup to my dad when all the family came on the ice was one of the highlights of my entire life.”

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Former Sharks general manager Doug Wilson recently paid tribute to Joe Pavelski and his long NHL career. The 40-year-old forward announced his retirement last month.

Wilson admitted he regrets letting Pavelski depart as a free agent in 2019. “We should have found a way to get it done,” he said. “It was a mistake.”

Chosen in the seventh round of the 2003 NHL Draft by the Sharks, Pavelski leads his draft class with 476 goals and 1,068 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Patrice Bergeron and Marc-Andre Fleury are the top two players to emerge from the 2003 Draft but Pavelski will forever be its leading scorer. The only player who could’ve caught him was Eric Staal (455 goals, 1,063 points) and he announced his retirement last week.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Randy Gregg and Craig MacTavish are the 2024 inductees into the Edmonton Oilers Hall of Fame. They will be honored at Rogers Place on Oct. 25 before the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Gregg spent nine seasons as a defenseman with the Oilers from 1981-82 to 1989-90, winning five Stanley Cups. MacTavish spent nine of his 17 NHL seasons as a checking-line forward with the Oilers from 1985-86 to 1993-94, winning three Cups in Edmonton. He went on to coach the club from 2000 to 2009.

THE SCORE: James Hagens is setting his sights on becoming the top prospect in the 2025 NHL Draft.

The 17-year-old playmaking center netted 102 points in 58 games last season with the US National Team Development Program Under-18 team. He also made history at the 2024 U-18 Championship with a record-setting 22 points in seven games.

Hagens also hopes to make the cut for Team USA at the 2025 World Juniors after being one of the final cuts from the 2024 squad. “I want to be on that team really bad,” he said, admitting it hurt getting cut but is using it as motivation this year.

The 5’10”, 172-pound Hagens turns 18 in November and will play for Boston College this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hagens is the consensus early favorite to be chosen first in next year’s draft. It’ll be worthwhile to keep an eye on this kid throughout this season.