NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 6, 2024

by | Feb 6, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 6, 2024

Recaps of Monday’s games, the three stars of the week are revealed, Hall-of-Famer Lanny McDonald is in hospital following a cardiac event, and David Pastrnak weighs in on the NHL’s 4 Nations Faceoff tournament. Get the details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Alexis Lafreniere lifted the New York Rangers to a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Artemi Panarin scored the tying goal for the Rangers (31-16-3) as they hold first place in the Metropolitan Division with 65 points. Nathan MacKinnon scored for the 32-14-4 Avalanche as he moved into a tie with Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov for first place in the scoring race with 85 points. The Avs extended their points streak to 14 games, holding first place in the Central Division with 68 points.

New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere (NHL Images).

The New York Islanders nipped the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 on a late goal by former Leaf Pierre Engvall. Ilya Sorokin made 35 saves for the 21-17-12 Islanders (54 points) as they snapped a three-game winless skid (0-2-1) to sit four points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. John Tavares had a goal and an assist for the Maple Leafs (25-15-8) as they hold the first Eastern wild-card spot with 58 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Defensemen Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock returned to action for the Islanders after missing several games due to injury. Meanwhile, Leafs forward David Kampf is out for a week with an undisclosed injury.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat were the NHL’s three stars for the week ending Feb. 4.

SPORTSNET: Hall-of-Famer Lanny McDonald is in a Calgary hospital after suffering a cardiac event Sunday after returning from the 2024 NHL All-Star weekend in Toronto. He said he owes his life to two quick-thinking nurses who were catching their flights at the Calgary airport but stopped to attend to him. In the stress of the moment, his wife didn’t get their names.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Here’s hoping McDonald has a quick recovery and learns the names of those nurses so he can thank them properly.

THE SCORE: Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak is no fan of next year’s 4 Nations Faceoff tournament. Scheduled for Feb. 2025, the nine-day tournament features only Canada, the United States, Finland and Sweden.

Pastrnak, who’s from Czechia, isn’t pleased that his country was excluded from the tournament. “It’s a huge disappointment…Definitely not happy about it,” he told Boston.com’s Conor Ryan. He said he understood that it was a quick turnaround and the league probably didn’t have enough time to expand the tournament.

Nevertheless, Pastrnak said he’s not going to watch that tournament, putting his focus on representing Czechia at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t blame Pastrnak for feeling slighted. It’s a slap in the face to NHL players from smaller hockey-playing nations like Czechia, Germany, Slovakia and others. The league could’ve addressed this by having a Team Europe comprised of NHL players from those countries as they did during the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov has entered the NHL-NHLPA player assistance program and will be away from the team indefinitely. The 31-year-old’s production has declined over the past two seasons and he’s struggled with consistency.

TSN: London, Ontario police yesterday confirmed charges against five former players of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team.

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart, Calgary Flames winger Dillon Dube, New Jersey Devils forward Michael McLeod and defenseman Cal Foote and unsigned Ottawa Senators winger Alex Formenton were each charged with one count of sexual assault stemming from an alleged incident following a Hockey Canada event in London in June 2018. McLeod also faced an additional charge of sexual assault for “being a party to the offense.”

The case is set to return to court on April 30.

THE ATHLETIC: NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the Flyers, Flames and Devils will receive salary-cap relief for those players during their indefinite leaves of absence to deal with these legal proceedings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This could be within the realm of the collective bargaining agreement and not something arbitrarily decided by the league.

OTTAWA SUN: Former Senators head coach D.J. Smith will join the Los Angeles Kings as an assistant coach to interim bench boss Jim Hiller for the remainder of the season. Smith was fired on Dec. 18 after over four seasons with the Senators.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Tampa Bay Lightning are getting several injured players back. Forwards Tanner Jeannot and Austin Watson and defensemen Mikhail Sergachev, Erik Cernak and Haydn Fleury participated in practice on Monday.

TORONTO SUN: Matthew Spezza, the younger brother of former NHL star Jason Spezza, died over the weekend from an accidental overdose. Now an assistant general manager with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Jason issued a statement yesterday confirming the news and asking for his family’s privacy to be respected during this difficult time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My sincere condolences to the Spezza family.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 5, 2024

by | Feb 5, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 5, 2024

The Rangers are believed interested in two key Ducks’ forwards plus the latest on the Hurricanes and Capitals in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RANGERS INTERESTED IN HENRIQUE AND VATRANO

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple and Eric Stephens report the New York Rangers have an interest in Anaheim Ducks center Adam Henrique as a playoff rental replacement for the sidelined Filip Chytil.

It’s also rumored that the Rangers might be interested in a reunion with winger Frank Vatrano. The 29-year-old winger played well for the Blueshirts two years ago before signing as a free agent with the Ducks.

Anaheim Ducks center Adam Henrique (NHL Images).

Vatrano is Anaheim’s leading scorer but he might not fit into the club’s rebuilding plans. Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek could try moving him while his value is high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given Verbeek’s reputation as a tough negotiator it won’t be easy for the Rangers to land one or both players. Reports emerged last week claiming Blueshirts GM Chris Drury was taking calls about winger Kaapo Kakko. Perhaps he’d be part of an offer to the Ducks that would also likely include some draft picks and one or two prospects.

WHO COULD THE HURRICANES TARGET IN THE TRADE MARKET?

THE ATHLETIC: Cory Lavalette recently looked at some possible targets for the Carolina Hurricanes leading up to the March 8 trade deadline.

Lavalette doesn’t seem them pursuing a blockbuster trade for an expensive goalie such as Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom, Nashville’s Juuse Saros or Anaheim’s John Gibson. They could stick with Pyotr Kochetkov and Antti Raanta and it’s possible sidelined Frederik Andersen could return. If they go the trade route it could be for more affordable options like Minnesota’s Marc-Andre Fleury, Detroit’s James Reimer or San Jose’s Kaapo Kahkonen.

It’s expected the Hurricanes will try to trade defenseman Tony DeAngelo before the deadline. Washington’s Joel Edmundson could be one possibility if they wish to acquire a blueliner while forwards such as San Jose’s Anthony Duclair and Alexander Barabanov or Chicago’s Colin Blackwell would be cost-effective forward options.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lavalette pointed out that Hurricanes GM Don Waddell acquired players over the last four trade deadlines. With over $6.6 million in projected trade deadline cap space, he’s got the room to make one or two affordable depth additions.

LATEST ON THE CAPITALS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber recently wondered if the thin market for centers could work to the Washington Capitals’ advantage if they become sellers leading up to the trade deadline.

Checking-line center Nic Dowd should receive some interest. He’s got a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $1.3 million.

Silber also mused over whether the thin market might increase interest in center Evgeny Kuznetsov. Signed through next season with a $7.8 million AAV, his contract and inconsistent play make him difficult to move.

Winger Anthony Mantha could also be worth watching. He’s on pace for a career-best 27 goals this season, which should improve his value in the trade market.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 5, 2024

by | Feb 5, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 5, 2024

The league returns to action from its All-Star break on Monday plus the latest on Mark Scheifele, Zach Parise, Ryan Pulock, Mattias Samuelsson, Jesse Puljujarvi and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon can regain first place in the race for the Art Ross Trophy as they visit the New York Rangers on Monday evening. MacKinnon (84 points) sits one point behind league-leader Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zach Parise will make his debut with Colorado in this game. The 39-year-old winger signed a one-year, prorated contract with the Avalanche on Jan. 26. He believes joining the Avs gives him a great opportunity to win the Stanley Cup.

Meanwhile, Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren is expected to return to action after missing the Blueshirts’ last game before the All-Star break with an upper-body injury.

In Toronto, Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews can build on his lead for the Maurice Richard Trophy when his club faces off against the New York Islanders. With 40 goals, Matthews holds a three-goal lead over Florida Panthers winger Sam Reinhart.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders also got some good news as defenseman Ryan Pulock was activated off long-term injury reserve. He’d been sidelined since Dec. 7 with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, the Leafs placed forward Calle Jarnkrok on injured reserve while forward David Kampf remains out day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.

SPORTSNET: Speaking of returning from injury, Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele will suit up against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday. He missed their last six games with a lower-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets went 2-3-1 during their leading scorer’s absence.

WGR 550: Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson’s season is over as he faces surgery for an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, his teammate Jack Quinn will be sidelined for six to eight weeks recovering from surgery for a lower-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Two big blows for the Sabres in a season that started with the promise of their long-awaited breakthrough as a playoff contender. Instead, they’re headed for another disappointing finish.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins yesterday signed Jesse Puljujarvi to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $800K. The 25-year-old winger underwent double hip resurfacing last summer. He’d been playing with the Pens’ AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on a professional tryout offer (PTO) last month, collecting nine points in 13 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Puljujarvi worked hard to save his career and return to the NHL. It remains to be seen where things go from here but it’s admirable that he reached this point.

CAP FRIENDLY: indicates the Minnesota Wild placed forward Pat Maroon on injured reserve.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames claimed defenseman Brayden Pachal off waivers from the Vegas Golden Knights.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 4, 2024

by | Feb 4, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 4, 2024

Check out the latest on Jake Guentzel plus updates on the Bruins and Wild in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST GUENTZEL SPECULATION

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski cited Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos making an off-hand comment during his Friday show that he’d heard the Penguins offered Jake Guentzel a six-year, $50 million contract, but it had not yet been signed.

Kingerski would be surprised if Guentzel rejected such an offer from the Penguins. He might get a little more than that on the open market, but his stats are a little inflated from skating on Sidney Crosby’s wing for most of his career.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That rumored offer cited by Kypreos breaks down to an average annual value of $8.33 million. I agree with Kingerski that it’s unlikely Guentzel would reject that deal unless it comes without some no-trade protection. That could be a sticking point as a lot of high-end pending unrestricted free agents prefer to have no-trade or no-movement clauses to give them a measure of control over the life of their contracts.

The Montreal Canadiens trading Sean Monahan on Friday to the Winnipeg Jets has prompted some to ponder how much the Penguins might get for Guentzel in the trade market. Kingerski looks at what the Canadiens got for Monahan and the Calgary Flames for sending Elias Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks and doubts the Penguins would get significantly more for Guentzel.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kingerski noted that any first-round pick the Penguins might get as part of the return for Guentzel would likely be somewhere between 20th and 32nd overall. Recent draft analysis indicates a 35 percent probability that a player selected in that range will even play 200 career NHL games.

It’ll be interesting to see what Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas does with Guentzel leading up to the March 8 trade deadline. He could put the winger on the trade block if the club remains out of playoff contention or if there’s no progress in contract talks.

What he could fetch in the trade market should be better than what the Flames got for Lindholm and the Canadiens got for Monahan. Kingerski pointed out that there are more buyers than sellers in this year’s trade market but little money to spend. As a result, he believes the return for Guentzel might not be the manna from heaven that some Penguins fans believe it could be.

CAN THE BRUINS AFFORD CHRIS TANEV OR NOAH HANIFIN?

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss pointed out the Bruins still need to add another veteran defenseman to their blueline before the trade deadline. He suggested the Calgary Flames’ Chris Tanev as he would fit the role of physical d-man who can log big minutes, kill penalties, block shots and clear the front of the net.

Goss cited TSN’s Pierre LeBrun indicating the general price tag for Tanev is believed to be a second-round pick plus another asset. A team could probably get him now if they offered up a first-round pick. The Bruins, however, don’t have a second-rounder until 2026 and don’t own a first-rounder in this year’s draft. Giving up their 2025 first-round pick would be too much for a 34-year-old defenseman.

Tanev’s teammate Noah Hanifin would be a better long-term fit. He’s 27 and possesses a very good two-way skill set. However, it would cost the Bruins a lot to acquire him, assuming he’s willing to sign a contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored Bruins GM Don Sweeney would love to land Hanifin. That seems something more likely to occur in the offseason when he becomes a UFA and the Bruins have the cap space to pursue him.

Given the Bruins’ lack of tradeable assets and limited salary cap space, I don’t see them landing Tanev or Hanifin by the trade deadline. They’ll have to pursue more affordable options on the blueline.

Boston could make it work if they were to shop Jake DeBrusk. Like Tanev and Hanfin, the 27-year-old winger is slated to become a UFA on July 1.

The Boston Herald’s Steve Conroy suggested the Bruins should attempt to move him in a blockbuster deal if they’re unable to sign him to a contract extension before March 8. However, the Flames might not be interested unless he’s willing to sign a new contract with them. He might not even suit their needs if they’re attempting to rebuild.

POTENTIAL WILD TRADE BAIT.

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith recently looked at the Minnesota Wild’s potential trade candidate if they become a seller by the March 8 trade deadline.

Their pending UFAs include Pat Maroon, Marc-Andre Fleury, Brandon Duhaime, Zach Bogosian and Alex Goligoski. Connor Dewar is due to become a restricted free agent who could be available if the Wild don’t like what it could cost if he takes them to arbitration.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fleury has come up recently in the rumor mill but it seems unlikely he’ll agree to a trade unless he gets a significant role with a new club. At age 39 and with his career winding down, he’ll be at best a backup with a contender and that might not hold much interest for him.

Maroon and Bogosian have Stanley Cup experience which could make them enticing for contenders seeking affordable playoff depth.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 4, 2024

by | Feb 4, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 4, 2024

Team Matthews defeats Team McDavid to win the 2024 All-Star Game. Details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews scored two goals to lead his team to a 7-4 victory over Team McDavid to win the 2024 NHL All-Star Game at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. His team was awarded a check for $1 million.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

In the best-of-three format, the captain of Team Matthews finished the three-on-three tournament with four points, becoming the first Leaf in 33 years to be named MVP of the All-Star Game. His team eliminated Team Hughes 6-5 in a shootout while Team McDavid needed a shootout to eliminate Team MacKinnon 4-3.

Matthews is the fifth Leaf to be named MVP, joining Vincent Damphousse (1991), Bruce Gamble (1968), Frank Mahovlich (1963) and Eddie Shack (1962). He also became the 11th player in NHL All-Star Game history to win MVP honors in his home arena.

Five players on Team Matthews finished with at least four points. Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat (3 goals, 3 assists) and New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal (1 goal, five assists) lead the way with six points each, followed by Nashville Predators winger Filip Forsberg (3 goals, 2 assists, 5 points), and Matthews and Arizona Coyotes winger Clayton Keller (1 goal, 3 assists) with four points apiece.

Team McDavid forward Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers) led his club with five points (1 goal, 4 assists) while teammate David Pastrnak (Boston Bruins) had 2 goals and 2 assists for four points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the usual friendly pond-hockey style affair though the results weren’t as lopsided as we’ve seen in previous All-Star games. The fans in attendance seemed to have a good time, which is what matters here. The NHL All-Star Game is more of a benefit for the host city.

ESPN.COM: New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes said he’s close to returning to action. He’s been sidelined for a month with an injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s good news for the Devils as they’re struggling to remain in playoff contention in the Eastern Conference. With a record of 24-20-3 (51 points), they’re seven points behind the Detroit Red Wings for the final Eastern wild-card berth.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Colorado Avalanche placed goaltender Ivan Prosvetov on waivers while the Vegas Golden Knights did the same with defenseman Brayden Pachal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Putting Prosvetov on waivers has raised speculation that the Avalanche will bring in a replacement backup goalie for Alexandar Georgiev via trade or their farm system. Stay tuned…

THE ATHLETIC: recently released the results of an anonymous player poll on a variety of topics.

Of note was Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov being named the league’s most underrated player, Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras chosen as the most overrated, Panthers forward Nick Cousins was considered the player whose face they’d most like to punch, and Wes McAuley was named the best referee.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link above for the full results if you have a subscription. I just picked out the ones that interested me. The other topics had predictable results (the current captain of the Edmonton Oilers being named best player and it wasn’t even close).










NHL Rumor Mill – February 3, 2024

by | Feb 3, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 3, 2024

What’s next for the Canadiens after trading Sean Monahan to Winnipeg? What’s the latest on the Islanders and Senators? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE CANADIENS FOLLOWING THE MONAHAN TRADE?

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels praised Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes for a master class in asset management by trading Sean Monahan on Friday to the Winnipeg Jets for a 2024 first-round pick and a conditional third-rounder in 2027. This after Hughes obtained a 2025 first-round pick from the Calgary Flames in 2022 to take on Monahan’s contract at a time when his trade value was at its lowest.

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes (NHL Images).

The Canadiens now have two first-round picks in the 2024 draft and two in the 2025 draft. They also have four more picks in the second round and five more in the third through 2026.

Engels speculates that Hughes could use some of those first-round picks as trade bait. He traded first-round picks in each of the last two drafts to acquire Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes recently spoke of his club’s need to bolster their scoring depth. He could draw upon his cache of high draft picks to bring in an established young scorer who could help accelerate the club’s rebuilding process. The Canadiens GM could do that before the March 8 trade deadline or during this year’s draft.

THE ATHLETIC’s Arpon Basu reported Hughes indicated yesterday that he’s not shopping defenseman David Savard.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Savard is under contract through next season but he had surfaced in the rumor mill as a possible trade candidate. It sounds like Hughes isn’t that keen to move him. Savard brings veteran experience and leadership to the Canadiens’ young defense corps.

LATEST ISLANDERS SPECULATION

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Andrew Fantucchio recently listed three possible trade candidates for the Islanders if they become sellers by the March 8 trade deadline.

Fantucchio listed goaltender Semyon Varlamov, winger Simon Holmstrom and center Brock Nelson as possible trade options, though he considered Nelson unlikely to be moved.

Varlamov, 35, is in the first year of a four-year deal along with a full no-trade clause in the first two years. The 22-year-old Holmstrom is enjoying his best season to date with 12 goals and 18 points.

Nelson, 32, has two years left on his contract and a 16-team no-trade clause but has averaged over 36 goals per season over the last two years and is once again on pace to finish the season as the Isles’ leading goal scorer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fantucchio goes into greater detail regarding the pros and cons of moving those three.

Of the three, Holmstrom would seem the easiest to move but he won’t fetch a big return. Varlamov’s age and NTC should ensure he remains with the Isles this season.

Nelson would draw plenty of attention and bring the best return but I doubt he’ll be traded unless Isles GM Lou Lamoriello decides it’s time to tear things down and rebuild. I don’t think Lamoriello is at that stage given his recent hiring of Patrick Roy as head coach.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner listed five reasons why the Islanders have placed forward Julien Gauthier on waivers. One of them could be to clear additional salary-cap space for a trade. If Gauthier clears, he’ll be sent to their AHL affiliate and his $785,500 cap hit will be freed up, giving the Isles nearly $5 million in projected trade deadline cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If that’s the reason, it would mean Lamoriello intends to be a buyer before next month’s trade deadline.

SENATORS SHOPPING THOMSON?

OTTAWA SUN’s Bruce Garrioch reports a league executive told him that he wouldn’t be surprised if Senators defenseman Lassi Thomson is traded to another organization before the March trade deadline.

Full Press Hockey’s Murray Pam cited a report out of Sweden suggesting Thomson could be heading to Swedish club Malmo next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As we say on The Face Off Hockey Show, “All roads lead to Malmo”. (Inside joke. Those who regularly follow the show will get it).

Once a highly-touted prospect, the 23-year-old Thomson has struggled to crack the Senators lineup. He’s appeared in just 18 games with the Senators, spending most of his time since 2020-21 with their AHL affiliate in Belleville.