NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2026

by | Jun 24, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2026

Brady Tkachuk hopes to write a new chapter in Florida, Zach Werenski and the Blue Jackets to discuss his future, analysis of Tuesday’s trade action, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE LATEST ON BRADY TKACHUK AND ZACH WERENSKI

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Brady Tkachuk was formally introduced as the newest member of the Panthers on Tuesday. He was acquired in a trade with the Ottawa Senators on Sunday.

Tkachuk said he’s looking forward to starting a new chapter in his life and career with the Panthers. He got to know the team well during its back-to-back Stanley Cup championships through his brother, Matthew Tkachuk.

“Their sole focus is winning, and that’s something I’m excited to join, to help out,” Tkachuk said.

Tkachuk also thanked his former club, singling out team owner Michael Andlauer, general manager Steve Staios, his former coaches and teammates. He said it wasn’t an easy decision to leave, and would always be thankful to the Senators for what they did for him as a player and a person. “They always have a piece of my heart,” he said.

THE ATHLETIC: Justin Bourne pushed back against the notion that the appeal of warm-weather, US-based teams in no-tax states is a growing trend, suggesting it’s part of a boom-bust cycle.

Teams such as the Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars have been riding high in recent years, and NHL players want to play for winning franchises. However, Bourne pointed out several factors that will make it harder for those clubs to maintain their positions.

A significant factor will be the increasing difficulty of maintaining Stanley Cup contenders when they’re getting thin on tradeable assets. Their respective prospect pipelines rank 24th or worst among all NHL clubs. Some are lacking first-round picks over the next two to four years. As key players age out and their contracts remain on their books, it becomes harder to acquire talent to replace them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Strong management was the prime reason why those four clubs became preferred destinations for NHL stars. However, as Bourne points out, they could soon reach the point where they will lack sufficient assets to maintain their place as Cup contenders.

Meanwhile, well-managed teams like the Hurricanes and Wild are becoming enticing landing spots for talented players. Rising clubs like the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks, and Utah Mammoth could join them if they build into Stanley Cup contenders.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Columbus Blue Jackets and Zach Werenski will meet following the upcoming NHL Draft to discuss his future. The 28-year-old superstar defenseman will be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status in July 2028.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

With trade requests around the league dominating headlines and the rumor mill, Werenski’s future in Columbus has become the subject of growing speculation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets narrowly missed the playoffs over the past two seasons, sparking the conjecture that Werenski might be getting frustrated over their inability to get over the postseason hump. However, he could be willing to see how next season unfolds before deciding if his future lies elsewhere. They could also name him their new team captain if Boone Jenner departs via free agency on July 1, which could also factor into his plans.

ANALYSIS OF TUESDAY’S TRADES

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link for the details of the four notable trades that occurred on Tuesday.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Bill Hoppe wonders what other moves Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has in store after shipping defenseman Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.

Moving Byram and winger Jordan Greenway free up over $10.25 million in salary cap space. The Sabres could use it to attempt to re-sign pending UFA winger Alex Tuch, or to add another established talent.

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn reported Tuch is expected to test the free-agent market on July 1. He thinks GM Jarmo Kekalainen could use the first-round pick in this year’s draft (No. 4 overall) that he received from the Blackhawks as a trade chip if he wants to add another player. However, the Sabres GM could keep the pick and use it to add a potentially franchise-altering talent.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Jack Bushman believes Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson overpaid for Byram and Greenway by including the fourth-overall pick as part of the return, along with blueliner Louis Crevier and a 2026 second-round pick.

Bushman also pointed out that Davidson still has to find a suitable winger to play alongside first-line center Connor Bedard. That task becomes more difficult without that No. 4 pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Davidson made no secret of his intent to bolster their blueline. Nevertheless, the reaction to this move has been mostly negative among Blackhawks fans. Some preferred he use that first-round pick to select a promising young defenseman, while others hoped he’d use it as bait for a proper wingman for Bedard.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber believes Jordan Kyrou will be a perfect fit with the Washington Capitals. They acquired the speedy winger from the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday. She noted that the Capitals needed scoring depth at right wing.

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford pointed out that more moves could be coming for the St. Louis Blues. They got a first-round pick from the Capitals in this deal, giving them four in this year’s draft. He also thinks the addition of Connor McMichael will boost the Blues’ top nine, while forward Milton Gastrin will boost their prospect pipeline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s doubtful the Blues will retain all four of those picks. They could bundle a couple of them in a trade for another young player or two.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch noted that Senators GM Steve Staios wasted little time making another trade after shipping Brady Tkachuk to Florida on Sunday. He bundled the first-round pick (No. 9 overall) he received from the Panthers with two prospects to the San Jose Sharks for winger William Eklund. Garrioch believes Staios will use the No. 25 pick as a trade chip to pursue another player, pointing out their interest in Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng noted the Sharks now hold the No. 2, 9, and 27 picks in this year’s draft. Moving Eklund could clear the path for them to use the No. 2 pick to select prospect forward Ivar Stenberg, but they could also use it as trade bait for an established talent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks still need to bolster their blueline. One or two of those draft picks could be used to add a quality defenseman.

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin reports Flames GM Craig Conroy pursued Simon Nemec because he thought highly of the young defenseman. He traded away two first-round picks (one from the Golden Knights, one from the Colorado Avalanche) to the New Jersey Devils as part of the return for the 22-year-old blueliner.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols noted that the Flames don’t have a contract extension in place for Nemec, who is a restricted free agent on July 1. The move frees up space on the crowded Devils blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nemec should be a good addition to the rebuilding Flames. He was going to be an expensive re-signing for the Devils. They can use those two first-round picks as trade chips to address their need for more scoring punch among their top-six forwards. This move probably means that the Devils won’t be trading veteran blueliner Dougie Hamilton.

IN OTHER NEWS…

EDMONTON JOURNAL: As expected, the Oilers officially hired Mike Babcock as head coach.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Hoffman Family of Companies received unanimous approval from the NHL Board of Governors to purchase the Penguins. The purchase process had been ongoing since last August.

THE ATHLETIC: The NHL is exploring the feasibility of expansion into either Austin or Atlanta. It has entered a short-term agreement with Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin to put a franchise in one of those cities. The agreed-upon price is $3.5 billion, covering the expansion fee ($2 billion) and the cost of a new arena ($1.5 billion).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The worst-kept secret in the league is now, finally, out in the open. Expect an NHL franchise in at least one of those cities by 2030.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The New York Islanders hired Pascal Dupuis as their new Director of Player Development. Since 2021-22, the former NHL forward has owned the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes, serving in different roles with the team.










NHL Trade Tracker – June 23, 2026

by | Jun 23, 2026

NHL Trade Tracker – June 23, 2026

St. Louis Blues trade winger Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals (NHL Images).

 The Buffalo Sabres trade defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for the fourth-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, defenseman Louis Crevier, and a 2026 second-round pick.

The St. Louis Blues trade winger Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals in exchange for forward Connor McMichael, prospect forward Milton Gastrin, and a first-round pick (No. 16) in the 2026 NHL Draft. Kyrou waived his no-trade clause to join the Capitals.

The Ottawa Senators acquire winger William Eklund, forward Kasper Halttunen, and the rights to forward prospect Brandon Svoboda from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for the No. 9 pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft. That pick originally belonged to the Florida Panthers.

The New Jersey Devils traded defenseman Simon Nemec and forward Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames for conditional first-round picks in the 2027 and 2028 drafts, a second-round pick in the 2026 draft, and prospect defenseman Etienne Morin. Both conditional picks are top-10 protected.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 23, 2026

by | Jun 23, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 23, 2026

The latest on Zach Werenski, Dylan Larkin, Jason Robertson, Bowen Byram, Jake DeBrusk, Valeri Nichushkin, and John Carlson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL ZACH WERENSKI REQUEST A TRADE?

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Brady Tkachuk trade has increased speculation about the future of Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski.

Like Tkachuk, Werenski has two years remaining on his contract. Team USA teammates such as the Tkachuk brothers and Quinn Hughes have forced trades to teams where they wanted to play, and Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings is attempting to do the same.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

Given the Blue Jackets’ difficulties in becoming a playoff contender, Columbus fans could be worried that Werenski might do the same.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell recently met with Werenski’s agent, Judd Moldaver. He said both sides don’t know where the “noise” about the Norris Trophy winner’s future is coming from. Waddell remains confident that the 28-year-old defenseman wants to stay in Columbus.

Portzline’s colleague, Pierre LeBrun, believes Waddell’s moves during this offseason could determine Werenski’s future.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger believes Waddell will “seek a king’s ransom” if they end up having to trade Werenski.

“My line is usually, ‘It would be a boatload,” Waddell said. “We don’t want to trade him, but if it ever came to that, then year, it would be (a high price).”

Werenski has a full no-movement clause until the end of next season, when it becomes a 10-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So far, there’s no indication that Werenski wants to move on. The Blue Jackets came very close to making the playoffs last season, and he could be willing to wait and see if they can get over the hump next season. If they do, it’ll improve the Jackets’ odds of signing him to an extension next July. If they fail again, it could lead to his departure via trade next summer.

UPDATE ON DYLAN LARKIN

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jake Tye cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who believes there won’t be any common ground found between the Detroit Red Wings and Dylan Larkin that would see him return with the team for next season.

Larkin submitted a trade request earlier this month, with the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers his initially preferred destinations. It’s believed he’s been asked to expand that list.

Friedman believes the Red Wings will trade Larkin this summer. He thinks GM Steve Yzerman believes they can’t bring him back and have to move on.

Meanwhile, Michael Whitaker noted that Friedman’s colleague, Nick Kypreos, believes the Dallas Stars are now Larkin’s destination of choice. Kypreos also thinks Anaheim Ducks GM (and former Red Wings assistant GM) Pat Verbeek might try to get in on this.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild are believed to be Larkin’s preferred landing spot, but that might not be possible if they can’t afford the Wings’ asking price. Yzerman will want to get the best possible deal for moving his top center.

As for the Stars, that’ll depend on whether they re-sign winger Jason Robertson. If they do, they won’t be able to afford Larkin’s $8.7 million AAV.

Speaking of Robertson…

COULD JASON ROBERTSON BECOME AN OFFER-SHEET TARGET?

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos looked at how the threat of an offer sheet could affect the Stars’ contract talks with Jason Robertson.

The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1, and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

After the Senators traded Brady Tkachuk to the Panthers, reports emerged that they would make a big push for Robertson via trade or offer sheet. The Senators have over $25 million in cap space for 2026-27, enabling them to pitch a $14 million to $15 million per season offer to Robertson. The Stars, with just over $10 million in cap space, likely couldn’t match it.

If the Stars manage to re-sign Robertson, Mavrik Bourque could become an offer-sheet target. However, the young forward indicated that he believes he’ll be back with the Stars this fall.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Assimakopoulos noted that Robertson would have to want to be open to signing an offer sheet to receive one, and he’d have to be open to joining the Senators for them to make a pitch. If he doesn’t, it won’t matter what they’re willing to offer.

The Senators could attempt to acquire Robertson via trade. He lacks a no-trade clause, but if he’s unwilling to sign a contract extension, the Sens are unlikely to give up assets for a player who would depart next summer via free agency.

Some of you might point out that the Senators did that a few years ago with Alex DeBrincat, but that was under different management. Senators GM Steve Staios isn’t likely to waste valuable trade assets on a one-year player.

COULD THE PENGUINS PURSUE BOWEN BYRAM?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports a league source told him that Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is “going big-game hunting” this summer.

Yohe believes Bowen Byram is a player worth watching. The 25-year-old Buffalo Sabres defenseman has a year left on his contract and will seek a significant raise. It would cost a lot in trade pieces and future cap space, but Byram is a player the Penguins like a great deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas and the Penguins have the trade assets that could entice the Sabres if they put Byram on the block. It will depend on how much the Sabres want, especially if they seek a good roster player as part of the deal.

THE LATEST ON JAKE DEBRUSK

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston believes the Ottawa Senators trading Brady Tkachuk puts them in the market for a left winger. He speculated that they could make a move for Jake DeBrusk. The 29-year-old winger has a full no-movement clause, but he’s looking to join a contender and doesn’t want to play for the rebuilding Canucks.

DeBrusk could be a good fit with the Senators. He also carries an affordable $5.5 million annual cap hit. The Canucks’ asking price could be the 25th overall pick, which they could pair with the 24th overall pick would be a good return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers suggested the Canucks could use those two picks to select twin brothers Liam and Markus Ruff. That’s assuming the two forwards are still available at that point. Liam is the 20th ranked North American skater while Markus is 23rd.

Johnston also reports the Columbus Blue Jackets could be interested in DeBrusk. The Blue Jackets hold the 14th overall pick.

NICHUSHKIN AVAILABLE? CARLSON TO THE LIGHTNING?

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who reported he’s started hearing Valeri Nichushkin being mentioned in the rumor mill.

“Colorado is looking for some (cap) flexibility, I think. His name is out there. We’ll see,” Friedman said during Monday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichushkin’s inconsistency, his health, and well-documented off-ice issues make him a risk acquisition. The 31-year-old winger carries an AAV of $6.125 million and a 12-team no-trade list.

RMNB: cited Friedman saying “most people” wouldn’t be surprised if John Carlson signs with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 36-year-old defenseman recently told the Anaheim Ducks that he was going to test the market, and it’s believed he wants to return to the Eastern Conference.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 23, 2026

by | Jun 23, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 23, 2026

Patrice Bergeron and Carey Price among the Hockey Hall of Fame’s 2026 class, the Senators plan their future without Brady Tkachuk, Darren Raddysh explains why he joined the Maple Leafs, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Center Patrice Bergeron, goaltenders Carey Price and Pekka Rinne, and winger Keith Tkachuk headline the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. The induction ceremony will take place in November. 

Longtime NHL executive Brian Burke will be inducted into the builder’s category. Former USA women’s star and coach Cindy Curley was also inducted into the player category. Curley was inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.

Patrice Bergeron, Carey Price, Pekka Rinne, and Keith Tkachuk will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame (NHL.com)

Bergeron was one of the greatest two-way players in NHL history. Spending his entire 19-season career with the Boston Bruins, he won the Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward a record six times. Bergeron also helped the Bruins win the Stanley Cup in 2011, and captained the club from 2021 until his retirement in 2023. He’s third all-time among the Bruins with 1,294 games played, 427 goals, and 1,040 points.

Price spent his 15-season NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens, becoming the franchise leader with 361 wins in 712 games. In 2014-15, he won the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP, Ted Lindsay Award as NHLPA MVP, Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender, and the Jennings Trophy for the fewest goals-against. Price also won the Masterton Trophy in 2021-22 and backstopped Canada to Olympic gold in 2014.

Rinne spent his entire 13-season NHL career with the Nashville Predators. He’s their franchise leader for goalies in every major statistical category, including wins (369), goals-against average (2.43), save percentage (.917), and shutouts (60) in 683 games. Rinne won the Vezina Trophy in 2017-18.

Tkachuk was among the greatest American-born goal scorers in NHL history. He’s third all-time in that category with 538 goals. In 18 NHL seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, and Atlanta Thrashers, Tkachuk had 1,065 points in 1,201 games. He won gold for Team USA at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.

Burke began his NHL management career with the Vancouver Canucks in 1987. He went on to become GM of the Canucks, Hartford Whalers, and Anaheim Ducks (winning the Stanley Cup in 2007), and Toronto Maple Leafs, and served as team president of the Calgary Flames and Pittsburgh Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the Class of 2026 for this well-deserved honor.

SPORTSNET: Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios has no intention of rebuilding his roster after trading Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers on Sunday.

Staios said he intends to be “active in the (trade) market” when it comes to the ninth and 25th overall picks in the upcoming NHL trade. He acquired those picks as part of the return for Tkachuk.

“I have no intention of this team taking a step back,” Staios said. “We’re active, and we’re open.”

Staios also indicated that Tkachuk told him of his wish to be traded about a week and a half after their season ended. He began with a list of four teams (Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, and Vegas Golden Knights) but whittled that list down to one.

The Senators GM indicated that he wouldn’t shy away from acquiring American players in the future. “I don’t look at the passport, I look at what they can offer the Ottawa Senators,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators are believed to be interested in center Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks. They also reportedly “kicked tires” on New York Rangers left wing Alexis Lafreniere, and Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell.

THE ATHLETIC: James Mirtle examined the factors that have recently led to stars from Canadians teams to head to the United States. Those include notable American players such as Brady and Matthew Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes and the late Johnny Gaudreau, as well as Toronto native Mitch Marner, Swedish defenseman Rasmus Andersson, and Danish winger Nikolaj Ehlers.

Mirtle cited several factors, including media attention, weather, taxes, and politics, but a key one is that Canadian teams have struggled to contend consistently in the salary cap era.

Before the salary cap, teams asked players to commit to long-term deals, then buy them out or trade them when their play declined. Today, players have more leverage, especially given the decline of the free-agent market and how vital the trade market has become to build a contending team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Players with no-trade and no-move protection have started using them to their advantage by requesting trades to only a limited number of destinations.

Since the Tkachuk trade, some fans suggested the NHL abolish no-trade or no-movement clauses, or change the rules to void those clauses if the player requests a trade.

Such changes can only occur in collective bargaining with the NHL Players’ Association, and good luck convincing them to buy into it. The CBA already limits eligibility to players with seven full NHL seasons or those 27 and older.

Tkachuk’s contract history is a good example. His first full NHL season was in 2018-19 when he was 18-years-old. Under the CBA, players on entry-level contracts don’t get no-trade protection. Following the completion of his ELC, Tkachuk signed an eight-year contract with the Senators. His no-movement clause (which was negotiated into his contract; they’re not automatic) didn’t begin until this season, after he had played seven full NHL seasons.

If this topic comes up during the next CBA talks in 2030, the PA might be willing to tweak the eligibility period by a year or two, but they’ll want something in return. It’s doubtful they’ll agree to eliminating those clauses or putting further limitations on them.

TORONTO SUN: Darren Raddysh met with the Toronto media via Zoom on Monday for the first time since his acquisition by the Maple Leafs. Having grown up in the Greater Toronto Area, the 30-year-old defenseman said it meant a lot to him to join his hometown team, and it would’ve meant a lot to his father, who passed away in March following a battle with cancer.

“It means the world,” Raddysh said. “To be able to play in front of the home fans, it’s awesome. A lot of friends and family have already texted me and are excited.”

Raddysh was acquired last week from the Tampa Bay Lightning and signed an eight-year contract extension with the Leafs worth an average annual value of $8.5 million.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers re-signed defenseman Connor Murphy to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $4.1 million.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Vladimir Tarasenko could be preparing to depart the Minnesota Wild. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the veteran winger has changed agents ahead of his UFA eligibility on July 1.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 22, 2026

by | Jun 22, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 22, 2026

What’s next for the Senators and Panthers following the Brady Tkachuk trade? Are the Blues interested in Elias Pettersson? Could Dylan Larkin’s trade request affect Alex DeBrincat’s future with the Red Wings? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FALLOUT FROM THE BRADY TKACHUK TRADE

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch believes the Senators are going “big-game hunting” to find a suitable replacement for Brady Tkachuk, whom they traded to the Florida Panthers on Sunday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: You can read my take on that trade here.

According to Garrioch, a league executive said he expects the Senators will use some of the assets they received in the Tkachuk trade (three first-round picks and a second-rounder) to pursue a top-six forward in the trade market.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish? (NHL Images)

It’s believed they will step up their efforts to acquire center Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Ducks. The Senators are seeking a forward to play alongside first-line center Tim Stutzle, and they’re not going to find that forward in this year’s upcoming free-agent market. It’s believed the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers are also interested in McTavish, who has five years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $7 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators could dangle one of those first-rounders to the Ducks for McTavish, but the Ducks could prefer more than that, such as an established young player.

Garrioch believes the Senators might revisit their interest in Pittsburgh Penguins wingers Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust. They also had an interest in St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou, but he won’t waive his no-trade clause to come to Ottawa.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rust lacks no-trade protection, but he’s also Sidney Crosby’s linemate, which could ensure he stays put in Pittsburgh. Rakell has an eight-team no-trade list, and if Ottawa’s on it, they’ll have to look elsewhere.

Garrioch noted that Kyrou’s unwillingness to come to Ottawa will be an issue if they pursue players with some form of no-trade protection.

THE FOURTH PERIOD’s Dave Pagnotta reports sources claim the Senators are “making a big push” for Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson. If a trade can’t be worked out and he becomes a restricted free agent on July 1, the Senators could present him with a significant offer sheet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators have over $25 million in salary-cap space for 2026-27 and all their first-round picks to sign Robertson to a lucrative offer sheet with an AAV over $11.6 million.

The only sticking point is whether the 26-year-old Stars winger wants to sign with the Senators.

If the Senators are going to pursue Robertson in a trade, they better make sure he’s willing to sign an extension. He lacks no-trade protection and can be sent anywhere, but he’s also a year away from UFA eligibility.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan believes the Panthers acquisition of Tkachuk takes them out of the running for Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings. The Panthers were reportedly on Larkin’s three-team list of preferred destinations, which also included the Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s believed the Wild are Larkin’s true destination. The Panthers’ acquisition of Tkachuk suggests they weren’t seriously entertaining Larkin as a trade option.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: David Dwork reports the Panthers still have to address their goaltending situation. Starter Sergei Bobrovsky and backup Daniil Tarasov are UFA-eligible on July 1, and Bobrovsky’s contract demands (six-seven years, $42 million) could price him out of Florida.

The Panthers have just over $7 million in cap space to work with. Dwork noted that Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets and Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues have surfaced in the rumor mill.

Given what the Panthers parted with to get Tkachuk, it’s unlikely they have sufficient assets to pry Hellebuyck away from the Jets. Binnington could be a more affordable target, but the Panthers would still have to free up salary to take on his $6.1 million cap hit and to have enough space to fill out the remainder of their roster.

Dwork suggested Devin Cooley of the Calgary Flames as a bargain option. They could also take a look at Penguins pending UFA Stuart Skinner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames re-signed Cooley to a two-year contract in December as Dustin Wolf’s backup, so it’s doubtful they’ll part with him unless the Panthers are willing to overpay.

Skinner could be the Panthers’ best option if there’s nothing suitable in the trade market.

ARE THE BLUES INTERESTED IN ELIAS PETTERSSON?

DONNIE & DHALI: Rick Dhaliwal recently reported the Vancouver Canucks could move Elias Pettersson this summer if they can find a club willing to take on his contract.

Dhaliwal indicated that a source told him the St. Louis Blues were “sniffing around” the 27-year-old center, adding that he’s looking into it.

Pettersson has six years remaining on his contract with an AAV of $11.6 million. He’s underachieved since signing that deal two years ago. Nevertheless, Dhaliwal pointed out that teams are desperate for centers, and some of them believe they can turn him back into a point-per-game player.

The Canucks don’t want to retain salary or take on a bad contract for Pettersson because they’re trying to offload.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s hard to envision a trade scenario where the Blues (or anyone else) takes on Pettersson’s full cap hit without the Canucks taking back an expensive contract as part of the return. Teams may be desperate for help at center, but they’re probably not that desperate.

COULD DYLAN LARKIN’S TRADE REQUEST AFFECT ALEX DEBRINCAT’S FUTURE?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber recently noted that the Washington Capitals need secondary scoring. She wondered if Alex DeBrincat of the Detroit Red Wings might be available.

Silber noted a report by Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, where he suggested that DeBrincat’s future with the Red Wings could be in doubt if they honor Dylan Larkin’s trade request.

DeBrincat, 28, has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $7.875 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to find out how Larkin’s eventual departure could affect the Red Wings’ efforts to sign DeBrincat to an extension. He could end up on the trade block this summer if he decides to test the market next summer.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 22, 2026

by | Jun 22, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 22, 2026

The fallout from the Panthers acquiring Brady Tkachuk, the Kraken re-signed Bobby McMann, the Oilers inked Jason Dickinson to an extension, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators decided to trade Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers after the 26-year-old winger informed them that he wouldn’t re-sign with them. They received three first-round picks and a second-rounder from the Panthers on Sunday.

Tkachuk is under contract through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $8.2 million and a full no-movement clause. The earliest the Senators could’ve signed him to an extension was July 1, 2027. However, he told general manager Steve Staios that he had no plans to sign an extension when the two met last month. Tkachuk publicly denied the trade speculation that swirled around him this year, but privately, he told teammates he wouldn’t be returning after his contract expired.

Ottawa Senators trade Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers. (NHL Images).

Staios had been adamant that he wasn’t trading Tkachuk, but his hand was now forced. The winger was willing to waive his NMC for the Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and the Panthers. However, it was apparent when they explored the market that the Panthers would be the only acceptable destination for the Tkachuk camp, reuniting him with his brother, Matthew Tkachuk.

The Wild reportedly made a hard push, but Zito ultimately made the better offer, sending the Senators assets that could be used as trade chips. Garrioch claimed the Senators tried to get Carter Verhaeghe or Anton Lundell as part of the return, but the Panthers wouldn’t budge.

Staios was seeking a top-six winger, a top-four right-side defenseman and a backup goaltender. Now, he needs to add a suitable replacement for Tkachuk to the mix.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators hold three first-round picks (No. 9, 25, and 32) in the upcoming NHL Draft. He could retain one or more of them, but it wouldn’t be shocking if he uses them to address one or two of his current roster needs, preferably with established players who are in the mid-to-late twenties.

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus believes the Tkachuk trade is the latest in a trend of players with term remaining on their contracts forcing trades to preferred destinations. That list includes Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild, while Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings and Darnell Nurse of the Edmonton Oilers recently made trade requests.

Lazerus also pointed out that it’s not about going to no-tax states. First and foremost, the players want to join teams where they believe they have a chance to win. Going to cities where the spotlight isn’t as glaring is another attraction.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lazerus believes the rising salary cap and lack of depth in the free-agent market could lead to more notable stars becoming available in the trade market by leveraging moves to landing spots of their choosing, especially if they have no-trade protection. Most of those moves could involve players on teams struggling to build or maintain a contender.

The addition of Tkachuk gives the Panthers one of the best groups of top-nine forwards in the league.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers’ top nine features Aleksander Barkov centering wingers Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Bennett as the second-line center between the Tkachuk brothers, with Anton Lundell between Brad Marchand and Eetu Luostarinen.

Panthers GM Bill Zito probably isn’t done making moves over the next couple of weeks. He must replace or re-sign goaltenders Sergei Bobrovsky and Daniil Tarasov. They have over $7 million in cap space, with 19 roster players signed for next season.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: On the same day the Kraken acquired winger Mackie Samoskevich from the Florida Panthers, they announced that winger Bobby McMann has signed a six-year contract with an AAV of $5.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken re-signed the 30-year-old McMann because they’re desperate for offense. The late-blooming winger scored 20 goals last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs and had a career-high 29 goals in 79 games this season with the Leafs and Kraken, including 10 goals in 18 games with the latter.

Samoskevich was shipped to the Kraken yesterday in exchange for the 25th overall pick in this year’s draft and a conditional second-rounder in 2027. The Panthers used that first-rounder as part of the return to Ottawa for Tkachuk.

The 23-year-old Samoskevich saw checking-line duty with the Panthers, but he could see a larger role with the Kraken. He’s a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract and should be an affordable re-signing. Samoskevich is also a former teammate of Kraken center Matty Beniers at the University of Michigan. 

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers signed center Jason Dickinson to a five-year contract with an AAV of $4 million. Dickinson, 30, was slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Oilers acquired him before the March trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jim Matheson of the Journal explained that the Oilers were pleased with Dickinson’s defensive play and how well he fit into their dressing room following his acquisition from the Chicago Blackhawks.

It’s an affordable re-signing by the Oilers for a reliable third-line center. However, Matheson pointed out that they now have $10.6 million remaining with 18 players under contract. It won’t leave much room to re-sign pending UFA blueliner Connor Murphy, find a replacement or a backup for starting goalie Tristan Jarry, and fit in whatever player they get whenever they take action on Darnell Nurse’s trade request.

DAILY FACEOFF: The New York Rangers signed goalie Dylan Garand to a two-year contract worth $875K per season at the NHL level. The first year of the deal is two-way, while the second is one-way.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The ECHL’s New Mexico Goatheads have hired Zack Stortini as their head coach. Stortini, a former NHL player, spent the past four seasons as an assistant coach with the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners.

The Goatheads are the ECHL affiliate of the Avalanche.