NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 26, 2023

by | Oct 26, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 26, 2023

The Capitals defeat the Devils, the league’s teams vote overwhelmingly to decentralize the draft, plus the latest on Brett Pesce and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Third-period goals by Dylan Strome, Connor McMichael and Alex Ovechkin rallied the Washington Capitals to a 6-4 win over the New Jersey Devils. The Capitals jumped to a 3-0 lead after the first period but the Devils regrouped in the second with four straight goals.

Washington Capitals forward Dylan Strome (NHL Images).

Strome scored two goals while Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Mantha each had two points for the 2-3-1 Capitals. New Jersey center Jack Hughes collected three assists while Tyler Toffoli tallied twice and collected a helper as the Devils slipped to 3-2-1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes now leads all scorers with 13 assists and 17 points while Toffoli is among the top-10 goal scorers with six.

DAILY FACEOFF: The NHL’s 32 teams voted overwhelmingly to decentralize the league’s draft format. They prefer moving from the current format where the executives of all the teams gather in one central location to conduct their draft business to one where they remain in their home cities to perform those duties. The change could come as soon as the 2024 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The new format will be similar to those employed by the NFL, NBA and MLB. There will still be a host city where the top prospects are chosen with a handful of executives there but we won’t see the arena-style format currently employed in previous drafts.

I understand the rationale behind the change. As the report noted, some general managers didn’t like the crowded draft floor under the current format where their plans could be overheard by their rivals. The cost of traveling to and from the host city has risen over the years plus the draft is scheduled within days of free agency.

My only concern is how long it’ll take the teams to make their selections as they’ll be doing it remotely. When that format was used during the two COVID drafts it took hours for the proceedings to be completed, especially the later rounds. That might not be a big deal for fans but it’s a drag for those of us who cover the NHL for a living. The league must ensure they keep the teams to a tight schedule rather than have this drag out.

CAROLINA HOCKEY NOW: The good news for the Hurricanes is sidelined winger Andrei Svechnikov’s season debut is “around the corner.” The bad news is defenseman Brett Pesce is sidelined for two to four weeks following surgery for a lower-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a significant loss for the Hurricanes blueline. Pesce usually skates on the second pairing with Brady Skjei. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Minnesota Wild captain Jared Spurgeon (upper body) has been placed on long-term injury reserve (LTIR). They also recalled forward Jujhar Khaira as forward Frederick Gaudreau will miss Thursday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers with an upper-body injury.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: The Penguins placed goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. They also announced that defenseman John Ludvig suffered a concussion during Tuesday’s game against the Dallas Stars.

THE MERCURY NEWS: San Jose Sharks forward Alexander Barabanov is out indefinitely with an upper-body injury.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins signed defenseman Jack Edward to a three-year entry-level contract and placed blueliner Ian Mitchell on waivers.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 25, 2023

by | Oct 25, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – October 25, 2023

Is it time for the Islanders to part ways with Anders Lee? Will the Senators sign or trade Shane Pinto? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SHOULD THE ISLANDERS TRADE OR BUY OUT ANDERS LEE?

THE ATHLETIC: In his recent mailbag segment, Arthur Staple was asked if it was time for the New York Islanders to start shopping team captain Anders Lee. Another asked if the 33-year-old winger might become a contract buyout candidate next summer.

New York Islanders captain Anders Lee (NHL Images).

Staple shot down the notion of trading Lee. He pointed out that his $7 million annual salary cap hit through 2025-26 means there won’t be any takers. Lee is also adjusting to a new spot in the lineup and isn’t seeing much power-play time.

As for a contract buyout next summer, it wouldn’t be the worst move cap-wise. The Isles would get a savings of $4.125 million for 2024-25 and $2.775 million for 2025-26, with dead cap space of $1.725 million for each of the final two years of the buyout. Nevertheless, Staple preached patience given Lee’s new role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I realize this isn’t a rumor but those questions could turn into genuine speculation regarding Lee depending on his performance over the course of this season. He has just one goal and two points in the Isles’ first five games of this season but he’s also coming off back-to-back 28-goal performances.

Lee’s been a consistent producer for the Isles since 2014-15, tallying 20-plus goals in seven of the past nine seasons. It’s far too early to start calling on management to trade him or buy him out.

If the Isles were to shop Lee this season they’ll have to retain a healthy chunk of his cap hit to facilitate a deal. That’s assuming he’s willing to waive his full no-trade clause for this season. They might have better luck next summer when the salary cap is expected to jump by $4 million plus Lee’s full no-trade becomes a 15-team no-trade list on July 1.

LATEST ON SHANE PINTO

TSN 1200 OTTAWA: On Monday, Dave Poulin dismissed the possibility of the Senators trading Shane Pinto rather than moving out someone else to clear cap space to sign the restricted free agent.

If the Senators were to trade Pinto they’re not going to want futures in return. They’ll want an established player and that means taking on salary. Poulin believes they’ll instead make a cost-cutting trade to free up sufficient cap space to sign the 22-year-old center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rumors persist that Senators general manager Pierre Dorion is trying to trade winger Mathieu Joseph or defenseman Erik Brannstrom. That move would shed sufficient cap dollars to sign Pinto to a one or two-year contract with an AAV between $2 million and $2.5 million.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 25, 2023

by | Oct 25, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 25, 2023

Recapping the “Frozen Frenzy” of Tuesday’s 16 games involving all 32 teams in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Washington Capitals 4-1. Toronto goaltender Joseph Woll made 36 saves while Auston Matthews and Morgan Rielly each had a goal and an assist as the Leafs improved to 4-2-0. Alex Ovechkin replied for the 1-3-1 Capitals, scoring his first of the season and becoming the first NHL player to tally 300 career power-play goals.

Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson scored twice and collected an assist in a 6-4 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Jeff Skinner also netted two goals for the 3-4-0 Sabres. Senators goalie Anton Forsberg got the hook after giving up five goals on 18 shots as his club slipped to 3-3-0.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators honored Craig Anderson with a pregame ceremony. Anderson, 42, announced his retirement after 20 NHL seasons, half of those with the Senators. He signed a one-day contract with the Sens on Tuesday to officially end his playing career with them. He spent his final two seasons with the Sabres and will be working with them as a hockey liaison.

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Jonas Johansson turned in a 32-save shutout to blank the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0. Brayden Point, Alex Barre-Boulet and Nick Paul were the goalscorers for the Lightning (3-2-2). Pyotr Kochetkov stopped 20 shots for the Hurricanes as they fell to 3-4-0.

New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes (NHL Images).

The New Jersey Devils (3-1-1) got a hat trick from Tyler Toffoli and Jack Hughes collected four assists in a 5-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens (3-2-1). Defensemen Justin Barron and Mike Matheson scored for the Canadiens as Cayden Primeau made 29 saves.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes leads all NHL scorers with 10 assists and 14 points. Meanwhile, lousy special team play and costly turnovers cost the Canadiens in this contest. The Habs’ bad injury luck continues as they learned earlier in the day that defenseman David Savard will be sidelined for six to eight weeks with a fractured left hand.

Dallas Stars netminder Jake Oettinger kicked out 38 shots to down the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-1, dropping the latter’s record to 2-4-0. Jason Robertson and Thomas Harley each had a goal and an assist as the Stars remained unbeaten in regulation (4-0-1). Bryan Rust scored for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins defenseman John Ludvig’s NHL debut was short-lived as he was knocked out after initiating a big hit on Stars forward Radek Faksa. Ludvig struck the ice face-first following the hit and had to be helped off the ice by his teammates. An update on his condition is expected at a later time.

Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart extended his goal streak to five games in a 3-1 win over the San Jose Sharks. Matthew Tkachuk collected two assists and Anthony Stolarz stopped 27 shots for the 3-3-0 Panthers. Fabian Zetterlund replied for the Sharks, who are still seeking their first win after dropping to 0-5-1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: An illness sidelined Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov from this contest.

The Colorado Avalanche set an NHL record with their 15th consecutive road win stretching back to last season as they downed the New York Islanders 7-4. Mikko Rantanen had a goal and three assists, Cale Makar a goal and two assists and Ryan Johansen two goals for the 6-0-0 Avalanche. Noah Dobson, Cal Clutterbuck and Jean-Gabriel Pageau each had two points for the 2-2-1 Islanders.

An overtime goal by Jordan Eberle lifted the Seattle Kraken to a 5-4 win over the Detroit Red Wings, snapping the latter’s five-game winning streak. Jaden Schwartz scored two goals for the Kraken (2-4-1) while Dylan Larkin and Shayne Gostisbehere each had a goal and two assists and Alex DeBrincat tallied his league-leading ninth goal of the season for the 5-1-1 Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Red Wings defenseman Jeff Petry missed this game with an undisclosed injury and is listed as day-to-day.

The Anaheim Ducks nipped the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 on an overtime goal by Frank Vatrano. Lukas Dostal stopped 35 shots for the Ducks as they moved to 2-4-0 on the season. Rookie Adam Fantilli had a goal and an assist for the 3-2-1 Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks rookie center Leo Carlsson sat out his second straight game as part of a series of pre-planned healthy scratches designed to manage his workload as he transitions into the NHL.

Boston Bruins netminder Jeremy Swayman stopped 23 shots to shut out the Chicago Blackhawks 3-0. Pavel Zacha, Matthew Poitras and Trent Frederic were the goal scorers as the Bruins remain undefeated at 6-0-0, matching their best start to their season in their history. Petr Mrazek made 40 saves for the 2-5-0 Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins seem to be adjusting rather well through the early going to the offseason retirements of centers Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.

During this game, Boston winger Jakub Lauko left the game in the third period when he was accidentally struck in the face near his left eye by a skate. Following the game, Bruins coach Jim Montgomery said Lauko’s eye was ok but he needed stitches near the side of his eyeball. Meanwhile, Bruins winger Milan Lucic missed his second straight game with a lower-body injury.

The Winnipeg Jets doubled up the St. Louis Blues 4-2. David Gustafsson and Mason Appleton got things rolling for the Jets (3-3-0) with two goals in 18 seconds in the second period. Pavel Buchnevich returned from injury with a goal and an assist for the 2-2-1 Blues.

Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman tallied a hat trick and two assists in a 7-4 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Kirill Kaprizov and Jake Middleton each collected three assists as the Wild improved to 3-2-1. Warren Foegele scored twice and Evan Bouchard had a goal and two assists for the 1-4-1 Oilers as they’ll be without captain Connor McDavid (lower-body injury) for one to two weeks.

Second-period goals by Phillip Di Giuseppe and Nils Hoglander enabled the Vancouver Canucks to hold off the Nashville Predators by a score of 3-2. Ilya Mikheyev also scored for the Canucks as they improved to 4-2-0. Colton Sissons and Kiefer Sherwood replied for the 3-4-0 Predators.

The New York Rangers improved to 4-2-0 in a 3-1 victory over the Calgary Flames. Erik Gustafsson had a goal and an assist while Igor Shesterkin made 24 saves for the win. Blake Coleman replied for the Flames as they fell to 2-4-1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the NHL announced that league commissioner Gary Bettman upheld the four-game suspension for Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson for elbowing Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine in the head last week. The Flames got more bad news as forward Adam Ruzicka left the game following a hit from Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey. An update on his condition has yet to be released.

Los Angeles Kings forwards Kevin Fiala, Anze Kopitar, Adrian Kempe and Blake Lizotte each had a goal and an assist to beat the Arizona Coyotes 6-3. Clayton Keller, Nick Bjugstad and Jack McBain replied for the Coyotes. The Kings rose to 3-2-1 on the season while the Coyotes dropped to 3-3-0.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the NHL announced it was backtracking on its ban on players using Pride Tape, stating that they now have the option to support social causes with their stick tape throughout the season. The decision came after Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott defied the ban in a recent game with several strands of Pride Tape on his stick.

The Vegas Golden Knights continued their historic start as they nipped the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 to extend their season-opening win streak to seven games (7-0-0). Jack Eichel had two assists, Shea Theodore scored the winner in the dying seconds of regulation and Logan Thompson turned aside 26 shots. Noah Cates and Cam Atkinson scored for the 3-2-1 Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights hold the longest season-opening win streak by a defending Stanley Cup champion.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 24, 2023

by | Oct 24, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – October 24, 2023

Noah Hanifin and the Flames could be closer to a contract extension, the Capitals could be interested in Canucks winger Conor Garland, and an update on the Penguins in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

HANIFIN AND FLAMES REPORTEDLY CLOSING IN ON A CONTRACT EXTENSION

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson and Daniel Austin report Noah Hanifin had nothing new to report about his contract situation with the Flames. However, he confirmed his agent has been in discussions with Flames management regarding an extension since the start of the season. The 26-year-old defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman broke the news on Saturday that the two sides were getting closer to a deal. Gilbertson and Austin suggest there’s plenty of reason for optimism that Hanifin will be with the Flames for the foreseeable future.

TSN: Salim Valji also reported on Hanifin’s discussions with the Flames. He wrote that the blueliner was “coy” about the details but indicated that he’s had nothing but good things to say about his experience with the club. Valji noted that Hanifin is in the final season of a six-year contract with an average annual value of $4.95 million.

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie speculated over what Hanifin’s next contract with the Flames might look like. “Per Evolving-Hockey’s contract model, Hanifin’s next deal has a 69 percent chance of being an eight-year deal with a $7.446 million AAV.” If the blueliner opts for a seven-year deal, it projects to $6.693 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Things have certainly changed since June when reports emerged that Hanifin wasn’t interested in discussing an extension following the Flames’ disappointing performance last season.

General manager Craig Conroy reportedly gauged Hanifin’s trade value during the summer. However, his preference was to re-sign his most valuable defenseman.

Hanifin had a change of heart over the course of the summer. My guess is the departure of Darryl Sutter as head coach may have had something to do with it.

As Friedman indicated in his report on Saturday, nothing’s done until it’s done. Barring a late development that derails negotiations, it appears that Hanifin won’t be testing next summer’s free-agent market.

ARE THE CAPITALS INTERESTED IN GARLAND?

CHEK TV’s Rick Dhaliwal cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman talking about Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland. He said it’s a difficult time to make trades as there are a lot of teams with too little cap space.

Nevertheless, Friedman is keeping an eye on the Washington Capitals. He noted that they’re trying to move winger Anthony Mantha. However, a Mantha-for-Garland swap doesn’t work.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are reportedly willing to retain up to 30 percent of Garland’s $4.95 million cap hit that runs through 2025-26 to facilitate a deal. While Mantha is slated to become a UFA next summer, his $5.7 million cap hit is too much for the Canucks.

The Capitals have been reportedly trying to move Mantha since last season. His declining production isn’t helping his trade value. I doubt the Canucks would be interested in him even if his cap hit were more affordable.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is “living on the waiver wire these days, looking for fresh bottom-six and bottom-pairing blood at every turn”. Dubas apparently isn’t pleased with the lower end of his roster. Yohe noted that he didn’t waste time sending Jansen Harkins to the minors and recalling Radim Zohorna.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After a summer of change that included the additions of Erik Karlsson and Reilly Smith, the Penguins are 2-3-0 in their first five games of the season. Unhappiness reportedly exists in the ranks as key players such as Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin aren’t pleased with the club’s performance thus far. Pressed against the $83.5 million cap, Dubas has little choice but to see what affordable options become available on the waiver wire.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 24, 2023

by | Oct 24, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 24, 2023

The Canadiens defeat the Sabres, the three stars of the week are revealed, plus the latest on Taylor Hall, Patrik Laine and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAP

NHL.COM: Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jake Allen made 36 saves to backstop his club to a 3-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Brendan Gallagher and Tanner Pearson each had a goal and an assist and Justin Barron tallied his first of the season for the Canadiens as their record improved to 3-1-1. Jeff Skinner replied for the Sabres as they fell to 2-4-0.

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jake Allen (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens defenseman David Savard left the game in the third period following a solid penalty-killing effort when he blocked two hard shots by Tage Thompson. One of them broke one of Savard’s skate blades but the other struck the blueliner on the left hand. An update on his status could be announced on Tuesday.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat, Colorado Avalanche goaltender Alexandar Georgiev and Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart are the league’s three stars for the week ending October 22, 2023.

THE SCORE: Chicago Blackhawks winger Taylor Hall is once again listed as week-to-week after aggravating a shoulder injury suffered on Oct. 11 against the Boston Bruins. He only missed one game at that time.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Columbus Blue Jackets placed forward Patrik Laine (upper body) on injured reserve retroactive to Oct. 20. He suffered the injury after being elbowed in the head by Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who is appealing a four-game suspension for the infraction.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Arizona Coyotes announced winger Jason Zucker is week-to-week with a lower-body injury that he suffered during Sunday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks.

CAP FRIENDLY: Speaking of the Ducks, they placed defenseman Jamie Drysdale (lower body) on injured reserve retroactive to Oct. 15.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils recalled defenseman Cal Foote from their AHL affiliate in Utica and placed forward Tomas Nosek (lower body) on IR.

WINNIPEG SUN: Jets head coach Rick Bowness has taken a leave of absence after his wife Judy suffered a seizure on Sunday. She was taken to a hospital where she is undergoing further testing.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Bruins rookie center Matthew Poitras is making the case to stick with the club for the entire 2023-24 season. A second-round pick by the Bruins in the 2022 draft, the 19-year-old Poitras has two goals and an assist in his five games thus far.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins can keep Poitras on the roster for four more games after which they must decide whether to retain him for the entire season or return him to the OHL’s Guelph Storm. If they keep him, his entry-level contract begins on his 10th game of the season.

It makes sense from a salary-cap perspective to return Poitras to the OHL. However, he’s made that decision difficult to justify given his on-ice performance thus far.

TSN: NHL veteran forward Sam Gagner signed a one-year AHL contract with the Bakersfield Condors, who are the minor-league affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers. The 34-year-old has played 1, 015 NHL games with seven NHL clubs including the Oilers. He’s also done previous stints in the AHL with Lehigh Valley, Toronto and Bakersfield.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report also indicated that Gagner is trying to resume his playing career after undergoing season-ending double hip surgery in March. He signed a PTO with the Oilers but didn’t appear in any preseason games as he continues to rehab.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ken Hitchcock and Ed Belfour were inducted Sunday into the Dallas Stars Hall of Fame. Hitchcock coached the Stars to the Stanley Cup in 1999 when Belfour was their starting goaltender. Hitchcock will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November. Belfour was inducted in 2011.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 23, 2023

by | Oct 23, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – October 23, 2023

Could Patrick Kane return to the Rangers? Are the Blues Jackets still shopping a defenseman? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

KANE MIGHT NOT BE A FIT WITH THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks doesn’t believe the Rangers will bring back Patrick Kane when the 34-year-old free-agent winger is ready to return to action. Kane is currently rehabbing from an offseason hip resurfacing procedure and is expected to start fielding offers from interested clubs in early November.

The Rangers acquired Kane from the Chicago Blackhawks before last season’s trade deadline even though he wasn’t at 100 percent because of his hip ailment. Brooks claims the experience left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth despite the best intentions.

Free agent winger Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

Kane’s health would be the main concern. Brooks pointed out that Washington’s Nicklas Backstrom was a shell of himself when he returned last season from a similar procedure while former NHL center Ryan Kesler was unable to continue his playing career.

The Rangers would have the cap space to sign Kane to a one-year, $3 million contract without having to go through the salary-cap gymnastics to acquire him at last season’s deadline. However, his addition would mean a younger winger such as Alexis Lafreniere or Kaapo Kakko would see less playing time.

Brooks thinks the Buffalo Sabres (Kane’s hometown club) might make sense. If Kane wants to pursue a Stanley Cup, the Detroit Red Wings do not. The Florida Panthers have been linked to the future Hall-of-Famer. Kane is also said to be intrigued by the cap-strapped Toronto Maple Leafs but Brooks doesn’t think he’s what the Leafs need.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks makes a number of good points here, especially about the Rangers.

I disagree about Kane being a fit with the Sabres. They’re a team loaded with scorers that still have some defensive concerns that he can’t address.

Many of these clubs also possess limited salary-cap space which could make it difficult to sign him.

Still, we can never say never. One of those teams mentioned by Brooks could decide that Kane is worth the gamble if they can squeeze him within their salary-cap payroll.

THE BLUE JACKETS ARE STILL SHOPPING A DEFENSEMAN

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is still working the phones trying to trade a defenseman. They’re currently carrying eight on the roster.

Adam Boqvist and Andrew Peeke have been healthy scratches of late. They’ve been supplanted by David Jiricek but he’s the only one who can be sent to their AHL affiliate in Cleveland without having to clear waivers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Interested teams might prefer seeing Boqvist and/or Peeke play a couple of games before committing to making a trade. Moving either guy could also be difficult because so many teams have limited cap space. Boqvist’s average annual value is $2.6 million through 2024-25 while Peeke’s is $2.75 million annually through 2025-26.