NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 16, 2023

by | Aug 16, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 16, 2023

Analysis of the Canadiens trading Jeff Petry to the Red Wings plus the latest on Mark Stone, Artemi Panarin, David Krejci and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

MONTREAL GAZETTE: Nine days after reacquiring Jeff Petry from the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Canadiens traded the 35-year-old defenseman to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for defenseman Gustav Lindstrom and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

The Penguins had retained 25 percent ($1.56 million) of Petry’s $6.25 million average annual value through 2024-25. The Canadiens retain half of the remainder, meaning the Wings’ share of his cap hit is $2.34 million.

Montreal Canadiens trade defenseman Jeff Petry to the Detroit Red Wings(NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The initial reaction from a majority of Canadiens fans on social media was disappointment that Habs general manager Kent Hughes didn’t get a better return for Petry. However, Montreal Hockey Now’s Marc Dumont believes this shows the market for the veteran blueliner was rather mediocre at best.

Dumont also points out that moving Petry completed a series of deals completed by Hughes that started when he initially traded the rearguard to the Penguins last summer for Mike Matheson. That includes moving Mike Hoffman to San Jose and adding goalie Casey DeSmith, three draft picks and gaining more salary-cap flexibility.

Lindstrom, 24, struggled to earn a regular roster spot with the Red Wings. Dumont believes he’s likely bound for the Canadiens AHL affiliate in Laval this season but the Canadiens are in a position where they can afford to give Lindstrom an opportunity.

This was also a classy move by Hughes. A Michigan native, Petry’s family now lives there year-round. He won’t have to uproot his family or spend most of the regular season apart from them as he did last season.

Petry’s production has waned over the past couple of seasons but he brings veteran skill and experience to the rebuilding Red Wings blueline, especially with promising Simon Edvinsson undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. This move should buy time for Edvinsson to fully recover and improve his game.

TSN: Speaking of the Canadiens, Hughes indicated that Paul Byron is expected to announce his retirement before the start of the upcoming season. The 34-year-old forward missed all of last season and played just 27 games in 2021-22 due to an ongoing hip injury. Byron will meet with management next month to discuss a position with the club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Claimed off waivers in 2015 from the Calgary Flames, Byron’s energetic two-way play quickly made him a fan favorite in Montreal. In 521 regular-season games over 12 seasons with the Canadiens, Flames and Buffalo Sabres, he had 98 goals and 208 points along with 11 points in 38 playoff contests.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: During a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show”, Golden Knights captain Mark Stone revealed that he suffered a fractured wrist during the first period of his club’s 9-3 series-clinching victory over the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final. Stone tallied a hat trick in that match, scoring twice after he was injured.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It takes a lot to sideline a player who’s on the verge of winning hockey’s holy grail.

TSN: David Krejci has left the door open on playing in Europe and representing Czechia at the 2024 World Championships. Earlier this week, the 37-year-old center announced his NHL retirement, bringing his 16-season career with the Boston Bruins to an end.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: A report out of Russia claims Artemi Panarin was fined by Novgorod police for firing a weapon inside a non-designated area on July 6. The report states the 31-year-old New York Rangers winger fired several shots and that it was his first offense. His weapon was also confiscated.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No details were provided as to why Panarin was discharging his weapon. Perhaps he’ll shed more light on that when he reports to Rangers training camp next month.

CAROLINA HOCKEY NOW: The Hurricanes have agreed to a 20-year lease with PNC Arena.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: PNC Arena has been the Hurricanes’ home since it was opened in 1999. The area surrounding the arena is currently being renovated to include a sports and entertainment district.

TSN: Former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Bobby Baun passed away on Monday at age 86. A 17-season NHL veteran from 1956-67 to 1972-73, Baun spent nearly 14 of those seasons with the Leafs, along with over three seasons with the Oakland Seals and Detroit Red Wings.

Baun earned a reputation as a hard-hitting blueliner, helping the Leafs win four Stanley Cups in the 1960s. He gained legendary status when he scored the series-tying overtime goal against the Red Wings in Game 6 of the 1964 Stanley Cup Final while playing on a broken ankle. He also played in the Cup-clinching Game 7 at Maple Leaf Gardens two nights later.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m old enough to remember watching Baun’s second tenure with the Leafs in the early-1970s. He was a master of the hip check, played a solid defensive game and never shied away from anyone who challenged him. My condolences to his family, friends and former teammates.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 15, 2023

by | Aug 15, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – August 15, 2023

What are the Bruins’ options at center following the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci? Could they involve a trade with the Flames or Jets? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HOW WILL THE BRUINS REPLACE BERGERON AND KREJCI?

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss looked at the options available to the Bruins to offset the retirements of centers Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.

One option is looking internally by using Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha as their top two centers. Prospect John Beecher could skate on the third or fourth line if he can crack the lineup with a strong training camp. Prospects such as Matthew Poitras and Brett Harrison are a year or more away.

Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (NHL Images).

Regarding trade options, the two obvious targets are the Calgary Flames’ Elias Lindholm and the Winnipeg Jets’ Mark Scheifele. Both are slated to become unrestricted free agents next summer. However, Goss acknowledged the Bruins don’t have an abundance of quality trade assets.

Goss suggested Jake DeBrusk as a trade chip if he doesn’t re-sign before the trade deadline. Linus Ullmark could be an option if Jeremy Swayman establishes himself as the Bruins’ starter. Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort are capable defensemen on expiring contracts.

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates noted that the Jets have two goalies eligible for UFA status next summer in Connor Hellebuyck and Laurent Brossoit. While swapping Scheifele for one of the Bruins goalies sounds like an easy fix, goaltenders aren’t fetching first-line centers these days. He also cited the Bruins’ limited number of tradeable assets.

Ates also believes building a trade between the Bruins and Flames involving Lindholm is more challenging. The Flames have no obvious need for a goalie and few Bruins skaters would be a fit on their roster.

SPORTSNET: Ken Wiebe was asked by a reader about the possibility of the Jets shipping Scheifele to the Bruins. Like Goss and Ates, he cites the Bruins’ lack of trade assets, specifically a top center or a top center prospect they could send the Jets in return.

Asked if the Flames might be a destination for Scheifele if the Bruins acquired Lindholm, Wiebe considers that to be a long shot. He cites the big bucks the Flames have already invested in Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri and MacKenzie Weegar beyond this season, making them reluctant to sign Schefiele to a long-term contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets don’t seem to be in a hurry to trade Schiefele while the Flames are reportedly still discussing a contract extension with Lindholm.

If Scheifele and Lindholm end up shopped before this season’s trade deadline, I don’t think the Bruins have the assets to outbid other interested clubs. I expect the Bruins will be very interested in them should they become UFAs next July.

LATEST ON THE JETS

SPORTSNET: Ken Wiebe was asked by a reader if the Winnipeg Jets intend to re-sign Scheifele and Hellebuyck before they become eligible for UFA status next July. He said it’s challenging to know what general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has in store for those two, though Cheveldayoff didn’t rule out that option during his media availability on July 1.

For now, it appears both players will be in training camp next month and will start the season with the Jets. Even if Scheifele and/or Hellebucyk are traded, the Jets won’t get equal value in return. Cheveldayoff could use both as self-rentals for the season even at the risk of losing them to free agency next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cheveldayoff was probably listening to offers for Hellebuyck and Scheifele leading up to the NHL Draft in late June and free agency on July 1. The fact that both players are still with the Jets tells us all we need to know about the type of offers he may have received.

At this point, it appears the Jets will start the season with Hellebuyck and Scheifele and see how things pan out. Perhaps an improved performance by the club will convince one or both players to re-sign. Maybe Cheveldayoff peddles them at the trade deadline if the Jets are out of playoff contention.

As Wiebe noted, Cheveldayoff could hang onto them for one last playoff run. If they depart as free agents, he’ll invest whatever cap space he would’ve used to re-sign them toward retooling the roster with younger talent via trades and his prospect pipeline.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 15, 2023

by | Aug 15, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 15, 2023

Bruins center David Krejci retires, Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov has died and Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar makes the cover of NHL 24. Details on these and other stories in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: David Krejci announced his retirement after 16 NHL seasons, all of them spent with the Bruins. The 37-year-old center tallied 231 goals and 555 assists for 786 points in 1,032 regular-season games along with 43 goals and 85 assists for 120 points in 160 playoff games.

Boston Bruins center David Krejci announced his retirement (NHL Images).

Krejci helped the Bruins win the Stanley Cup in 2011 and reach the Cup Final in 2013 and 2019. Last season, he played a key role in the Bruins setting the NHL’s single-season records for wins with 65 and points with 135.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A talented and sometimes underrated two-way center, Krejci sits fifth among the Bruins’ all-time leaders for games played and assists and is ninth in total points.

Krejci’s retirement was expected, following the lead of teammate Patrice Bergeron who called it a career last month. His departure has heightened speculation over how the Bruins will address their lack of top-six forward depth that started when Bergeron retired. I’ll have more about that in today’s Rumor Mill.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov passed away yesterday in Munich, Germany. He was 21.

A promising young Russian winger, Amirov was chosen 15th overall by the Leafs in the 2020 NHL Draft. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor soon afterward and was receiving treatment in Munich.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A promising life and hockey career cut short far too soon. My condolences to Amirov’s family, friends, former teammates and the Leafs organization.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: EA Sports named Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar as the cover athlete for its NHL 24 videogame. He’s the third Avalanche player to grace the cover, joining Peter Forsberg (NHL 98) and Joe Sakic (NHL 2004).

OTTAWA SUN: The sale of the Senators to billionaire Michael Andlauer is nearly completion. He could take over control of the franchise by September.

A co-owner of the Montreal Canadiens, Andlauer is expected to have sold his 10 percent share of that franchise before he officially takes over the Senators. If not, that stake will be placed in trust until he has completed its sale.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has ruled in favor of the Flyers and the NHL regarding a 2022 contract agreement with Russian goaltender Ivan Fedotov.

Fedotov signed with the Flyers last year but was conscripted into the Russian military soon afterward. The Flyers tolled his contract forward to this season but the goalie recently signed a two-year deal with CSKA Moscow following the completion of his military service.

Per the IIHF ruling, Fedotov violated its transfer regulations and faces a four-month suspension from international games. CSKA Moscow faces an immediate one-year ban on international transfers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As per the report, it’s unlikely Fedotov will be joining the Flyers for the coming season. CSKA Moscow stated on its website that it expects the 26-year-old netminder to play for them this fall.

The Fedotov situation seems fishy given his stated intention to play for the Flyers last year following the completion of his contract with CSKA Moscow. It’s suspected that the club’s ownership pulled strings with the Russian government to prevent his move to the NHL.

DAILY FACEOFF: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid topped Matt Larkin’s fantasy hockey top 300 rankings for 2023-24. McDavid’s teammate Leon Draisaitl, Avalanche forwards Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen and New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes round out his top five.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link to see the complete list.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 14, 2023

by | Aug 14, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – August 14, 2023

Are the Penguins considering adding a free-agent forward? What kind of trade value does Jeff Petry have? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.

WILL THE PENGUINS ADD A FREE-AGENT FORWARD?

THE ATHLETIC’S Rob Rossi reported Saturday that the Pittsburgh Penguins remain keen on Tomas Tatar. He also cited the free-agent winger confirming in a Slovak interview that he’d been in talks with the Penguins.

Free agent winger Tomas Tatar (NHL Images).

However, Rossi suggested it could come down to whether Tatar gets a guaranteed contract elsewhere compared to what could be a professional tryout offer with the Penguins and the expectation that he gets a contract with them.

Rossi didn’t rule out Tatar inking a one-year deal with the Penguins. He added that the winger is eyeing more term.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski also weighed in on the rumors linking Tatar to the Penguins. Following their acquisition of Erik Karlsson, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculated the 32-year-old winger could be on their radar.

Kingerski pointed out that Friedman made those remarks when it was uncertain how long sidelined Penguins winger Jake Guentzel would be out of the lineup when the season began. General manager Kyle Dubas subsequently indicated he could miss perhaps no more than five games.

With Guentzel not going on long-term injury reserve to start the season, the Penguins are pressed for cap space and cannot add another player unless they shed salary. Dubas also stated that he didn’t expect to make another major acquisition during this offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Penguins seriously want to sign Tatar they must make a cost-cutting move. They could demote a low-cost player but that might not be enough to outbid other clubs for the winger’s services.

Tatar is coming off a two-year contract in which he earned an average annual value of $4.5 million. He’s not going to get that much on his next deal but he’s probably unwilling to accept anything less than $2 million annually, especially after his 20-goal, 48-point performance last season.

That could change, of course, if Tatar cannot find anyone willing to offer him a guaranteed contract for at least two years. Still, it would be surprising if he were to accept a PTO heading into training camp.

Kingerski also shot down a baseless rumor claiming Dubas was attempting to bring back former Penguins star Jaromir Jagr on a one-year, league-minimum contract. That speculation was based on a joke post on social media that got blown out of proportion by a Facebook hockey site.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: For those who were wondering what Jagr’s plans are, the 51-year-old future Hockey Hall-of-Famer has committed to another season with the Czechia club Kladno Knights. He owns that team and has been playing with them since leaving the Calgary Flames midway through the 2017-18 season.

LATEST ON JEFF PETRY

TSN: Travis Yost recently looked at the trade market for Jeff Petry. The Montreal Canadiens recently reacquired the 35-year-old defenseman from the Pittsburgh Penguins in the three-team Erik Karlsson trade. It’s rumored the Canadiens could attempt to move him before the start of the regular season.

While Petry’s offensive production has dropped, Yost believes he could be a worthwhile option for a contender seeking a reliable two-way blueliner. Fitting the remaining two years of his contract onto their books could require salary-cap retention by the Canadiens or the involvement of a third team to spread the cap hit around.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yost cited the Penguins retained 25 percent of Petry’s $6.25 million AAV through 2024-25. Most of the trade speculation about Petry out of Montreal suggested the Canadiens could retain half of his $4.7 million AAV that they currently carry on their books.

The opportunity to acquire Petry at around $2.35 million annually for just two seasons could be tempting to some clubs. It will require, however, offering something of value to the Canadiens to have them agree to retain half of his cap hit.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 14, 2023

by | Aug 14, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 14, 2023

Johnny Gaudreau expresses optimism over the Blue Jackets’ upcoming season, the latest on the Rangers, and the NHL Network’s top 50 prospects in today’s morning coffee headlines.

NHL.COM: Johnny Gaudreau feels a lot more comfortable entering his second season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He now knows the team and the city better, saying it’s starting to feel more like home.

Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Johnny Gaudreau (NHL Images).

Gaudreau joined the Blue Jackets last summer as a free agent but he and the club went through a difficult season, in part due to injuries to key players like Zach Werenski. His production dropped from a career-best 115 points in 2021-22 with the Calgary Flames to 74 points in 80 games.

Nevertheless, Gaudreau is optimistic about the club’s chances this season. “The amount of skill we have on our team with some of the young guys, it’s pretty fun to watch every day in practice and in games,” he said, adding that he hopes teams continue to underestimate the Jackets.

Gaudreau also believes the club’s hiring of Mike Babcock as head coach will improve their performance. “We need that hard-nosed coach that’s going to push us in practices and in games,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A return to form by Gaudreau will be crucial to the Blue Jackets’ hope for improvement this season. How well they adjust to Babcock’s coaching and the overall health of the roster will also be important.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers are hoping that veteran additions Blake Wheeler and Jonathan Quick will have a positive effect on the roster this season.

Both players signed bargain contracts with the Rangers. Wheeler inked a one-year, $1.1 million deal after being bought out by the Winnipeg Jets. Quick accepted a one-year, $925K contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both players are past their prime but their experience and leadership could be helpful to the Rangers in their quest to win the Stanley Cup this season. Wheeler still has effective playmaking skills and might benefit from skating as a right wing on the Blueshirts’ top-two forward lines.

Quick could be useful in a backup role to spell off starter Igor Shesterkin. If he sees around 25-30 games of action it would ensure Shesterkin isn’t overworked before the playoffs begin.

LA PRESSE: Speaking of the Rangers, Alexis Lafreniere shed some light on his contract negotiations. The 21-year-old left winger is a restricted free agent without arbitration rights.

Lafreniere said talks are ongoing between his agent and Rangers management. He’s hopeful that an agreement will be reached within the next several weeks. “You have to be patient, sometimes it takes longer,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lafreniere has been occasionally mentioned in the rumor mill as a potential offer sheet candidate. Based on his comments, however, that appears to be a remote possibility. He’s likely to be signed before training camp opens in late September.

Lafreniere’s lack of arbitration rights gives him little leverage with the Rangers. The threat of an offer sheet would be his most effective weapon. Given the high number of teams with less than $5 million in cap space for the coming season, it’s unlikely he’s going to get one, assuming he’s willing to entertain that option.

NHL NETWORK: Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard sits atop the NHL Network’s recent ranking of the league’s top 50 prospects.

Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli, Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson, Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov and New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes round out the top five.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As expected, this generated plenty of responses from hockey fans. Check out the full list and feel free to respond in the comments below.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 13, 2023

by | Aug 13, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 13, 2023

Check out the recent speculation on Patrick Kane and Evgeny Kuznetsov as well as the latest on the Flames, Hurricanes and Jets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill

ASSOCIATED PRESS: Stephen Whyno recently listed some notable storylines to watch during the final weeks of the 2023 NHL offseason.

While Patrick Kane continues to rehab from his June 1 hip resurfacing procedure, there are rumors linking the 34-year-old free-agent winger to his hometown Buffalo Sabres. They’re a young club on the rise that could use a player with his Stanley Cup experience.

Free agent winger Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was reported last month that Kane’s agent indicated his client should be ready to return to action in December. By that point, the future Hall of Famer will evaluate the clubs that are interested in him and pick the one he believes has the best chance of winning the Stanley Cup this season.

The Sabres could be one of those teams if they finally achieve their long-anticipated breakthrough as a playoff club. However, much will depend on what their needs will be by that point. Goaltending remains a big question mark as is their blueline depth despite the offseason additions of Erik Johnson and Connor Clifton.

Whyno also believes the Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes and Winnipeg Jets will be worth monitoring in the weeks leading up to training camp.

Flames center Elias Lindholm is entering the final year of his contract. GM Craig Conroy has already traded Tyler Toffoli and could do the same with Lindholm if unable to re-sign the 28-year-old center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been reported that Conroy has been in discussions with the Lindholm camp about a multi-year contract worth between $8 million and $9 million annually. Depending on the source, those talks are ongoing or they’ve gone quiet for now.

Carolina Hurricanes GM Don Waddell cited that his club’s limited cap space has made it difficult to improve his roster. He’ll continue talking to different teams and free agents. Whyno speculated he could look to move Brett Pesce or Brady Skjei to clear his blueline logjam. Both have a year remaining on their respective contracts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pesce has featured more prominently in trade rumors than Skjei this summer. Back in June, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported the Hurricanes could move the 28-year-old Pesce if they’re unable to hammer out a new contract with him. Perhaps he becomes trade bait to add another scoring forward.

The Winnipeg Jets have yet to move goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and center Mark Scheifele. Both players are slated to become unrestricted free agents next summer. Whyno doesn’t expect either player will be in Winnipeg for much longer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A report out of Winnipeg last month explained that the reason why Hellebuyck is still with the Jets is because the trade market for goaltenders had dried up. Meanwhile, there’s been no word about Scheifele’s status in recent weeks. Both players could start the season with the Jets and end up getting traded at some point before the March trade deadline.

Evgeny Kuznetsov is the subject of trade rumors for the second time in three years. He saw a 23-point drop in his production last season to 55 points. The 31-year-old winger is signed through 2024-25 with an average annual value of $7.8 million.

Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan indicated he had a few discussions during the draft, suggesting they might or might not carry forward into this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacLellan was reportedly in talks with the Nashville Predators regarding Kuznetsov earlier this summer but nothing came of it Predators GM Barry Trotz coached the Capitals to the Stanley Cup in 2018, during which Kuznetsov had a career-best 83 points and led the Caps in playoff scoring with 32 points.

As I’ve frequently noted, the combination of Kuznetsov’s inconsistent play in recent years and his hefty cap hit makes him difficult to move in this summer’s trade market, especially with a flattened salary cap.

It could take a dollar-for-dollar swap, the Capitals retaining up to half of his cap hit, or a three-team swap that spreads his AAV around to move Kuznetsov this season. They might have better luck next summer if his performance improves. That’s when the cap is projected to rise by at least $4 million for 2024-25.