NHL Rumor Mill – October 29, 2026

by | Oct 29, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – October 29, 2026

The Dylan Larkin trade speculation continues, the Senators seek scoring help, and the latest on Capitals winger Ivan Miroshnichenko in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MORE DYLAN LARKIN SPECULATION

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Dylan Larkin’s absence from practice on Wednesday prompted speculation that the 30-year-old Red Wings center was finally getting traded. However, it turned out to be a false alarm, as Larkin was merely taking a “maintenance day”. He’s expected to be in the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman recently looked at the 10 teams on Larkin’s trade list to identify the ones with the assets (talented young players, high draft picks, NHL roster talent) to meet the Red Wings’ asking price.

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (NHL Images)

Bultman believes the Utah Mammoth, Washington Capitals, and Dallas Stars possess those assets, but he wondered if they possess the will to make that move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Minnesota Wild are believed to be Larkin’s preferred destination, but Bultman ranked them fourth, placing them among his second tier as “possible, but lacking sizzle” in terms of assets.

It’s rumored the Wild could offer a package with young forward Danila Yurov and top prospect Charlie Stramel, but Bultman believes if that were good enough, Larkin would already be in Minnesota.

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels noted the recent speculation linking Larkin to the Montreal Canadiens despite them not being on his trade list. He pointed out that Red Wings pro scout Kris Draper has been following the Canadiens recently, and believes the Habs have the assets to pay “an exorbitant price” for a second-line center.

Engels suggests it doesn’t make sense for Draper to be scouting the Canadiens as much as he has lately if Larkin won’t accept a trade to Montreal. The only other reason might be if this is to set up a move involving unsigned Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be hilarious if all this is for Edvinsson instead of Larkin.

Here are a few crazy thoughts. Just me thinking out loud about all the recent speculation tying Larkin to the Canadiens.

First, what if this is part of a three-team deal that sends Larkin to the Wild, or another club on his trade list? I’m not sure what the Canadiens would get back in that scenario that would be worthwhile, but it’s not the first time Habs general manager Kent Hughes got involved in a three-team trade (Erik Karlsson to Pittsburgh). Maybe those assets would be flipped to another club to bring in a top-six winger if a center isn’t available?

Or maybe this is about acquiring Edvinsson, though adding another left-shot defenseman doesn’t work for the Canadiens unless they’re moving Kaiden Guhle in the deal. They’d also have to move out more salary to take on what could be a $12 million AAV for Edvinsson’s new contract. Even then, that move would cost assets and cap space necessary to add that elusive forward.

It could also be a three-team deal that flips Edvinsson elsewhere for a top-six forward, preferably a center.

Or maybe it’s only speculation about which clubs are reportedly on Larkin’s trade list. Maybe he has a broader list than we were led to believe. Or maybe it’s all BS that he doesn’t want to play for Montreal or another Canadian team.

Or maybe all of this media chatter linking Larkin to Montreal is baseless.

I share the opinion of The Montreal Gazette’s Stu Cowan: “If Larkin was willing to waive his Canadian no-trade clause to get out of Detroit, I’d be concerned about how a player who really didn’t want to be in Montreal would fit in the Canadiens’ locker room.”

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

SENATORS SEEK A SCORING FORWARD

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios is working the phones to add another scoring forward. He was doing so before Warren Foegele was injured during Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Senators need a forward who can fit into their top nine and contribute offensively. However, there isn’t much talent available in the trade market right now.

Garrioch listed Chicago Blackhawks winger Teuvo Teravainen, Detroit Red Wings forwards Andrew Copp and Michael Rasmussen, and recently demoted Boston Bruins forward Michael Eyssimont.

The Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators, and Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly open for business, but they’re seeking “hockey trades” involving meaningful assets in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe Staios could look into Dylan Larkin’s availability. OK, I’m being facetious, but hey, just because Ottawa’s not on his trade list doesn’t necessarily mean he doesn’t wanna go there, right? RIGHT??

THE LATEST ON CAPITALS WINGER IVAN MIROSHNICHENKO

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Jack Bushman cited a report by The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta, who claimed the Blackhawks are among several teams interested in young Washington Capitals winger Ivan Miroshnichenko.

The Calgary Flames, Seattle Kraken, and Philadelphia Flyers have also been linked to the 22-year-old Miroshnichenko.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miroshnichenko is a promising youngster with top-six forward potential who has had difficulty cracking a deep Capitals roster this season. He and his agent have been permitted to speak with other clubs.

Rebuilding clubs like the Blackhawks, Flames, and Flyers can give Miroshnichenko the playing time he needs. The Kraken are in the market for scoring, and they could take the chance on him blossoming into a scoring star. Maybe the Senators might want to look into his availability.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 29, 2026

by | Oct 29, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 29, 2026

Oilers captain Connor McDavid sets a league record, the Avalanche’s Brent Burns moves up among the all-time scoring defensemen, Quinn Hughes’ contract talks with the Wild show no progress, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Connor McDavid collected two assists to set the league’s season-opening assist streak record (13 games) as the Edmonton Oilers blanked the Calgary Flames 4-0.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images)

Tristan Jarry turned in a 24-save shutout, Mathieu Joseph scored the winning goal, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also had two assists for the Oilers (9-2-2), who moved into first place in the Western Conference with 20 points. Devin Cooley and Dustin Wolf combined for 28 saves for the 5-7-0 Flames as their four-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid became the third player in NHL history to collect at least 25 assists in a calendar month multiple times, joining Hall of Famers Wayne Gretzky (14 times) and Mario Lemieux (3 times).

Wolf replaced Cooley after the latter left the game following a collision with Oilers forward Colton Dach late in the first period. There was no postgame update regarding his status.

Oilers winger Zach Hyman missed this game after going on injured reserve with a stiff neck.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns collected two assists in a 5-2 win over the New Jersey Devils, moving up to 10th on the all-time list of leading scorers among defensemen with 950 regular-season points. Nazem Kadri and Jaden Schwartz each had a goal and an assist for the 7-5-1 Avalanche. Connor Brown tallied both goals for the Devils (8-5-0).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Burns needs nine more points to overtake Hall of Famer Larry Robinson for ninth place. He also played his 1,020th consecutive regular-season game. He needs 45 more to break Phil Kessel’s Ironman record.

Speaking of Avalanche blueliners, Josh Manson left this game in the first period with a lower-body injury. Head coach Jared Bednar expects Manson to “miss some time.”

Washington Capitals forwards Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou each scored twice to lead their club over the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2. Dylan Strome collected three assists for the 7-4-0 Capitals, who’ve won four of their last five games. Sean Couturier and Matvei Michkov scored for the 3-8-4 Flyers, who are winless in their last three games (0-2-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson stopped 23 shots in his first game since Oct. 20. He’d been on injured reserve with a lower-body injury.

The Seattle Kraken blew a two-goal lead, but a last-minute goal from Brandon Montour gave them a 5-4 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Chandler Stephenson, Matty Beniers, and Mackie Samoskevich each had two points for the Kraken (8-4-1). Maple Leafs rookie Gavin McKenna scored twice for his first multi-goal NHL game while captain Auston Matthews had a goal and two assists for the 7-6-2 Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Maple Leafs announced winger Kirill Marchenko is week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

HEADLINES

THE SCORE: Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin said he hasn’t discussed a contract extension with Quinn Hughes and his agent “in a long time.”

Hughes, 27, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. The lack of progress in contract negotiations has sparked speculation about his future with the Wild.

“To be honest with you, there’s nothing really to talk about right now,” Guerin said. “What am I gonna do? Go, ‘Please, please, please, please?’”

Guerin said his focus is on his team and winning games. He felt that Hughes “needs to wrap his head around a couple of things, and I don’t think anything’s changed”.

The Wild GM also said the Wild are a better team with Hughes, who is taking his time reaching a decision about his future. He stated that he hasn’t decided what he’ll do if the superstar defenseman remains unsigned deeper into the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guerin has said he’d give Hughes the time and space he needs to reach a decision. The blueliner recently said he’s happy playing with the Wild, hinting that he could be inching toward signing an extension.

Some observers believe Hughes’ footdragging suggests he has no intention of signing, while others haven’t closed the door on an extension. Nevertheless, the longer Hughes remains unsigned, the more speculation about his future.

TSN: The Columbus Blue Jackets placed defenseman Carson Soucy on waivers.

TRIBLIVE.COM: The Pittsburgh Penguins assigned forward Justin Brazeau to Wilkes-Barre-Scranton/Scranton for conditioning.

DAILY FACEOFF: Dallas Stars Kyle Capobianco will miss at least a week with a lower-body injury.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs announced his son, Charlie Jacobs, will take over as team governor, effective immediately.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 28, 2026

by | Oct 28, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – October 28, 2026

Check out the latest on the Red Wings, Kraken, Predators, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON DYLAN LARKIN AND SIMON EDVINSSON

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins are two teams not on Dylan Larkin’s 10-team trade list that are rumored to be interested in the Detroit Red Wings center.

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Understandably, the Canadiens might be interested in Larkin because they need a second-line center. However, I’m skeptical that the Bruins would be a suitor. They’re doing quite well thus far with Pavel Zacha, a resurgent Elias Lindholm, and promising youngsters Fraser Minten, James Hagens, and Matt Poitras.

Granted, Zacha is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer and hasn’t committed to a new contract. Lindholm is 31 and has been inconsistent in recent years, while Minten, Hagens, and Poitras have yet to reach their potential. Nevertheless, they don’t appear to have an immediate pressing need for someone like Larkin.

Dreger wondered whether the Buffalo Sabres, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues might be interested in pursuing Larkin if he expands his trade list. He indicated the Red Wings are conducting due diligence by scouting some of the clubs not on Larkin’s current list in case he changes his mind.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators and Blues are trying to retool, and Larkin’s preference is for American-based teams that give him the best chance to win the Stanley Cup. The Sabres showed promise last season, but their current struggles could make him leery of joining them.

As for Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson, Dreger believes the Predators are among “nine or 10 other clubs” interested in the 23-year-old restricted free agent. Red Wings interim general manager Shawn Horcoff prefers signing Edvinsson, but he’s also taking trade calls.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The clock is ticking for Edvinsson and the Red Wings. Dec. 1 is the deadline for restricted free agents to be signed. Otherwise, he’ll be ineligible to play the remainder of this NHL season.

KRAKEN PURSUING A SCORER, PREDATORS WANT TO ACQUIRE YOUNGER PLAYERS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Seattle Kraken continue to search for a “top-line scoring winger.” To address that need, general manager Jason Botterill could be willing to draw on some of his promising young centers as trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matty Beniers recently surfaced in the rumor mill as a target for teams seeking a top-six center, but it’s unlikely Botterill parts with the 23-year-old center. Sophomore center Berkly Catton is having a promising start with nine points in 12 games, but that performance is also a good reason to hang onto him.

Shane Wright frequently appeared in trade rumors last season and into the offseason. However, no one made an offer that would entice the Kraken GM to part with him. He’s currently playing right wing alongside Catton and winger Kaapo Kakko on their third line.

Nashville Predators GM Chris McFarland remains “very, very interested in adding some young skill.” He might be willing to dangle a veteran defenseman like Brady Skjei or Nicolas Hague. Dreger also speculated that McFarland might move some of his veteran forwards for some younger talent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Center Ryan O’Reilly is the most likely trade candidate because he’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Winger Jonathan Marchessault occasionally popped up in rumors during the last two seasons.

UPDATE ON ARTTURI LEHKONEN’S CONTRACT TALKS WITH THE AVALANCHE

TSN: Chris Johnston reports Colorado Avalanche winger Artturi Lehkonen is UFA-eligible next summer. He’s off to a hot start to this season and is in line for a substantial raise.

Johnston said there’s nothing imminent between Lehkonen and the Avalanche. The 31-year-old winger would like to stay in Colorado, but he could price himself out of that market if he maintains his current production.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lehkonen is earning an average annual value of $4.5 million. He has a 12-team no-trade list and has 10 goals and 14 points in 12 games this season skating alongside center Nathan MacKinnon.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 28, 2026

by | Oct 28, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 28, 2026

Canadiens goalie Jacob Fowler posts an impressive shutout, Connor Hellebuyck gets the win in his debut with the Devils, Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer sets an overtime record, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Montreal Canadiens rookie goaltender Jacob Fowler kicked out 46 shots to shut out the St. Louis Blues 2-0. The 21-year-old Fowler stopped 24 shots in the third period. Zachary Bolduc opened the scoring, and Florian Xhekaj tipped in his first NHL goal as the Canadiens (7-3-2) picked up their third straight win. Jordan Binnington made 18 saves for the Blues, who were shut out for the second straight game as they dropped to 5-6-1.

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jacob Fowler (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues dominated the Canadiens, but they couldn’t put a pea past Fowler, who improved his record this season to 6-1-1 with a 1.54 goals-against average, a save percentage of .942 and two shutouts.

Connor Hellebuyck turned aside 17 shots in his debut with the New Jersey Devils for a 5-1 victory over the Dallas Stars. Nico Hischier scored two goals while Jack and Luke Hughes each had a goal and an assist for the 8-4-0 Devils. Justin Hryckowian replied for the 7-4-1 Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: For fans who’ve been out of touch for several days, the Devils acquired Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets in a blockbuster trade on Friday. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner showed no signs of rust in his first game of this season.

Stars defenseman Kyle Capobianco left this game with an apparent leg injury following a hit by Devils winger Timo Meier.

New York Islanders sophomore defenseman Matthew Schaefer became the first skater in NHL history to play all five minutes of a regular-season overtime period as his club nipped the Nashville Predators 4-3 on a shootout goal by Kyle Pamieri. Semyon Varlamov made 20 saves for his first win since Nov. 14, 2024. Filip Forsberg had a goal and an assist as the Predators (4-3-5) overcame a 3-0 deficit in regulation. Anthony Duclair, Brayden Schenn, and Bo Horvat scored for the 6-4-2 Islanders.

The Vancouver Canucks rallied from a 5-2 deficit to upset the Anaheim Ducks 6-5 on an overtime power-play goal by Filip Hronek. Jonathan Lekkerimaki scored twice to force the extra period and collected an assist on Hronek’s game-winner while Brock Boeser had a goal and two assists as the Canucks (3-10-1) snapped a 10-game winless skid (0-9-1). A.J. Greer tallied two goals and Jackson LaCombe collected three assists for the 5-6-1 Ducks.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov scored his league-leading 14th goal and collected an assist as his club downed the Utah Mammoth 3-1. Quinn Hughes picked up two assists while Jesper Wallstedt made 26 stops for the Minnesota Wild (9-3-2) as they hold first place in the Western Conference with 20 points. Logan Cooley netted the only goal for the 8-5-0 Mammoth.

Florida Panthers forwards Matthew and Brady Tkachuk combined for seven points in a 5-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Matthew collected four assists and Brady had a goal and two assists for the 7-4-2 Panthers, who also got three assists from defenseman Seth Jones. Adam Lowry scored the lone goal for the slumping Jets (4-5-3), who are winless in their last six games (0-4-2).

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov collected his eighth straight win to start the season to beat the Boston Bruins 2-1. Jackson Blake and Sebastian Aho scored for the Hurricanes (10-2-2) as they remain in first place in the overall standings with 22 points. Pavel Zacha scored for the 9-3-1 Bruins.

The Columbus Blue Jackets blew a 3-0 lead but defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 on an overtime goal by Kent Johnson, who finished with two goals and an assist. Cam Talbot stopped 28 shots, and Adam Fantilli had a goal and an assist for the Blue Jackets, who improved to 5-5-0 to move out of last place in the Eastern Conference. Trevor Zegras had a goal and an assist for the Flyers (3-7-4) as they dropped behind the Blue Jackets in the Eastern standings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets defenseman Dante Fabbro returned to action after missing the first nine games with an upper-body injury. Flyers blueliner Cam York returned to the lineup after missing eight games with an upper-body injury.

A third-period goal by Wyatt Kaiser snapped a 1-1 tie to lift the Chicago Blackhawks to a 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Spencer Knight made 25 saves, and Roman Kantserov also scored for the 4-8-0 Blackhawks as they snapped a three-game losing streak. Samuel Helenius replied for the 3-6-2 Kings.

The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-1. Adin Hill made 25 saves, and Raphael Lavoie netted his first career NHL goal for the 9-4-1 Golden Knights, who hold first place in the Pacific Division with 19 points. Shane Pinto scored for the Senators (8-5-0).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights turned to Hill after Carter Hart left the morning skate with an undisclosed injury. Senators winger Warren Foegele left the game with an apparent knee injury following a hit by Golden Knights defenseman Jeremy Lauzon.

Buffalo Sabres goalie Colten Ellis turned in a 23-save shutout to blank the San Jose Sharks 2-0. Olen Zellweger and Zach Benson were the goal scorers for the Sabres (5-4-3). Yaroslav Askarov kicked out 38 of 39 shots for the 6-6-1 Sharks.

IN OTHER NEWS…

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins forward Ben Kindel returned to full practice with his teammates a week after suffering a vasovagal episode during a team flight. It appears the incident was more scary than serious.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Glad to hear Kindel is healthy and back with his teammates.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Speaking of the Penguins, forward Elmer Soderblom is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.

NHL.COM: Former NHL and WHA forward Andre Lacroix died at the age of 81.

Lacroix was an original member of the Philadelphia Flyers, spending four seasons with the Flyers and one with the Chicago Blackhawks from 1967-68 to 1971-72. He jumped to the World Hockey Association in 1972 and became its all-time leader with 798 points, 547 assists, and 551 games played.

Lacroix returned to the NHL for one season with the Hartford Whalers in 1979-80 before retiring. In 325 NHL regular-season games, he scored 79 goals and 119 assists for 198 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Lacroix’s family, friends, and former teammates.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 27, 2026

by | Oct 27, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – October 27, 2026

Check out the latest on the Maple Leafs and Flames in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox reports that Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka still wants to improve his club’s defensive play. However, he doesn’t necessarily think a trade is necessary, citing the club’s internal improvement in recent games.

Chayka also downplayed the club’s limited salary cap and tagging issues. He believes they have “good flexibility” and doesn’t see it as a barrier to a trade.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Easton Cowan (NHL Images)

Maple Leafs sophomore winger Easton Cowan has avoided the sophomore slump with 13 points in 14 games. The 21-year-old Cowan has been rumored as part of potential trade packages, but Chayka believes he’d be difficult to replace.

“I don’t think any player is untradeable, but he’s a good player,” Chayka said of Cowan. “He is everything you’d want in a Toronto Maple Leaf. He loves the Leafs, is passionate about it, plays a 200-foot game, does whatever it takes, in the gym, doing extra on the ice.”

Chayka didn’t rule out making another blockbuster trade. On Sept. 28, he shipped popular power forward Matthew Knies to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Kirill Marchenko in a six-player deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Losing oft-injured shutdown defenseman Chris Tanev earlier this month sparked speculation that Chayka was shopping around for help. However, the Leafs’ recent four-game win streak and Tanev’s return to practice have likely prompted him to remain patient for now.

Cowan will be part of the asking price if Chayka wants to swing another blockbuster. However, it would have to be a significant return to include the promising young winger in a deal.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy will have some important decisions to make before the March 1 trade deadline.

Teams have called about Zach Whitecloud. The 29-year-old defenseman is signed through 2027-28 with an affordable $2.75 million average annual value. However, Conroy is reluctant to part with Whitecloud’s experience and skill. He also noted that the veteran blueliner wants to stay and be part of the club’s rebuild.

Center Morgan Frost is eligible for unrestricted free agent status next July. However, the 27-year-old center fits the age bracket of the roster, so Conroy is interested in keeping him.

LeBrun believes Ryan Strome is a more likely trade candidate. Like Frost, the 33-year-old center is UFA-eligible next July. However, Conroy is taking a wait-and-see approach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Conroy has spent the past two seasons rebuilding his roster by shuttling out veterans for young players, draft picks, and prospects. However, it could be worthwhile retaining Whitecloud, Frost, and Strome if they’ve bought in and want to be part of the solution in Calgary.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 27, 2026

by | Oct 27, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 27, 2026

The Red Wings, Flames, and Kings pull off upset wins, the three stars of the week, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING MONDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Detroit Red Wings rookie goaltender Michal Postava made 25 saves and stopped all three shootout attempts to win his first NHL game 4-3 over the Edmonton Oilers. Viktor Arvidsson, Emmitt Finnie, and Dylan Larkin scored as the Red Wings (5-4-3) rallied from 1-0, 2-1, and 3-2 deficits, and Lucas Raymond scored the game-winner in the shootout. Vasily Podkolzkin, Isaak Howard, and Colton Dach tallied for the 8-2-2 Oilers, who hold first place in the Pacific Division with 18 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers winger Zach Hyman left the game after striking his head against the glass following a routine hit from Red Wings defenseman Andreas Englund.

Calgary Flames forward Matvei Gridin (NHL Images).

Calgary Flames sophomore winger Matvei Gridin scored two goals and collected an assist for a 5-2 upset victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Joel Farabee and Martin Pospisil each had a goal and an assist, and Devin Cooley stopped 26 shots for the red-hot Flames (5-6-0), who’ve won four straight games. Easton Cowan and William Nylander replied for the 7-5-2 Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews collected an assist to become the fastest player in franchise history to reach 800 points, doing so in 703 games.

Leafs winger Kirill Marchenko left this game with a lower-body injury during the second period. Flames Aydar Suniev didn’t return after suffering an upper-body injury in the first period.

Los Angeles Kings captain Drew Doughty had a goal and two assists to lead his club over the New York Rangers 6-3. Artemi Panarin and Joel Edmundson each had a goal and an assist for the Kings, who improved to 3-5-2. Tye Kartye had a goal and an assist for the 7-6-1 Rangers as they suffered their third straight defeat.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 36-year-old Doughty is in the final season of his contract, but he has no plans to retire. “I think I can play until over 40,” Doughty said. He hopes to sign an extension with the Kings.

Kings winger Mats Zuccarello (upper body) was placed on injured reserve. Newly-signed Rangers goaltender James Reimer was lifted in the first period after giving up three goals on eight shots. He was replaced by Dylan Garand, making his ninth appearance in as many games.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl, Flames goaltender Devin Cooley, and Montreal Canadiens netminder Jacob Fowler were the league’s three stars for the week ending Oct. 25.

SPORTSNET: Connor Hellebuyck believes he’s ready to play and is getting closer to playing his first game with the New Jersey Devils, who acquired the 33-year-old goaltender from the Winnipeg Jets on Friday. Devils coach Sheldon Keefe hopes to get Hellebuyck into the lineup during their three-game road trip against the Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, and Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils have back-to-back games against the Stars and Avalanche on Tuesday and Wednesday. Hellebuyck could start one of those matches.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Carolina Hurricanes activated winger Taylor Hall off injured reserve. He missed five games with an upper-body injury.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is expected to miss two weeks with an upper-body injury.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The New York Islanders placed forwards Matias Maccelli and Calum Ritchie on injured reserve.