NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 27, 2026

by | May 27, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 27, 2026

The Golden Knights advance to the Stanley Cup Final, the latest on the Hurricanes and Canadiens, the Penguins re-sign Evgeni Malkin, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Colorado Avalanche 2-1 in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final, sweeping the series and advancing to the Stanley Cup Final.

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone (NHL Images).

Mark Stone and Cole Smith scored, and Carter Hart stopped 20 shots for the Golden Knights. Gabriel Landeskog replied for the Avalanche.

The Golden Knights await the winner of the Eastern Conference Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens. The Hurricanes hold a 2-1 lead in that best-of-seven series.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the Golden Knights’ third trip to the Stanley Cup Final in their nine-year history. Their first trip was in their inaugural season (2017-18) and their second came in 2022-23, when they won their first Cup.

Vegas winger Mitch Marner leads all scorers in this postseason with 21 points and is considered among the favorites to win the Conn Smythe Trophy. It’s the first time Marner has reached the Stanley Cup Final.

Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella credited his team’s tight-checking style for their success thus far in this postseason. That system played a crucial role in shutting down the heavily-favored Avalanche, who won the Presidents’ Trophy as the top team during the regular season.

Colorado center Nathan MacKinnon played despite a knee injury suffered in Game 3. The Avs also changed things up between the pipes by replacing Scott Wedgewood with MacKenzie Blackwood, who made 24 saves. However, it couldn’t prevent what felt like an inevitable victory for the Golden Knights.

Martin Necas, Brock Nelson, Cale Makar, and MacKinnon were the notable Avalanche stars who failed to score during this series. Injuries to MacKinnon and Makar hampered their performances, but that doesn’t detract from the fact that the Golden Knights did a masterful job of shutting down the vaunted Avalanche offense.

It will be interesting to see how the Avalanche front office reacts to this disappointing end to a dominant regular season. I’ll have more about that in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Carolina Hurricanes aren’t fazed by the pressure of overtime. They are 5-0 in overtime games in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Winger Andrei Svechnikov credits his club’s mentality. “We love tight games. Every time, we love that,” Svechnikov said. It was his overtime goal in Game 3 that lifted the Hurricanes to a 2-1 series lead over the Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens have been outshot by a wide margin in this series with the Hurricanes.

The reduction of shot production from stars Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky is expected because of the extra focus they’ve received from their opponents in this postseason. However, that hasn’t led to any significant increase in shots from the rest of the lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After being dominated in Game 1, the Hurricanes did a terrific job taking away time and space for the Canadiens to create plays and generate shots in Games 2 and 3. If that trend continues, the Hurricanes will face the Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins re-signed long-time star Evgeni Malkin to a one-year, bonus-laden contract on Tuesday.

Malkin, 39, will be returning for his 21st season with the only NHL team he’s ever played for. The contract is worth $5.5 million against the Penguins’ cap. He receives a base salary of $2.5 million and a $3 million signing bonus on July 1. He will also receive $3.5 million performance bonuses that could take him up to $9 million, though it’s unlikely that he’ll achieve all of them.

The contract also comes with a no-movement clause, but he must present a three-team trade list in January.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It seemed uncertain for months whether the Penguins would re-sign Malkin. However, recent comments by general manager Kyle Dubas and team captain Sidney Crosby suggested that he would be back for one more season.

Malkin had a bounce-back performance this season with 61 points in 56 games and three points in six playoff contests.

Dubas recently indicated that the Penguins had no one in their system who could step up and replace Malkin in the lineup. That’s the main reason why they’ve brought him back. The Penguins’ exceeding expectations to make the playoffs under first-year coach David Muse also likely factored into this decision.

OTTAWA SUN: Claude Giroux wants to return for another season. The 38-year-old Senators forward pondered retirement, but his agent said his client would like to play in 2026-27.

Giroux told reporters following Ottawa’s elimination from the 2026 playoffs that his priority would be to re-sign with the Senators. While there hasn’t yet been any discussion with management, there’s little reason to believe that they don’t want him back.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators GM Steve Staios praised Giroux last month during the club’s end-of-season media availability. It will be surprising if Staios doesn’t bring him back for what will be his 20th NHL campaign.

THE SCORE: cited a report from The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, who claimed the Los Angeles Kings held preliminary talks with former New York Rangers coach Peter Laviolette about their head-coaching position.

CBC PEI: Former NHL forward Forbes Kennedy passed away on Monday at age 90.

Kennedy spent 11 seasons in the NHL from 1956-57 to 1968-69 with the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. In 603 regular-season games, he had 70 goals and 108 assists for 178 points and 888 PIMs. He also has six points in 12 playoff contests with 64 PIMs.

After his playing career, Kennedy went on to a long junior coaching career in the Maritimes, most of which was spent in his native Prince Edward Island. Summerside native and former NHL player and coach Gerard Gallant said Kennedy was a mentor for many Island players who hoped to reach the NHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: “Forbie” was a trailblazer for aspiring players from Prince Edward Island. He became the first Islander to play over 500 NHL games, and finished fourth in Calder Memorial Trophy voting in 1956-57. My condolences to his family, friends, former teammates, and the players whom he coached.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 26, 2026

by | May 26, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 26, 2026

Check out the latest on Devils captain Nico Hischier, Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, Kraken center Matty Beniers, Red Wings goalie Sebastian Cossa, and Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE DEVILS RE-SIGN OR TRADE NICO HISCHIER?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports several teams are keeping an eye on what happens to New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier this summer.

The 27-year-old center has a year remaining on his contract with a salary cap hit of $7.25 million. He can sign a contract extension starting on July 1.

LeBrun reports preliminary discussions between Devils general manager Sunny Mehta and Hischier’s agent, Allain Roy, have been “amicable and positive.” Nevertheless, Mehta will want clarity on Hischier’s intentions. LeBrun doubts he’ll want to go into next season with his captain on an expiring contract.

The Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, and Montreal Canadiens would be among the clubs that will be interested if Hischier becomes available in this summer’s trade market. However, LeBrun believes an extension is the more likely outcome, though the discussions are at “an early and delicate stage”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It could cost the Devils up to $13 million annually to re-sign Hischier. They have over $47 million in projected cap space for 2027-28, which would be the first season for his new contract. A new contract for Simon Nemec this summer could cost $9 million, but that could be offset by finding a suitable trade destination for blueliner Dougie Hamilton.

ARE THE PANTHERS PURSUING BRADY TKACHUK?

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Alan Greenberg reports rumors “continue to swirl” claiming Panthers GM Bill Zito is attempting to acquire Brady Tkachuk from the Ottawa Senators.

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tkachuk might one day be united with his brother, Matthew, on the Panthers, but that day hasn’t arrived yet. Brady and Senators GM Steve Staios recently shot down any notion that he wants a trade or that they’re going to listen to trade offers.

If Tkachuk became available in this summer’s trade market, it would cost the Panthers at least two of their good young players, such as Anton Lundell and Mackie Samoskevich. Unless Tkachuk only wants to go to Florida, the Panthers are unlikely to outbid other clubs that would be interested in his services.

The best way for the Panthers to land Tkachuk would be to wait until 2028, when he’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent, assuming he wouldn’t re-sign with the Senators before then. That’s assuming they’ll have sufficient cap space to sign him.

WOULD MATTY BENIERS BE A GOOD TRADE TARGET FOR THE FLYERS?

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James suggested Matty Beniers of the Seattle Kraken could be a good “under-the-radar” trade target to address the Flyers’ need for depth at center.

With Chandler Stephenson locked up long-term and promising Berkly Catton knocking at the door, the 23-year-old Beniers could become the perfect trade candidate. James speculated it might take a scoring winger to tempt the Kraken.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trading Beniers to add a scoring winger would address one issue while creating another. The Kraken need more offense, but they’re unlikely to trade their first-line center to get him. Catton has promise, but he’s not ready for first-line duty yet, while Stephenson is best-suited as their second-line center.

SUGGESTED DESTINATIONS FOR RED WINGS GOALIE SEBASTIAN COSSA

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen noted the rise of promising goalies Trey Augustine and Michal Postava has made Sebastian Cossa the subject of trade rumors. It’s been reported that GM Steve Yzerman is considering moving the 23-year-old netminder.

Allen suggested the Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Florida Panthers, Ottawa Senators, and New York Rangers as potential trade destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cossa was expected to become the Red Wings’ backup goaltender next season. He could fill that role with those other clubs, but his struggles this season might be a cause for concern.

ARE THE PREDATORS INTERESTED IN THE AVALANCHE’S GENERAL MANAGER?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland is a “logical target” for the Nashville Predators to fill their GM role.

Friedman doesn’t believe it’s guaranteed that MacFarland is leaving the Avalanche or going to Nashville. However, he thinks the amount of time it’s taking the Predators to find a new GM suggests they’re waiting to talk to somebody.

It’s been reported that MacFarland would be taking a VP of hockey operations position with the Predators. However, Friedman said he doesn’t think the Predators have permission to speak with him or that any agreement is in place.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators could be waiting until the Avalanche’s postseason is over before seeking permission to talk to MacFarland. Even then, there’s no certainty they’ll be allowed to, especially since he’s a finalist for the GM of the Year award.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 26, 2026

by | May 26, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 26, 2026

The Hurricanes take a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Final, plus the latest on the Avalanche, Golden Knights, Maple Leafs, Kings, and Oilers in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Andrei Svechnikov gave the Carolina Hurricanes a 3-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final, and a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Andrei Svechnikov (NHL Images).

Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere opened the scoring in the first period. Mike Matheson tied it for the Canadiens later in the period, only to have the Hurricanes regain the lead less than a minute later on a goal by Taylor Hall. Lane Hutson tied it in the second period for the Canadiens, who saw a potential 3-2 lead in the third period overturned as a coach’s challenge by the Hurricanes revealed Cole Caufield was offside.

Game 4 is on Wednesday in Montreal at 8 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the second straight game that Carolina won in overtime by a score of 3-2. And for the second straight game, they outshot Montreal by a high volume, this time peppering Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes with 38 shots while Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen faced only 13.

Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson blamed his turnover at his blueline for what led to Svechnikov’s game-winner. However, his club had two golden opportunities earlier in the overtime period to end it. Team captain Nick Suzuki had a breakaway but shot wide, while Matheson struck the crossbar later in the period.

The Canadiens were near the bottom of the league in shots on goal this season, a trend that has persisted during this postseason. Factor in the Hurricanes’ suffocating defensive play in Games 2 and 3, and it’s little wonder that the Habs have had difficulty scoring.

Experience is also favoring the Hurricanes. This is their third Conference Final in four years, and the hard lessons they learned from their early exits from those series have been on display in this matchup. If they maintain their sustained offensive zone pressure and their strong defensive play, they could take a commanding lead in the series on Wednesday and finish it at home in Game 5 on Friday.

THE DENVER POST: Everything that could go wrong has gone wrong for the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights, putting them on the verge of elimination.

Vegas goaltender Carter Hart has outplayed Avalanche netminder Scott Wedgewood. The Golden Knights have played well defensively, and their top players are healthier and producing.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The status of Avalanche forwards Nathan MacKinnon and Valeri Nichushkin remains uncertain after suffering injuries in Game 3. MacKinnon injured his knee after blocking a shot, hampering his performance for the rest of the game. Nichushkin suffered an upper-body injury that sidelined him for most of the third period.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Shot blocking has been key to the Golden Knights’ shutting down the Avalanche’s vaunted offense. Defensemen Shea Theodore, Brayden McNabb, and Noah Hanifin are among this postseason’s leaders in block shots.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights can wrap up this series on Tuesday night.

SPORTSNET: Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka and senior executive advisor Mats Sundin had a positive meeting with team captain Auston Matthews to discuss their vision for the team.

Matthews has two seasons left on his contract, and there was uncertainty over his future with the Maple Leafs after they missed the playoffs this season. According to Elliotte Friedman, the Leafs captain indicated that he still wants to win in Toronto,

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report indicated there are still more decisions to be made, but this initial meeting was positive, with nothing to suggest any concerns.

TSN: Speaking of the Maple Leafs, forward Max Domi is sidelined indefinitely following complications arising from off-season surgery. The club didn’t disclose the nature of the surgery on Monday, stating only that it was done to address a nagging issue. He will be re-evaluated at the start of training camp in September.

TSN: Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland said his team must move on after the Golden Knights denied his club permission to speak with former head coach Bruce Cassidy. “I’ve been around the game a long time to know that if somebody’s decided that they don’t want to grant permission, they’ve negotiated that right and you move on.”

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers signed Finnish winger Aku Raty to a one-year, two-way contract worth $850,000.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 25, 2026

by | May 25, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 25, 2026

Will the Sabres sign defenseman Bowen Byram to a contract extension? Could the Bruins pursue Devils blueliner Simon Nemec? Could the Blue Jackets and Boone Jenner part ways? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST SABRES SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn looked at the offseason “to-do” list for Buffalo Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.

Bowen Byram’s future with the Sabres is part of that list. The 24-year-old left-shot defenseman is a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility and can sign a contract extension on July 1.

Kekalainen told Byram during his exit interview that he’d love to keep the puck-moving blueliner. The Sabres’ top-four defense, of which Byram was a part, played a significant role in the club’s impressive improvement this season.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

Byram wants to play for a winner, and the Sabres check that box. However, Fairburn wondered if he wants to remain a second-pairing defenseman with Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and Mattias Samuelsson also playing big minutes.

If Byram wants a top-pairing role and a contract to match, free agency might be his best option. However, if he’s happy with his current role, the Sabres must find a way to re-sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byram was the subject of media trade speculation last year, but he surprised the pundits by inking a two-year contract. His situation will be worth monitoring this summer.

Byram could opt for a long-term deal. He could also opt for another short-term deal, ensuring he could be UFA eligible again while still in his playing prime. He and the Sabres could also wait to see how next season pans out before committing to serious contract talks.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Russell Macias suggested Sabres defenseman Michael Kesselring could be on the New York Islanders’ radar this summer.

Kesselring, 26, is completing a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.4 million. He will become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Injuries sidelined him for 29 games, and he was a healthy scratch for all but three games from March 12 to May 18.

Macias expects Kesselring to be traded this summer. He expects the asking price to be a second or third-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres acquired the 6’5”, 215-pound Kesselring from the Utah Mammoth last year to skate alongside Owen Power, but it didn’t work out as hoped. He put up good numbers (29 points in 82 games) during his final season with the Mammoth.

MORE DEVILS TRADE RUMORS

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss believes the Boston Bruins should pursue New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec if he becomes available in the trade market this summer.

Conflicting reports emerged last week regarding a supposed trade request by the 22-year-old Nemec. He’s a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights.

Goss believes Nemec’s puck-moving ability, offensive skills, and right-hand shot are what the Bruins desperately need on their blueline. He would also be a younger, more affordable option than pursuing Tampa Bay’s Darren Raddysh or Vegas’ Rasmus Andersson via free agency.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins won’t be the only club interested in Nemec if the Devils shop him in this summer’s trade market. They do have some promising young players and draft picks, including two first-rounders in the 2027 and 2028 NHL Drafts, to draw on for trade capital.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols listed several players he considers trade targets that could bolster the Devils’ lack of scoring depth.

Ross Colton of the Colorado Avalanche tops that list, followed by Cole Perfetti of the Winnipeg Jets, Connor Zary of the Calgary Flames, and Mavrik Bourque of the Dallas Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Colton has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4 million. Zary has two years left with an average annual value of $3.775 million. Perfetti and Bourque are both restricted free agents with arbitration rights.

The Jets could be reluctant to part with Perfetti despite the drop in his production this season. Colton could be available if the Avs shed salary to make some roster changes, especially if they get swept in the Western Conference Final.

Zary hasn’t progressed as the Flames had hoped, but they might give him another season. Bourque could be an affordable offer-sheet target if he’s willing to sign. If he’s not, he could become a trade candidate if the Stars’ efforts to re-sign Jason Robertson leave them little cap room for other players.

COULD THE BLUE JACKETS PART WAYS WITH BOONE JENNER?

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline speculated that long-time Columbus Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner might be moving on this summer.

Jenner, 32, is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Blue Jackets captain is completing a four-year contract with an AAV of $3.75 million.

This is Jenner’s last opportunity to sign a multi-year contract via free agency. Portzline believes he will draw plenty of suitors, pointing out that the Blue Jackets received plenty of calls about him at the March trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Portzline observed that nothing’s settled yet, and Jenner could still re-sign with the Blue Jackets. However, he doubted that the veteran forward would be happy with a one or two-year deal. He also pointed out that it appears the Jackets management hasn’t made re-signing him a priority.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 25, 2026

by | May 25, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 25, 2026

The Golden Knights rally to push the Avalanche to the brink of elimination in the Western Conference Final, plus the latest on the Hurricanes and Canadiens in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Vegas Golden Knights scored five unanswered goals to overcome a 3-0 deficit in a 5-3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final, taking a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

The Avalanche took the early lead in the first period on goals by Gabriel Landeskog, Nazem Kadri, and Jack Drury. However, it was all Golden Knights for the rest of the game, with Mark Stone, William Karlsson, and Keegan Kolesar scoring to tie it at 3-3 in the second period. Tomas Hertl tallied the game winner, and Brett Howden netted the insurance goal in the third period.

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone (NHL Images).

With the Golden Knights holding a commanding series lead, they can wrap up the series and sweep the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche on Tuesday in Las Vegas, starting at 9 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche were dominant in the first period, displaying the form that made them the top team in the league this season and saw them make short work of the Los Angeles Kings and Minnesota Wild through the first two rounds.

However, their confidence wavered when Stone tallied just 19 seconds into the second period, and collapsed when Karlsson cut the lead to 3-2 less than three minutes later. They seemed to have no answer for the Golden Knights’ aggressive physical style and strong special teams play during the remainder of the game.

Stone returned to the Golden Knights’ lineup after being injured in Game 3 of their second-round series against the Anaheim Ducks. Cale Makar rejoined the Avalanche after missing the first two games with an injury. Of the two, it was the Golden Knights’ captain who had a bigger impact on this game.

Worse for the Avalanche, superstar center Nathan MacKinnon injured his right knee while blocking a shot in the second period. He tried to play through it, but his mobility was hampered. Avs winger Valeri Nichushkin suffered an undisclosed injury early in the third period and didn’t return.

Following the game, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar admitted morale was low among his players right now. They face a daunting challenge attempting to overcome a 3-0 series deficit. Only four teams in NHL history have rallied back after trailing a best-of-seven series by three games.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau reports that the addition of Nikolaj Ehlers last summer has given the Carolina Hurricanes a welcome offensive boost during this postseason. With four goals and six points, he’s on pace to exceed his previous postseason highs of five goals and seven points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes have also benefited from the production of their second line of Taylor Hall, Logan Stankoven, and Jackson Blake.

THE ATHLETIC: Cory Lavalette examines how speed, skill, and physicality enable the Hurricanes to overcome a lopsided loss to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final to defeat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in Game 2.

TVA SPORTS: Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis told reporters on Sunday that Lane Hutson was fine after a hit by Hurricanes winger Taylor Hall during overtime in Game 2 left him limping to the bench.

SPORTSNET: The Canadiens are hoping to rewrite their home ice history in this postseason as the Eastern Conference Final shifts to Montreal for Games 3 and 4. While the Canadiens have an impressive 7-3 record on the road in this postseason, they’re 2-4 at home.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 24, 2026

by | May 24, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 24, 2026

Check out the latest on the Golden Knights, Stars, Canucks, and Kings in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

CAP SPACE AN OFFSEASON ISSUE FOR THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS AND STARS

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal listed seven teams that could face a salary-cap crunch in 2026-27. Two of the more interesting were the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars.

The Golden Knights have a projected $12.5 million in salary-cap space if sidelined defenseman Alex Pietrangelo remains on LTIR for next season. That won’t leave much to re-sign restricted free agent winger Pavel Dorofeyev and pending unrestricted free-agent defenseman Rasmus Andersson.

Vegas Golden Knights forward Tomas Hertl (NHL Images).

Dayal speculated that forward Tomas Hertl could become a salary-cap casualty. The Golden Knights are carrying $6.75 million of his $8.137 million average annual value (with this former club, the San Jose Sharks, carrying the rest) through 2029-30.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dorofeyev’s RFA status would make him an enticing offer-sheet candidate if he’s willing to consider that option. Because he has arbitration rights, interested teams will have from the start of free agency on July 1 until the July 5 arbitration filing deadline to make their pitch, assuming he doesn’t file between those dates. If he goes to arbitration, he’s ineligible to sign an offer sheet.

The Golden Knights acquired Andersson from the Calgary Flames in January. Some observers wondered why they haven’t re-signed him yet. It’s believed they’re waiting until July 1 to do so. On that date, they’ll be allowed to exceed the salary cap by 10 percent during the offseason. It will also give them time to determine if Pietrangelo will remain on LTIR for next season.

Hertl has a modified no-trade clause, but there are no details as to how limiting it might be. Dayal suggested that the high demands for centers could create plenty of opportunities for the Golden Knights to move him.

The Stars’ limited cap space has created speculation over how they’ll free up room to re-sign RFA winger Jason Robertson. Dayal also mentioned that it could make center Mavrik Bourque a tempting offer-sheet target. He suggested that the Stars could have difficulty matching a $4.775 million offer sheet for Bourque, and it would only cost a second-round pick in compensation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson’s situation has been well-documented. However, the Bourque offer sheet scenario could be intriguing.

Bourque is completing a one-year deal with an AAV of $950,000 and, like Robertson, has arbitration rights. The versatile 24-year-old can play center or wing, lacks no-trade protection, and had a career-best 20 goals and 21 assists for 41 points this season.

As with Hertl, the demand for centers could tempt a rival club to try to sign Bourque to an offer sheet, assuming he’s interested in doing so. Signing him to between $4.776 million and $7.163 million would cost a first and a third-round pick, so it’s understandable why Dayal suggested the $4.775 million AAV offer.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma suggested the Vancouver Canucks should be buoyed by the Montreal Canadiens’ swift rise to ensure long-term competitiveness. As the Canucks embark on a rebuild, they can draw lessons from the Canadiens’ efforts, which turned them from a last-overall team to an Eastern Conference finalist within four years.

Kuzma observed that one of the ways the Canadiens rebuilt quickly was by identifying roster players with market value to acquire assets, while targeting players who hadn’t yet hit their stride with other clubs.

Winger Jake DeBrusk and defenseman Filip Hronek could be marketable players for the Canucks.

DeBrusk, 29, wants to win now. His goal production and his affordable $5.5 million AAV for the next five seasons could be attractive in the trade market.

The 28-year-old Hronek is a big-minute, lead-by-example defenseman who finished second in scoring on the Canucks this season. He has a full no-movement clause, but Kuzma speculated he could fetch a first-round pick, a prime prospect, and perhaps more.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk has indicated he’s not keen about a rebuild, which makes him the more likely of the two to be traded this summer. He also has a full no-movement clause, but will be open to waiving it to join a playoff club.

Management will have to determine whether Hronek wants to be part of the rebuild. If he does, he can provide leadership and skilled experience to their young defense corps. Otherwise, they’ll find out where he wants to be traded and go from there.

UPDATE ON THE KINGS

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens recently listed who stays and who goes from the Los Angeles Kings this summer.

Stephens included Darcy Kuemper among those he believes are “staying put, almost certainly”. He noted that the 35-year-old goaltender’s struggles this season cost him his job as the team’s starting goalie.

Kuemper has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5.25 million. Stephens believes he could be a comeback candidate or put on the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuemper also has a 10-team no-trade list. Despite that and his struggles this season, the limited market for goaltenders could make him a trade target for clubs desperate for help between the pipes.

Stephens thinks Trevor Moore could stay put, but he noted that the 31-year-old forward has been up-and-down in recent years. He also observed that he has two years left on his contract without trade protection.

They could face a tough decision with pending UFA Scott Laughton. His departure would leave them thin at center if they can’t find a suitable replacement. He will draw interest in the free-agent market. Forwards Mathieu Joseph and Andrei Kuzmenko are UFA-eligible and unlikely to be back.