NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 24, 2026

by | May 24, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 24, 2026

The Hurricanes defeat the Canadiens to tie the Eastern Conference Final, the latest on the Avalanche and Golden Knights, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Nikolaj Ehlers scored twice, including the winner in overtime, as the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final, squaring the best-of-seven series at a game apiece.

Eric Robinson opened the scoring for the Hurricanes while Jalen Chatfield and Mark Jankowski each collected two assists.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Nikolaj Ehlers (NHL Images)

Josh Anderson scored both goals for the Canadiens. Linemate Phillip Danault had two assists, and Jakub Dobes stopped 23 shots.

The series moves to Montreal for the next two games, with Game 3 on Monday at 8 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After getting humbled in Game 1, the real Hurricanes showed up for Game 2. They were more positionally sound and did a terrific job disrupting Montreal’s puck-moving ability, especially through the neutral zone. Meanwhile, they generated plenty of sustained pressure in the Canadiens’ zone, keeping them hemmed in for long periods.

The Canadiens did a good job defensively for the most part, but they were frustrated offensively for much of this game. Anderson’s goals resulted from generating opportunities by driving to the net to create traffic and rebounds. The Habs must do more of that, rather than wait for the perfect scoring opportunities, because the Hurricanes are taking away their time and space to create those plays.

Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson was shaken up from a hit by Hurricanes winger Taylor Hall during overtime and limped to the bench. Head coach Martin St. Louis was not asked about Hutson’s condition, so perhaps he’s not that badly hurt. The Habs cannot afford to lose their top defenseman, who has also been their most reliable offensive player in this postseason.

DAILY FACEOFF: Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said it will be up to Cale Makar to determine whether he’ll return to the lineup for Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights, who hold a 2-0 lead in the series.

The Avs’ superstar defenseman missed the first two games with an undisclosed injury suffered during their second-round series against the Minnesota Wild. Bednar said Makar is “doing all the work” attempting to get back into this series, but the final decision rests with the blueliner.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak believes the Avalanche needs more production from its stars, with or without Makar. The usually high-scoring Avs managed only three goals in the first two games against the Golden Knights.

Avalanche stars Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas, and Brock Nelson combined for one assist in those two games. They have no points at even strength.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights are 17-4-1 since John Tortorella took over as head coach on March 29.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights have done a fine job neutralizing the Avalanche’s offense. They’re getting solid goaltending from Carter Hart, they’re winning the puck battles, they’re blocking shots relentlessly, and they’re counter-attacking quickly.

If the Golden Knights win Game 3 on Sunday, the Avalanche will end up in a hole in this series that’s so deep they’re unable to climb out of it.

TSN: The Tampa Bay Lightning signed forward Scott Sabourin to a one-year, two-way contract.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 23, 2026

by | May 23, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 23, 2026

Which Sabres goaltender could draw some interest in this summer’s trade market? Should the Islanders target a young Sharks winger? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TEAMS COULD TARGET SABRES GOALIE DEVON LEVI

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch cited ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, who reported Friday that the Senators have shown an interest in Devon Levi of the Buffalo Sabres as a potential backup for starting goaltender Linus Ullmark.

Buffalo Sabres goaltender Devon Levi (NHL Images).

Levi, 24, spent last season with the Sabres’ AHL affiliate in Rochester. He would reportedly welcome a change of scenery after being squeezed out of the Sabres’ goalie picture by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colten Ellis.

Weekes believes Levi still has potential. Garrioch pointed to his collegiate career and his performance with Team Canada in the 2021 IIHF World Juniors. He has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $812,500 and is no longer exempt from waivers.

If the Sabres want a goalie in return, it could cost the Senators Leevi Merilainen, who is a restricted free agent on July 1 and also no longer waiver-exempt.

Garrioch also reports the Senators are believed to be interested in pending unrestricted free agents, such as Stuart Skinner of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Connor Ingram of the Edmonton Oilers.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James wondered if the Flyers should pursue Levi. He pointed out that current Flyers backup Samuel Ersson was inconsistent this season and is RFA-eligible on July 1. Given Levi’s reduced trade value, he could become an affordable acquisition for the Flyers, perhaps costing a mid to late round draft pick.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples included Levi among his list of potential goalie targets for the Oilers.

Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues, Sebastian Cossa of the Detroit Red Wings, Adin Hill of the Vegas Golden Knights, Samuel Montembeault, and Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets were also on Staples’ list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Levi would be the most affordable of those goalies for the Senators, Flyers, and Oilers to pursue. His limited NHL experience makes him a gamble, albeit one that won’t create a salary-cap headache or put a serious dent into their tradeable assets.

SHOULD THE ISLANDERS TARGET A YOUNG SHARKS WINGER?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Russell Macias believes the New York Islanders will attempt to add to their roster this summer. They need a scoring forward and depth on the right side of their defense.

Macias noted that the Islanders have spent the past several years adding stopgap measures and failed experiments to address their roster weaknesses. He recommends that GM Mathieu Darche bring in a clear top-line winger, especially with Victor Eklund looking like a future NHL player.

Macias suggested Darche consider acquiring Eklund’s older brother, William, who currently plays for the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eklund surfaced in trade rumors following the March trade deadline. The Sharks’ growing list of promising young forwards has some observers suggesting the 24-year-old winger could become a trade chip this summer to add an experienced defenseman to their blue line.

So far, there is no indication that the Islanders are interested in Eklund, but if they were, Alexander Romanov could interest the Sharks. The 26-year-old is a physical blueliner who missed most of this season recovering from shoulder surgery.

When healthy, Romanov could make a good addition to the Sharks’ defense corps, and he would be closer in age to the Sharks’ young core players.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 23, 2026

by | May 23, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 23, 2026

The Golden Knights go up 2-0 over the Avalanche in the Western Conference Final, plus the latest on Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Vegas Golden Knights took a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Final with a 3-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 2. Carter Hart stopped 29 shots, Jack Eichel tied the game, and Ivan Barbashev tallied the winning and insurance goals for the Golden Knights. Ross Colton scored, and Scott Wedgwood made 22 saves for the Avalanche.

Vegas Golden Knights forward Ivan Barbashev (NHL Images).

The series shifts to Las Vegas for the next two games with Game 3 on Sunday at 8 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Colorado pressed to expand on their 1-0 lead, but Hart shut the door while his teammates frustrated the Avalanche by blocking shots and taking away the shooting lanes. This was the first loss in 46 games this season when the Avs took a lead into the third period.

Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar and Golden Knights winger Mark Stone remained sidelined with injuries. While both clubs have felt their absences in this series, the Avalanche are truly suffering without Makar on their blueline.

The Avalanche’s top-five scorers (Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas, Gabriel Landeskog, Devon Toews, and Nazem Kadri) have combined for one goal and three assists in this series. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights’ top scorers (Mitch Marner, Jack Eichel, Pavel Dorofeyev, Ivan Barbashev, and Brett Howden) combined for five goals and six assists.

THE ATHLETIC: Barry Svrluga looked at why Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin might return for one more season, and why he might not.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin is no longer the dominant force he once was, but he put up a respectable 32 goals and 64 points in 82 games this season, averaging a team-leading 4:29 of power-play time per game. However, his total time on ice per game dropped to a career-low 17:27. He could end up becoming more of a power-play specialist next season as his even-strength ice time continues to decline.

Ovechkin must be honest with himself this offseason. While trying to chase the Stanley Cup one more time may be suitable motivation to return, the physical demands of that long, difficult road will be tough on a player who will be 41 next season.

Time inevitably catches up with all players. It could finally overtake the greatest goal scorer in NHL history next season.

THE ATHLETIC: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said he believes the contract talks between Penguins management and teammate Evgeni Malkin are in a good place.

“I’ve just always expected to be playing with him,” Crosby said. “I don’t know. After talking with everyone at the end of the year, it felt like it was in a good place in terms of getting something done.”

Crosby is optimistic, but he stressed that he’s not making assumptions or forecasting what could happen. “I’ve found out many times that doing that can be a bad idea.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby obviously wants his friend and long-time teammate back for one more year. Ultimately, it comes down to what Malkin and Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas are comfortable with for a contract and his role with the club next season. We’ll find out by July 1.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon, who admitted there were problems in the club’s dressing room this season.

Appearing on the “Donnie and Dhali Show”, Dillon said there were “a lot of those elephants in the room this year.”

Nichols believes one of those issues involved former GM Tom Fitzgerald’s publicly asking Ondrej Palat and Dougie Hamilton to waive their no-trade clauses amid his failed attempt to acquire Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. Young defenseman Simon Nemec and center Dawson Mercer also surfaced in trade rumors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichols believes new GM Sunny Mehta has a big job ahead of him as he attempts to resolve these issues. His efforts will determine whether the Devils can bounce back as a playoff contender next season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL head coach Bob Hartley announced his retirement.

Hartley, 65, spent parts of 13 seasons coaching the Colorado Avalanche, Atlanta Thrashers, and Calgary Flames from 1998-99 to 2015-16. He won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2001 and took home the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year in 2015 as the Flames ended a six-year playoff drought.

Since 2016, Hartley has coached in the KHL and in Switzerland.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In 944 regular-season NHL games, Hartley has a record of 463 wins, 361 losses, 61 ties, and 59 overtime losses. He’s 35th all-time in wins. In 95 playoff games, his record is 54 wins and 41 losses.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 22, 2026

by | May 22, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 22, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest trade speculation about Devils defenseman Simon Nemec and Bruins blueliner Mason Lohrei, plus some proposed backup goalie candidates for the Senators.

TRADE RUMORS PERSIST ABOUT DEVILS DEFENSEMAN SIMON NEMEC

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited a report from overseas, claiming Simon Nemec had requested a trade from the Devils. Nichols reported the 22-year-old defenseman’s agent was unavailable for comment.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nemec is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. He’s been the subject of trade rumors this season, with some reports suggesting he could seek a new deal equivalent to that of fellow Devils defenseman Luke Hughes, who inked a seven-year contract last fall worth an average annual value of $9 million.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec (NHL Images).

The report also claimed that the club’s new general manager, Sunny Mehta, had not reached out to the 22-year-old defenseman or his agent about a new contract. However, a source told Nichols that wasn’t the case.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichols reported that the Devils had yet to comment on this situation. However, Slovak hockey insider Tomas Prokop claimed Nemec has not requested a trade. Hopefully, we’ll have more clarity on this issue soon.

Speaking of the Devils, Nichols believes they face a real threat of at least one of their restricted free agents being targeted with an offer sheet during the offseason.

Nemec, winger Arseny Gritsyuk, and forward Paul Cotter are eligible to sign offer sheets on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils have $11.875 million in projected salary cap space for 2026-27 with 18 roster players under contract. Matching an expensive offer for Nemec (for example) wouldn’t leave much to fill out the rest of the roster, and would require a cost-cutting trade or two to address the issue.

Bear in mind that a player must be willing to sign an offer sheet from a rival club. If they’re not interested, the Devils have nothing to worry about. Gritsyuk and Cotter have arbitration rights. If they file by the July 5 deadline, they will be ineligible to receive an offer sheet.

Nemec is the most likely target, but it’s unlikely he’ll receive an unmatchable offer. He has plenty of potential as a puck-moving blueliner, but his defensive issues could make him a less attractive offer-sheet candidate.

WILL THE BRUINS PEDDLE MASON LOHREI THIS SUMMER?

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley believes the Bruins should use defenseman Mason Lohrei as a trade chip to acquire more skill and speed.

The 25-year-old Lohrei is the youngest player on the Bruins roster. General manager Don Sweeney spoke highly of the puck-moving blueliner, but he was the subject of trade rumors this season. He was also a healthy scratch for the Bruins final three playoff games.

Studley believes Lohrei remains a valuable trade asset with offensive upside, who has also improved his defensive game this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lohrei remains the Bruin most likely to be traded this summer. He could be packaged with a draft pick or a prospect if they intend to pursue a top-six forward.

BACKUP GOALIE OPTIONS FOR THE SENATORS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch recently examined potential backup goaltending targets for the Senators.

They included Stuart Skinner of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Connor Ingram of the Edmonton Oilers. Both are eligible to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. They could also turn to Leevi Merilainen from their AHL affiliate in Belleville.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ingram might be the easier fit as a backup option. Skinner will likely want to play for a club where he’ll be the starter.

Garrioch also mentioned pending UFA Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes, but his performance in this year’s playoffs could raise his value in the free-agent market. Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild could be a trade option, but the asking price will be high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes could retain Andersen for another season. Wallstedt would be too costly to acquire, plus he won’t be available until the Wild knows if starter Filip Gustavsson has fully recovered from offseason hip surgery.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 22, 2026

by | May 22, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 22, 2026

The Canadiens win the opening game of the Eastern Conference Final, injury updates for the Ducks and Sabres, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: A four-goal first period powered the Montreal Canadiens to a 6-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky (NHL Images).

Alexandre Texier’s first-period goal was the game-winner. Juraj Slafkovsky scored twice and collected an assist, Nick Suzuki had three assists, and Jakub Dobes made 25 saves for the Canadiens.

Seth Jarvis and Eric Robinson scored for the Hurricanes. Frederik Andersen gave up five goals on 21 shots. Game 2 of this series is on Saturday, May 23, at 7 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens deserve credit for adjusting to the Hurricanes’ aggressive forecheck and smothering defense following their long second-round series against the Buffalo Sabres. They responded quickly to Jarvis’ game-opening goal 33 seconds into the first period with Cole Caufield’s game-tying snipe coming 27 seconds later.

The Habs set a franchise record for the fastest four goals (11:32) to start a playoff road game. The Hurricanes gave up more goals in this game than they did in the entirety of their previous series against the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers.

Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin shouldered the blame for this loss after being on the ice for three of the Canadiens’ first four goals. “Personally, I think I handed them the game,” Slavin said. “I’ve got to be better.”

Slavin didn’t have a good game, but he wasn’t the sole culprit for the Hurricanes’ loss. The entire team was rusty following a 12-day layoff between series.

That issue was apparent during the first period, resulting in odd-man rushes for Montreal. They played better in the second period, slowing the Canadiens’ movement through the neutral zone and mounting sustained pressure in the offensive zone. However, they failed to sufficiently break through the Habs’ solid defense and Dobes’ goaltending.

The Canadiens should expect a better effort from the Hurricanes for Game 2.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: The Sabres provided end-of-season injury updates for several players.

Defenseman Owen Power suffered a Grade 3 ankle sprain in Game 5 of their series with the Canadiens. Center Tage Thompson was dealing with “some lower-back stuff” for most of the postseason.

Defenseman Logan Stanley dealt with an undisclosed injury and was scratched from the final four games of the second round. Forward Sam Carrick returned too early from a left-arm injury that sidelined him for the final 15 games of the regular season. He played briefly in Game 3 against the Canadiens and sat out the final four games.

Forward Justin Danforth was close to returning from a broken kneecap suffered during the fourth game of the regular season. Forward Noah Ostlund suffered a lower-body injury during Game 5 of their first-round series against the Boston Bruins. He would’ve been ready to play later in the Eastern Conference Final had the Sabres advanced.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: These players are expected to be ready for training camp in September.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anaheim Ducks winger Troy Terry will undergo surgery for a chronic hip impingement during the offseason, and it’s questionable if he’ll be ready to start next season.

Winger Cutter Gauthier suffered a transverse process fracture late in the regular season.

Center Ryan Poehling suffered a concussion after a hit from Brayden McNabb in Game 5 of their second-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights. He’s since been cleared of symptoms.

Defenseman Pavel Mintyukov suffered an MCL sprain late in the season. He is expected to be ready for the start of next season.

Blueliner Radko Gudas was dealing with a sprained ankle.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Boston Bruins have parted ways with assistant coach Jay Leach.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Washington Capitals hired Ray Bennett as an assistant coach, replacing Kirk Muller. Bennett previously served as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders.

RATINGS.ORG: Marco D’Amico profiled Vancouver Giants center Mathis Preston, who struggled with adversity this season, including health issues and a trade from the Spokane Chiefs. However, a solid performance in the U-18 World Championship could boost his stock in the 2026 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Preston was projected to be a top-10 pick, but his struggles sent his stock tumbling. Nevertheless, he could be a good pickup later in the first round or early in the second.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 21, 2026

by | May 21, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 21, 2026

Could the Oilers attempt to acquire Blues winger Jordan Kyrou, trade Darnell Nurse to the Sharks, or hire Mike Babcock? What’s the latest on the Maple Leafs and Penguins? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST OILERS RUMORS

DAILY FACEOFF: Jeff Marek believes the Edmonton Oilers could pursue a speedy winger who can play alongside team captain Connor McDavid.

Marek expects that Jordan Kyrou will be mentioned “a ton” as a trade target. The 27-year-old St. Louis Blues winger has been in the rumor mill for the past couple of years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kyrou would first have to waive his full no-trade clause. Another hurdle is meeting the Blues’ high asking price. Kyrou’s production dropped this season, mostly because of injuries, but the Blues won’t sell low. They could seek a good young NHL player, a prospect, and a first-round draft pick.

The Oilers have over $16 million in salary-cap space with 15 roster players under contract. They would likely have to shed salary to make room for Kyrou’s $8.125 million average annual value for the next seven seasons.

And no, the Blues won’t retain salary in this deal. You want Kyrou, you meet their asking price, and take on his full cap hit. They’re under no pressure to move him.

Marek believed the Oilers would attempt to re-sign defenseman Connor Murphy, who is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1. Failing that, he wondered if Michael Kesselring of the Buffalo Sabres might be a fit.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (NHL Images).

The San Jose Sharks are looking for a defenseman, and they have a surplus of young forwards. Marek wondered if there might be a deal in which the Oilers send them veteran blueliner Darnell Nurse for one of their young excess forwards, such as Colin Graf.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers general manager Stan Bowman would probably love a move like that, assuming Nurse waives his no-movement clause. However, Sharks GM Mike Grier could have other trade options in mind to bolster his blueline, especially ones that aren’t carrying a $9.25 million AAV for the next four years.

Marek also mentioned the Oilers’ need to upgrade their goaltending. He mused about whether there might be something there with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of the Buffalo Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers need stability between the pipes, but Luukkonen has had his consistency issues. The Sabres could also prefer to keep their current goaltending tandem intact for next season.

Devon Levi has recently surfaced as a trade candidate given his struggles to crack the Sabres’ lineup. However, the Oilers might prefer a more established NHL starter.

TSN: Darren Dreger contacted former NHL head coach Mike Babcock regarding rumors linking him to the Oilers. “Dregs, I’m retired. Loving it,” Babcock replied.

Babcock last coached in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019-20. He was hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets three years later, but resigned before the start of the season after it was reported he had asked his players to share personal photos from their mobile devices.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Despite Dreger’s report, the speculation persists suggesting the Oilers should hire Babcock. However, the Oilers players might not be pleased with that possibility, given what went down in Columbus and his treatment of Mitch Marner when he coached the Maple Leafs.

MATTHEWS COULD BE THE MAPLE LEAFS’ ONLY UNTOUCHABLE

SDPN: During the latest episode of The Chris Johnston Show, Johnston said the Toronto Maple Leafs’ new management is open to listening to offers on any player other than team captain Auston Matthews.

Johnston pointed out that some players, such as William Nylander and Morgan Rielly, have no-movement clauses, meaning they could be unwilling to move. Nevertheless, it seems that new GM John Chayka is “basically considering everything but his captain.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chayka will also set high prices for some of those players, especially Nylander, right wing Matthew Knies, and center John Tavares. Even though he might be open to listening to offers, it doesn’t mean that he’s going to move those players or stage a fire sale.

Remember, Chayka’s taking his marching orders from Leafs ownership. They made it clear that they are retooling, not rebuilding, with the intent of staging a bounce-back performance next season.

SUGGESTED TRADE TARGETS FOR THE PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski suggested four young players as potential trade targets for the Penguins.

They include winger Brad Lambert of the Winnipeg Jets, defenseman Mason Lohrei of the Boston Bruins, center Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken, and blueliner Pavel Mintyukov of the Anaheim Ducks.

Kingerski noted that the four have struggled with their current clubs and might benefit from a change of scenery with a retooling team like the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lambert, Lohrei, Wright, and Mintyukov have surfaced in the rumor mill from time to time this season. Their respective clubs aren’t facing any serious pressure to move them, but they could be worth monitoring in what could be a busy summer for trade activity.