NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 21, 2026

by | Jul 21, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 21, 2026

Check out the latest on Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, Mammoth center Logan Cooley, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Blackhawks center Connor Bedard said he’s feeling good following shoulder surgery two weeks ago. He intends to remain mostly in Vancouver during his recovery this summer. His estimated recovery timeline is four months.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (NHL Images)

Regarding his new contract, Bedard said that Leo Carlsson’s new contract with the Anaheim Ducks didn’t really change things regarding his negotiations with the Blackhawks, saying he was “very happy” with the money he’ll be making.

Bedard maintains he’s very happy in Chicago and with the Blackhawks’ progress. He also said he’s excited at the possibility of Patrick Kane potentially returning to the club as a free agent. “Hopefully, he decides to come back,” Bedard said. “It would make us a way better team.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bedard will be earning an average annual value of $15 million on his new five-year contract.

As for Kane, it’s believed he’s considering returning to the Blackhawks or signing with his hometown club, the Buffalo Sabres.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh reports New York Islanders head coach Peter DeBoer believes Matthew Schaefer could one day become the club’s captain.

DeBoer took over as the Isles coach late last season, but was impressed with Schaefer’s performance and the 18-year-old defenseman’s leadership within the dressing room. He believes Schaefer will be part of the Isles’ leadership group, and thinks he could become captain one day, but stressed they must be careful not to put too much on the youngster too soon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders need a new captain after Anders Lee departed via free agency this summer. It’s unlikely they’ll hang the “C” on Schaefer, but there’s no doubt that the young blueliner will be part of their leadership group going forward.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley is looking forward to playing alongside Vincent Trocheck. He grew up admiring Trocheck, who was acquired from the New York Rangers earlier this summer.

The two Pittsburgh-area natives have skated together in offseason training, developing a friendship. Trocheck said it was among the factors that contributed to his decision to accept a trade to Utah.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck is a center, but he’s indicated that he’s willing to play on the wing for the Mammoth. Perhaps he and Cooley will be linemates this season.

NHL.COM: According to Dylan Strome, it’s Stanley Cup or bust for the Washington Capitals. “I mean, I think it has to be”, the Capitals forward said. “I think that with the pieces that we’ve added, you can’t ask much more from management, so now it’s time for the players to step up and do what’s asked of us.”

The Capitals were among the busiest teams this summer, acquiring Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, and Boone Jenner through trades and free agency, and signing team captain Alex Ovechkin to a one-year contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals’ recent moves were spurred by their disappointing performance last season after finishing first in the Eastern Conference in 2024-25. They are not only attempting to bounce back, but also give Ovechkin one last chance to stage a run for a second Stanley Cup before his inevitable NHL retirement.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: The Canadiens have officially announced that they’ve hired former Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde as their new associate coach, replacing Trevor Letowski.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL center Eddie Joyal passed away at the age of 86.

Joyal spent nine seasons in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, and Philadelphia Flyers from 1962-63 to 1971-72. He also spent four seasons in the WHA from 1972-73 to 1975-76.

In 465 NHL games, Joyal scored 128 goals and 134 assists for 262 points, and 11 goals and 19 points in 50 postseason games.

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










NHL Rumor Mill – July 20, 2026

by | Jul 20, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 20, 2026

Catch up on some recent Oilers speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples recently noted a couple of reports from Philadelphia and Montreal regarding Oilers superstar Connor McDavid.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images)

The first was from former NHL enforcer turned color commentator Todd Fedoruk, who speculated about the future of the Oilers’ captain during a recent appearance on a Philadelphia sports radio show.

Fedoruk suggested that McDavid, who is in the first year of a two-year contract, could request a trade if he doesn’t have a good start to this season. He claimed there are rumors that Philadelphia “is a place that Connor McDavid wants to go now.” However, Fedoruk wondered what the Flyers could get out of McDavid at this stage of his career.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If McDavid decides he wants out of Edmonton before his contract expires in 2028, he’ll want to join a Stanley Cup contender because a Cup champion is the only thing missing from his NHL resume.

All due respect to the Flyers, but they’re not a Cup contender yet and probably won’t be one in 2028. Sure, they could surprise us and vault into that category, but it’s unlikely that they will be among his list of preferred destinations.

Staples also noted that Jack Todd of the Montreal Gazette believed the Canadiens wouldn’t need McDavid if he became available. He acknowledged McDavid as a great player but felt he would upset the Canadiens’ tight-knit chemistry.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Canadiens could add McDavid without gutting their roster, their prospect pool, or their salary-cap payroll, they would. Any team would. Nevertheless, it’s probably a moot point because McDavid might prefer going to a market where the spotlight isn’t a harsh after over a decade in Edmonton.

Jim Matheson reports the Oilers have 15 forwards signed for 13 roster spots this season. He speculates that Mattias Janmark and Max Jones could become the odd men out.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 20, 2026

by | Jul 20, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 20, 2026

Reaction to Connor Bedard’s new contract, Brandon Saad could be heading overseas, Jack Campbell retires, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: The Blackhawks signed center Connor Bedard on Saturday to a five-year contract worth an average annual value of $15 million.

Bedard, 21, had completed his three-year entry-level contract. He has the third-highest AAV this season, behind Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson ($18 million) and Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov ($17 million).

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus believes Bedard likely would’ve received the same contract as Carlsson if he’d asked for it. However, he informed his agent, Don Meehan, that he was happy to continue to negotiate from their original position, which would give the Blackhawks the salary-cap leeway necessary to remain “as effective and competitive as it could be.”

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (NHL Images)

According to Lazerus, money was never the issue. “The sticking point – if you can call it that – was term.” The contract expires when Bedard is 26, making him eligible for unrestricted free-agent status.

Meehan also indicated that Bedard had no interest in signing an offer sheet. He also stressed that the shorter term is not indicative of any uneasiness on his client’s behalf over the direction of the Blackhawks. He said his client remains “very happy” in Chicago, believes in his teammates, and remains committed to the organization.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bedard didn’t opt for the same deal as Carlsson’s, but the latter’s new contract did affect what the young Blackhawks star received. He could’ve received $18 million annually or more if he wanted it.

Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli is the most notable young star still unsigned this summer. So far, there’s no indication that the 21-year-old center is getting closer to a deal. The longer he remains unsigned, the more speculation there is over whether he’ll receive an offer sheet.

EXPRESSEN: Johan Svensson reports two SHL teams (Brynas IF and Djurgardens IF) have expressed interest in signing Brandon Saad. The 33-year-old winger spent last season with the Vegas Golden Knights on a one-year contract. He had nine points in 49 games and two points in five playoff contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stick tap to Gabriel Foley of Pro Hockey Rumors. A seven-time 20-plus-goal scorer who won two Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks, the 33-year-old Saad’s 15-season NHL career is winding down. He might have to sign in Sweden or elsewhere in Europe to continue his pro career.

SPORTSNET: Goaltender Jack Campbell has announced his retirement.

Campbell, 34, spent nine seasons in the NHL from 2013-14 to 2023-24 with the Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Edmonton Oilers. His last NHL team was the Detroit Red Wings in 2024-25. He entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program and later spent 14 games with the Wings’ AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids in 2024-25.

Campbell said he was “super grateful” for his playing days, but said a lot of people never saw the personal battle he went through during that time. He intends to pursue a career as a life coach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In 164 games saved, Campbell had a record of 93 wins, 52 losses, and 18 overtime losses, finishing with a 2.76 goals-against average, a 909 save percentage, and 10 shutouts. He had a postseason record of 7-8-0 with a 2.28 GAA, a .920 SP, and two shutouts.

DAILY FACEOFF: Blue Jackets center Isac Lundestrom underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon. He is expected to return to action in November.

NJ HOCKEY HOCKEY: Former Devils assistant coach Sergei Brylin has reached an agreement to become the head coach of Dinamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League.

THE PIONEER PRESS: “Da Beauty League” is staging its final season. The Minnesota summer rec league, consisting of Minnesota-based NHL players, minor leaguers, and collegians, began 10 years ago in Edina.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 18, 2026

by | Jul 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 18, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: five players who could seek maximum AAVs on their next contracts and the latest Rangers speculation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I will be taking time off on Sunday, July 19. The next update to this site will be Monday, July 20. And now, on to today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Justin Arenburg recently listed five NHL players who could seek the maximum average annual value on their next contracts.

The maximum AAV for NHL players is 20 percent of whatever the salary cap is on the date the player signs their contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The maximum AAV for 2026-27 is $20.8 million. A player who signs a contract extension during this season would receive this season’s maximum rate.

The salary cap will rise to $113.5 million for 2027-28, making the maximum AAV $22.7 million. It would be beneficial for a superstar on an expiring contract to wait until July 1, 2027, when they can earn a higher maximum AAV.

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (NHL Images).

Arenburg lists Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks and Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche as the top candidates for 2027. Celebrini will be a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract, while Makar will be the top unrestricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As explained earlier, if Celebrini and Makar sign extensions during this season for the league maximum, it would be $20.8 million. If they wait until July 1, it’ll be $22.7 million.

Celebrini has indicated he could be open to signing for less than the maximum, but he’ll still get a substantial raise. With Leo Carlsson’s new contract with its $18 million AAV setting the benchmark, Celebrini would be justified in seeking more because of his status among the league’s elite players.

Makar is earning an AAV of $9 million on his current deal. Given that he’s considered the best defenseman in the league, he is expected to seek more than Carlsson’s $18 million AAV. How much more remains to be seen.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews would be the top UFAs in the 2028 free agent market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given their accomplishments, McDavid and Matthews would be justified in seeking top dollar from their existing teams or from other clubs on the open market. With the 2028-29 salary cap projected to be $123 million, the maximum AAV would be $24.6 million.

Arenburg also included Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks on this list. The 21-year-old is currently an RFA coming off his entry-level contract. He’s struggled at times to play up to the hype as “the next McDavid”, in part due to injuries that have hampered his performance.

Nevertheless, it was recently revealed that Carlsson’s agents said they looked at Bedard as a comparable player when negotiating their client’s current contract. Arenburg suggested the possibility of the Blackhawks center signing for the league maximum.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see how Bedard’s contract negotiations pan out. He and the Blackhawks were reportedly negotiating an extension when he suffered a shoulder injury earlier this month that has sidelined him for four months. What effect that has on those discussions remains to be seen.

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano recently looked at several options for the New York Rangers to add another forward to their roster during the offseason.

According to Mercogliano’s sources, the Rangers poked around on Anthony Mantha (before he signed with the New Jersey Devils) and Eeli Tolvanen. Patrik Laine could be an option on a one-year, “prove-it” deal, but “Drury’s interest is unclear”.

Young trade targets could include Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken, Kent Johnson of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Connor Zary of the Calgary Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken are currently entertaining trade offers for Wright, and it’s believed the Flames are open to offers for Zary. There hasn’t been much speculation about Johnson, but that doesn’t mean the Blue Jackets won’t entertain offers.

Mercogliano didn’t rule out the Rangers adding a veteran forward with ties to the club, such as Vancouver Canucks wingers Brock Boeser and Jake DeBrusk (through J.T. Miller) and Pittsburgh Penguins winger Bryan Rust (through head coach Mike Sullivan). However, all those players are 29 or older, and each one carries a significant salary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My guess is Drury prefers adding one of those younger forwards. They carry reasonable contracts and could be solid additions for years if they flourish in New York.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 18, 2026

by | Jul 18, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 18, 2026

The Flyers re-sign Jamie Drysdale, Wild coach thinks Quinn Hughes will stay in Minnesota, the top remaining UFAs, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I will be taking time off on Sunday, July 19. The next update to this site will be Monday, July 20. And now, on to this morning’s notable NHL headlines.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers avoided salary arbitration with Jamie Drysdale, signing the 24-year-old defenseman to a four-year contract worth an average annual value of $6.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drysdale is coming off a three-year contract that he signed with the Anaheim Ducks worth an AAV of $2.3 million. AFP Analytics projected he’d receive a six-year contract with an AAV of $7.29 million.

Drysdale had a career-best performance last season, with eight goals and 24 assists for 32 points. He’s getting a substantial raise as a result of shaking off a period of uncertainty earlier in his career due to injuries that hampered his development.

THE MINNESOTA STAR TRIBUNE: Wild head coach John Hynes remains “very optimistic” that Quinn Hughes will sign a contract extension.

The Wild acquired the 26-year-old superstar defenseman in a blockbuster trade last December.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

“I think he really enjoys Minnesota,” Hynes said. “He enjoys the team. He’s got a good relationship with (general manager Bill Guerin), myself, the coaches, and I think he feels like he’s got good teammates. He had very good success. Obviously, he’s a very good player. But since he’s been with us, he’s been very successful from an individual standpoint, which has certainly helped our team.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes helped the Wild have one of their best seasons in franchise history. They had their fourth-best regular-season performance with 104 points and won their first playoff series in 11 years.

Hughes has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $7.875 million. As a recent winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy and one of the league’s elite stars, he will pursue a significant raise.

With Leo Carlsson’s new contract setting the benchmark for the league’s highest-paid players in terms of AAV ($18 million), Hughes can justify seeking more than that.

Last month, Wild owner Craig Leipold publicly declared that his club will sign Hughes to a contract extension. That was before Carlsson’s contract blew up the market. With superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov earning $17 million annually on his new contract, the Wild are looking at investing heavily in two superstars.

Assuming Hughes agrees to $18 million annually to stay in Minnesota, they’re looking at $35 million invested in two players. Even with the salary cap rising considerably for the foreseeable future, Kaprizov and Hughes would still be eating up a big chunk of the Wild’s cap payroll.

DAILY FACEOFF: Forwards Patrick Kane, Patrik Laine, and defenseman Logan Stanley top the list of the best players still available in this summer’s UFA market.

Wingers Vladimir Tarasenko, Michael Bunting, and Eeli Tolvanen, goaltender Cam Talbot, defensemen John Klingberg and Nick Blankenburg, and winger James van Riemsdyk round out the top 10.

Others include goaltender Connor Ingram, wingers David Perron and Jonathan Drouin, center Adam Henrique, defenseman Carson Soucy, and goalie James Riemer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane is reportedly set to choose between returning to the Chicago Blackhawks and joining his hometown club, the Buffalo Sabres.

There’s been little news about possible destinations for the remaining players on that list. Some will likely end up with new NHL teams this season on cheap one-year contracts. Others will try to keep their NHL careers alive by signing professional tryout offers in September.

Feel free to make your best guesses as to where these players might end up in the comment section below.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers head equipment manager Teddy Richards has been suspended by the club after his arrest on Friday on one count of domestic violence and one count of unauthorized use of 911 services.

In a statement, the Panthers indicated that Richards is suspended from “all team activities and facilities pending investigation.”

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The NHL revealed its official logo for the 2027 All-Star Weekend at UBS Arena on Long Island. The New York Islanders will be hosting the event on Feb. 5 and 6.

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks hired Ryan Papaioannou as head coach of the AHL affiliate in Abbotsford. He replaces Manny Malhotra, who was promoted to Canucks head coach last month.

Papaioannou spent last season as head coach of the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers, who were affiliated with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He guided the Nailers to an ECHL Northern Division title and reached the Eastern Conference Final.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of the Nailers, they are no longer affiliated with the Penguins. Their new ownership has opted to be affiliated with the ECHL’s Florida Everblades, ending a 29-year relationship with the Nailers and the city of Wheeling, WV.

SJ HOCKEY NOW: The Sharks hired Jeff Kealty as their new assistant general manager. Kealty spent over two decades with the Nashville Predators as a scout, assistant GM, and head of professional scouting.

COL HOCKEY NOW: The Colorado Avalanche named Jussi Ahokas as the new head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles.

Ahokas spent the last three seasons as head coach of the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers. He was named OHL Coach of the Year in 2024-25. This season, he guided the club to the OHL and Memorial Cup Championships.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 17, 2026

by | Jul 17, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 17, 2026

What’s the latest on the Red Wings? Will Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli sign an offer sheet? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MORE FALLOUT FROM THE RED WINGS’ MANAGEMENT CHANGE

TSN: What’s next for the Detroit Red Wings after Steve Yzerman moved out of the general manager role?

Questions persist over whether team captain Dylan Larkin will rescind his trade request. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild’s efforts to land the 29-year-old center have become more complicated.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I examined those issues in greater detail in the July 16 NHL Rumor Mill.

Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat (NHL Images).

The uncertainty over who replaces Yzerman will also affect the futures of winger Alex DeBrincat and center Andrew Copp. Both are slated to become unrestricted free agents next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Goaltender John Gibson, defenseman Justin Faulk, and forward Mason Appleton are also UFA-eligible next summer.

Those UFAs will become trade bait if the Red Wings are out of playoff contention by the March 2027 trade deadline.

DeBrincat will be the most valuable trade chip. He matched his career high of 41 goals last season and set a career high in points with 85. Even if those numbers dip in 2026-27, he will still draw plenty of interest from contenders seeking a scoring winger.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan listed his potential candidates to become the Red Wings’ new general manager.

They include Boston Bruins senior advisor Kevyn Adams, Carolina Hurricanes assistant GM Tyler Dellow, Red Wings assistant GM Kris Draper, Bruins assistant GM Evan Gold, Red Wings assistant GM Shawn Horcoff, New York Rangers assistant GM Ryan Martin, and Dallas Stars assistant GM Scott White.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau included former Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan and former New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald among his five-man candidate list.

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman included Buffalo Sabres associate GM Marc Bergevin, Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill, Florida Panthers assistant GM Brett Peterson, and Pittsburgh Penguins hockey ops consultant Brandon Pridham among his proposed list of candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Adams and Pridham could be unavailable after being recently hired by their current clubs. Bultman admits Nill is a heavy long shot as he’s unlikely to leave his current job.

The Wings have indicated their search for Yzerman’s replacement will be conducted within and outside the organization. Draper and Horcoff could be suitable options if they can’t find better options from other teams, but they might not deviate very much from the “Yzerplan”.

Gold could be the best option if they prefer a fresh approach. He’s reportedly widely respected around the league. Peterson could be another good “new blood” choice. Still, the Panthers might be reluctant to part with him after letting Sunny Mehta depart to become the New Jersey Devils’ general manager.

THE LATEST ON BLUE JACKETS CENTER ADAM FANTILLI

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger reports the Leo Carlsson offer sheet has made the cost of re-signing Adam Fantilli more expensive for the Blue Jackets.

Hedger believes that getting Fantilli’s signature on a contract with an average annual value between $10 million and $12 million is no longer possible. “Now, it’s anyone’s guess how much it might take to keep him.”

The Blue Jackets have $23.2 million in cap space, but Fantilli’s next contract will take a significant chunk out of it.

Meanwhile, the scheduled salary arbitrations for goaltender Jet Greaves and center Cole Sillinger will complicate efforts to re-sign Fantilli. AFP Analytics projects it will cost the Blues Jackets $4.3 million to keep Greaves and $4.2 million to retain Sillinger on one-year deals.

That would leave $14.8 million to re-sign Fantilli, which could be difficult if his asking price exceeds that amount.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets have indicated that they are prepared to match any offer for Fantilli, but a rival club with cap space and the need for a first-line center could test that theory, especially if he’s still unsigned after Greaves and Sillinger receive their new contracts.

It was assumed the Flyers would use Fantilli as their “Plan B” once the Ducks matched their offer sheet to Carlsson. However, reports emerged claiming they’re not going that route after failing to land Carlsson.

The threat of an offer sheet could be meaningless if Fantilli isn’t interested in signing one.