NHL Rumor Mill – October 26, 2026

by | Oct 26, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – October 26, 2026

Could Dylan Larkin accept a trade to the Canadiens? Should the Lightning pursue him? Could trade rumors about Zach Werenski start up again? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON DYLAN LARKIN

NHL ON TNT: Jackie Redmond asked Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman if there was any chance that Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin might expand his 10-team trade list.

Friedman suggested that the game the Red Wings played against the Canadiens in Montreal earlier this month, where Canadiens fans chanted his name, “moved the needle a bit”, but not to the point where he says yes to Larkin in Montreal.

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (NHL Images)

The only way he thinks it might happen is if the two teams were in a position where they felt they could make a deal, and go to Larkin to see if he’d agree to it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It obviously didn’t “move the needle” enough for Larkin to include the Canadiens among his 10 preferred destinations. Assuming he’d include them if he broadens his list again, the fact he never deemed the Habs worthy of being among his previous choices suggests they’d be his last resort.

And really, is that the type of player you want to pursue? “Oh well, if they’re the only team I can go to right now, okay, I guess so…”

I understand why the Canadiens remain interested in Larkin. But at some point, you’ve got to accept that he’s just not into you and move on. Save your assets for better options later in the season.

SPORTSNET: Turning to teams on Larkin’s trade list, Michael Amato believes the Tampa Bay Lightning should make a major push to acquire the 30-year-old center.

Amato noted that Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois has a well-deserved reputation for going all-in. They’ve been a perennial contender, they’re off to another good start, and Larkin could put them over the top and back on track to win another Stanley Cup.

However, Amato acknowledged the challenge BriseBois faces building a suitable trade offer and freeing up salary-cap space to add Larkin. He suggested building a package around futures such as Conor Geekie, other prospects, and first-round picks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Geekie fits the Red Wings’ rumored asking price of a young center (or centers) as part of the return for Larkin. Cap space would be the most difficult hurdle to clear.

The Bolts have $3.17 million in current cap space, meaning they’ll have to shed significant salary now to make room for Larkin’s $8.7 million average annual value. And no, the Red Wings won’t retain half.

The Bolts could wait until the March 1 trade deadline, when they’ll have accrued over $12 million in cap space, but Larkin could be long gone by then.

COULD TRADE RUMORS START SWIRLING ABOUT ZACH WERENSKI AGAIN?

SPORTSNET: Michael Amato wondered if defenseman Zach Werenski will soon reappear in the rumor mill if the Columbus Blue Jackets fail to improve.

Werenski at least thought seriously about trade options last summer, to the point that GM Don Waddell fielded trade offers for him. Ultimately, the pair released a statement in which the reigning Norris Trophy winner reiterated his commitment to the Blue Jackets.

However, the Jackets have started poorly this season. Amato noted that they’re not in a great position cap-wise, and lack difference-makers on their roster. Winger Dmitri Voronkov recently surfaced in the rumor mill as a trade candidate.

Werenski is signed through 2027-28, but the Blue Jackets will want to know if he’ll be willing to sign a contract extension. However, the club is running out of time to show him that they can become a winner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Blue Jackets miss the playoffs again, Werenski’s a goner next summer. And I wouldn’t blame him. He’s spent 11 seasons with the Jackets, but apart from a few promising seasons earlier in his career, they’ve been mired in mediocrity.

Werenski turns 30 next July and only has a few seasons left before his performance inevitably declines. Like other players in similar situations (hello there, Dylan Larkin), he wants to play for a winner while he’s still in his prime.

If Werenseki goes, bigger changes could soon follow for the Blue Jackets. Their fans deserve better than what they’ve endured since the franchise’s inception in 2000-01.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 26, 2026

by | Oct 26, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 26, 2026

The Wild’s Quinn Hughes reaches a points milestone against the Canucks, the Canadiens down the Jets in the Heritage Classic, Alexander Nikishin returns to the Hurricanes, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF SUNDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Quinn Hughes had a goal and an assist to reach 500 career regular-season points as the Minnesota Wild doubled up the Vancouver Canucks 4-2. Kirill Kaprizov also had a goal and an assist for the Wild (8-3-2), who sit atop the Western Conference with 18 points. Max Sasson and Brock Boeser replied for the Canucks (2-10-1) as they sit last in the overall standings with five points.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The only American-born defenseman to reach the 500-point plateau faster than Hughes (501 points in 520 games) was Hall of Famer Brian Leetch (496 games).

This was Hughes’ first game in Vancouver against his former team since being traded to the Wild last December. He was booed throughout the game, though he received a mix of cheers and boos when the Canucks played a tribute video to their former captain.

Hughes is due to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, sparking considerable speculation about his future in Minnesota. In a weekend interview with The Athletic’s Joe Smith, the 27-year-old blueliner didn’t rule out signing a contract extension.

“I’m where I’ve always been. I’m excited right now. My two feet are planted in Minnesota and you know, something could happen soon.”

Hughes said he’s enjoying playing for the Wild, suggesting they have a chance to win this season. That could go a long way toward ensuring he remains in Minnesota beyond 2026-27.

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jacob Fowler made 33 saves to hold off the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 in front of over 32,000 fans at Winnipeg’s Princess Auto Stadium. Lane Hutson and Kaiden Guhle scored, and Cole Caufield had two assists for the 6-3-2 Canadiens, who are 5-1-1 in their last seven games. Isak Rosen scored, and Stuart Skinner stopped 19 shots for the Jets (4-4-2), who are winless in their last five games (0-3-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fowler became the youngest goaltender to start and win an NHL outdoor game. He’s also among the league leaders with five wins (5-1-1), a 1.79 goals-against average, a .924 save percentage, and one shutout.

The Nashville Predators upset the Colorado Avalanche 6-2. Ryan O’Reilly (two goals, two assists), Steven Stamkos (two goals, one assist), and Filip Forsberg (one goal, two assists) led the way for the Predators as they improved to 4-3-4. Artturi Lehkonen and Devon Toews scored for the 6-5-1 Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche have been inconsistent through the first month of this season. After starting with two straight wins, they are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson scored two goals in a 6-3 victory over the New York Islanders. Wyatt Johnston and Tyler Seguin each had a goal and two assists for the 7-3-1 Stars. Matthew Schaefer, Kyle Palmieri, and Brayden Schenn scored for the Islanders (5-4-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: On Saturday, the Stars placed forward Oskar Back on long-term injury reserve and moved defenseman Esa Lindell to injured reserve.

The Florida Panthers got a late goal from Lars Eller to nip the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2. Sandis Vilmanis and Matthew Tkachuk also scored for the Panthers (6-4-2), while Spencer Knight made 30 saves, and Ryan Greene and Roman Kantserov tallied for the 3-8-0 Blackhawks, who’ve lost three straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks are in the fifth season of rebuilding under general manager Kyle Davidson, but they’re showing few signs of improvement despite the promising youngsters on their roster. The longer this drags on this season, the more questions could be raised about the club’s direction under Davidson.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Carolina Hurricanes announced defenseman Alexander Nikishin signed a one-year contract paying him $3 million during this season.

Nikishin requested a trade following the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup run in June. The 25-year-old blueliner was a 10.2 (c) restricted free agent, meaning he was ineligible to receive an offer sheet from a rival team.

With 33 points, Nikishin had a promising debut last season, earning a spot on the NHL’s 2025-26 All-Rookie team. However, his playing time and role were reduced during the 2026 playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes were unable to find suitable trade offers for Nikishin. He’ll be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer and will be eligible to sign an offer sheet. Now that he’s under contract, the Hurricanes could find it easier to move him before the March 1 trade deadline. They could also wait until next summer.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kraken winger Jared McCann will be sidelined for 10 weeks with a lower-body injury.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers signed goaltender James Reimer to a one-year contract worth $850,000.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 25, 2026

by | Oct 25, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 25, 2026

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the Hurricanes tried to acquire Connor Hellebuyck, the latest on Dylan Larkin, and the Capitals granted permission for Ivan Miroshnichenko to speak with other teams.

HURRICANES ATTEMPTED TO ACQUIRE CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Carolina Hurricanes really wanted to acquire Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets. However, the Jets wanted immediate forward help, and the Hurricanes were unwilling to part with a player like Logan Stankoven, Seth Jarvis, or Jackson Blake.

The Hurricanes tried to reach out to other teams to find forwards the Jets might have interest in. They would’ve acquired those forwards and flipped them to the Jets for Hellebuyck, who was subsequently traded to the New Jersey Devils on Friday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No word on who those forwards might’ve been. Nevertheless, it’s another example of the creativity of Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky, even if it didn’t work out this time.

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (NHL Images)

Friedman also wondered if Hellebuyck and the NHL Players Association would file a grievance against the Jets over his suspension without pay. He’ll have until early December to do so.

THE LATEST ON THE RED WINGS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports nothing has changed regarding Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin and unsigned defenseman Simon Edvinsson. He said the Red Wings continue to take calls on both players, adding that they’re interested in young centers, either in the NHL or not yet there.

THE SCORE: Joshe Wegman ranked the 10 teams on Larkin’s trade list by viability based on trade bait, salary-cap flexibility, and motivation.

The Utah Mammoth top his list. The Carolina Hurricanes are second, with the possibility of unsigned defenseman Alexander Nikishin being part of the deal. The Washington Capitals were third, with Wegman speculating that center Dylan Strome would be part of the return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wegman’s list appeared before Friedman’s report indicating the Red Wings’ interest in getting young centers. Strome lacks no-trade protection, but the Wings might not be interested in the 29-year-old center unless he’s packaged with a good young center.

Wegman has the Minnesota Wild at No. 4, though it’s believed they’re atop Larkin’s trade list. However, he pointed out that if the Wild had enough tradeable assets, Larkin would already be in Minnesota.

The Lightning sit at No. 5, but Wegman acknowledged they’d have to get creative to free up the cap space for Larkin’s $8.7 million average annual value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings could retain part of Larkin’s salary to facilitate a trade with the Lightning, but they’d prefer clearing his full cap hit.

Wegman listed the New Jersey Devils at No. 6. He acknowledged their acquisition of Connor Hellebuyck makes adding Larkin unlikely, but he doesn’t rule it out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I do, especially if they hope to reunite the Hughes brothers by acquiring Quinn via trade or free agency.

The Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers round out the list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those clubs lack the cap space and tradeable assets to make it happen.

CAPITALS WILLING TO MOVE IVAN MIROSHNICHENKO

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Washington Capitals have given winger Ivan Miroshnichenko and his agent permission to speak with other teams about a trade.

Miroshnichenko, 22, was the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Friedman said he’s a good young forward who hasn’t cracked the Capitals lineup. The club wants “a legit return” and won’t put him on waivers because they know he won’t clear.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 6’1”, 205-pound Miroshnichenko projects as a top-six scoring left winger. He could entice clubs with aging rosters looking for a promising, affordable young forward.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 25, 2026

by | Oct 25, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 25, 2026

Senators winger Drake Batherson has a four-point game, Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov sets a franchise record, Maple Leafs winger William Nylander reaches a scoring milestone, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Ottawa Senators winger Drake Batherson had a four-point performance (including a hat trick) in a 7-4 victory over the New York Rangers. Jake Sanderson had a goal and two assists, and Jonas Johansson stopped 24 shots in his debut with the 8-4-0 Senators. J.T. Miller and Will Cuylle each had a goal and an assist for the Rangers (7-5-1).

Ottawa Senators winger Drake Batherson (NHL Images)

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov collected an assist to pass Steven Stamkos as the franchise’s all-time points leader (1,138) in a 5-4 loss to the Utah Mammoth. Defenseman Dmitri Simashev scored his first two NHL goals (including the winner in overtime) as the Mammoth (8-4-0) hold first place in the Central Division with 16 points. Jake Guentzel scored his seventh goal of the season for the 7-3-1 Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning captain Victor Hedman missed this game as he’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander scored twice to reach 300 career goals as his club thumped the Edmonton Oilers 7-2. Anthony Stolarz made 30 saves while Jack Roslovic and Kirill Marchenko each had two points for the 7-4-2 Maple Leafs as they extended their win streak to four games. Leon Draisaitl scored both goals with assists from Connor McDavid for the Oilers (8-2-1), who cling to first place in the Pacific Division with 17 points.

Former Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch scored twice, including the overtime winner, as the Washington Capitals downed the Sabres 4-3. Dylan Strome scored twice and collected an assist as the Capitals improved to 6-4-0. Jack Quinn scored his team-leading sixth goal and 11th point for the Sabres as they dropped to 4-4-3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals forwards Pierre-Luc Dubois and Justin Sourdif returned to the lineup after an illness sidelined them for several games. The club also claimed defenseman Jack St. Ivany off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets.

The Anaheim Ducks snapped a five-game losing skid by nipping the Philadelphia Flyers 5-4, ending the latter’s three-game win streak. Defenseman Tristan Luneau had a goal and two assists, and Leo Carlsson scored and picked up an assist for the Ducks (5-6-0). Matvei Michkov tallied twice for the 3-7-3 Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen returned to action after missing nine games with an injured hand.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Brett Pesce snapped a 1-1 as his club downed the Los Angeles Kings 3-1. Arseny Gritsyuk’s empty-netter extended his goal streak to five games as the 7-4-0 Devils’ win streak reached three games. Scott Laughton replied for the Kings (2-5-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Devils held a press conference to welcome Connor Hellebuyck following his acquisition from the Winnipeg Jets on Friday. The 33-year-old goaltender said he’s looking forward to getting back on the ice and working with his new teammates.

Hellebuyck hasn’t played since the Jets suspended him without pay for skipping training camp after going public with his trade request in August. He intends to wait to speak to Jets fans about his departure until after the Heritage Classic between the Jets and Montreal Canadiens in Winnipeg on Sunday. “And I hope they know I care about them,” Hellebuyck said.

The Boston Bruins got third-period goals from David Pastrnak, James Hagens, and Fraser Minten for a 6-4 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Hagens, Minten, and Casey Mittelstadt each finished with a goal and an assist for the 9-2-1 Bruins, who hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 19 points. Jacob Trouba collected two assists for the Sharks (6-5-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks center Adam Gaudette made his season debut after being sidelined since training camp with an upper-body injury.

An overtime goal by Ville Koivunen lifted the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Nashville Predators 3-2. Arturs Silovs made 24 saves for the Penguins (5-6-1). Steven Stamkos and Jayden Struble scored for the 3-3-4 Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Predators claimed defenseman Daemon Hunt off waivers from the Minnesota Wild.

The Columbus Blue Jackets upset the Vegas Golden Knights 2-1 on an overtime power-play goal by Adam Fantilli. Denton Mateychuk also scored, and Cam Talbot turned aside 26 shots for the 4-5-0 Blue Jackets. Tomas Hertl replied for the 8-4-1 Golden Knights.

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov made 24 saves to win his seventh straight start by shutting out the St. Louis Blues 4-0. Sean Walker, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Logan Stankoven, and Nikolaj Ehlers scored for the Hurricanes (9-2-2), who hold first place in the overall standings with 20 points. Joel Hofer made 35 saves for the 5-5-1 Blues.

The Calgary Flames defeated the Detroit Red Wings 4-1. Joel Farabee had a goal and two assists, and Devin Cooley stopped 28 shots for the suddenly hot Flames (4-6-0) as their win streak reached three games. Andrew Copp scored for the 4-4-3 Red Wings.

Minnesota Wild winger Blake Coleman scored two goals in a 5-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken. Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek each had a goal and an assist for the 7-3-2 Wild. Berkly Catton replied for the Kraken (7-4-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kraken forward Jared McCann missed this game as he’s being evaluated for a lower-body injury.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 24, 2026

by | Oct 24, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – October 24, 2026

A look at the fallout from the Connor Hellebuyck trade, plus the latest on the Penguins and Devils in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE FALLOUT FROM THE CONNOR HELLEBUYCK TRADE

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun examined how Winnipeg’s trade of Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils could affect the goalie trade market.

LeBrun believes this could sting the Carolina Hurricanes to see Hellebuyck traded to a division rival after pursuing the three-time Vezina Trophy winner for several months. He wondered if Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky will look elsewhere for a goaltending upgrade.

Winnipeg Jets trade goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils (NHL Images).

The Buffalo Sabres also tried for Hellebuyck, especially before the NHL Draft in June. The Utah Mammoth looked into it, but LeBrun doesn’t believe they were seriously interested.

LeBrun wondered if the addition of Hellebuyck would make the Devils more enticing to Quinn Hughes. The Minnesota Wild defenseman is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in July and has not indicated his intentions. LeBrun also pondered whether this might spur Wild GM Bill Guerin to push harder to acquire center Dylan Larkin from the Detroit Red Wings.

DAILY FACEOFF: Jeff Marek also wondered if the Devils might make a play for Hughes and if the Wild could entice him to stay by acquiring Larkin.

Marek acknowledged that Hughes would love to play with his brothers Jack and Luke in New Jersey. However, it would take away playing time from Luke and reduce the latter’s role.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Danny Webster doubted the Vegas Golden Knights would’ve had a legitimate chance of acquiring Hellebuyck.

Webster believes they “kicked tires” on the 33-year-old goalie. However, they would’ve had to move Adin Hill in the deal, and the Jets are on his no-trade list. He also noted that the Jets didn’t want to move Hellebuyck to a Western Conference team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Critics of Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff chided him for not getting a better return for Hellebuyck. However, he took the best deal, which means whatever the Hurricanes and Sabres proposed couldn’t beat the Devils’ offer.

Rumor has it that, before the 2026 NHL Draft, the Sabres offered up goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, winger Jack Quinn, the 2026 fourth-overall pick, and another asset. However, the Jets refused to part with their first-rounder (eighth overall), and the deal fell through.

If that speculation is true, Cheveldayoff blew an opportunity to get a better deal back then. Nevertheless, whatever the Sabres were offering now wasn’t as good as what they got from the Devils.

As for Quinn Hughes’ fate, it depends on whether the Wild prove themselves as a Stanley Cup contender. If they’re flying high in the standings by the March trade deadline but he’s still unsigned, they could retain him to push for the Cup in the hope that their performance entices him to stay. Landing Larkin could also convince him to stick around.

However, if the Wild decide to move him by the trade deadline, the Devils could have a difficult time winning the bidding war. They already gave up several tradeable assets to get Hellebuyck, and the Wild will set a high price for Hughes.

The Devils could wait for the offseason if Hughes decides to test the market. It’ll only cost them money instead of players, prospects, and draft picks. However, they have $16.8 million in projected cap space for 2027-28 with 16 active roster players under contract.

Hughes will likely seek over $20 million on his next contract, meaning the Devils would have to shed significant salary to free up sufficient room to sign him, but that wouldn’t leave much to fill out the rest of their roster.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

TSN: Darren Dreger reported Thursday that Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is listening to offers for some of his veteran players.

Dreger claims Dubas is listening on players like Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson, Rickard Rakell, and Bryan Rust. However, he’s working with a “cash-strict budget, not just the NHL’s salary cap.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It sounds like the Penguins’ new ownership has set an internal cap ceiling. In other words, they’re not spending to the cap ceiling for the foreseeable future.

Karlsson is UFA-eligible next summer, so he’ll come off the books on July 1 unless traded before the March 1 deadline, assuming he waives his NMC.

Letang ($6.1 million), Rust ($5.125 million), and Rakell ($5 million) are signed through 2027-28. Letang has an NMC, but he has a 10-team trade list. Rakell has an eight-team no-trade list, while Rust lacks no-trade protection.

The 39-year-old Letang’s declining performance makes him a difficult sell to any of the teams on his list. Rakell and Rust could have some value as this season goes on.

BRENDEN DILLON DENIES RECENT TRADE RUMOR

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Daniel Amoia cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who clarified a rumor he’d heard earlier in the week that Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon rejected a trade last season.

Friedman followed up on the story after Dillon informed him that the rumor wasn’t true. He’d heard two Devils used their NTC, and thought Dillon was one of them.

Amaio noted that Devils blueliner Dougie Hamilton vetoed a trade last season that would’ve sent him to the San Jose Sharks.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 24, 2026

by | Oct 24, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 24, 2026

A milestone game for Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, the Canadiens defeat the Blackhawks, the Sharks are entering the next phase of competitiveness, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and three assists to lead the Colorado Avalanche to a 6-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Martin Necas had a goal and two assists as the Avalanche improved to 6-4-1. Jake Guentzel tallied twice for the 7-3-0 Lightning.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon is the fourth-fastest active NHL player to reach 1,300 total points (regular season and playoffs combined), doing so in 1,069 games. Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid is the fastest active player to reach that milestone (869 total games), followed by Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (1,023), and Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (1,035).

Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans tallied two goals and collected an assist to lead his club over the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1. Defenseman Kaiden Guhle had a goal and an assist, and goaltender Jacob Fowler stopped 20 shots for the 5-3-2 Canadiens. Connor Bedard scored for the Blackhawks as they dropped to 3-7-0.

RATINGS: Marco D’Amico interviewed San Jose Sharks assistant general manager Jeff Kealty, who believes his rebuilding club is entering its “competitive phase”.

Kealty joined the Sharks in his current role after spending 25 years with the Nashville Predators in various front-office roles. His focus with his new club is pro scouting and development.

“We’re going to be entering our competitive phase here with the team,” Kealty said. “That pro personnel aspect is going to be really crucial to see what additions we can make and really try to push this thing along in the next few years of the competitive window.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks made several notable pro additions this summer before Kealty’s hiring on July 17, signing Mason Marchment and Jacob Trouba, and trading for Darnell Nurse and Michael Kesselring. It’s Kealty’s job to help them add more veteran talent as needed to move this club from rebuilding to contending for the playoffs. They’re currently holding a wild-card berth in the Western Conference.

SPORTSNET: Justin Bourne examines why NHL save percentages have declined in recent years.

Improved shooting by skaters, the value of puck possession, more screened shots, and the predictability of goalies are among the factors cited by Bourne.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bourne noted the introduction of one-piece sticks has led to harder, more accurate shots. Skaters also figured out the butterfly style of goaltending, shooting higher on netminders.

Creative shot attempts have been a factor. Players today are more willing to try shots from difficult angles, leading to goals that were rarely seen in the past.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Washington Capitals defenseman Vincent Desharnais will be sidelined four to six weeks following an appendectomy.

DAILY FACEOFF: Edmonton Oilers goaltender Devon Levi (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve.

ROTOWIRE: The Anaheim Ducks placed defenseman Pavel Mintyukov (lower body) on IR.