NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 22, 2026

by | Apr 22, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 22, 2026

The Avalanche take a 2-0 lead in their first-round series, the Lightning, Bruins, and Mammoth tie their respective series, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING TUESDAY’S PLAYOFF GAMES

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Nicolas Roy lifted the Colorado Avalanche to a 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, and a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven first-round series. Gabriel Landeskog scored the tying goal while Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves, including one on a penalty shot by Los Angeles center Quinton Byfield. Artemi Panarin opened the scoring for the Kings, who got a 34-save effort from goaltender Anton Forsberg.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The game was delayed following Wedgewood’s save on Byfield to replace a pane of glass behind the Kings’ bench that shattered from the force of excited Avalanche fans pounding on it.

This series shifts to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4, with Game 3 on Thursday at 10 pm ET. If those games are anything like the first two, we can expect them to be physical, close-checking, low-scoring affairs. The Kings must find a way to generate more offense without sacrificing their defensive play in Game 3, or they’ll be facing elimination this weekend.

The Tampa Bay Lightning overcame a 2-1 deficit to nip the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 on an overtime goal by JJ Moser, tying their first-round series at a game apiece. Brandon Hagel and Nikita Kucherov also scored for the Lightning, while Lane Hutson and Josh Anderson tallied for the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The first half of this game was a greasy physical affair with numerous scrums, including a fight that saw Hagel drop Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky. Once the shenanigans were over, the game settled into a close-checking contest in which the Lightning’s experience made the difference, with Kucherov’s tying goal the result of a blueline turnover by Slafkovsky. The Canadiens were tentative in overtime, failing to generate a shot while the Lightning peppered Habs goalie Jakub Dobes with nine shots.

Speaking of the Lightning, they announced that team captain Victor Hedman is doubtful to play in this series, which moves to Montreal for Games 3 and 4. The third game will be on Friday at 7 pm ET.

Boston Bruins winger Viktor Arvidsson tallied twice as his club doubled up the Buffalo Sabres 4-2, tying their series at one game apiece. Jeremy Swayman made 34 saves while David Pastrnak collected two assists for the Bruins. Bowen Byram and Peyton Krebs replied for the Sabres. This series shifts to Boston for the next two games, with Game 3 on Thursday at 7 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres fell too far behind to stage another rally as they did in the first game. It was a disastrous outing for Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, giving up four goals on 19 shots, including a backhander from center ice by Bruins winger Morgan Geekie that bounced past him. Alex Lyon replaced Luukkonen after Arvidsson made it 4-0, and Sabres coach Lindy Ruff hinted that Lyon might get the start in Game 3.

Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley (NHL Images).

The Utah Mammoth got their first playoff win since relocating from Arizona by defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2, squaring their first-round series at a game apiece. Logan Cooley snapped a 2-2 tie while Dylan Guenther had a goal and an assist for the Mammoth. Mark Stone and Ivan Barbshev scored for the Golden Knights. This series moves to Utah for Games 3 and 4, with Game 3 on Friday at 9:30 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The speedy Mammoth out-played and out-shot the Golden Knights as this game went along. Led by young stars such as Cooley and Guenther, they’re proving to be a handful for the veteran-laden Golden Knights.

HEADLINES

DAILY FACEOFF: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league has no plans to change its regular-season points system.

The issue arose as the Los Angeles Kings made the playoffs despite tying for the second-fewest regulation wins this season, playing in a record 33 overtime games. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers clinched third place in the Metropolitan Division despite winning 10 fewer regulation games than the Washington Capitals, while the New York Islanders won 43 games but missed the playoffs with five overtime/shootout points.

Bettman also said that future league expansion fees could exceed $1 billion. He based it on the growth of league revenue and other factors. Atlanta and Houston have been rumored as potential destinations for future expansion franchises.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan said sidelined center Roope Hintz didn’t travel with the team to Minnesota for the next two games of their first-round series. A lower-body injury has sidelined Hintz since March 6.

Gulutzan was unfazed over comments by Minnesota forward Marcus Foligno that the Stars “couldn’t hang” with the Wild in even-strength situations. Two of the goals the Stars scored in their 4-2 victory over the Wild in Game 2 came on the power play.

SPORTSNET: Speaking of the Wild, winger Mats Zuccarello is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Edmonton Oilers forward Adam Henrique will miss Game 2 of their series with the Anaheim Ducks after suffering a lower-body injury in the first game.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Emil Andrae will miss Game 3 of his club’s series with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He’s day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

THE ATHLETIC: The Vancouver Canucks have requested permission to speak with former Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams about their vacant GM position.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: New Devils GM Sunny Mehta said everything is under evaluation from the coaching staff to new contracts for Nico Hischier and Simon Nemec. He also indicated that the Devils will be spending to the salary cap.

Mehta spent three seasons as an assistant general manager with the Florida Panthers before taking over as Devils GM last week.

TSN: Former NHL superstar Ilya Kovalchuk was named president of KHL club Shanghai Dragons.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 21, 2026

by | Apr 21, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 21, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest on contract talks between the Panthers and Sergei Bobrovsky, plus updates on the Jets and Predators.

COULD THE PANTHERS AND SERGEI BOBROVSKY PART WAYS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski, who claimed he’d heard contract talks between the Florida Panthers and Sergei Bobrovsky aren’t going well. The 37-year-old goaltender is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1.

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (NHL Images).

During a recent appearance on The Sheet with Jeff Marek, Wyshynski claimed the situation between the two sides was “pretty bad” and that the Panthers could decide to go in a different direction.

Both sides are believed to be far apart in contract talks. The Panthers are understandably reluctant to overpay an aging goaltender who struggled this season. His difficulties prompted rumors before the March trade deadline, but the Panthers retained him, with general manager Bill Zito insisting that his club hopes to re-sign their long-time starter.

DAILY FACEOFF: Scott Maxwell recently looked at possible replacements for Bobrovsky if he departs via free agency on July 1.

Pending UFAs include Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes, Petr Mrazek of the Anaheim Ducks, Cam Talbot of the Detroit Red Wings, and James Reimer of the Ottawa Senators. Younger options include Eric Comrie of the Winnipeg Jets, Connor Ingram of the Edmonton Oilers, David Rittich of the New York Islanders, Stuart Skinner of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Vitek Vanecek of the Utah Mammoth.

Offer-sheet options could include Jet Greaves, but the Columbus Blue Jackets will match any offer for the emerging starting goalie. Others include Akira Schmid of the Vegas Golden Knights, Samuel Ersson of the Philadelphia Flyers, and Arturs Silovs of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The trade market could include former Panthers such as Samuel Montembeault of the Montreal Canadiens and Anthony Stolarz of the Toronto Maple Leafs. They could also take a shot at acquiring Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues. Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild could be available, but he would be more expensive to acquire.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bobrovsky is completing a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $10 million. He understands he’s not getting another deal like that again.

It’s rumored that Bobrovsky would like a deal similar to the six-year, $31.5 million contract ($5.25 million average annual value) that teammate Brad Marchand received last summer. The Panthers are said to have balked at that option. They might be willing to offer a similar AAV, but on a much shorter term.

Looking at the list of potentially available goalies, Wallstedt would be the best option for the Panthers. However, Maxwell is correct that he’ll also be the most expensive, which could put him out of the Panthers’ reach.

Binnington might be a fit, but his inconsistency in recent years remains a concern.

THE LATEST ON THE JETS

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Paul Friesen believes Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and head coach Scott Arniel didn’t have any answers for their club’s disappointing performance this season during their end-of-season media availability on Monday. Instead, they only promised to work harder to fix the mess their team is in.

Friesen doesn’t expect Cheveldayoff to lose his job, pointing out that Jets co-owner Mark Chapman last year said that Cheveldayoff had a job for life. Friesen believes the Jets have a group of aging core players with no obvious next wave coming behind them.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Mike McIntyre also doesn’t see Cheveldayoff losing his job because of the loyalty the ownership has in him. However, McIntyre wondered what his vision would be for the team and how it would be achieved.

Cheveldayoff might not be feeling pressure from above, but there are signs it’s coming from within. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck didn’t mince words during his end-of-season presser last week, publicly expressing his frustration over the state of the team.

If trades and free-agent signings are difficult to pull off, McIntyre wondered how the Jets are supposed to get better. They’re going to get a high first-round pick in this year’s draft, but it won’t help a core of players such as Hellebuyck, who are in win-now mode.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cheveldayoff downplayed Hellebuyck’s remarks a little, adding that the goalie raised the same issues with him beforehand.

Some observers, such as McIntyre, took Hellebuyck’s comments to mean he might not be with the Jets for much longer. However, it’s unlikely that Cheveldayoff will trade him this summer. Instead, he’s going to beat the bushes to try to add veteran talent that can help the Jets return to form next season.

UPDATE ON THE PREDATORS

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty reports Predators forward Steven Stamkos doesn’t think a change of management means there will be major changes to their roster.

The Predators are currently seeking a replacement for outgoing general manager Barry Trotz. Stamkos said he’d heard from the current management that the club intends to remain competitive and push for the playoffs next season.

“I don’t anticipate any huge changes,” Stamkos said. “We’ve talked about it. Is there going to be a rebuild or this or that? It’s safe to say that’s not going to be the case.”

Stamkos wasn’t the only member of the Predators to share that view. Team captain Roman Josi and alternate captains Ryan O’Reilly and Filip Forsberg believe the club is close to returning to playoff form, based on their solid performance over the second half of this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It appears that whoever takes over from Trotz will not be given the green light to tear things down and commence a rebuild. Instead, it could be to tweak the roster by adding younger NHL players.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 21, 2026

by | Apr 21, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 21, 2026

Hurricanes and Flyers take 2-0 series leads, the Stars tie their series with the Wild, the Oilers take Game 1 of their series with the Ducks, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF MONDAY’S PLAYOFF ACTION

NHL.COM: Carolina Hurricanes forward Jordan Martinook scored in double overtime for a 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators in Game 2 of their best-of-seven first-round series. Logan Stankoven and Sebastian Aho gave the Hurricanes a 2-0 lead, but the Senators rallied on second-period goals by Drake Batherson and Dylan Cozens. Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen made 37 saves, while Senators netminder Linus Ullmark stopped 43 shots.

The Hurricanes hold a 2-0 series lead heading to Ottawa for Games 3 and 4, with Game 3 on Thursday at 7:30 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes thought they’d won the game in the first overtime period on a goal by Mark Jankowski, but it was overturned on review as Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal was ruled offside. Martinook also had a chance to end it on a penalty shot but was denied by Ullmark.

This was an energetic, closely contested contest, with the Senators putting up a better effort than in Game 1. Both goaltenders were fantastic, but Ullmark was the standout with several huge saves.

Senators defenseman Artem Zub missed this game with an undisclosed injury. His status for Game 3 is uncertain.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Porter Martone (NHL Images)

The Philadelphia Flyers blanked the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-0 to take a 2-0 lead in their opening-round series. Dan Vladar turned in a 27-save shutout, Garnet Hathaway had a goal and an assist, and Porter Martone became the first teenager in NHL history to score the winning goal in each of his first two playoff games. Stuart Skinner stopped 20 of 22 shots for the Penguins. The series moves to Philadelphia for the next two games, with Game 3 on Wednesday at 7 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers did a tremendous job shutting down the Penguins’ offense, especially with their penalty killing, with Hathaway scoring shorthanded. Martone seems to be thriving in the heat of NHL postseason action, and his teammates are gaining confidence as this series progresses.

The Penguins are a team in trouble heading to Philadelphia after being outplayed by the Flyers in the first two games. Older stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Erik Karlsson looked their ages in this game. This series could be over quickly if the Penguins can’t find a way to turn the tide.

Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston tallied twice, and Jason Robertson scored what proved to be the winning goal in a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild to knot their first-round series at a game apiece. Jake Oettinger kicked out 28 shots while Matt Duchene had a goal and an assist for the Stars. Brock Faber scored his first two NHL playoff goals, and Quinn Hughes collected two assists for the Wild. The series moves to Minnesota with Game 3 on Wednesday at 9:30 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A much better effort from the Stars in this contest compared to their rather lifeless performance in Game 1. This series could go the full seven games to determine a winner.

Wild winger Mats Zuccarello missed this game with an upper-body injury. Wild forward Yakov Trenin left this game in the first period with an upper-body injury following a crushing shoulder-to-shoulder hit by Stars forward Colin Blackwell.

The Edmonton Oilers overcame a 3-2 deficit to nip the Anaheim Ducks 4-3 in Game 1 of their first-round series. Jason Dickinson and Kasperi Kapanen each tallied twice for the Oilers, who had a 2-0 lead after the first period. The Ducks rallied in the second period with Troy Terry netting two goals and Leo Carlsson also scoring. Game 2 is Wednesday at 10 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leon Draisaitl collected two assists as he returned to the Oilers lineup after missing 14 games with a knee injury. Connor Ingram made 25 saves for his first NHL playoff win. Oilers captain Connor McDavid was held scoreless in this contest.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and head coach Scott Arniel shouldered the blame for their club’s failure to reach the playoffs this season after winning the Presidents’ Trophy last year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cheveldayoff offered up little regarding his offseason plans. I’ll have the media reaction to that in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Washington Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin could miss the start of next season with a knee injury.

NHL.COM: Utah Mammoth defenseman Sean Durzi was fined $5,000 for head-butting Vegas Golden Knights blueliner Rasmus Andersson in Game 1 of the Mammoth-Golden Knights series.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Things got heated during the game, with Golden Knights forward Nic Dowd threatening to hunt down Mammoth center Logan Cooley.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Former NHL goaltender Cory Schneider is now the goalie coach for the New York Islanders’ AHL affiliate.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 20, 2026

by | Apr 20, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 20, 2026

Should the Blackhawks make a major move for a scoring winger? What areas could the Rangers look to improve this summer? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE BLACKHAWKS PURSUE MATTHEW KNIES OR JASON ROBERTSON?

VICTORY+: NHL insider Frank Seravalli was asked if the Chicago Blackhawks would make a bold move this offseason by attempting to trade for more than one superstar this summer. For example, would they go after Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies and Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson, or only one of them?

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthews Knies (NHL Images).

Seravalli thinks going after Knies or Robertson would be a great start for the Blackhawks. He reminded us that he reported several weeks ago that they were among the teams interested in Knies before last month’s trade deadline. He doesn’t think the Maple Leafs were actually planning to move Knies, but were looking for one of those deals where you can accomplish a rebuild in one single trade, which is really hard to do.

The Blackhawks’ interest in Knies indicates what type of player they could be looking for this summer. John Buccigross believes the Blackhawks can afford to be bullish and try to acquire a Matthew Knies or a Jason Robertson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs ownership made it clear that they intend to retool instead of rebuilding, which suggests they’ll be hanging onto Knies unless someone makes them a mind-blowing offer.

Meanwhile, Stars general manager Jim Nill downplayed the trade rumors that dogged Robertson last summer and maintains his intention to re-sign Robertson this summer. He’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights who is also a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility.

Of the two, Robertson seems the more likely to be available if he seeks more money than the Stars are willing to pay. He lacks no-trade protection, but the Blackhawks might insist on attempting a sign-and-trade deal before committing assets to acquire him.

THE LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano reported last week that New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan pointed out that there are two areas of concern that he’d like to see addressed in the offseason.

Sullivan would like to add some puck-moving ability to the Rangers’ blueline. He would also like to improve the bottom-six forwards by adding players who can play certain roles that would lessen the burden on some of their top-six forwards.

GM Chris Drury acknowledged Sullivan’s suggestions. He also left the door open for the addition of a top-six forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those needs could be addressed by whatever they might get by trading center Vincent Trocheck and defenseman Braden Schneider this summer. Both were frequently mentioned as trade candidates this season. It’s believed Drury will remain open to offers for both players.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 20, 2026

by | Apr 20, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 20, 2026

The Avalanche, Canadiens, Sabres, and Golden Knights win the opening games of their first-round series, plus the latest on the Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl, the Ducks’ Lukas Dostal, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF SUNDAY’S PLAYOFF ACTION

NHL.COM: Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky scored in overtime to complete his first NHL playoff hat trick in a 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1 of their best-of-seven first-round series. Josh Anderson also scored while Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield each collected two assists for the Canadiens. Brandon Hagel tallied twice, and Jake Guentzel had three assists for the Lightning. Game 2 is Tuesday in Tampa Bay at 7 pm ET.

Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Slafkovsky became the first player in Canadiens history to score three power-play goals in a postseason game.

This was a hard-hitting, fast-paced contest, resulting in both clubs taking costly penalties. Following this game, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper blamed his team’s “stupidity” for taking four penalties in the offensive zone.

The Buffalo Sabres overcame a 2-0 deficit late in the third period to defeat the Boston Bruins 4-3 in Game 1 of their first-round series. Tage Thompson scored the first two goals, Mattias Samuelsson put the Sabres up 3-2, and Alex Tuch’s empty-netter proved to be the game-winner. David Pastrnak had a goal and two assists for the Bruins. Game 2 is in Buffalo on Tuesday at 7:30 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the first playoff game in Buffalo since 2011, and to say Sabres fans were excited would be an understatement. They had little to cheer about for most of this game as the Bruins were doing a good job containing the Sabres’ offense until Thompson finally broke through, opening the floodgates for the comeback win.

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves for a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings in Game 1 of their opening-round series. Artturi Lehkonen and Logan O’Connor were the goal scorers for the Avalanche. Kings winger Artemi Panarin scored late in the third period while teammate Anton Forsberg stopped 28 of 30 shots. Game 2 is Tuesday in Denver at 10 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings employed a tight-checking, physical defensive style to hamper the Avalanche’s potent scoring punch, but the latter’s depth made the difference to go up 2-0, a lead they held until Panarin scored to make it interesting.

Three unanswered third-period goals by Mark Stone, Nic Dowd, and Ivan Barbashev lifted the Vegas Golden Knights over the Utah Mammoth in Game 1 of their first-round series. Logan Cooley and Kevin Stenlund gave the Mammoth a 2-1 lead heading into the third, but they were unable to stem the Golden Knights’ offence in the final frame. Game 2 is Tuesday in Las Vegas at 9:30 ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Mammoth gave a good account of themselves in their first playoff game in their short franchise history, but the Golden Knights’ postseason experience made the difference. Stone set the Golden Knights’ record for most postseason goals with 37, surpassing former teammate Jonathan Marchessault.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl could be ready to return to action in Game 1 of their opening-round series against the Anaheim Ducks on Monday. Draisaitl missed the last 14 games of the regular season with a knee injury.

THE ATHLETIC: Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal is looking forward to his first-ever NHL playoff game when his club faces off against the Oilers in Edmonton on Monday.

THE ORANGE COUNTRY REGISTER: Speaking of the Ducks, they signed prospect Roger McQueen to a three-year entry-level contract on Saturday. The 19-year-old center was chosen 10th overall in last year’s NHL Draft.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars will need a better effort from winger Mikko Rantanen if they hope to win Game 2 of their first-round series with the Minnesota Wild. Rantanen was held off the scoresheet as the Stars were thumped 6-1 by the Wild in Game 1.

Rantanen had only eight points in 11 games after returning from an injury suffered during the Olympics in February. Before that, he had 20 goals and 69 points in 54 games. Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan insisted that Rantanen is now at 100 percent.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators offered no update on the status of Artem Zub after the big-minute defenseman was injured in Game 1 of their series with the Carolina Hurricanes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators called up six players from their AHL affiliate on Sunday, with young defenseman Carter Yakemchuk among them. He’ll likely replace Zub if the latter remains sidelined for Game 2.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets signed forward Cole Koepke to a two-year contract extension

NHLPA: If the NHL expands again, over 34 percent of NHL players polled would like to see a franchise in Houston. 16.9 percent chose Quebec City, 9.8 percent chose Atlanta, 8.9 percent selected Scottsdale, and 5 percent picked Austin.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 19, 2026

by | Apr 19, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 19, 2026

Check out the latest on the Flames, Blackhawks, Red Wings, Sharks, Blues, and Jets in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

ESPN.COM: Ryan S. Clark and Kristen Shilton recently reported that the rebuilding Calgary Flames face major decisions with veterans Blake Coleman, Morgan Frost, and Ryan Strome, who have one year left on their contracts. They could move one or all of them for draft picks or prospects.

Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daniel Austin of the Calgary Sun believes Coleman’s future will be among the Flames’ big decisions this summer. A contract extension is possible, but not a certainty.

The 34-year-old two-way forward has shown no sign of slowing down and could become a valuable trade chip for the Flames. Austin speculated they could peddle him during the summer or wait until next year’s trade deadline.

The Chicago Blackhawks’ priority is re-signing center Connor Bedard. They could also attempt to add some veteran depth to their blueline or elect to let their young defense corps grow.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Scott Powers of The Athletic wondered if Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson will attempt to add a veteran or two to their forward lines and blueline via trade or free agency.

If Davidson attempts those moves, he should land players who are in their mid-to-late twenties who are approaching or in their playing prime. Not easy to do, but the Blackhawks have the salary cap space and the tradeable assets. Finding a suitable target is the challenge.

The Detroit Red Wings must improve their five-on-five scoring. Seeking such depth through trades and free agency is something that GM Steve Yzerman hasn’t done enough of, and that continues to hurt the Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Max Bultman of The Athletic stated that their biggest need is their long-term plan at the No. 1 center position. With team captain Dylan Larkin turning 30 this summer and their lack of a reliable second-line center, they could be running out of time to address that issue.

Bolstering the defense should be a priority for the San Jose Sharks. Four veteran blueliners (Nick Leddy, John Klingberg, Mario Ferraro, and Vincent Desharnais) are eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1, while Shakir Mukhamadullin is a restricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Curtis Pashelka of The Mercury News reports Ferraro would like a long-term contract, but if it’s a two, three or five-year contract, he just wants to play and is excited about the Sharks’ future. Max Miller of Sharks Hockey Digest reports Sharks GM Mike Grier thinks Ferraro will test the UFA market, but hasn’t closed the door on his return.

Clark and Shilton wondered how much of the St. Louis Blues’ core will remain in place. Center Robert Thomas was the subject of trade rumors. Defenseman Colton Parayko seemed headed to the Buffalo Sabres before the trade deadline until he used his no-trade clause to nix the deal. There are also questions about goaltender Jordan Binnington’s future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic reports Blues outgoing GM Doug Armstrong downplayed the trade talk swirling around Thomas, calling some of the rumors “a bit of a fabrication.” He also said the cost of acquiring Thomas is very high because he values the 26-year-old center highly. It will be up to the incoming GM, Alexander Steen, to decide Thomas’ future.

As for Binnington, keeping him could be part of the Blues’ plan for next season. He has one year left on his contract, but Armstrong pointed out the need for teams to carry two good goaltenders.

Winger Jordan Kyrou has also surfaced in trade rumors. However, he told the press that he wants to stay in St. Louis. Like Thomas and Parayko, he has a full no-trade clause.

Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff must find some complementary players to take some of the scoring burden off the club’s top stars. They must also decide what sort of term they’ll give pending RFA forward Cole Perfetti.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murat Ates of The Athletic believes Jets center Jonathan Toews could retire after this season. He also thinks Ville Heinola, Gustav Nyquist, and Jacob Bryson will be moving on.

Ates believes Perfetti and fellow Jets youngsters Dylan Samberg, Elias Salomonsson, Brad Lambert, and Isak Rosen must step up next season. Veterans Nino Niederreiter and Vladislav Namestnikov must also step up or move on.