NHL Rumor Mill – April 30, 2022

by | Apr 30, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – April 30, 2022

A look at the potential off-season plans for the Senators and Red Wings in today’s NHL rumor mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE SENATORS?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch looked at some potential offseason moves for the Senators. They need to determine Matt Murray’s status as the oft-injured goaltender was sidelined for the final 30 games of the season with a neck/head injury. He’s appeared in just 47 games over the last two seasons with the Senators and has two more years remaining on his contract.

Ottawa Senators goaltender Matt Murray (NHL Images).

The 27-year-old Murray will have to earn his job back if he returns next season. Anton Forsberg was their best goaltender this season and signed a three-year contract extension in March. Filip Gustavsson had a strong finish and is signed to a one-way deal for next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch recently spoke with colleague Wayne Scanlan and the Senators’ French play-by-play man Nicolas St-Pierre to get their thoughts on Murray’s situation. Both suggested buying out the veteran netminder but Garrioch doesn’t see that happening because the Senators aren’t likely to be a cap team.

The only other option the trio sees is Murray returning healthy and battling for his job this fall. There was speculation about placing him on long-term injury reserve but they have no reason to believe Murray won’t play again.

Murray’s injury history makes a trade unlikely. His $6.25 million annual average value through 2023-24 and 10-team no-trade list also complicates things. It doesn’t mean Murray can’t be shopped if the Senators were to pick up a healthy chunk of his cap hit but concerns over his health should keep him in Ottawa for the foreseeable future.

The Senators will have to make a decision regarding Colin White, who missed most of this season due to shoulder surgery and was inconsistent on his return. It’s believed the Montreal Canadiens had an interest in the 25-year-old center before the trade deadline. Perhaps that deal is revisited if the two sides can work something out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whether the Canadiens revisit their rumored interest in White will depend on how they go about addressing their needs during the offseason. They’ve got 14 picks in this year’s draft, with 10 of those in the first four rounds. They must determine whether Carey Price and Shea Weber will be returning next season and if they can find a suitable trade partner for defenseman Jeff Petry. They could find better options than White through this summer’s trade and free-agent markets.

Unrestricted free agents Chris Tierney, Tyler Ennis and Scott Sabourin likely won’t be back. Restricted free-agent defenseman Victor Mete requested a trade in March and probably won’t get a qualifying offer. Blueliner Michael Del Zotto has a year remaining on his contract and could be shopped this summer.

Garrioch also reports Senators fans will be keeping a close eye on Florida Panthers center Claude Giroux. There’s a belief the 34-year-old Ottawa native might be intrigued and interested in the possibility of playing for the Senators if he wins a Stanley Cup with the Panthers. He could play a big role in helping Ottawa’s young roster take the next step.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m not dismissing the possibility of Giroux signing with Ottawa if he wins a Cup this spring in Florida. However, I wouldn’t get my hopes up too high if I’m a Senators fan. A lot could depend on whoever replaces late owner Eugene Melnyk and what type of contract Giroux would seek to come home to play.

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE RED WINGS?

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman offered up his thoughts on possible off-season moves by the Detroit Red Wings.

Making a decision behind the bench is the priority for general manager Steve Yzerman as head coach Jeff Blashill’s contract expires at the end of this season. While the rebuilding club showed improvement in the first half of the season, things went really sideways for them from late February onward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blashill’s been the Wings head coach for seven seasons. He couldn’t be faulted for the club’s struggles through most of his tenure as management tore down and rebuilt the roster. However, they were expected to make significant strides this season. It may be time for Yzerman to find a new bench boss who can turn this roster into a legitimate playoff contender.

Yzerman could decide to bring in some veteran help via free agency and trades like the Los Angeles Kings did last summer. They have over $30 million in salary-cap space to make those investments if they wish to sign second-tier free agent talent (such as Carolina’s Vincent Trocheck or the Rangers’ Andrew Copp) to medium-term contracts. The Wings GM could also bide his time and wait for more prospects to arrive, or he could opt to sacrifice some of his current core players for more promising talent in order to build a playoff window for three or four years from now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bultman has observed that Yzerman likes to add players who are proven winners, such as Oskar Sundqvist from the St. Louis Blues and Jakub Vrana from the Washington Capitals. Copp, Tampa Bay’s Ondrej Palat and Colorado’s Andre Burakovsky were among his suggested free-agent targets.

Bultman suggests remaking the defense, bolstering their scoring punch, re-signing captain Dylan Larkin and deciding what to do with winger Tyler Bertuzzi should also be on Yzerman’s offseason to-do list. Larkin and Bertuzzi both have a year remaining on their current contracts and will be eligible next summer for UFA status.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yzerman has been patiently rebuilding with youth while adding several veterans to provide some experienced depth and leadership. However, I think the time has come to make a bold move or two to get this club over the hump. I’m not saying he should blow all his cap space on an expensive addition but he can certainly bring in some secondary talent that won’t break the bank and provide some real improvement to the roster.

It’ll be interesting to see what Yzerman does with Bertuzzi and Larkin. Bertuzzi was the subject of trade speculation in the weeks before the trade deadline. It wouldn’t be surprising if he ends up getting shopped this summer. Larkin could also hit the trade block if he’s grown weary of the rebuild and decides to move on to a playoff contender next summer.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 30, 2022

by | Apr 30, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 30, 2022

The regular season ends for all but two teams, the opening-round playoff matchups are set, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Carey Price made 37 saves for his first win of the season as his Montreal Canadiens thumped the Florida Panthers 10-2. Montreal rookie Cole Caufield scored his first career NHL hat trick. The Canadiens finish last in the overall standings and have the best odds heading into the 2022 NHL Draft Lottery in May. The Panthers clinched the Presidents’ Trophy with the best overall record and rested several of their best players from this contest.

Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

Speaking of hat tricks, Steven Stamkos picked up the 10th of his career to lead the Tampa Bay Lightning over the New York Islanders 6-4. The Lightning finished the season with 110 points and third place in the Atlantic Division. Zdeno Chara scored for the Islanders in what could be his final NHL game.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander tallied two goals in a 5-2 victory over the Boston Bruins. The Leafs have secured second place in the Atlantic Division with 115 points. Craig Smith had two assists for the Bruins (107 points) as they finish with the first Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-3. Marcus Pettersson had a three-point game while Evgeni Malkin and Brian Boyle each had a goal and an assist. The Penguins finish the season in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 103 points.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov scored his 47th goal of the season in a 4-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Jordan Greenway tallied twice for the Wild, who finished second in the Central Division with 113 points and hold home-ice advantage in their upcoming first-round series with the St. Louis Blues. The Avalanche, meanwhile, finish atop the Western Conference with 119 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild head coach Dean Evason was unhappy with Avalanche defenseman Kurtis MacDermid for a knee-on-knee hit that knocked Wild winger Marcus Foligno from the game. He also chided Avs forward Logan O’Connor for cross-checking Wild defenseman Dmitry Kulikov into the boards. MacDermid received a game misconduct.

The Blues, meanwhile, dropped a 7-4 decision to the Vegas Golden Knights. Jack Eichel scored twice for the Golden Knights, who were eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the week. Ryan O’Reilly scored two goals and added an assist as the Blues finish third in the Central Division with 109 points.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 32 saves to backstop his club over the Calgary Flames 3-1. Matthew Tkachuk scored his 41st goal of the season as the Flames finished in first place in the Pacific Division with 111 points.

The New York Rangers beat the Washington Capitals 3-2 on Dryden Hunt’s game-winning goal in the third period. Kaapo Kakko and Braden Schneider each had two assists for the Rangers, who finished in second place in the Metropolitan Division. The Capitals lost their final four games of the regular season but hold the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 100 points.

A shootout goal by Devin Shore gave the Edmonton Oilers a 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. The Oilers finished in second place in the Pacific Division with 104 points and rested superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl from this contest. Conor Garland had a goal and an assist for the Canucks while teammate J.T. Miller scored to finish the season with a team-leading 99 points.

Dallas Stars sophomore winger Jason Robertson scored his 41st goal of the season as his club clinched the first Western Conference wild-card spot with 98 points in a 4-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks pressed emergency backup Thomas Hodges into action when goalies John Gibson and Anthony Stolarz both went down with injuries. Hodges, a 28-year-old insurance salesman by day, stopped two of the three shots he faced in the third period and received praises from his teammates and the Stars following the game.

The Nashville Predators finished the season in the final Western Conference wild-card spot with 97 points after blowing a 4-0 lead to fall 5-4 to the Arizona Coyotes. Shayne Gostisbehere scored twice and Harri Sateri got the win in relief of Coyotes starter Karel Vejmelka by stopping all 27 shots he faced in the game.

Buffalo Sabres center Casey Mittelstadt’s overtime goal lifted his club to a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Following the game, the Sabres and their fans honored long-time play-by-play man Rick Jeanneret as he signed off for the final time as he retires after 51 seasons with the club.

Seattle Kraken goaltender Chris Driedger finished the season with a 24-save shutout to blank the San Jose Sharks 3-0. Yanni Gourde, Adam Larsson and Victor Rask were the goal scorers.

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Magnus Hellberg made 20 saves to win his first NHL game in five years by downing the New Jersey Devils 5-3. Michael Rasmussen had a goal and an assist for the Red Wings.

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk scored his 30th goal of the season as his club doubled up the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2. Tkachuk’s teammate Josh Norris netted his 35th.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: The opening-round series of the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs are now set and will begin on Monday, May 2.

In the Eastern Conference, the Florida Panthers will face off against the Washington Capitals, the Toronto Maple Leafs will meet the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Carolina Hurricanes tangle with the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers square off against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Western Conference sees the Colorado Avalanche face the Nashville Predators, the Minnesota Wild take on the St. Louis Blues, the Calgary Flames going up against the Dallas Stars and the Edmonton Oilers battling the Los Angeles Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link above for the dates, timings and broadcast networks for each series.

NHLPA: The NHL Players’ Association executive board has voted in favor of forming a search committee to lead the search for a new executive director to eventually replace Donald Fehr. The committee will provide a progress report to the executive board during its summer meeting in Toronto in July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This comes in the wake of an independent investigation that cleared Fehr and his staff of fault over their handling of Kyle Beach’s allegations that he was sexually assaulted by the former video coach of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010.

It’s uncertain at this point if those findings – and the questions and criticism that were subsequently raised – played a role in this decision by the board. There had been previous reports raising concerns over the 73-year-old Fehr’s succession plan before the next round of collective bargaining in 2026. The results of the Beach investigation may have hastened things.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 29, 2022

by | Apr 29, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – April 29, 2022

More speculation about the Golden Knights’ offseason plans plus updates on Evander Kane and Andrew Copp in today’s NHL rumor mill.

LATEST ON THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS

DAILY FACEOFF: The job security of Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon was among Frank Seravalli’s 10 burning offseason questions facing the 16 NHL non-playoff clubs.

Seravalli acknowledged the plethora of injuries that walloped the Golden Knights roster this season. However, he cited the almost daily drama that dogged the franchise this season, from shedding Vezina Trophy winner Marc-Andre Fleury last summer to backing the bus over Robin Lehner and a lack of teamwork among their players as they seemingly look over their shoulders wondering who’s next.

The Golden Knights have no salary-cap space, no top draft picks and a shallow pool of prospects. Seravalli feels it’s inevitable that head coach Peter DeBoer will be cut loose but he also wondered if McCrimmon will follow him out the door.

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen also wondered about the futures of McCrimmon, DeBoer and Lehner in Vegas. He felt that moving on from Lehner would create a problem between the pipes for the Golden Knights.

Vegas Golden Knights winger Reilly Smith (NHL Images).

McCrimmon could be on the hot seat this summer along with president of hockey operations and former GM George McPhee. Their lack of cap space will affect efforts to re-sign original Golden Knight Reilly Smith. Winger Evgenii Dadonov could be moved in a cost-cutting deal to a team on his list of preferred destinations.

NBC SPORTS: Adam Gretz has little sympathy for the Golden Knights as he believes they’re to blame for their plight. He believes the club’s problems run deeper than their injuries this season, pointing out their spending on big-ticket stars created havoc with their salary-cap payroll and cut deeply into their roster depth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap Friendly shows the Golden Knights with $83.8 million invested in 18 active players for 2022-23. With the cap sitting at $82.5 million, they have little choice but to shed some salary, especially if they hope to re-sign Smith.

Dadonov seems the most likely candidate given their failed attempt to move him at the trade deadline. He has a $5 million annual average value through 2022-23 with a 10-team no-trade list but finding a suitable trade partner might not be easy.

Moving Lehner would free up another $5 million but that would mean giving the inexperienced Logan Thompson as their starter. The 25-year-old did a good job filling in for the sidelined Lehner but it could be asking too much of him to take over that role on a full-time basis.

OILERS HOPE TO SIGN KANE, RANGERS HOPE TO RETAIN COPP

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Edmonton Oilers will make a concerted attempt to re-sign Evander Kane while the New York Rangers will do the same with Andrew Copp.

Both forwards are slated to become unrestricted free agents in July. Kane has meshed well alongside Oilers captain Connor McDavid while Copp has been a perfect fit on Artemi Panarin’s line. Dreger wondered if term could be an issue for Kane and the Oilers, wondering if three years would be too much.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane’s next contract could be determined by the outcome of his ongoing grievance hearing over the San Jose Sharks terminating his contract last January. He had three years at $7 million annually remaining on that deal.

Kane and the Sharks could agree to a settlement with the winger getting something between $4 million and $5 million annually over the next three years. The Oilers could then sign him to a three-year deal worth between $2 million and $3 million. Considering how well he’s playing alongside McDavid, Kane might accept that type of deal.

Copp is completing a one-year deal worth over $3.6 million. He’ll likely seek around $5 million annually on a long-term deal with the Rangers or another club via free agency. The Rangers have around $11 million in cap space with 16 active players under contract for next season and second-line center Ryan Strome also eligible for UFA status. Re-signing those two will eat up most, if not all of that cap space.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 29, 2022

by | Apr 29, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 29, 2022

The Panthers win the Presidents’ Trophy, Hurricanes goalie tandem Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta win the Jennings Trophy, Dustin Brown announces his retirement following the playoffs and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Florida Panthers won the Presidents’ Trophy for the first time in franchise history by blanking the Ottawa Senators 4-0. With 122 points, the Panthers hold the NHL’s best record this season. Spencer Knight turned in a 27-save shutout performance while Carter Verhaeghe tallied twice.

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen (NHL Images).

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Antti Raanta kicked out 27 shots while Jesperi Kotkaniemi had a goal and two assists in a 6-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils. The Hurricanes have won six straight. Raanta and Frederik Andersen won the William M. Jennings Memorial Trophy for allowing the fewest goals (202) this season. Earlier in the week, the Hurricanes clinched first place in the Metropolitan Division. Devils winger Andreas Johnsson missed the game with a non-COVID illness.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser scored twice, including the overtime winner, as his club overcame a 2-0 deficit to beat the Los Angeles Kings 3-2. Before the game, Los Angeles winger Dustin Brown announced he’ll retire following the playoffs. The Kings clinched a playoff berth several days ago, sitting third in the Pacific Division with 99 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brown captained the Kings to two Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014. A versatile and physical forward, he’s spent his entire 18-season career with the Kings, scored 325 goals and 387 assists for 712 points in a franchise-leading 1,296 regular-season games.

Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron tallied a hat trick while Linus Ullmark stopped 37 saves to shut out the Buffalo Sabres 5-0. Bergeron also became the fourth player in franchise history to score 400 career goals. The Bruins hold the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference with 107 points.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov’s 46th goal of the season came in overtime to snuff out the Calgary Flames 3-2. Flames winger Johnny Gaudreau scored his 40th of the season, joining teammates Matthew Tkachuk and Elias Lindholm in the 40-goal club. The Flames clinched first place in the Pacific Division earlier this week (111 points) while the Wild sit two points ahead of the third-place St. Louis Blues with 111 points. Both clubs will face each other in the opening round of the playoffs next week.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gaudreau, Tkachuk and Lindholm are the first Flames trio to reach 40 goals in a season since Theo Fleury, Robert Reichel and Gary Roberts did it in 1993-94.

A shootout goal by Matt Duchene lifted the Nashville Predators to a 5-4 win over the Colorado Avalanche. Predators defensemen Roman Josi and Mattias Ekholm each had a goal and an assist while David Rittich made 42 saves for the win. The Predators (97 points) hold a one-point lead over the Dallas Stars for the first Western wild-card berth with both clubs having one game left. The Avalanche hold first overall in the Western Conference with 119 points.

The Edmonton Oilers nipped the San Jose Sharks 5-4 on an overtime goal by Zach Hyman. Edmonton captain Connor McDavid collected an assist for his league-leading 123rd point while Noah Gregor scored two goals for the Sharks. The Oilers recently clinched a playoff spot and sit second in the Pacific Division with 102 points.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Oliver Bjorkstrand had a goal and an assist as his club upset the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2. With the loss, the Lightning (108 points) failed to clinch third place in the Atlantic Division, sitting one point ahead of the Bruins with both clubs having a game remaining.

New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal collected three assists as his club upset the Washington Capitals 5-1. The Capitals (100 points) recently clinched the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot. Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock missed this game with a non-COVID illness.

IN OTHER NEWS…

SPORTSNET: Hundreds of hockey fans, hockey personalities and journalists paid their final respects to Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Bossy yesterday during a funeral service north of Montreal. Bossy passed away from lung cancer on April 14 at age 65.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rest in peace, Mike Bossy. He was one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history and a key part of the New York Islanders Stanley Cup dynasty from 1980 to 1983.

WINNIPEG SUN: TSN broadcaster Dennis Beyak will retire from his role as the Jets play-by-play man. He held that job since the club relocated to Winnipeg in 2011.

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: The Blackhawks hired Jeff Greenberg as their associate general manager. Greenberg, 36, is an assistant general manager with MLB’s Chicago Cubs.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 28, 2022

by | Apr 28, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – April 28, 2022

How will missing the playoffs affect the Golden Knights’ offseason plans? What’s the latest on the Jets and Canucks? Find out in today’s edition of the NHL rumor mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS?

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman wondered what the repercussions will be for the Vegas Golden Knights after missing the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner (NHL Images).

He also mused over what it could mean for Robin Lehner after head coach Peter DeBoer seemed to criticize the oft-injured goaltender when he observed a number of his teammates were also playing hurt and giving their best.

Friedman indicated we’ve yet to hear from Lehner, general manager Kelly McCrimmon, team owner Bill Foley or the other Golden Knights players. He wondered where everyone stands, suggesting the possibility this gets “more flammable” before it calms down. Lehner is under contract with the Golden Knights for three more seasons.

THE ATHLETIC: Jesse Granger also wondered what the offseason holds in store for the Golden Knights. He pointed out that injuries to core players Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty were a contributing factor to the club’s struggles this season.

The club’s lack of identity could also be an issue despite their star-studded roster. DeBoer has always preferred a defense-first mentality but most of their biggest roster additions fly in the face of that strategy. They’ve also struggled to score in big moments.

The uprooting of many of their original core players from their 2017-18 Cup Finalist roster also played a part. Granger suggested the constant push to upgrade may have burdened the club with additional pressure.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights will have to make some offseason moves to trim payroll.

Cap Friendly shows the Golden Knights have over $83.8 million invested in 18 active roster players for 2022-23 with pending UFA winger Reilly Smith as their most notable free agent this summer. What other factors will be involved in their summer plans remain to be seen.

Lehner’s situation is an interesting one. He was frequently sidelined but the club downplayed the severity of his injuries. He’s undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery but before that he was reportedly unhappy over being pulled from a recent game after the first period with the score tied at one. DeBoer said the move was made to shift the momentum in his club’s favor but there appears to be a rift growing between the two that could prove costly to one of them.

LATEST ON THE JETS

Friedman repeated his Saturday report where he suggested Pierre-Luc Dubois’ contract talks with the Winnipeg Jets could be worth watching. He wondered if the 23-year-old center has “a long-term vision.” Friedman pointed out the Jets prefer term and have locked up some good contracts that way. He wondered what will happen if Dubois is unwilling to do that.

NBC SPORTS: James O’Brien also pondered the Jets’ potential offseason plans to address the issues that derailed them this season, most notably their defensive play. He wondered if the right coach might help them find the right balance of improving their defense without stifling their skilled forwards.

Making additions won’t be easy as they’ve got $16.2 million in cap room. A big chunk of that could be taking up re-signing Dubois and perhaps bringing back pending UFA center Paul Stastny on another 35-plus (bonus-laden) contract.

There aren’t many answers for the Jets in this summer’s UFA market. They could attempt to pursue defenseman John Klingberg or center Nazem Kadri but both will be expensive to sign. Claude Giroux’s two-way style could help if his asking price isn’t too steep.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Much will depend on whether Kevin Cheveldayoff returns as general manager and how much pressure he might receive from ownership to shake things up. Perhaps a new head coach will be able to address the Jets’ defensive woes. Maybe it requires trading a core player like Mark Scheifele to free up the cap space to add a skilled defenseman to bolster the blueline.

I believe the Jets’ front office will do all it can to sign Dubois to a long-term deal but it could cost as much as $8 million annually. If he only wants a two-year deal that brings him up to UFA eligibility, they might have to consider shopping him.

MORE CANUCKS SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Iain MacIntyre reports J.T. Miller’s future will dominate the Vancouver Canucks’ offseason. The 29-year-old center is enjoying a career-best 97-point performance. He’s under contract for one more season with an annual salary-cap hit of $5.25 million.

Miller said he wants to win with his friends in Vancouver, suggesting his play this season is indicative of what’s to come. However, MacIntyre noted his age, potential UFA value next summer and the Canucks’ cap crunch could bring a trade instead of a contract extension.

Friedman, meanwhile, believes extending the contract of captain Bo Horvat this summer is as big a priority for the Canucks as Miller and Brock Boeser.

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal believes Boeser’s subpar performance this season could force the Canucks to make a difficult choice. It will cost them $7.5 million to qualify his rights, meaning they invest big money in a player whose production is less certain than it was a year ago or attempt to trade him while his value is likely to be at an all-time low.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Despite the Canucks cap situation, it wouldn’t be surprising if they sign Miller to a lucrative contract extension if they see him as someone worth building around. Doing so, however, could mean a cost-cutting move or trading a restricted free agent such as Boeser.

Horvat’s situation will also be worth monitoring. His annual average value ($5.5 million) is slightly higher than Miller’s but he won’t cost as much as the latter to re-sign. Nevertheless, it will be as high as around $7.5 million. The cost of new contracts for Horvat and Miller could ensure Boeser’s departure this summer.

The long-term futures of Miller and Horvat could also depend on whether management brings back Bruce Boudreau as head coach. The Canucks responded very well under his guidance, rallying from the bottom of the division standings to staying in the playoff race until the final week of the season.

 










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 28, 2022

by | Apr 28, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 28, 2022

The Stars clinch the final Western Conference playoff berth while the Golden Knights are eliminated, results of the latest NHLPA player poll are released, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Dallas Stars clinched a Western Conference playoff berth despite a 4-3 overtime loss to the Arizona Coyotes. The Stars held a 3-0 lead heading into the third period but the Coyotes tallied four unanswered goals for the win with Travis Boyd netting the game-winner. Barrett Hayton had a goal and two assists for the Coyotes while Tyler Seguin scored and picked up an assist for the Stars. With 96 points, the Stars move one point ahead of the Nashville Predators into the first wild-card spot in the West.

Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin (NHL Images).

A 4-3 shootout loss to the Chicago Blackhawks ensures the Vegas Golden Knights will miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Tyler Johnson scored the only goal in the shootout round, Taylor Raddysh scored two goals and Kevin Lankinen got the win by stopping 37 shots in regulation and overtime. Chandler Stephenson collected assists on all three Golden Knights goals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators hold two games in hand over the Golden Knights, who only have one game left. Their failure to qualify despite their star-studded roster will raise questions about their offseason plans. I’ll have more later today in the Rumors section.

The Los Angeles Kings picked up their fifth straight victory by downing the Seattle Kraken 5-3. Jonathan Quick kicked out 37 shots while Gabriel Vilardi had a goal and two assists. Jordan Eberle had a goal and an assist for the Kraken. Los Angeles will face the Edmonton Oilers in the opening round of the playoffs starting next week. The Kings also activated defenseman Mikey Anderson off injured reserve.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Only two first-round series (Oilers vs Kings, Wild vs Blues) have been determined. The remainder will be decided by the end of Friday night’s schedule.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jeff Petry scored twice, including the game-winner, as his club upset the New York Rangers 4-3. The Canadiens snapped a nine-game losing skid and are assured of finishing last in the overall standings. Rangers winger Kaapo Kakko returned to action after being sidelined by an injury since April 16.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The playoff-bound Rangers rested stars such as Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, Chris Kreider, Igor Shesterkin and Jacob Trouba from this contest. That last-place finish also gives the Canadiens the best odds of winning next month’s NHL Draft lottery.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Eric Comrie stopped 35 shots to shut out the Philadelphia Flyers 4-0. Jets winger Kyle Connor tallied his 46th goal of the season.

HEADLINES

NHLPA.COM: The results of the NHLPA’s annual player poll were released yesterday. Among the notable results was Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid was named the one skater the players would want on their team in a must-win game while the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Andrei Vasilevskiy was named the one goalie they’d want in a must-win contest.

Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane was named the best stick-handler, Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisailt the best passer, and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby the most complete player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: You can see the full results of all categories by following the link above.

NBC SPORTS WASHINGTON: Capitals coach Peter Laviolette is hoping captain Alex Ovechkin will be ready to play Game 1 of their opening-round series next week. The 36-year-old winger is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

THE TENNESSEAN: A lower-body injury will sideline Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros for at least the club’s final two regular-season games.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, Chicago Blackhawks defensemen Seth and Caleb Jones and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski have accepted invitations from Team USA to compete in next month’s World Championships. Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider will play for Germany and Wings forward Lucas Raymond will compete for Sweden.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We should learn more in the coming days about which NHL players from non-playoff clubs will be participating in the Worlds in Finland next month.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Speaking of the World Championships, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) officially stripped Russia of its hosting duties for the 2023 tournament. The Russian Hockey Federation is already in the midst of an indefinite ban from international play following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: David Morehouse resigned yesterday as CEO of the Pittsburgh Penguins after 16 years. President of hockey operations Brian Burke and COO Kevin Acklin will run the day-to-day operations. The club didn’t announce if the vacant CEO position will be filled.