NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 19, 2026

by | Apr 19, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 19, 2026

The Hurricanes, Wild, and Flyers draw first blood in their first-round series, the date for the draft lottery is set, Macklin Celebrini hopes to sign an extension with the Sharks this summer, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF SATURDAY’S FIRST-ROUND ACTION

NHL.COM: The Carolina Hurricanes kicked off the start of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs by blanking the Ottawa Senators 2-0 in Game 1 of their seven-game series. Frederik Andersen turned in a 22-save shutout while Logan Stankoven had a goal and an assist for the Hurricanes. Linus Ullmark stopped 27 of 29 shots for the Senators. Game 2 is Monday in Carolina at 7:30 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The most exciting thing that happened for the Senators in this game was team captain Brady Tkachuk starting a fight with Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal seconds after the opening faceoff.

Carolina did a fine job smothering Ottawa’s scorers, and when they did get some good scoring chances, Andersen shut the door. The Senators also lost big-minute defenseman Artem Zub in the second period with an apparent hip injury following a hit by Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis.

Minnesota Wild winger Matt Boldy (NHL Images).

Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek each had two goals and an assist as the Minnesota Wild romped to a 6-1 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 1 of their first-round series. Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt made 27 saves in his first-ever Stanley Cup playoff game, and superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov had a goal and two assists. Jason Robertson replied for the Stars. Game 2 is Monday in Dallas at 9:30 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild dominated the Stars in this game, taking the early lead in the first period, scoring three quick goals early in the second, and snuffing out any chance of a rally by the Stars when Eriksson Ek made it 5-1 on a third-period power play.

If there’s any consolation for the Stars, they’ve overcome previous slow starts to playoff series before. They’re a talented, experienced team that should shake off this loss with a better effort in Game 2. They did have some good news in this game, as top defenseman Miro Heiskanen returned to the lineup after missing their last three regular-season games with a lower-body injury.

The Philadelphia Flyers held off the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 3-2 win in Game 1 of their first-round series. Jamie Drysdale, Travis Sanheim, and Porter Martone were the goal scorers for the Flyers, while Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust replied for the Penguins. Game 2 is Monday in Pittsburgh at 7 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Despite the close score, the Flyers had the edge in this game, ramping up the physicality and using their speed to generate quality scoring chances. The Penguins got solid goaltending from Stuart Skinner, but they had difficulty containing the Flyers’ speed.

Penguins stars such as Malkin, Sidney Crosby, and Erik Karlsson spoke of the team’s need to reset for Game 2 to improve their structure and defensive game. If they don’t, they could find themselves in a deeper hole when this series heads to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: The league confirmed that the 2026 Draft Lottery will be held on Tuesday, May 5, at the NHL Network studio. It will be broadcast live on ESPN, Sportsnet, and TVA Sports.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks superstar Macklin Celebrini wants to sign a contract extension this summer. He’s completed the second season of a three-year entry-level contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Celebrini was the Sharks’ MVP this season, breaking the franchise single-season points record (115) and sitting fourth among NHL scorers. Their 19-year-old sophomore center’s efforts had the rebuilding Sharks in the Western Conference playoff race through most of this season.

In just two NHL seasons, Celebrini has established himself among the league’s elite superstars. It could cost the Sharks between $15 million and $20 million annually on a long-term deal to re-sign him. Fortunately for the Sharks, they have more than enough cap space for 2027-28 to get it done.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning captain Victor Hedman returned to practice with his teammates as he works toward returning to the lineup. He’s been out since March 25 on a leave of absence. Hedman is not expected to be ready for the start of their first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: The Canadiens are confident that rookie goaltenders Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler can get the job done against the Lightning. Game 1 of their series starts Sunday at 5:45 pm ET in Tampa Bay.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Golden Knights winger Mitch Marner hopes to rewrite the narrative that he’s not a clutch playoff performer that dogged him during his tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The spotlight in Vegas isn’t as harsh as it is in hockey-mad Toronto. The Golden Knights’ first-round series against the Utah Mammoth will provide Marner with the chance to take the first step toward silencing his critics.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Mammoth hope their speed and transition game can counter the Golden Knight’s disciplined defensive system.

NESN: The Boston Bruins will be relying on their “big guys”, such as defenseman Nikita Zadorov, to set the tone in the opening game of their first-round series with the Buffalo Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins intend to use their physical style to wear down the Sabres and take the steam out of their offensive game. It’ll be interesting to see how the Sabres intend to counter this.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Injured Sabres forward Noah Ostlund and goaltender Alex Lyon returned to practice on Saturday. Both will be available for Game 1 against the Bruins in Buffalo on Sunday at 7:30 pm ET.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche will be going into their first-round series with the Los Angeles Kings with Nazem Kadri centering the third line with team captain Gabriel Landeskog and Nicolas Roy.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Los Angeles Kings activated winger Andrei Kuzmenko from injured reserve for Game 1 against the Avalanche in Colorado, starting at 3 pm ET on Sunday.

THE ATHLETIC: The Anaheim Ducks hope to reset mentally for their series against the Edmonton Oilers after limping their way into the playoffs. Their series starts on Sunday in Edmonton at 10 pm ET.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers defenseman Connor Murphy is looking forward to his first taste of NHL playoff action since 2020. Before being shipped to the Oilers before last month’s trade deadline, he spent 13 seasons with the Arizona Coyotes and Chicago Blackhawks, with the 2020 playoffs being his only previous postseason action.










2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs – First Round Predictions

by | Apr 18, 2026

2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs – First Round Predictions

My colleagues and I at Bleacher Report NHL recently made our predictions for the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The following are my selections. You can see the full staff list by following this link.

Feel free to post up your predictions in the comments section below.

COLORADO AVALANCHE VS LOS ANGELES KINGS

Winners of the Presidents’ Trophy, the Avalanche possess plenty of playoff experience. Led by Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, they possess a potent offense. They have solid goaltending and the NHL’s top defenseman in Cale Makar. These factors give them a significant edge in this series.

The Kings scraped their way into the postseason. They’ll be motivated to give retiring captain Anze Kopitar a strong playoff run. Their offense got a boost with the addition of Artemi Panarin, but it can’t match the powerful Avalanche. They’ll have their hands full trying to shut down the league’s top regular-season team.

Prediction: Avalanche in 5

DALLAS STARS VS MINNESOTA WILD

The Stars have reached the Western Conference Finals in each of the last three years. With a deep roster featuring winger Jason Robertson, center Wyatt Johnston, and defenseman Miro Heiskanen, they are determined to get over the hump this season and win their first Stanley Cup since 1999.

Wild GM Bill Guerin’s acquisition of superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes signaled his intention to force open his club’s Stanley Cup window. They have a strong offense led by Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, and a solid blueline that improved with the addition of the puck-moving Hughes.

Prediction: Wild in 7

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS UTAH MAMMOTH

Despite one of the worst seasons in franchise history, the Vegas Golden Knights clinched first place in the weak Pacific Division. However, they noticeably improved after hiring John Tortorella as interim coach. The Golden Knights have considerable experience, led by stars Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, and Tomas Hertl.

For many of the Mammoth players, this will be their first foray into the NHL playoffs. They’re an exciting young team featuring scoring forwards Clayton Keller, Dylan Guenther, and Logan Cooley. The Mammoth have also had steady goaltending all season from Karel Vejmelka, which could make the difference.

Prediction: Mammoth in 6

EDMONTON OILERS VS ANAHEIM DUCKS

The Oilers were plagued by questionable goaltending and a shaky defense throughout this season. However, they have the experience of back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances, and the powerful offensive punch of superstar Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who is returning from a knee injury.

Meanwhile, the Ducks are returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2018. This is an exciting young team led by Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier. They also possess the veteran experience of Jacob Trouba, Chris Kreider, and John Carlson, but it might not be enough to contain the battle-tested Oilers.

Prediction: Oilers in 6

CAROLINA HURRICANES VS OTTAWA SENATORS

The Hurricanes are a talented and experienced club that finished first in the Eastern Conference. Their goaltending is a question mark, but that should be offset by an otherwise deep roster featuring forwards Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, Seth Jarvis, and defenseman Jaccob Slavin.

Meanwhile, the Senators have a good mix of scoring and defensive grit up front with Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, and Shane Pinto, while Jake Sanderson is an emerging all-star defenseman. However, they have their own goalie issues and lack sufficient depth to contain the Hurricanes.

Prediction: Hurricanes in 5

BUFFALO SABRES VS BOSTON BRUINS

The Sabres ended a league-record 14-year playoff drought this season. This will be the first postseason for many of them, including stars Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin. They have a good mix of veterans and young talent, and will be determined to prove themselves as a strong playoff club.

Meanwhile, the Bruins are back in the postseason after missing the cut last year. Led by winger David Pastrnak, defenseman Charlie McAvoy, and goaltender Jeremy Swayman, they have the postseason experience, but they might not have sufficient depth to contain the Sabres’ offense.

Prediction: Sabres in 6

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING VS MONTREAL CANADIENS

The Lightning possess considerable veteran depth and postseason experience, led by goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy and forwards Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point. They will attempt to use that to their advantage in this series, though the absence of veteran defenseman Victor Hedman will be felt.

Meanwhile, the up-and-coming Canadiens have plenty of speed and skill in Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky, while Lane Hutson is among the league’s best young defensemen. Their overall defensive game needs work, but they’re a hungry young club out to make their mark.

Prediction: Canadiens in 6

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS VS PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

Back in the playoffs after a three-year absence, the Penguins have retooled with younger talent. However, they are still led by aging stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and apart from Erik Karlsson, there is reason for concern about their defensive depth.

The rebuilding Flyers exceeded expectations by squeaking into the playoffs. They possess a promising mix of veterans such as Travis Konecny, Trevor Zegras, and Owen Tippett, and youngsters like Matvei Michkov and Porter Martone. They have nothing to lose, which could make them dangerous.

Prediction: Flyers in 6










NHL Rumor Mill – April 18, 2026

by | Apr 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 18, 2026

Check out the latest on the Jets, Blues, and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Mike McIntyre believes Connor Hellebuyck sounded like someone who might not be with the Jets for long during his end-of-season media availability on Friday.

McIntyre suspected that Hellebucyk had emerged from a “fiery” face-to-face meeting with the coaching staff and management to face the press. The reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner called his club’s performance this season “unacceptable,” wondering where the club would go from here, prompting McIntyre to suggest that the answer might involve moving on from their long-time starting goaltender.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

When asked by McIntyre if his candid comments might mean some difficult conversations with management about his future, Hellebuyck took several seconds to respond. The 32-year-old goalie said he didn’t want to leave any speculation, adding that he loves Winnipeg and loves playing there.

McIntyre noted that speculation about Hellebuyck’s future began after he backstopped Team USA to Olympic gold in February, drawing some criticism for celebrating at the White House when there are tensions between the United States and Canada.

Hellebuyck has five more years on his contract at a reasonable average annual value of $8.5 million. McIntyre believes plenty of teams would engage in a bidding war for his services if he became available in the trade market. Moving Hellebuyck would be a “seismic shift” in the club’s direction.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McIntyre acknowledged that Hellebuyck’s comments may have been a case of the superstar goaltender blowing off steam following a disappointing season.

It must be remembered that there was speculation over Mark Scheifele’s future in Winnipeg in 2022 after he expressed unhappiness over the Jets’ performance. He and Hellebuyck wound up signing long-term contract extensions.

General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will likely downplay the notion that Hellebuyck’s unhappiness might lead to his departure when he meets with the media next week. Nevertheless, it will put pressure on Cheveldayoff to address the issues that led to the club’s downfall a year after winning the Presidents’ Trophy.

TSN: On Thursday, Darren Dreger said he expected this offseason to be a busy one for Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff.

He’ll have to sort out whether Jonathan Toews might do with his playing future and whether it’ll be in Winnipeg. Winger Cole Perfetti is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights coming off a two-year deal with an AAV of $3.25 million.

Dreger believes the Jets would like to add a second-line center and a top-six winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One of those would be in any asking price for Hellebuyck, but I don’t expect Cheveldayoff to have any intention of moving his star goaltender unless he asks to be traded. That’s something else I don’t believe Hellebuyck wants, despite his frustration with how this season turned out.

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford wondered if the St. Louis Blues intend to trade Robert Thomas. The 26-year-old first-line center surfaced in the rumor mill before last month’s trade deadline, but his strong performance after returning from injury is more evidence that leads to keeping him.

Rutherford believes the Blues must find a trade fit for winger Jordan Kyrou, whose performance declined this season. He thinks a change of scenery might be good for both sides, but his $8.13 million AAV over the next five seasons could be difficult to move. He also has a full no-trade clause.

Management should also explore moving winger Pavel Buchnevich, who has six years left on his contract with an AAV of $8 million. However, his contract and declining production could require adding a sweetener in the deal.

The Blues should also revisit efforts to move Colton Parayko, who used his no-movement clause to block a trade to the Buffalo Sabres before the March deadline. They should also chat with goaltender Jordan Binnington, who has a year left on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless the Blues intend to tear down their roster and rebuild, it’s doubtful they’ll part with Thomas. Outgoing general manager Doug Armstrong set a high asking price, and it’s unlikely that incoming GM Alexander Steen will lower it.

Kyrou and Buchnevich are more likely trade candidates. The 27-year-old Kyrou would likely be easier to move than the 31-year-old Buchnevich, as the latter’s production has steadily declined since his career-high 76-point performance in 2021-22.

Steen could revisit Armstrong’s efforts to move Parayko, but his NMC gives him full control over his situation. Binnington seems a more likely trade candidate because several teams that struggled with their goaltending this season will be seeking upgrades this summer.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger looked at what’s in store for Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell during the offseason.

Forwards Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle, and Mason Marchment, and defenseman Erik Gudbranson can become unrestricted free agents on July 1. It’s unlikely all four will be re-signed. Meanwhile, center Adam Fantilli, goaltender Jet Greaves, and forward Cole Sillinger are among their restricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jenner has spent his entire 13-season NHL career with the Blue Jackets, but Hedger wondered if they’ll re-sign the 32-year-old forward. Fantilli and Greaves will be in line for expensive raises given their value to the Blue Jackets.

The rising salary cap will leave the vast majority of NHL teams, including the Blue Jackets, flush with salary-cap space,. Hedger believes it’ll be difficult to find impact talent in this summer’s UFA market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Newly re-signed head coach Rick Bowness vowed he would change the Blue Jackets’ culture after blasting his players for what he felt was how comfortable they were with losing.

Finding character players who can also address the Jackets’ roster needs could be top of mind for Waddell this summer. This summer’s shallow free-agent pool could send him into the trade market, where he could indeed find himself having to outbid many rivals with as much cap space as he has.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 18, 2026

by | Apr 18, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 18, 2026

On the eve of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, check out the latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Aleksander Barkov, Vincent Trocheck, Thatcher Demko, Dylan Larkin, and more from players that didn’t make the postseason in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

WINNIPEG SUN: Gordon Anderson reports Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck expressed his unhappiness over his club’s tumble from winning the Presidents’ Trophy last season to missing the 2026 postseason.

Hellebuyck owned up to his share of blame for the Jets’ demise this season and didn’t put himself above criticism for his performance. He still believes they have “a very good team,” but he believes things have to change if they’re going to challenge for the Stanley Cup.

Hellebuyck said he’s made Winnipeg his home, and he likes it there, but his ultimate goal remains winning the Stanley Cup. He acknowledged the difficulty that Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff faces bringing in talent through trades and free agency because of the club’s location and its reputation as a city that players don’t want to go to.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anderson noted that Hellebuyck is in a re-evaluating frame of mind, but he believes that doesn’t mean the three-time Vezina Trophy winner could be eyeing the exit. However, not everyone shares that opinion. I’ll have more about that in today’s Rumor Mill.

Jonathan Toews appears to be at a crossroads after this season. The 37-year-old Jet center staged a comeback after three years away recovering from health issues, but admitted that he struggled to keep up with the pace of the game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Toews was on a one-year contract with the Jets. It remains to be seen if they’ll bring him back for another season, which could leave him facing retirement.

Mark Scheifele has been selected to play for Team Canada in next month’s IIHF World Championship. The 33-year-old Jets center enjoyed a career-high 103-point performance, setting the franchise single-season points record. Teammate Dylan DeMelo has also accepted an invitation to play for Canada.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs center John Tavares will also be playing for Canada in the World Championship.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Darren Dreger reported St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas and Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly will join Tavares and Scheifele on Team Canada at the Worlds.

SPORTSNET: Speaking of the Maple Leafs, the club is interviewing former captain and Hall of Famer Mats Sundin for a position in their hockey department.

TSN: Aleksander Barkov will play for Finland in the IIHF World Championship. The Florida Panthers captain missed the entire 2025-26 regular season and the 2026 Winter Olympics recovering from knee surgery.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers center Vincent Trocheck revealed his 14-game absence at the start of this season was due to a bacterial infection in one of his lungs. He underwent surgery and spent a week in a hospital, hooked up to chest tubes.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

“It was very scary,” Trocheck said. “I thought I was dying.”

Trocheck recovered and played the remainder of this season. The 32-year-old center was the subject of frequent trade speculation as management continues to retool its roster. He said he’s not sure what’s going to happen in the offseason.

THE ATHLETIC: Rangers defenseman Adam Fox raised some eyebrows earlier this season when he appeared noncommittal about his future with the club. However, he’s now encouraged by the “encouraging signs” that he saw from the club during the season’s final weeks, including his own improved performance during that stretch.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko believes his season-ending hip surgery will improve his performance going forward. He was upbeat during his exit interview with the press, expressing his belief that the club has addressed the issues that derailed its season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Demko’s new three-year contract (with an average annual value of $8.5 million) begins on July 1. His performance over that period will be crucial to the Canucks’ rebuilding plans.

DAILY FACEOFF: Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford said he knew last year that Quinn Hughes wouldn’t sign a contract extension. That is what pushed him to trade the 26-year-old superstar defenseman to the Minnesota Wild last December.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rutherford first dropped that hint at his end-of-season media availability last year. That’s what prompted the trade rumors that dogged Hughes and the Canucks until he was shipped to the Wild in December.

MLIVE.COM: Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin remains committed to getting the club into the playoffs despite missing its decade-long postseason drought.

NHL.COM: Speaking of the Red Wings, they and Patrick Kane have a mutual interest in bringing him back next season. The 37-year-old winger and future Hall of Famer is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kraken winger Jared McCann underwent a medical procedure on Thursday related to the lower-body injury that hampered him during the second half of last season and throughout this season. He anticipated that it would take 8-10 weeks to recover.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL: Golden Knights center William Karlsson continues to rehab a lower-body injury and will miss the club’s upcoming first-round series against the Utah Mammoth. Karlsson has been sidelined since Nov. 8.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars signed defenseman Nils Lundkvist to a two-year contract extension worth an AAV of $1.75 million.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The St. Louis Blues announced assistant coaches Claude Julien and Mike Weber will not be brought back. Their contract will expire at the end of June.

NHL.COM: The league announced it has set a total attendance record for the fourth straight year. The new record is 23,158,522, which is 97.3 percent capacity. The per-game average was 17,651.

DAILY FACEOFF: Eight NHL teams will have salary-cap overages for 2026-27. Those expenditures are mostly related to performance bonuses.

The New York Islanders have the largest bonus overage carryover ($3.5 million), all from rookie Matthew Schaefer reaching the maximum possible bonuses for a player on an entry-level contract.

NHL.COM: Winger Ivar Stenberg of Swedish Hockey League club Frolunda sits at No. 1 on NHL Central Scouting’s final ranking of the top International skaters. Penn State forward Gavin McKenna is ranked as the top North American skater.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 17, 2026

by | Apr 17, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 17, 2026

Check out the latest on Maple Leafs’ Matthew Knies and Morgan Rielly, Canucks center Elias Pettersson, and Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

KNIES AND RIELLY HOPE TO REMAIN MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Sonny Sachdeva reports Matthew Knies and Morgan Rielly reiterated their desire to remain with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Rielly has a full no-movement clause in his contract. When asked about waiving it, the 32-year-old defenseman acknowledged that it’s something he must be prepared for, but said he loves being a Maple Leaf and wants to stay.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (NHL Images).

Meanwhile, Knies admitted he’s not pleased that his name surfaced in trade rumors this season, and could continue to pop up in offseason trade speculation. However, he said that those things are out of his control, that he’s not bothered by the rumors, and maintained he wants to stick around.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rielly and Knies said that any decision to move them rests with whoever becomes the next Leafs general manager. However, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment president and CEO Keith Pelley recently said the club was not rebuilding. Moving Rielly and Knies would be considered part of a rebuilding process.

Ultimately, the futures of Rielly and Knies in Toronto will depend on how much autonomy Pelley is willing to give the Maple Leafs new general manager.

CANUCKS CENTER ELIAS PETTERSSON

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes the future of Elias Pettersson is the first order of business facing the Vancouver Canucks as they chart the direction the franchise will take with the expensive center.

Pettersson’s offensive production remains down, netting 51 points this season. However, his defensive play has improved as he led all NHL forwards this season with 108 blocked shots. He has six more seasons remaining on his contract with an expensive average annual value of $11.6 million.

The 27-year-old Pettersson told Kuzma that he remains committed to the Canucks and is invested in their future. However, trade rumors have swirled, with some suggesting the club might be willing to retain salary.

If the Canucks were to trade Pettersson, Kuzma suggested the Detroit Red Wings might be a good fit. However, he has a full no-movement clause and didn’t sound to Kuzma like he wanted a change of scenery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson’s contract gives him full control over his situation. If he doesn’t want to go, the Canucks will have to find a way to get more out of him offensively if they want this rebuild to succeed with him as part of it.

THE LATEST ON DOUGIE HAMILTON

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nicholls observed that Dougie Hamilton politely declined to speak with the media during the Devils’ locker cleanout day earlier this week. He believes the 32-year-old defenseman’s silence speaks volumes about his future with the club.

Hamilton frequently surfaced in trade rumors going back to last summer, with one report claiming he used his no-trade clause to block a move to the San Jose Sharks. Following last month’s trade deadline, now-former GM Tom Fitzgerald claimed he wasn’t shopping the puck-moving blueliner.

New general manager Sunny Mehta might be able to mend fences with Hamilton, but Nicholls considers it unlikely. He believes the veteran blueliner’s tenure in New Jersey could be drawing to a close.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton has a 10-team trade list, but Nicholls pointed out that he might be willing to expand that list to facilitate a deal. We can expect the Hamilton trade rumors to continue following the postseason.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 17, 2026

by | Apr 17, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 17, 2026

The final two Western Conference first-round series are set, Connor McDavid wins the Art Ross Trophy, Nathan MacKinnon takes home the Richard Trophy, Macklin Celebrini sets a Sharks record, the Canucks reportedly fire GM Patrik Allvin, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF THE LAST NIGHT OF THE NHL REGULAR SEASON

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers rookie Matt Savoie tallied his first NHL hat trick as his club romped to a 6-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Connor McDavid collected four assists for the 41-30-11 Oilers, who clinched second place in the Pacific Division with 93 points. Canucks rookie Ty Mueller scored his first NHL goal.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers will face off against the Anaheim Ducks in the first round. Meanwhile, McDavid finished with a league-leading 138 points, winning the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s leading scorer for the sixth time. He joins Hall of Famers Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Gordie Howe as the only players to win that award at least six times.

Speaking of the Ducks, they nipped the Nashville Predators 5-4 on a tie-breaking goal by Troy Terry. Mikael Granlund had three assists for the Ducks, who finished one point behind the Oilers to sit third in the Pacific Division. Steven Stamkos and Filip Forsberg each scored twice for the Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos and Forsberg both finished this season having reached the 40-goal plateau. For Stamkos (42 goals), it’s the eighth time he’s done it.

The Colorado Avalanche blanked the Seattle Kraken 2-0. Scott Wedgewood turned in a 22-save shutout while Nick Blankenburg and Parker Kelly scored for the league-leading Avalanche (121 points), who will meet the Los Angeles Kings. Rookie goalie Victor Ostman stopped 33 of 35 shots for the Kraken.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche rested several players, including Nathan MacKinnon. Nevertheless, MacKinnon won the Maurice Richard Trophy as this season’s leading goal scorer, finishing with 53. It’s the first time he’s won the Richard Trophy. He and Cole Caufield of the Montreal Canadiens were the only players to reach the vaunted 50-goal plateau this season.

Wedgewood and fellow Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood won the William M. Jennings Trophy, which is awarded annually to the goaltender(s) who play a minimum of 25 games for the team allowing the fewest goals during the regular season.

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar returned behind the bench after missing the club’s last two games with facial injuries after being struck by a puck during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights last weekend.

As for the Kings, they dropped a 3-1 decision to the Calgary Flames. Goaltender Arsenii Sergeev stopped 27 shots for the win in his first NHL game, while Joel Farabee reached the 20-goal plateau for the third time. Quinton Byfield scored for the Kings.

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini had a goal and two assists in a 6-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets. William Eklund and John Klingberg each had three points for the Sharks. Cole Koepke replied for the Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Celebrini finished the season with 115 points, breaking the franchise record of 114 set by Joe Thornton in 2006-07. The 19-year-old Sharks center finished fourth overall among NHL scorers this season.

The St. Louis Blues closed out their season with a 5-3 win over the Utah Mammoth. Robert Thomas tallied a hat trick for the Blues. Clayton Keller and MacKenzie Weegar each had two assists for the Mammoth, who will face the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round of the playoffs.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: The complete schedule for the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs has been released. It begins Saturday with Game 1 of the Ottawa Senators-Carolina Hurricanes series at 3 pm ET.

THE PROVINCE: cited a report in the Swedish paper Aftonbladet, which claimed that general manager Patrik Allvin is set to be dismissed by the Vancouver Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As of this writing, there has been no official confirmation yet by the Canucks. It’s been speculated for weeks that Allvin could be replaced as general manager following one of the worst seasons in the franchise’s history.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils have hired former Florida Panthers assistant general manager Sunny Mehta as their new general manager. He’s returning to the club where he pioneered the NHL’s first full-time analytics department from 2014 to 2018.

Mehta joined the Panthers in 2020. Promoted to assistant GM in 2023, he contributed to the Panthers winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Among Mehta’s first duties will be deciding the future of head coach Sheldon Keefe, opening contract extension talks on July 1 with team captain Nico Hischier, and perhaps gauging the trade value of veteran defenseman Dougie Hamilton.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets signed head coach Rick Bowness to a one-year contract extension.

Bowness took over on an interim basis in mid-January. Under his guidance, the Blue Jackets rose from the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings to second place in the Metropolitan Division by March 25.

However, the Blue Jackets went 3-9-1 over their remaining games to fall out of the playoff picture. That sparked a public season-ending tirade from Bowness, accusing the players of being too comfortable with losing. He subsequently walked back those comments, but his claim that he would change the culture if he returned as head coach has resonated with management.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bowness claimed he loved the Blue Jackets players, who said they loved playing for him. It remains to be seen if that mutual love translates into a culture change that leads to a winning team next season.

NHL.COM: Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews appeared noncommittal about his future when speaking to the media during the club’s locker cleanout on Thursday. The 28-year-old superstar center expects to be physically ready for next season, but he’s uncertain about where things go from here.

Matthews said he can’t predict the future, pointing out that the Maple Leafs are in the process of hiring new management.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It sounds like Matthews will wait to see who becomes the new GM and what their plans are for the offseason and for 2026-27. He has two years remaining on his contract, which explains the curiosity about his plans among the denizens of Leafs Nation.

TSN: Speaking of the Maple Leafs, Craig Berube said he expects to return as their head coach next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That will depend on the next general manager and how much autonomy he’ll have from ownership when it comes to making decisions about the coaching staff.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin offered up more clarity about his future. Despite speculation that this season could be his last, the 40-year-old Capitals captain remains hopeful that he hasn’t played his final NHL game. He intends to decide at some point in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins placed defenseman Matt Dumba on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract. It will allow him to finish this season without having to participate in the AHL playoffs.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers will have a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft after all. They had traded that pick to the Chicago Blackhawks as part of last year’s Seth Jones trade. However, the pick was top-10 protected. The Panthers currently sit eighth in the draft order and can fall no lower than two spots in the draft lottery.