NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 15, 2026

by | Jul 15, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 15, 2026

Check out the latest on Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, Senators forward Claude Giroux, Flames defenseman Simon Nemec, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini is the cover athlete for EA Sports’ NHL 27 video game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Notable stars who’ve graced the cover of previous EA Sports NHL games include Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL 18), Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL 20, NHL 22), Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals (NHL 21), and Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche (NHL 24).

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (NHL Images).

Celebrini is in the final season of his entry-level contract and is eligible to sign a contract extension. His next deal will most likely make him one of the NHL’s highest-paid players, but he told ESPN that he’s not necessarily going to seek every available dollar.

“Obviously, guys want to get paid – as they should, because you’ve got to make a living,” Celebrini said. “There are guys that deserve those numbers that are getting them, but of course, you want to put your team in the best possible spot, where you give a team the ability to make moves necessary to win. I think all that goes into the decision.”

Celebrini also said that there’s no rush to get a deal done because he has a year left on his contract. “I think it’s just whenever it makes sense for both sides.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The maximum average annual value for 2027-28 (the first season of Celebrini’s next contract) is $22.7 million. He could become the league’s first $20 million man after Leo Carlsson got $18 million on a five-year deal from the Anaheim Ducks after they matched the Philadelphia Flyers’ offer sheet last week.

However, it sounds like Celebrini’s open to leaving a little money on the table to give the Sharks some salary-cap flexibility to bolster the club’s overall depth. He could seek an AAV between $18.5 million and $19.5 million on a four- or five-year contract, enabling him to sign a more lucrative deal when he enters the prime of his career.

TSN: Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell continued to downplay the trade rumors that swirled around superstar defenseman Zach Werenski last month.

Waddell claimed the media reports regarding his talks with the Werenski camp were different than what was actually discussed. He pointed out that the two sides cannot discuss a contract extension until next summer, but that was mistaken as the Blue Jackets wanting to trade him and him wanting to be traded.

“It was always discussed that, if there was something that made some sense, I would bring it to him,” Waddell said, referring to a trade offer.

Waddell said it was well known that the Blue Jackets were talking with the Dallas Stars about a trade when he called Werenski’s agent. “Within an hour, I got a call back saying that Zach doesn’t want to go anywhere and he wants to be a Blue Jacket.”

According to Waddell, he subsequently had “a great meeting” with Werenski, who said he’s been with the Blue Jackets for 10 years, wants to get the team back into the playoffs, and is fully committed to the team.

“What the future holds, we’ll figure that out when the time comes,” Waddell said. “But for now, he’s very excited about staying here and taking the team where we need to get back to: the playoffs.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The media wouldn’t have gotten involved if somebody from the Blue Jackets management or the Werenski side hadn’t spoken to them about the situation. The same goes for the trade talks with the Stars. These stories don’t get reported without a reliable source from one side or the other leaking it to a pundit.

Since those stories broke, Waddell and Werenski issued statements claiming the situation was blown out of proportion by the media, stressing the blueliner’s desire to stay in Columbus and help the Blue Jackets win.

I’m not questioning Waddell’s version of events or Werenski’s sincerity about staying in Columbus. However, questions about his future with the Blue Jackets will resurface next June, leading up to his eligibility to sign a contract extension starting on July 1, 2027.

OTTAWA SUN: Claude Giroux said his return to the Senators for another season was a family decision. The 38-year-old forward recently signed a one-year, $2 million contract.

“We just had to talk it over and make sure that we were doing the right thing here,” Giroux said. “When you’ve got three boys, it’s not just about me anymore.”

CALGARY SUN: Kent Wilson believes Simon Nemec’s contract is one of the biggest gambles by Craig Conroy as the Flames’ general manager.

Conroy acquired the promising but inconsistent Nemec from the New Jersey Devils last month, giving up two conditional first-round picks as part of the deal. He subsequently signed the 22-year-old defenseman to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $7.25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Conroy is betting on Nemec blossoming into the top-pairing, puck-moving blueliner he was projected to become when the Devils chose him second overall in the 2022 NHL Draft.

The Nemec trade could become Conroy’s best move if the young rearguard develops as hoped. It could also cost him his job if Nemec fails to pan out.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins avoided salary arbitration with Nick Robertson, signing the 24-year-old winger to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.25 million.

The Penguins also hired Brandon Pridham as a hockey operations consultant. Pridham spent 12 seasons as an assistant general manager with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He’s reuniting with Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas, who was GM of the Leafs for most of Pridham’s tenure in Toronto.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins hired former Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams as a Senior Advisor to Bruins GM Don Sweeney.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The New York Islanders’ third-jersey competition for 2027-28 surpassed 65,000 entries from creative fans.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 14, 2026

by | Jul 14, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 14, 2026

Are the Canucks getting any closer to trading center Elias Pettersson? Are they interested in Kraken center Shane Wright? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ELIAS PETTERSSON SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance was asked if the Vancouver Canucks will give center Elias Pettersson the chance this season to regain some semblance of his previously high-scoring form to increase his trade value.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

Drance believes the Canucks’ preference is to trade the 27-year-old Pettersson if the opportunity presents itself. However, it’s a complicated move to pull off because of his declining production and expensive long-term contract.

TSN: Travis Yost believes the question that teams should ponder if they’re interested in Pettersson is whether he’s an intriguing buy-low trade candidate or one that screams, “buyer beware!”

Yost dives into the analytics to lay out how Pettersson’s performance has dropped over the past two years, particularly how his skating has changed since his productive seasons. He also pointed out how much the quality of talent around Pettersson has declined.

Ultimately, Yost believes Pettersson’s days are numbered in Vancouver. If his play improves this season, he could garner more attention in the trade market, noting that the rising salary cap would make his contract go from toxic to intriguing.

OILERS NOW WITH BOB STAUFFER: CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal was asked about trade speculation linking Pettersson to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Dhaliwal believes the Penguins “have some level of interest” in Pettersson. He noted there’s a rumor claiming the Canucks want center Ben Kindel in return. However, Dhaliwal rejected that idea, saying the Penguins aren’t giving up a promising young player such as Kindel for a bad contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A strong bounce-back performance this season will definitely enhance Pettersson’s value in the trade market. Teams will likely still prefer the Canucks retain salary to facilitate a trade, but with the cap rising in 2027-28 to $113.5 million, his contract could become more palatable for some clubs willing to take the risk.

Dhaliwal doesn’t believe a Pettersson trade to the Penguins (or anyone else) is close to happening. He said Pettersson has not been approached by the Canucks about waiving his no-trade clause.

THE CANUCKS ARE INTERESTED IN SHANE WRIGHT

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports the Canucks are the preferred destination for Shane Wright. The Seattle Kraken are reportedly shopping the 22-year-old center.

According to Kuzma, the Canucks are intriguing to Wright because of what the club could become in a few years. He has a year remaining on his entry-level deal, which gives him incentive to produce and contribute to the Canucks’ rebuild, and if he does, they can lock him up.

OILERS NOW WITH BOB STAUFFER: Rick Dhaliwal recently said the Canucks were interested in Wright. However, he indicated that the Kraken’s asking price was high. Dhaliwal believes they want players like Zeev Buium or Tom Willander in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken aren’t under pressure to move Wright. They’ve indicated they want what they consider a fair return and won’t be forced into making a move they don’t like.

Speaking of the Canucks, Dhaliwal also indicated that the Anaheim Ducks called them about taking forward Frank Vatrano off their hands. He believes the Ducks must include some sweeteners in the deal to “get rid of guys like Frank Vatrano.”










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 14, 2026

by | Jul 14, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 14, 2026

The latest notable contract signings, the Sabres hire John Davidson, an update on Flyers winger Matvei Michkov, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: The Sabres avoided salary arbitration with Peyton Krebs, signing the 25-year-old forward to a four-year, $18 million contract with an average annual value of $4.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Krebs had a career-best 39 points in 82 games last season. He was coming off a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.45 million, so he’s getting a substantial pay raise.

It’ll be interesting to see where Krebs plays this season. He spent time on the fourth line, but as the report noted, he spent the second half of last season on the first line alongside Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch, who was traded to the Washington Capitals last month.

Speaking of the Sabres, they hired John Davidson as a senior advisor.

Davidson, 73, previously worked with Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen during their tenures with the Columbus Blue Jackets and St. Louis Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not surprising that Kekalainen is reuniting with Davidson. In addition to their previous work experience together, Davidson has nearly 20 years of front-office experience with the Blues, Blue Jackets, and New York Rangers.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers avoided salary arbitration with Braden Schneider, signing the 24-year-old defenseman to a one-year, $5.5 million contract.

New York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schneider completed a two-year contract worth an AAV of $2.2 million. This new deal means he’ll be eligible for RFA status with arbitration rights again next July.

The report indicated this new contract doesn’t provide any clarity regarding Schneider’s long-term future with the Rangers. He’s been the frequent subject of trade speculation since last summer, but he’s also indicated that he’d love to remain with the Blueshirts.

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov is expected to return to Philadelphia in early August to continue his offseason training. Michkov, 21, is currently training in his home country of Russia.

The 2026-27 season will be a significant one for Michkov, who struggled through his sophomore season amid criticism of his training last summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Michkov acknowledged that he wasn’t in proper shape for training camp last fall. Having undergone a full season under head coach Rich Tocchet in 2025-26, it’s expected the promising young winger will be better prepared for his third NHL campaign with the Flyers.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets signed prospect forward Viggo Bjorck to a three-year entry-level contract. Bjorck, 18, was chosen eighth overall by the Jets in this year’s NHL Draft.

THE DENVER POST: The Colorado Avalanche signed Fabian Lysell to a one-year, two-way contract worth an AAV of $850,000 at the NHL level.

Lysell, 23, was acquired from the Boston Bruins in exchange for winger Ivan Ivan during the NHL Draft last month.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lysell was once considered to be one of the Bruins’ top prospects, but he struggled to crack their roster, playing 12 games last season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Former New York Islanders forward Josh Bailey was inducted into the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame.

Bailey spent his entire NHL career with the Islanders from 2008-09 to 2022-23, becoming the third player in franchise history to play 1,000 games (1,057).

DAILY FACEOFF: Defenseman Jordan Oesterle has announced his retirement after 12 NHL seasons. From 2014-15 to 2025-26, Oesterle played with the Arizona Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers, Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, and Calgary Flames. He finishes with 96 points in 409 regular-season games.

RDS: The NHL and NHLPA have invested $4 million to establish a support program for former NHL players and their families to receive care following their playing careers.

NHL alumni members Paul Coffey and Glenn Healy brought up the recent tragedy of former NHL star Claude Lemieux, who died by suicide on May 28 at age 60.

“People have problems. They need somewhere to go for help. Look at what happened to Claude Lemieux,” Coffey said. Healy claimed that Lemieux’s passing “shook us all tremendously,” adding that the Alumni will do everything it can to make a difference for former players who are struggling.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: The Canadiens promoted Daniel Jacob as the new head coach of their AHL affiliate in Laval. He spent the past two seasons as the club’s assistant coach in charge of defensemen and penalty-killing units.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 13, 2026

by | Jul 13, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 13, 2026

Will the Jets trade Connor Hellebuyck this summer, and could they go shopping for second-line depth? What’s the latest on the Predators? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST JETS SPECULATION

MIKE MCINTYRE ON SPORTS: Winnipeg Free Press columnist Mike McIntyre firmly believes Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will be traded this summer, putting the odds “somewhere north of 95 per cent.”

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

McIntyre isn’t sure when the deal will go down or where Hellebuyck will be traded, but he believes the Buffalo Sabres are the most logical landing spot for the 33-year-old netminder. He also suggested the San Jose Sharks as a suitable destination, with the Carolina Hurricanes a distant third.

Hellebuyck has five years left on his contract. That means Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff can afford to be patient in waiting for the right deal for the three-time Vezina Trophy winner.

One reason McIntyre is certain Hellebuyck will be moved is that the Jets didn’t re-sign backup goalie Eric Comrie, instead signing former Edmonton Oilers starter Stuart Skinner to a two-year contract as a free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s believed the Jets and Sabres had a deal in place involving Hellebuyck, but it fell through before the opening round of last month’s NHL Draft weekend. Some observers claim he’s still willing to waive his no-movement clause to go to Buffalo, but working out the return remains the sticking point.

Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was rumored to be part of the return in that June trade scenario, but he has a five-team no-trade list, and the Jets may have been on it.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Massimo De Luca-Taronno doesn’t share McIntyre’s certainty that Hellebuyck will be traded. He felt that it was “increasingly likely” that the Jets’ franchise goalie would report to training camp this fall. He believes if a truly tempting trade offer were out there, Cheveldayoff would’ve pulled the trigger by now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s a long summer, and deals involving big-name players can happen when we least expect it. For example, Erik Karlsson was traded from the San Jose Sharks to the Pittsburgh Penguins in August 2023.

Nevertheless, the longer the summer goes without any sign of a Hellebuyck trade, the less likely it’ll happen before the start of the regular season.

De Luca-Taronno felt the Jets must bolster their second-line forward depth. He suggested Buffalo Sabres winger Jack Quinn, New Jersey Devils forward Dawson Mercer, Vegas Golden Knights’ forward Brett Howden, and Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright as trade candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Quinn was believed to be part of last month’s failed Hellebuyck trade to Buffalo. He could be part of the Jets’ asking price if the two clubs revisit that deal.

Howden’s performance last season makes it unlikely that the Golden Knights will part with him right now. Mercer frequently surfaced in trade rumors over the last two years, but new Devils GM Sunny Mehta could be reluctant to part with him. Wright is available, but the Kraken want a good young player in return.

UPDATE ON THE PREDATORS

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty recently listed the players most likely to be moved by the Nashville Predators following their recent additions of forward Mavrik Bourque, defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin, and winger Alex Kerfoot.

The moves leave the Predators with 26 active players under contract, meaning three must be dealt to get down to the maximum of 23.

Daugherty doubted that Lyubushkin would play a game for the Predators. Acquiring him was a key part of the trade that brought Bourque to Nashville. He could be peddled to a club in need of blueline depth during training camp.

It may be time to find Jonathan Marchessault a new home. The 35-year-old winger’s production has declined since signing with the Predators two years ago. However, it could be difficult to convince a team to take on his $5.5 million average annual value through 2028-29.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored the Montreal Canadiens were interested in signing Marchessault before he opted to join the Predators. Given his age and how his production has sagged, it’s doubtful they’ll revisit that interest.

Joakim Kemell could also be peddled. The 22-year-old forward has offensive potential, but his development with the Predators’ AHL affiliate has stalled.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 13, 2026

by | Jul 13, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 13, 2026

The salary arbitration schedule is revealed, predicting who will fill 10 vacant team captain positions, former Leafs goalie Dennis Hildeby joining the Lightning, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

PUCKPEDIA has learned the hearing dates for the upcoming 2026 NHL salary arbitration schedule (July 20 to Aug. 1).

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

Monday, July 20: Jamie Drysdale, Philadelphia Flyers; Cole Perfetti, Winnipeg Jets.

Wednesday, July 22: Trevor Zegras, Philadelphia Flyers.

Thursday, July 23: Jet Greaves, Columbus Blue Jackets.

Saturday, July 25: Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars; Connor McMichael, St. Louis Blues.

Monday, July 27: Cole Sillinger, Columbus Blue Jackets.

Tuesday, July 28: Nick Robertson, Pittsburgh Penguins.

Wednesday, July 29: Braden Schneider, New York Rangers; Ronan Seeley, Carolina Hurricanes.

Thursday, July 30: Alex Jeffries, New York Islanders; Kirby Dach, Montreal Canadiens.

Saturday, August 1: Akira Schmid, Florida Panthers; Peyton Krebs, Buffalo Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: History tells us that most, if not all, of these cases will be settled before their hearing dates. The players and their teams can continue to negotiate up until the date of their hearings.

If a case goes before an arbitrator, the award decision will be announced within 48 hours of the hearing. The team will have 48 hours from the date of the award to accept it. If it is rejected, the player becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Jason Robertson’s case will be most closely watched. He’s the biggest star on this list and is seeking a lucrative long-term contract reportedly worth an average annual value of $14 million. It’s believed the Stars offered up an eight-year deal worth an AAV of $12 million.

At one point, the Stars had a trade in place that would’ve shipped Robertson to the Seattle Kraken, but the deal fell through after he rejected their offer of an eight-year extension worth $15 million annually.

DAILY FACEOFF: Hunter Crowther predicted which players could fill the 10 NHL captain vacancies for 2026-27.

Notable predictions include David Pastrnak taking over the captaincy of the Boston Bruins, Connor Bedard for the Chicago Blackhawks, Bo Horvat for the New York Islanders, Jake Sanderson for the Ottawa Senators, and Macklin Celebrini for the San Jose Sharks.

Crowther noted that Drew Doughty would love to take over as captain of the Los Angeles Kings. However, with the Kings not yet committed to a contract extension for the 36-year-old defenseman, Crowther suggested Adrian Kempe as the safer choice.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Who do you think should take over as the new team captains for those 10 clubs? Let us know in the comments section below.

DAILY FACEOFF: cited a report from Sweden, indicating that former Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Dennis Hildeby is embracing a fresh start with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Hildeby, 24, was traded to the Lightning on July 1. He said he has fond memories of his time with the Leafs organization, but is now looking forward to practicing alongside two-time Vezina Trophy winner Andrei Vasilevskiy in Tampa Bay. He’ll be expected to challenge for the backup role this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If things go well for Hildeby, he could eventually become Vasilevskiy’s successor.

TSN: The Edmonton Oilers signed forward Colton Dach to a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $1.2 million.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators head coach Travis Green was inducted into the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame, joining former NHLers Andrew Ladd and Josh Gorges, NHL official Malcolm Ashford, and broadcaster Daryl Reaugh.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 12, 2026

by | Jul 12, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 12, 2026

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup, it’s Part Two of my answers to some of the lingering questions for every NHL team this summer.

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen recently listed one lingering offseason question for each NHL team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: On Saturday, I provided my answers for the first 16 teams on Boylen’s list. Today, I look at the remaining 16 teams, starting with the New Jersey Devils.

Boylen wants to know how the New Jersey Devils’ goaltending will look in the fall.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Not that great, considering it consists of three backup goalies. Jake Allen used to be a starter, but he hasn’t filled that role for a long time. Nico Daws has only 55 NHL games under his belt, and David Rittich hasn’t had a 40-game season since 2019-20. There was talk of the Devils pursuing Connor Hellebuyck, but Elliotte Friedman doesn’t see that happening.

The New York Islanders haven’t made any big splashes yet this summer, prompting questions over whether they intend to do so. Elliotte Friedman believes the Isles are in a position right now where they don’t want to block any of their promising young players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If that’s the case, then they won’t be making any big additions this summer.

Boylen mused over whether Alexis Lafreniere gets caught up in the changes going on with the New York Rangers. The 24-year-old winger has come up in trade rumors, but with Artemi Panarin gone, that could give him a chance to play a role where he’ll be successful.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lafreniere finished strong last season, matching his career high of 57 points. He’ll likely see first-line minutes this season alongside Mika Zibanejad, which could see the 2020 first-overall pick finally break out as the scoring winger he was projected to become.

Are the Ottawa Senators “good enough as constructed to be competitive again in 2026-27?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some fans point to the Senators’ improved performance when Brady Tkachuk missed 20 games last season as proof they can survive the departure of their former captain. Others cite their solid analytic numbers. However, it will come down to whether goaltender Linus Ullmark’s strong second-half performance from last season carries over throughout 2026-27.

Boylen wondered what effect the Philadelphia Flyers’ failed effort to prize Leo Carlsson from the Anaheim Ducks would have on their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It still leaves them without a true first-line center. They reportedly won’t try to pursue Chicago’s Connor Bedard or Columbus’ Adam Fantilli with offer sheets, so it’s off to the trade market for help, where there aren’t many available options.

Dylan Larkin wants a trade from Detroit, but Philadelphia isn’t on his list of destinations. At least they now have enough cap space to re-sign Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, who filed for salary arbitration last Sunday.

Boylen wants to know if the Pittsburgh Penguins can add a center before next season. Elliotte Friedman recently mused over whether they should acquire Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, suggesting that playing with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin might do him some good.

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Many teams are in the market for centers this summer. Pettersson is often mentioned as a trade candidate, but his $11.6 million AAV and declining performance aren’t likely to entice the Penguins or any other club.

Regarding the San Jose Sharks, Boylen asked, “What will Macklin Celebrini’s next deal look like?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Considering Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks signed a five-year contract worth a league-record AAV of $18 million, Celebrini could become the league’s first $20 million man.

Can the Seattle Kraken acquire a star who wants to be there, or how can they build themselves into a desirable destination?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s no easy solution for the Kraken. They could start by staging a complete rebuild with promising young prospects, as the Anaheim Ducks, Montreal Canadiens, and San Jose Sharks did, but they don’t appear keen to go that route. For now, they’re going to try to build with what they have and what they can afford.

Boylen wondered if goaltender Jordan Binnington would be with the St. Louis Blues when training camp opens in September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent word out of St. Louis suggests the Blues are fine starting the season with Binnington and Joel Hofer as their goalie tandem. That could change if they get a substantial offer from a club he’s willing to join, but for now, expect him to start the season with the Blues.

Boylen suggested that Nikita Kucherov’s contract situation with the Tampa Bay Lightning could be this season’s most fascinating. The 33-year-old is a three-time Art Ross Trophy winner and won his second Hart Trophy this season, but age will soon start to catch up with him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kucherov earns an AAV of $9.5 million on his current deal. If he were a few years younger, he could command a much higher price, but his age will be an issue in his contract talks. It could come down to how much he wants to stay in Tampa, where there is no state tax.

Will the Toronto Maple Leafs trade Morgan Rielly? Elliotte Friedman believes there’s a chance they might keep him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The San Jose Sharks reportedly had the choice between Rielly and Darnell Nurse and picked the latter. While Rielly gave the Leafs a list of proposed trade destinations, he’s not really pushing to be moved, and there hasn’t been much trade buzz about him lately. It wouldn’t be surprising if he’s still with the Leafs when the regular season opens in October.

Boylen wonders if Utah Mammoth goalie Sebastian Cossa is ready to become an NHL backup. They acquired the 23-year-old netminder from the Detroit Red Wings last month.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Mammoth are counting on Cossa rising to the occasion after struggling to establish himself as a starter with the Wings’ AHL affiliate. This season is a critical one in the young netminder’s career. If he can’t get the job done, the Mammoth will have to go shopping for another option.

Can the Vancouver Canucks build a better culture, and what else needs to happen this summer to put them on that path?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’ve already overhauled their front office and coaching staff, who are committed to continuing the roster rebuild begun by their predecessors last season. It will be up to general manager Ryan Johnston and head coach Manny Malhotra to improve the culture and to get the players to buy in.

Boylen wondered if the Vegas Golden Knights had a “Vegas-type” move in them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Doubtful. They shipped their best trade chip (Pavel Dorofeyev) to the New York Rangers last month because they couldn’t afford to re-sign him. They have limited salary-cap space and insufficient trade assets to pull off a significant acquisition. If they were going to do so, it would’ve happened by now.

How will all the Washington Capitals’ new pieces come together?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Alex Ovechkin is returning for another season, but Capitals management is preparing for the post-Ovechkin era. They want to prove to their fans that they will be a contender after he’s gone, which explains their significant additions of forwards Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, and Boone Jenner. They’re also done making any more major moves this summer.

Boylen mused over whether the Winnipeg Jets will trade Connor Hellebuyck this summer. They were reportedly close to a deal with the Buffalo Sabres, but it fell through before the opening round of the NHL Draft last month. Signing free-agent goalie Stuart Skinner stoked the speculation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s believed Hellebuyck was willing to waive his no-movement clause to go to Buffalo, but Elliotte Friedman reported the deal didn’t go through because some of the Sabres players involved wouldn’t waive their no-trade clauses. Some observers tied Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils, butFriedman wasn’t buying that hype.

A Hellebuyck trade remains a possibility, but finding the right destination and return could make it difficult to pull off this summer.