NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 16, 2026

by | Feb 16, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 16, 2026

Canada secures the top seed in the quarterfinals, the United States clinches first place in Group C, and more from Olympic Men’s hockey in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Canada thumped France 10-2 to earn the top seed in the Olympic Men’s quarterfinals. Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Macklin Celebrini each had three points as the Canadians outshot France 46-14 to finish with a 3-0-0-0 record. Floran Douay and Sacha Treille replied for France (0-0-3-0).

Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby now has 16 points in Olympic competition, setting the Canadian record for most points in the Olympics featuring NHL players. Before this game, he was one point behind Jarome Iginla’s 14 points.

McDavid is the tournament’s leading scorer with nine points in three games. Celebrini is tied with Germany’s Tim Stutzle for the most goals with four. Celebrini also became the first NHL player to score on a penalty shot in the Olympics.

Canadian winger Tom Wilson had a rare Gordie Howe hat trick in Olympic competition. He opened the scoring, collected an assist, and fought France’s Pierre Crinon late in the third period after the latter served a penalty for elbowing Canada’s Nathan MacKinnon in the head. Wilson and Crinon were ejected from the game, but won’t face supplemental discipline.

The United States defeated Germany 5-1 to go 3-0-0-0 and clinch first place in Group C. Auston Matthews scored twice and collected an assist, and Connor Hellebuyck made 23 saves for the Americans. Tim Stutzle scored for Germany (1-0-2-0).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, Matthews was the subject of some media criticism about his performance and leadership in this tournament. Teammate Jake Guentzel stuck up for his captain following Sunday’s game. “He’s been great all tournament,” Guentzel said to reporters. “You guys put a lot of heat on him for no reason. He’s just an unbelievable player, and he plays well in all situations.”

An overtime goal by former NHL defenseman Dean Kukan lifted Switzerland to a 4-3 victory over Czechia. Roman Josi and Timo Meier each had a goal and an assist for Switzerland (1-1-1-0). Martin Necas had a goal and two assists for Czechia (1-0-1-1), with his goal sending the game to overtime.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a solid bounce-back effort from the Swiss after losing scoring winger Kevin Fiala to a season-ending leg injury on Friday in their 5-1 loss to Canada. The Los Angeles Kings (Fiala’s NHL club) released a statement on Sunday indicating that he suffered a fracture in his lower left leg and will be re-evaluated at the end of the regular season.

Denmark doubled up Latvia 4-2. Nick Oleson had two goals and an assist, Frederik Andersen made 33 saves, and Nikolaj Ehlers tallied the winning goal for the Danes, who finished the preliminary round 1-0-2-0. Kristaps Zile and Eduards Tralmak replied for Latvia (1-0-2-0).

NHL.COM: The preliminary round has been completed, with Canada, the United States, Finland, and Slovakia each earning a bye to the quarterfinal.

The qualification playoff games will take place on Tuesday, with Switzerland facing Italy, Germany meeting France, Sweden taking on Latvia, and Czechia facing off against Denmark.

The winners of those games will advance to the quarterfinal round on Wednesday.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 15, 2026

by | Feb 15, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 15, 2026

Check out the latest on the Devils, Oilers, and Sabres in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

DEVILS COULD SHAKE UP THEIR ROSTER BEFORE THE MARCH 6 TRADE DEADLINE

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a source claiming the New Jersey Devils are looking for a “hockey trade” to shake up their roster and “send a message” to their dressing room following the Olympic roster freeze.

According to Murphy, multiple teams have inquired about Devils forward Dawson Mercer. They’re not actively shopping him, but he does have value, especially with term remaining on his contract.

Dougie Hamilton could be available again. It was reported that the Devils were shopping the veteran defenseman, with the Toronto Maple Leafs believed to be among the suitors.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (NHL Images).

The Devils apparently pulled Hamilton from the trade market after defenseman Luke Hughes was placed on long-term injury reserve on Jan. 21. However, it’s believed they could be willing to move him again. Murphy observed that the Devils have a projected $7.6 million in trade deadline cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy also noted the Devils acquired center Nick Bjugstad from the St. Louis Blues before the Olympic trade freeze. While most observers (including yours truly) saw this as the first of what could be multiple moves by the Blues, it also signaled that the Devils could have other moves in store to try and save their season.

The Devils are second-last in the Eastern Conference, nine points out of the final wildcard berth. They’ll have to go on a tear down the stretch to have any chance of climbing back into the postseason chase.

Hamilton and Mercer have frequently surfaced in trade rumors since last summer. General manager Tom Fitzgerald has to be feeling the heat as his club flounders in the standings. If he makes changes, he’ll be seeking players who can help his team immediately and beyond this season.

OILERS BELIEVED TO BE SEEKING A DEFENSEMAN

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples reported Oilers insider Bob Stauffer said the club no longer seeks a top-nine forward, but instead is shopping for a defenseman.

Staples noted that forward Kasperi Kapanen and Josh Samanski stepped up for the Oilers leading up to the Olympic break. He believes they’ve proven capable of playing top-nine minutes in the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No word from Stauffer or Staples as to which defenseman the Oilers could be eyeing in the trade market. They’re unlikely to pursue expensive blueliners such as the Devils’ Dougie Hamilton or the Blues’ Justin Faulk. More affordable options could include Luke Schenn or Logan Stanley of the Winnipeg Jets, or Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks.

POTENTIAL SABRES TRADE TARGETS

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn recently listed several possible trade candidates for the Buffalo Sabres to shore up their blueline.

Options included Connor Murphy of the Blackhawks, Logan Stanley of the Jets, Justin Faulk of the Blues, Zack Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames, Mario Ferraro of the San Jose Sharks, and Braden Schneider of the New York Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres have over $8.9 million in projected trade deadline cap space. They also have the prospects and young players to draw on for trade bait.

Faulk and Whitecloud are signed beyond this season if the Sabres seek more than a rental player. Faulk has a 15-team no-trade list, and Buffalo might be on that list.

The Flames acquired Whitecloud in the Rasmus Andersson trade, sparking speculation that they could flip him to a contender by March 6. However, he seemed pleased to be joining Calgary and could be a player worth retaining for their rebuilding process.

Ferraro’s name has occasionally surfaced in the rumor mill. However, the Sharks are trying to clinch their first playoff spot since 2019. It’s believed he’s willing to sign an extension, but no indication that it will happen before the trade deadline. He could bolt via free agency in July, but they could decide to hang onto him as an “own rental” and deal with the contract later.

The Rangers’ shift into sell mode last month has generated trade speculation about many of their players, especially after they traded Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings before the Olympic roster freeze. Schneider has surfaced as a trade candidate, but the Rangers might not be keen to send him upstate.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 15, 2026

by | Feb 15, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 15, 2026

Slovakia clinches first place in Group B, the United States survives a scare against Denmark, Latvia upsets Germany, and more Olympic Men’s hockey coverage in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING SATURDAY’S OLYMPIC MEN’S HOCKEY ACTION.

NHL.COM: Slovakia dropped a hard-fought 5-3 decision against Sweden, but a last-minute goal by Dalibor Dvorsky enabled them to clinch first place in Group B based on goal differential. Juraj Slafkovsky and Martin Gernat each had a goal and an assist, and goaltender Samuel Hlavaj kicked out 46 of 51 shots for Slovakia (2-0-0-1), who advance to the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

Slovakia winger Juraj Slafkovsky (AP.com).

Lucas Raymond had a goal and two assists, Elias Pettersson tallied twice, Adrian Kempe had a goal and an assist, and Jacob Markstrom stopped 29 shots for Sweden (2-0-0-1), who finished third in the Group and will play in the qualification round on Tuesday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Slovakia has exceeded expectations in this tournament. Despite the loss to Sweden, they were overjoyed when Dvorsky scored what proved to be the clinching goal in Group B. “It’s probably the best loss I ever had,” joked Slafkovsky, who finished Saturday tied with Canada’s Connor McDavid for the tournament scoring lead with six points.

The United States overcame a 2-1 deficit to defeat Denmark 6-3. Jack Eichel led the way with a goal and an assist. At the same time, Matt Boldy, Brady Tkachuk, Jack Hughes, and Jake Guentzel also scored for Team USA (2-0-0-2), who can clinch first place in Group C and a bye to the quarterfinals with anything other than a regulation loss to Germany on Sunday. Nick Olesen, Nicholas Jensen, and Phillip Bruggieser scored for Denmark, who are winless through two games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Team USA seemed disjointed in the first period, during which Swayman gave up a 95-foot shot that gave the Danes a 2-1 lead. They may have been guilty of taking the Danes lightly, but they took over the game thanks to Eichel and Tkachuk in the second period.

The Danes made it interesting through two periods, narrowing the Americans’ lead to 4-3 by the end of the second period before Guentzel and Hughes put the game out of reach. Danish goalie Mads Sogaard stopped 32 of 37 shots before leaving the game in the third period with an injury.

Latvia (1-0-0-1) got two goals from Dans Locmelis, Zemgus Girgensons collected two assists, and Arturs Silovs made 26 saves as they held on to upset Germany 4-3, giving their country its first Olympic win in men’s hockey since 2014. Lukas Reichel, Lukas Kalble, and Tim Stutzle replied for Germany, who are also 1-0-0-1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Germany faces the United States on Sunday and could clinch first place in Group C with a regulation win. Latvia will meet Denmark on Sunday.

Finland (2-0-0-1) clinched second place in Group B by crushing Italy 11-0. Sebastian Aho, Mikael Granlund, Kaapo Kakko, and Joel Kiviranta each scored twice while Juuse Saros had a 15-save shutout. Italy lost all three of its games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Finland played without forwards Anton Lundell and Oliver Kapanen. They were kept out of this game because Lundell was sick and Kapanen is his roommate.

Italian forward Cristiano Digiacinto didn’t play in this game. He was serving a one-game suspension for hitting Slovakia’s Martin Fehervary in the head on Friday.

IN OTHER NEWS…

SPORTSNET: Switzerland’s Kevin Fiala is done for the season after undergoing surgery on Saturday for a leg injury suffered during Friday’s loss to Canada.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It is also a significant loss for the Los Angeles Kings. Fiala is one of their leading scorers, and his absence could affect their efforts to clinch a playoff berth in the Western Conference.

The Kings made a significant addition to bolster their offense by acquiring Artemi Panarin before the Olympic break. Fiala’s injury could send them back into the trade market once the Olympic roster freeze is lifted at midnight on Feb. 22.

TSN: Team Canada defenseman Josh Morrissey will sit out Sunday’s game against France, but he hasn’t been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.

Canadian coach Jon Cooper said winger Brad Marchand will be back in the lineup on Sunday. The 37-year-old winger was a healthy scratch during Friday’s game against Switzerland.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 14, 2026

by | Feb 14, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 14, 2026

A look at some proposed destinations for this season’s notable trade candidates in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston and James Mirtle recently predicted where some of the top trade targets could go by the March 6 deadline.

Johnston suggested the Los Angeles Kings for St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas, while Mirtle suggested the Carolina Hurricanes.

St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both pundits agreed that it would take a significant haul to acquire Thomas. The Blues have reportedly set a high asking price for the 26-year-old center, and it could take until the off-season for a suitable deal to emerge. Thomas’ full no-trade clause complicates things.

The Montreal Canadiens were Johnston’s suggested destination for Calgary Flames centre Nazem Kadri. Mirtle suggested the Minnesota Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri is a better addition for the Wild, who are in “win-now” mode. The Canadiens have improved, but they’re not yet a Stanley Cup contender. The three years remaining on the 35-year-old Kadri’s contract don’t make him a good fit with this young team.

Johnston thinks the Carolina Hurricanes would be a good destination for New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton. Mirtle proposed the Toronto Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes’ last two major moves were for scoring forwards Jake Guentzel and Mikko Rantanen. They could prefer going the same route this year. The Maple Leafs are sellers, not buyers, and it’s unlikely they can scratch together the type of return the Devils would want.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck could also be a fit for the Wild, while Mirtle proposed the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 32-year-old Trocheck carries a $5.625 million average annual value through 2028-29, making him a younger, more affordable option for the Wild or Canadiens than the 35-year-old Kadri with his $7 million AAV. However, he might not be keen to go to Montreal, and the Wild would be a better option if he wants to play for a contender.

Johnston believes the Ottawa Senators would be a good destination for Wild rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt. Mirtle countered with the St. Louis Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild could seek a first-line center for Wallstedt. A swap for Robert Thomas could work, but the Blues would likely want a couple of other pieces in the deal. The Senators wouldn’t have what the Wild are seeking.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 14, 2026

by | Feb 14, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 14, 2026

Recapping Friday’s Men’s Olympic hockey action, Switzerland’s Kevin Fiala suffers a tournament-ending injury, an update on Canadian defenseman Josh Morrissey, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon each had a goal and two assists to propel Canada to a 5-1 victory over Switzerland on Friday. Sidney Crosby scored his first goal of the tournament, Macklin Celebrini and Cale Makar each had two points, and Logan Thompson made 24 saves for Canada (2-0-0-0), who are assured of first place in Group A.

Team Canada center Connor McDavid (TSN)

Pius Suter replied for Switzerland (1-0-0-1), who also lost winger Kevin Fiala to a tournament-ending leg injury following a collision with Canadian winger Tom Wilson late in the third period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fiala was stretchered from the game and sent to a hospital. Wilson has a reputation for dirty hits, but Fiala’s teammates and head coach said there was nothing malicious about that play.

Fiala is among Switzerland’s best players. His absence could hurt their medal hopes in this tournament. He’s also among the Los Angeles Kings’ best players, and his injury could have implications for their playoff hopes if he’s out long-term.

Speaking of injuries, Canadian coach Jon Cooper provided an update on sidelined defenseman Josh Morrissey, who missed this contest with an undisclosed injury suffered during Canada’s tournament-opening win over Czechia on Thursday. He indicated that Morrissey will miss Sunday’s game against France, but hasn’t been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.

Finland recovered from their tournament-opening loss to Slovakia by defeating Sweden 4-1. Juuse Saros made 34 saves (including 17 in the third period) while Nikolas Matinpolo, Anton Lundell, Joel Armia, and Mikko Rantanen scored for Finland (1-0-0-1). Rasmus Dahlin replied for Sweden (1-0-0-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The loss prompted the Swedes to make changes to their roster for Saturday’s game against Slovakia. Jacob Markstrom replaced goaltender Filip Gustavsson, while defenseman Rasmus Andersson and center Elias Lindholm were replaced by Hampus Lindholm and Marcus Johansson.

A story emerged claiming that several of the Finnish players would’ve preferred Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice as their bench boss for this tournament over current coach Antti Pennanen. The report was downplayed by Finland’s general manager Jere Lehtinen.

Czechia got four straight goals to overcome a 3-2 deficit for a 6-3 win over France. David Pastrnak and Martin Necas had a goal and an assist for Czechia (1-0-0-1). Louis Boudon scored twice for France (0-0-0-2), who overcame a 2-0 deficit to take the lead in the second period, until a horrible line change during a power play late in the second period led to Czechia regaining the lead.

Slovakia held off Italy (0-0-0-2) by a score of 3-2. Adam Ruzicka scored what proved to be the winning goal while Juraj Slakovsky collected an assist on Libor Hudacek’s game-opening goal for Slovakia (2-0-0-0).

 










NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2026

by | Feb 13, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest Oilers speculation and a list of contenders lacking first-round picks to use as trade bait.

WHAT WILL THE OILERS DO AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell recently looked at what the Edmonton Oilers can do to improve their lineup at the trade deadline with a limited budget.

Mitchell doesn’t see the Oilers making any further attempts to upgrade their goaltending. They lack the trade chips to pursue someone like Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild.

Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly (NHL Images).

The Oilers could use a right-shot defenseman on their second pairing and a suitable third-line center. Mitchell suggests Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators as a possibility to address the latter.

Their cap constraints could also force them to look within their system if suitable options cannot be found in the trade market.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples referenced NHL insider Frank Seravalli, who recently said the Oilers aren’t focused on acquiring another defenseman as they believe fixing the blueline will take care of itself. Staples disagrees, believing that’s the area that needs the most attention.

Staples noted that most insiders believe the Oilers need another forward, but he points out that Kasperi Kapanen has recently returned from injury to provide depth on the wing. He also noted that Josh Samanski looked good in the third-line center role since being called up from Bakersfield. They also have promising wingers such as Matt Savoie and Isaac Howard in their system.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whatever moves the Oilers make will depend on whether they can get struggling winger Andrew Mangiapane and his $3.6 million annual cap hit through next season off their books. Maybe they can swap him for another player with a comparable salary, or peddle him in a cost-cutting move for assets that can be used in the trade market to bolster their roster.

WHICH CONTENDERS LACK FIRST-ROUND PICKS IN THIS YEAR’S DRAFT

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston recently listed several NHL teams that could be without their first-round picks in this year’s draft. Among them are several contenders that won’t have one to use as trade bait before the March 6 trade deadline.

The Vegas Golden Knights shipped their 2026 first-rounder to the Calgary Flames in the Noah Hanifin trade two years ago.

Sitting third overall in the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars are virtually guaranteed to send their 2026 first-rounder to the Carolina Hurricanes as part of last year’s Mikko Rantanen deal. The pick was top-10 protected, but the Stars are unlikely to slide that far in the standings over the remainder of this season.

Speaking of the Hurricanes, they will be sending either their 2026 first-rounder to the New York Rangers as part of the return from last summer’s K’Andre Miller trade or the first-rounder they received from the Stars, whichever is the better, in the event both picks are outside the top 10, which they currently are. Their pick was top-10 protected, but the Hurricanes are tied for first in the Eastern Conference.

The Minnesota Wild traded their 2026 first-rounder (no conditions attached) to the Vancouver Canucks as part of the return for Quinn Hughes in December.

Another Eastern Conference leader won’t have their first-round pick. The Tampa Bay Lightning sent theirs to the Seattle Kraken last year for Oliver Bjorkstrand. It is top-10 protected, but they’re currently tied for first with the Hurricanes.

The league-leading Colorado Avalanche will be sending its pick to the New York Islanders. It is top-10 protected, but all but certain to belong to the Isles by the end of the regular season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This isn’t a trade rumor, but I felt it was worthwhile to note this since contenders almost always tend to part with their first-rounders to bolster their rosters for a Stanley Cup run.