NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 7, 2025

by | Sep 7, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 7, 2025

Condolences pour in honoring Ken Dryden, plus the latest on Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, Oilers winger Zach Hyman and defenseman Mattias Ekholm, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Condolences from across Canada poured in Saturday as Canadians remembered the life and legacy of Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Ken Dryden, who died of cancer on Friday at age 78.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney cited Dryden’s career as a player, author, and public servant, saying he was the reason he became a goaltender in his youth. Former PM Justin Trudeau expressed his admiration for Dryden, citing his commitment to social justice and his early work on a national daycare program while serving as a member of the Canadian parliament from 2004 to 2011.

Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Ken Dryden.

Montreal mayor Valeri Plante, Quebec premier Francois Legault, and Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre were among other Canadian and Quebec politicians who honored Dryden’s life and legacy.

Fellow players took to social media to express their condolences.

Former Canadiens goaltender Carey Price thanked Dryden for his support during his early career. Hall-of-Famers Martin Brodeur and Chris Pronger praised Dryden for revolutionizing the goaltending position and showing how a player can make an impact following their playing careers.

Hall of Fame defenseman Larry Robinson expressed shock and sadness over his friend and teammate’s passing, saying he had no idea Dryden was ill. Speaking about their playing days, Robinson praised Dryden’s goaltending, reliability, and intellect.

RDS: Hall of Fame blueliner and former Canadiens captain Serge Savard also remembered Dryden’s career and impact on the sport, calling him “ahead of his time.” He considers Dryden’s book, “The Game”, to be the best book ever written about sports.

Savard said Dryden knew two years ago that he had cancer and had been informed for several months that it was incurable. He said Dryden wanted to keep the news of his health within his family circle.

TSN: Former Canadiens forwards Vincent Damphousse and Guy Carbonneau praised Dryden as a great role model and a true Canadian.

RG.ORG: Russian legend and Hall of Fame goaltender Vladislav Tretiak called Dryden a remarkable person, calling him one of Canada’s greatest goalies and a man of integrity, kindness, and intelligence. “Ken Dryden was more than a rival. He was my friend,” Tretiak said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The reaction to Dryden’s passing is a testament to his remarkable life. He was an inspirational, modern-day Renaissance man. As I wrote on Saturday, the hockey world never saw anyone like Dryden before, and we haven’t seen another like him since. He will be missed by those who love this sport and strive to make it better.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported Friday that Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said re-signing Jack Eichel remains a priority. The 28-year-old center is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

“He’s been a great player for our organization. I think our organization has been great for him,” McCrimmon said. “So, lots of interest, obviously, I think from both sides to make something work.”

LeBrun indicated that there have been a few discussions between the two sides, but the negotiations are still in the early stages. While he doesn’t believe a deal is imminent, he wouldn’t be surprised if they get it done.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s the consensus among the hockey punditry. Some believe Eichel will get between $13 million and $14 million annually on a long-term extension before July 1.

SPORTSNET: Zach Hyman remains uncertain if he’ll be ready to return to action at the start of this season.

The 33-year-old Edmonton Oilers winger is still fully engaged in rehab after surgery to repair the dislocated wrist and damaged ligament suffered during the 2025 Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars. He admitted he hasn’t reached the stage yet where he can shoot the puck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hyman pointed out that there’s still another month to go before the season begins. Nevertheless, it doesn’t sound like he’ll be fully recovered in time.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Speaking of the Oilers, Mattias Ekholm said he’d love to stay in Edmonton. The 35-year-old defenseman said he’s recovered from the lower-body injuries that hampered him during the final months of their season.

Ekholm is in the final year of his contract and UFA-eligible next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal praised Ekholm’s steadiness and reliability as a top-pairing defenseman when healthy. However, he’s concerned that the veteran blueliner is now at an age when his career is on a “steep, slippery slope.”

RG.ORG: Lane Hutson being passed over from the Team USA Olympic orientation camp didn’t sit well with his father, Rob. He made a tongue-in-cheek comment suggesting his son could find a taker with Team Canada because he has dual citizenship.

However, Lane’s agent indicated that his client remains committed to the United States. The Canadiens blueliner last week stated he’d be honored to play for Team USA at the Olympics.

TSN: Former Ottawa Senators forward Alex Formenton signed a contract with HC Ambri-Piotta in Switzerland. He is among the five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team who were recently found not guilty of sexual assault following a 2018 incident in London, Ontario. However, the five remain ineligible to play in the NHL.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports this season’s NHL trade deadline will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026.

DAILY FACEOFF: Derek Ryan announced his retirement after 10 NHL seasons. The 38-year-old center had 82 goals and 127 assists for 209 points in 606 regular-season games with the Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames, and the Oilers from 2015-16 to 2024-25. He also had 10 points in 60 playoff games.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 6, 2025

by | Sep 6, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 6, 2025

Hall of Fame goaltender Ken Dryden passes away at 78, the Canadiens trade Carey Price’s contract to the Sharks, the Flames sign Connor Zary, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Former Montreal Canadiens goaltender and Hall of Famer Ken Dryden died on Friday at age 78 after battling cancer.

Dryden’s NHL career spanned eight seasons (1970-71 to 1978-79), all of them with the Montreal Canadiens. He backstopped them to six Stanley Cups, including four in a row from 1975-76 to 1978-79, with a regular-season record of 258 wins, 57 losses and 74 losses, a 2.24 goals-against average, a save percentage of .922, and 46 shutouts. He won 80 of 112 playoff games, with a 2.41 GAA, an SP of .915, and 10 shutouts.

Hall of Fame goaltender Ken Dryden.

The Canadiens legend became the first player in NHL history to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP (1971) before winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year (1971-72). He was a five-time winner of the Vezina Trophy, and played for Team Canada against the Soviet Union in the 1972 Summit Series, playing in the eighth and deciding game.

Dryden retired in 1979. He became the TV analyst for ABC Sports during its coverage of the 1980 Winter Olympics, including the “Miracle on Ice” when Team USA upset the heavily favored Soviet Union. He was a bestselling author of multiple books, including 1983’s “The Game”, considered by many critics as the best book ever written about hockey. He was team president of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1997-98 to 2002-03, and a member of Canada’s parliament from 2004 to 2011. Dryden was also a tireless advocate for player safety at every level of hockey.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I first began watching hockey in 1970, and like every little kid back then, Boston Bruins defenseman Bobby Orr was my favorite player. That changed in 1971 after watching Dryden and the Canadiens upset Orr and the defending Stanley Cup champion Bruins in the 1971 quarterfinals.

Dryden stood out for more than his goaltending. He was a big man (6’3”, 207 pounds) playing a position dominated by smaller players at that time. He was also a thoughtful, articulate person who didn’t speak in cliches like other players during interviews.

In an era when most NHL players hadn’t completed high school, Dryden finished his law degree during his playing career. He wore glasses away from the rink, which inspired someone like me (who has worn glasses since I was 10 years old) that “nerds” could play sports and do it well.

I didn’t know that Dryden had cancer, which makes his death such a shock for me. I never met him, but he still inspired me with his play, his books, his love of hockey and of Canada, and his compassion. He meant so much to me when I was growing up, and I admired his accomplishments following his playing career.

Hockey never saw anyone like Ken Dryden before, and we haven’t seen anyone like him since. I doubt we ever will again.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW/SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens traded the contract of Carey Price and a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for minor-league defenseman Gannon Laroque.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This move clears the final season of Price’s contract (and its $10.5 million average annual value) from the Canadiens’ books, putting them under the $95.5 million salary cap by $4.568 million. That gives them invaluable cap space to put toward addressing their need for a second-line center at some point before the 2026 trade deadline.

It officially marks the end of an era for the Canadiens. Price had been with the organization since they chose him fifth overall in the 2005 NHL Draft, going on to become one of the greatest goaltenders in franchise history, setting the club record for most wins with 361. In 2015, he became the first goalie in NHL history to win the Hart Memorial Trophy, Vezina Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award, and the William M. Jennings Trophy in the same season. Price has been on permanent long-term injury reserve since 2022, effectively ending his playing career.

As for the Sharks, adding Price’s cap hit ensures they remain above the $70.6 million salary-cap minimum if the rebuilding club should move veteran players before the 2026 trade deadline. Price’s actual salary is $7.5 million, of which $5.5 million was paid as a signing bonus by the Canadiens on Sept. 1. Most of the remaining $2 million will be covered by insurance, making this a very affordable one-year addition to the Sharks’ payroll.

Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports the Sharks could have another move up their sleeve. They have 49 of the maximum 50 allowed NHL contracts, meaning they might have to make another trade if they intend to add promising prospects Sam Dickinson and Michael Misa to their roster this season.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames signed forward Connor Zary to a three-year contract on Friday. The average annual value is $3.775 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zary was their only remaining unsigned player. It was expected that he would sign an affordable bridge contract. The 23-year-old forward was a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract and has yet to establish himself as a reliable top-six forward.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils signed forwards Kevin Rooney and Luke Glendening and goaltenders Adam Scheel and Georgi Romanov to professional tryout offers (PTO).

TSN: The Minnesota Wild signed forward Brett Leason to a PTO.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: W. Graeme Rouston, the owner and publisher of The Hockey News, signed a definitive agreement earlier this week to acquire True Hockey from True Temper Sports Inc.

True Hockey is the manufacturer of high-performance hockey equipment. Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, Vegas Golden Knights winger Mitch Marner, and Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk are among several notable NHL players sporting their gear.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 5, 2025

by | Sep 5, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 5, 2025

Check out the latest on Oilers captain Connor McDavid, Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, Maple Leafs forward Scott Laughton, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Connor McDavid told Ryan Rishaug that there is nothing new to report regarding his contract extension negotiations with the Edmonton Oilers. The 28-year-old superstar center is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

McDavid said that everything is currently status quo. He’s in no rush, as he’s working through it with his family and his agent. He explained that this is a well-thought-out process for both sides to get a deal done that makes sense for him and the organization.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

The Oilers captain dismissed the notion that his negotiations might be a distraction for his teammates. “We’re all professional hockey players. We’re all adults; this is a mature group. If guys can’t play with Ryan Rishaug talking about a contract, then we’re probably in the wrong line of work here, we’re probably in the wrong business.”

McDavid also indicated that he’s focused on the upcoming season. He said he’s excited about it, adding that he felt he and his teammates have something to prove.

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector reported McDavid will focus on shooting the puck more this season after tallying only 26 goals last season. He wants to prove that his career-high 64-goal performance in 2022-23 wasn’t a one-off.

“Ultimately, I want to help this team win, and I’m happy to play the passer role. I’m always going to be that player,” McDavid said. “But I’d like to be a little bit more – not necessarily selfish – but assertive with my chances.”

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson reports Leon Draisaitl is eager to see his friend and teammate sign an extension.

“Of course I want him here as long as possible, and I want to do it (win) with him,” said Draisaitl, who is entering the first season of his eight-year contract. Nevertheless, he understands that McDavid’s decision comes down to what’s best for him and his family.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid’s contract situation might not be a distraction for his teammates, but it will become a regular subject of conjecture for fans and media for as long as he remains unsigned.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jeremy Swayman said he’s a changed man going into this season. The 26-year-old Bruins goaltender is hoping to rebound from a disappointing performance in 2024-25.

Swayman’s contract negotiations with management led to him missing training camp and preseason before an agreement was finally reached before the start of last season. He struggled to regain his form, and his inconsistency contributed to the Bruins missing the playoffs last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Swayman’s performance will be a key factor in whether the Bruins can bounce back and contend for a postseason berth this season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Scott Laughton is looking forward to his first full season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 31-year-old forward was acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers before the March trade deadline.

Laughton spent the offseason focusing on improving the small details of his game. He’s hoping that an improved performance will lead to a contract extension. The veteran forward is in the final season of his current deal with an annual cap hit of $3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton could seek over $5 million annually on his next deal, especially if he performs well in his contract year.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Former Red Wings forward Klim Kostin remains an unrestricted free agent. He blames his inability to land a new contract on his role with the Wings last season. The 26-year-old winger claims he was instructed by the team brass to act as an on-ice enforcer. He believes that has hurt his reputation as a player.

RG.ORG: Former NHL defenseman Josh Gorges is looking forward to his new role as head coach of his former junior team, the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets. Among the young players he’ll be working with is Montreal Canadiens prospect center Hayden Paupanekis, who stands out for his size and skillset.

Gorges spent over seven of his 13-season NHL career with the Canadiens from 2006-07 to 2013-14. He reflected on his time with the Habs and with goaltender Carey Price. “You don’t really appreciate what he did and who he is until you don’t have him around anymore,” Gorges said, going on to praise Price’s puckhandling abilities. “Half the time, he made better breakout plays than I did.”

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Former Lightning forward Pat Maroon has rejoined the club as an alumni brand ambassador and television analyst. Maroon spent four seasons with the Lightning from 2019-20 to 2022-23, helping them win two Stanley Cups.

SPORTSNET: Marco Scandella announced his retirement from the NHL after 14 seasons. The 35-year-old defenseman played with the Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, and St. Louis Blues from 2010-11 to 2023-24. He had 170 points in 784 regular-season games and nine points in 56 playoff contests.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 4, 2025

by | Sep 4, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 4, 2025

General managers react to the implementation of new CBA rules, Quinn Hughes talks about his future with the Canucks, Blues winger Dylan Holloway on his departure from the Oilers last year, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports on the reaction from several NHL general managers regarding the implementation of new CBA rules regarding a playoff salary cap starting this season.

Teams will no longer be able to stash injured players on long-term injury reserve to use the cap savings to acquire talent for the playoffs. Teams will be limited to a 20-man roster that is cap-compliant for each game.

LeBrun also indicated that changes to the LTIR exception will be applied to salary-cap accounting before the playoffs. “That part needs to be figured out fully before puck drop next month,” he wrote.

Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman believes the changes could result in fewer moves because teams are always looking ahead. However, he understands why there was concern among fans and media regarding how some teams used LTIR to bolster their rosters for the playoffs.

Washington Capitals GM Chris Patrick believes teams will have to learn as they go and start developing new strategies. Brad Treliving of the Toronto Maple Leafs acknowledged the logic behind the change, and Kent Hughes of the Montreal Canadiens believes it ensures all teams are on an equal footing.

Ken Holland of the Los Angeles Kings was at the forefront of those suggesting a playoff cap several years ago. “I think it’s great for the league, great for the fans, great for the players,” Holland said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see how the general managers adjust to the changes. Player movement could be affected during the season, especially in the weeks leading up to the annual trade deadline.

LeBrun also reported that the 2026-27 regular season will begin in late September, and the Stanley Cup will be awarded no later than mid-June. The preseason will be shortened, while the regular-season schedule will be expanded to 84 games.

SPORTSNET: Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes said Tuesday that he hasn’t made any decisions yet about his long-term future with the team.

The 25-year-old defenseman has two years remaining on his contract. He’s eligible to sign a contract extension starting next July. He said he’s focused on helping the Canucks rebound from a disappointing performance last season.

Hughes had hoped that Rick Tocchet would remain as head coach and was disappointed by his departure to the Philadelphia Flyers. However, he praised Adam Foote, who was promoted from defensive coach to replace Tocchet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speculation arose earlier this year suggesting Hughes would like to play with his brothers, Jack and Luke, one day. That prompted rumors that he could be traded to the New Jersey Devils if he’s unwilling to commit to the Canucks beyond 2026-27. The Canucks ability to bounce back from last season’s tumultuous campaign could determine whether Hughes sees his long-term future in Vancouver.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parsons cited Dylan Holloway telling “The Cam & Strick Podcast” that the Edmonton Oilers undervalued him and pushed him out when he wanted to stay.

Holloway, 23, signed an offer sheet with the St. Louis Blues last summer, which the Oilers declined to match. He said it rubbed him the wrong way how little Oilers management thought of him.

“I wanted to go back to a team we went so far with, but as soon as Edmonton didn’t reciprocate that feeling, I was all in on St. Louis,” Holloway said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Parsons wondered if Holloway’s departure affected team captain Connor McDavid, who is UFA-eligible next summer and whose contract extension status is making headlines. He believes the Oilers made “a monumental mistake” letting Holloway go, suggesting that decision could influence the level of trust McDavid has in management’s decisions for the future.

THE MINNESOTA STAR-TRIBUNE: Former NHL stars Zach Parise and Joe Pavelski head the 2025 class for the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

Former NHL forward Scott Gomez, Team USA defender Tara Mounsey, and photographer Bruce Bennett are also among this year’s inductees.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the five members of the US HhoF Class of 2025 for this well-deserved honor.

TSN: Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving said contract extension talks are underway with Anthony Stolarz. The 31-year-old goaltender is UFA-eligible next July.

TSN: Utah Mammoth prospect Tij Iginla is fully healthy after undergoing surgery on both hips last season. The 19-year-old forward appeared in only 21 games with the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets in 2024-25. He was chosen sixth overall by the Mammoth in the 2024 NHL Draft.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators’ ending their seven-year playoff drought last season has had a positive effect on the box office. Cyril Leeder, the club’s president and CEO, said season tickets are up about 15-20 percent from last season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Goaltender Aaron Dell announced his retirement on Wednesday. The 31-year-old spent seven of his 13-season professional career in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres, and New Jersey Devils from 2016-17 to 2022-23.

In 130 regular-season games played, Dell had a record of 50 wins, 50 losses, and 13 overtime losses, with a 2.92 goals-against average, a .905 save percentage, and five shutouts. He saw action in four playoff games, finishing with a 2-2 record, a 3.08 GAA, and an SP of .898.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Former NHL forward Brandon Yip has retired. He spent five seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators, and Arizona Coyotes from 2009-10 to 2013-14, finishing with 29 goals and 27 assists for 56 points in 174 regular-season games. Yip had six points in 16 postseason contests.

From 2014-15 to 2024-25, Yip spent most of his career playing in the KHL, as well as in Germany and Finland.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 3, 2025

by | Sep 3, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 3, 2025

The postseason salary cap will be implemented for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, plus the latest on Oilers captain Connor McDavid, Bruins winger David Pastrnak, Canucks winger Evander Kane, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE ATHLETIC: James Mirtle reports the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) have agreed to a rolling implementation of the new rules in the four-year extension of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that they signed in June.

League sources claim the postseason salary cap will be implemented for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Teams will be limited to playing with a 20-man roster that is cap-compliant for each playoff game.

The rule brings an end to the practice of teams stashing players on long-term injury reserve and using the salary-cap savings to add players before the playoffs. It also means a player’s full-season salary will be used to calculate if a team is cap-compliant for the playoffs, even if they were only on the team for a short period during the regular season.

This change means accruing salary-cap space becomes a less-effective tool because it won’t benefit a team in the playoffs.

Teams can still retain salary to facilitate a trade, but the new rules also affect most double-retention deals where a third team is involved. That will make freeing up salary-cap space before the trade deadline more complicated.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mirtle points out that these changes will make it more difficult for general managers to make trades during the season. Some will be forced to become more creative to find a loophole.

Mirtle also noted that the rise in the salary cap to $95.5 million provides most clubs with more cap flexibility to make moves compared to the pandemic-induced flat cap in recent years.

PUCKPEDIA: Other notable rules that will be implemented this season include no deferred salary compensation (effective Oct. 7, 2025) and a restriction on paper loans, which is when a player is assigned to a club’s minor-league affiliate but doesn’t actually report there.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Jeff Jackson’s appearance on “Oilers Now” to address the rumors about the Oilers’ contract negotiations with Connor McDavid.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

Jackson is the CEO of Hockey Operations for the Oilers. He told “Oilers Now” host Bob Stauffer that they remain confident of getting a deal with McDavid. He indicated the term of the contract is still an issue.

“It’s not as straightforward sometimes as people would like to be,” Jackson said. “He’s just taking his time.”

The Oilers captain is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. He recently raised eyebrows by saying he wouldn’t have a problem with starting this season without a contract extension.

Jackson stated that McDavid wasn’t looking to break the bank to make as much money as he could. “He wants to find the razor’s edge where he gets paid for the star player that he is, that allows the team to surround himself with the best players that we possibly can, gives us options to do that beyond next year, so all that comes into his thinking.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staples believes McDavid is taking his time to study all the details and approach this from all angles for a deal that benefits him and the team.

The Oilers are willing to accommodate whatever contract terms McDavid desires. If he seeks a league-leading average annual value of $20 million on an eight-year deal, he’ll get it. However, Jackson’s comments suggest McDavid could seek a little less than top dollar on a shorter term.

Bold prediction: McDavid signs a five-year extension before the start of this season with an AAV of $18 million. Feel free to weigh in with your predictions in the comments section below.

NESN: David Pastrnak said he and the Boston Bruins teammates expect improvement over last season’s disappointing performance.

“Expectations are always the same here. You play for an Original Six, they are always high and they always will be,” said Pastrnak. “We won’t accept what happened last year. The team that’s going to dress in October is going to be very competitive.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Being more competitive is a good thing, but the depletion of their roster depth in recent years could make it difficult to bounce back as a playoff contender this season.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma wonders if the addition of Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks’ roster will help center Elias Pettersson regain his high-scoring form. Kane is “big, fast, and nasty”, whose style of play could create more time and space for the playmaking Pettersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane is 34 and was hampered by injuries during the last two seasons. He also has a reputation for wearing out his welcome with his teammates. Kuzma pointed out that Kane is in his contract year and expects it to provide the veteran winger with additional motivation to play well this season.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames have brought back former captain and assistant coach Dave Lowry. He’ll replace former assistant coach Brad Larsen.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Former Lehigh Valley Phantoms head coach Ian Laperriere is reportedly joining the New York Islanders as a pro scout. Laperriere had been moved from the Phantoms coaching job in an advisory role with the Flyers earlier this year.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs signed young goaltender Dennis Hildeby to a three-year contract extension with an AAV of $841,667. It’s a two-way deal for the first two seasons, becoming a one-way deal for 2027-28.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 2, 2025

by | Sep 2, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 2, 2025

Canucks captain Quinn Hughes could become a Hart Trophy candidate, three Flyers with the most to gain or lose this season, the latest on Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Andre Leal considered the possibility of Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes becoming the first defenseman in 26 years to win the Hart Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player to his team.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Hall-of-Famer Chris Pronger was the last blueliner to win the Hart Trophy (1999-2000). Brent Burns came the closest to winning the award since then, finishing fourth in voting during the 2016-17 season with the San Jose Sharks.

The Canucks failed to make the playoffs last season, but have Hughes to thank for staying in the race until late in the season. Leal believes the 25-year-old blueliner could win the Hart this season if he leads the Canucks to the playoffs while producing at the same rate that he did in 2023-24, when he had a career-high 92 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A strong case could be made for Hughes as a Hart contender if the season unfolds like Leal’s scenario. The Canucks’ roster isn’t as deep as it was two years ago, so leading this current group in the postseason while producing over 90 points would be an MVP-worthy performance.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James looks at three Philadelphia Flyers with the most to gain or lose this season.

Sophomore winger Matvei Michkov has the most to gain. The budding scoring star should flourish under new head coach Rick Tocchet this season, seeing more playing time and with better linemates than he had during his rookie campaign.

Veteran winger Travis Konecny has the most to lose. The 28-year-old is entering the first season of his eight-year contract and will face pressure to live up to it.

Trevor Zegras has the biggest opportunity this season. The 24-year-old forward joins the Flyers after struggling during the past two seasons with the Anaheim Ducks. He has the chance to play top-six minutes at the center position with Michkov, Konecny, Tyson Foerster, or Owen Tippett as his potential linemates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers are rebuilding, and the performance of those three will determine their potential improvement this season. Michkov’s stock as an offensive star should keep rising, while Konecny should remain a feisty first-line winger and leader. Zegras could face the most pressure as he attempts to get his career back on track.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is rising up a list on the Red Wings that no player wants to sit atop.

Larkin has played 734 regular-season games with the Red Wings, putting him on track to play the most games for the franchise without winning the Stanley Cup. The franchise leader in that category is Norm Ullman (875), followed by Nick Libett (861) and Justin Abdelkader (739).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin’s only playoff appearance was in 2016, when he played five games. The Red Wings captain has endured nine years of a difficult roster rebuild that seems to have stalled over the past two seasons. Unless the Wings make significant improvement, Larkin will set the franchise record for most games without winning the Cup.

RG.ORG: Former NHL head coach Gerard Gallant is embracing the challenge of coaching in the KHL. He was hired this summer as bench boss of the rebranded Shanghai Dragons, now based in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Gallant intends to run a North American “support-and-forecheck” style. The Dragons’ goal is to win now and build a fanbase for a possible return to China.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A good performance by the Dragons this season could be a springboard for Gallant to rejoin the NHL coaching ranks.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber looked at where promising rookie winger Ryan Leonard will start in the Washington Capitals’ roster this season.

Leonard, 20, saw nine games of regular-season action and eight postseason contests last season. He could begin the season on the Capitals’ third line, though his potential linemates have yet to be determined.