NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 26, 2026

by | Sep 26, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 26, 2026

Recaps of Friday’s preseason action, the salary cap could rise significantly in 2028-29, Macklin Celebrini is the Sharks’ new captain, the Hurricanes re-sign Pyotr Kochetkov, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING FRIDAY’S PRESEASON GAMES

NHL.COM: Colorado Avalanche prospect T.J. Hughes tallied a hat trick and collected an assist in a 5-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. Jaden Schwartz had a goal and two assists, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 24 saves for the Avalanche. Nino Niederreiter and Vladislav Namestnikov each had a goal and an assist for the Jets.

New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (NHL Images).

The New York Rangers thumped the New York Islanders 6-1. Adam Fox had three assists, Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller each had a goal and an assist, and Pavel Dorofeyev collected two assists. Pierre Engvall scored, and Semyon Varlamov gave up six goals on 27 shots for the Islanders.

Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley snapped a 1-1 tie for a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Wild. Joel Eriksson Ek replied for the Wild, who also lost defenseman Brock Faber after being struck by a puck off the left side of his helmet in the second period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Faber was kept out of the remainder of the game for precautionary reasons and will be reevaluated on Saturday. The clubs combined for 86 penalty minutes, most of which occurred in the game’s fight-filled final minutes. Tyler Seguin made his preseason debut in his first game since suffering a knee injury on Dec. 2.

An overtime goal by Jordan Kyrou lifted the Washington Capitals over the Boston Bruins 3-2. Dylan Strome and Tom Wilson each had a goal and an assist, and Pierre-Luc Dubois picked up two assists. David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie scored, and Jeremy Swayman stopped 32 shots for the Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin missed this game with a lower-body injury. He’ll also miss Washington’s final preseason game on Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers, but he’s expected to be ready for their season-opener on Oct. 2 against the Carolina Hurricanes.

HEADLINES

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported Friday that multiple sources claimed the salary cap for 2028-29 is estimated to reach $127.5 million. That’s $23.5 million more this season’s $104 million cap and $14 million more than the $113.5 million cap for 2027-28.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The final cap number for 2028-29 will likely be announced at the end of this season. Regardless, it’s a substantial increase that continues the cap’s sharp rise since the end of the COVID-induced flat-cap era earlier in the decade.

The effect of that increase was felt this summer, when the Philadelphia Flyers signed Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson to a five-year offer sheet worth a then-record $18 million average annual value. That set the bar for other young talent, with San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini signing a then-record AAV ($18.8 million) on his contract extension in July. It also affected extensions for established superstars with Cale Makar’s record-setting $20.4 million deal in August.

Expect more AAV records over the next two years. Assuming $127.5 million is confirmed for 2028-29, the maximum salary will be $25.5 million.

Players eligible for UFA status on July 1, 2028, include Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, Los Angeles Kings winger Artemi Panarin, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Utah Mammoth captain Clayton Keller. RFAs include New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer and Anaheim Ducks winger Beckett Sennecke.

One of them will become the NHL’s first $25 million player, and there will likely be more than one by the end of July 1, 2028.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Sharks named Macklin Celebrini as their new captain during a dressing-room ceremony on Friday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 20-year-old superstar is the youngest captain in Sharks history. He takes over from Logan Couture, who held the role from 2019-20 to 2023-24.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Carolina Hurricanes signed goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $3.95 million.

TSN/THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks claimed goaltender Leevi Merilainen off waivers from the Ottawa Senators. They also placed center Filip Chytil (shoulder) on injured reserve.

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: The Sabres signed defenseman Matt Grzelcyk to a one-year, $850,000 contract. This move is a result of the Sabres losing blueliners Mattias Samuelsson (lower-body, week-to-week) and Olen Zellweger (concussion protocol) to injuries.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers center Jason Dickinson might not be in the lineup for the Oilers’ season opener next week. He’s still feeling the effects of a broken foot suffered late last season.

CBS SPORTS: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Dante Fabbro (upper body) was placed on injured reserve.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames signed forward Alex Nylander to a one-year, two-way contract worth $850,000 at the NHL level.

DAILY FACEOFF: 61 players were placed on waivers on Friday. The notables included Utah Mammoth forward Brandon Tanev, San Jose Sharks goaltender Eric Comrie, Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph, and St. Louis Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 25, 2026

by | Sep 25, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 25, 2026

Recapping Thursday’s preseason action, the Blue Jackets finally sign Adam Fantilli, the Blackhawks sign Oliver Moore to a four-year extension, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF THURSDAY’S PRESEASON GAMES

NHL.COM: San Jose Sharks rookie forward Ivar Stenberg tallied a hat trick and collected an assist in a 10-0 drubbing of the Anaheim Ducks. Michael Misa had a goal and three assists, Igor Chernyshov had two goals and an assist, Mason Marchment scored twice, and Alex Nedeljkovic turned in a 21-save shutout.

San Jose Sharks prospect Ivar Stenberg (NHL Images).

The Carolina Hurricanes rallied from a four-goal deficit to defeat the Nashville Predators 6-5. Logan Stankoven scored twice (including the tying goal) and added an assist; Taylor Hall had three assists, and Felix Unger Sorum tallied the winning goal. Justus Annunen turned aside 31 shots for the Predators.

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel scored in overtime and picked up two assists in a 5-4 win over the Utah Mammoth. Shea Theodore had three assists for the Golden Knights, and Kevin Stenlund had three assists for the Mammoth.

The Seattle Kraken overcame a 3-1 deficit to nip the Calgary Flames 4-3 on a shootout goal by Berkly Catton. Matty Beniers had two assists, and Brandon Montour and Ryker Evans scored in the third period to force overtime and the shootout. Devin Cooley made 23 saves for the Flames.

An overtime goal by Alex DeBrincat lifted the Detroit Red Wings over the Buffalo Sabres 3-2. Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon and forward Jiri Kulich left this game with injuries.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lyon appeared to injure his left shoulder in the first period. Head coach Lindy Ruff is optimistic that he’s not seriously hurt. Kulich departed in the second period with an undisclosed injury for precautionary reasons.

St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington stopped 17 shots to blank the Chicago Blackhawks 1-0. Calle Rosen scored the only goal as the Blues spoiled Patrick Kane’s first game with the Blackhawks since returning on a two-year contract signed in July.

The Edmonton Oilers got a 25-save performance from goalie Tristan Jarry in a 2-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Isaac Howard had a goal and an assist for the Oilers, while Linus Karlsson replied for the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oft-injured Canucks forward Filip Chytil left this game in the first period after clipping skates with a referee and crashing into the end boards. Chytil is being evaluated for a shoulder injury.

Philadelphia Flyers netminder Joseph Woll kicked out 28 shots to shut out the Boston Bruins 2-0. Matvei Michkov and Cole Knuble scored for the Flyers. Michael DiPietro made 26 saves for the Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers forward Trevor Zegras received a minor penalty for “improperly wearing his equipment” by tucking his jersey into the back of his pants. Meanwhile, Flyers defenseman Helge Grans left the game with a lower-body injury.

The Florida Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-3. Cole Reinhardt and Kai Schwindt each had a goal and an assist for the Panthers. Jansen Harkins tallied twice for the Lightning.

Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Cam Talbot had a 15-save shutout, and Valeri Nichushkin scored in a 4-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Dmitri Voronkov had two assists for the Blue Jackets. Sergei Murashov stopped 13 shots for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Penguins announced that forward Ben Kindel is sidelined week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

Meanwhile, winger Andrei Kuzmenko will be taking time away from the team for family reasons after his father was killed in a bear attack while on a fishing trip in southern Siberia. My condolences to Kuzmenko and his family.

New York Rangers forward Will Cuylle had a goal and an assist in regulation and scored the winner in a shootout to defeat the New Jersey Devils 4-3. Nico Daws made 20 saves for the Devils.

HEADLINES

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets signed center Adam Fantilli to a six-year contract worth an average annual value of $13.75 million.

Fantilli, 21, missed the opening week of training camp as negotiations with Blue Jackets management took longer than anticipated. His new contract puts the Jackets over the $104 million salary cap by $1.204 million. However, the club will become cap-compliant by placing sidelined goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (shoulder) and Isac Lundestrom (Achilles tear) on long-term injury reserve.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The ripples from Leo Carlsson’s offer sheet in July continue to be felt throughout the league. Carlsson’s new contract reset the market for young NHL talent. It also caught some teams off-guard, forcing them to pay much more than expected to re-sign their best young players.

Fantilli was coming off his entry-level contract, which should’ve given the Blue Jackets full leverage in their contract negotiations. However, his value as their top center, uncertainty about the future of top defenseman Zach Werenski and scoring winger Kirill Marchenko, and pressure on the club to make the playoffs ensured Fantilli would get a more lucrative deal.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: The Blackhawks signed forward Oliver Moore to a five-year contract extension worth $4.25 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moore had 19 points in 51 games as a rookie last season. His speed, versatility, and two-way skills give him the potential to become a top-six forward with the Blackhawks.

THE SCORE: Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman replied to Mark Messier’s criticism of the club hiring Mike Babcock as head coach.

“I think if he really wants to see what’s going on firsthand, he’s more than welcome to come here,” Hyman said. “I think Oilers fans love him. Like I said, there’s a lot of excitement, there’s a lot of positivity here – nothing but good is happening right now. So, to try and spew something negative right now, I think it’s his opinion. Like I said, I have a lot of respect for him, and if he’d like to see what’s going on he’s more than welcome to come down.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ll all learn soon enough whether the criticism about Babcock’s hiring was justified.

THE ATHLETIC: The Toronto Maple Leafs placed forward Steven Lorentz on waivers as a potential prelude to signing defenseman Nick Blankenburg, who is in training camp on a professional tryout offer.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators placed goalie Levi Merilainen on waivers.

NHL.COM: The league and the Winnipeg Jets announced that the statistical history of the club will include the original Jets (1979-80 to 1995-96) and their years as the Atlanta Thrashers (1999-2000 to 2010-11).










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 24, 2026

by | Sep 24, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 24, 2026

Recapping Wednesday’s preseason games, injury updates, plus the latest on Dylan Larkin, Logan Cooley, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S PRESEASON ACTION

NHL.COM: The Toronto Maple Leafs swept the Ottawa Senators in split-squad games on Wednesday.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and Jack Roslovic each had a goal and two assists, leading the Maple Leafs to a 6-1 win over the Senators in Toronto. Tim Stutzle replied for the Senators.

Anthony Stolarz stopped 19 shots, and Ryan Tverberg snapped a 2-2 tie as the Leafs doubled up the Senators 4-2 in Ottawa.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ottawa Sun’s Callum Fraser reported Senators defenseman Carter Yakemchuk had a “disaster performance” in the 6-1 loss, which didn’t help his efforts to clinch a roster spot this season. Fraser felt the same about Sens goalie Leevi Merilainen, who didn’t get much help from his defense, but still could’ve played better.

Senators defenseman Artem Zub remains sidelined and is expected to miss the start of the regular season. Maple Leafs forward Nick Paul left this game with an undisclosed injury. It’s not expected to be serious, but he will be re-evaluated on Thursday.

Los Angeles Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg made 24 saves to hold off the Anaheim Ducks 2-1.

Alex Laferriere and Joel Armia scored for the Kings. Ethan Procyszyn replied for the Ducks.

The Dallas Stars blanked the Minnesota Wild 2-0. Remi Poirier made 24 saves for the shutout, and Matthew Seminoff and Esa Lindell scored for the Stars. Jesper Wallstedt turned aside 22 shots for the Wild.

HEADLINES

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Dylan Larkin returned to the ice with his Red Wings teammates on Wednesday. He’d been sidelined for a week with an upper-body injury.

Larkin won’t be playing in Thursday’s preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres in Detroit. He could be in their preseason finale at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico interviewed Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley, who discussed his club’s push to become a true Western Conference contender.

Cooley said that making the playoffs last year, and the realization of how difficult it is to win a postseason series, has raised the intensity level in training camp for the Mammoth. He’s also thrilled with the addition of fellow Pittsburgh native Vincent Trocheck, who was acquired in a trade with the New York Rangers in July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Mammoth’s improvement last season didn’t result in increased coverage of the team. Despite having established talent like winger Clayton Keller and defenseman Mikhail Sergachev, rising stars like Cooley and Dylan Guenther, and a deep prospect pool, they don’t receive the same attention as other up-and-coming clubs in Anaheim and San Jose. People should pay attention to the Mammoth because they could make some noise in the West this season.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers prospect forward Adam Sykora will miss the next four to five months with a lower-body injury suffered during Monday’s preseason game against the New Jersey Devils.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson is week-to-week with a lower-body injury suffered during Tuesday’s preseason match against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Blueline Olen Zellweger is in concussion protocol from a hit he received later in that game.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets defenseman Dante Fabbro will likely miss the start of the season with an undisclosed injury that could sideline him for weeks. Meanwhile, blueliner Damon Severson hasn’t been cleared to play yet as he works his way back from the shoulder surgery he had in April. He’s been skating in practice with a “no-contact” jersey.

THE SCORE: Philadelphia Flyers starting goalie Dan Vladar is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury suffered during Tuesday’s preseason game against the Boston Bruins. Head coach Rick Tocchet said Vladar “dodged a bullet” and is in good spirits.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers fans are exhaling in relief as there was concern that Vladar may have been seriously hurt.

DAILY FACEOFF: Florida Panthers winger Brady Tkachuk is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury but is expected to be in the lineup for their season-opener. It’s uncertain when Tkachuk was hurt.

TSN: Hall of Famer and ESPN hockey analyst Mark Messier said he’s “horrified” and “shocked” by the Edmonton Oilers hiring Mike Babcock as head coach.

Messier believes there must be a separation of powers on the structural level of the team, suggesting the players had too much of a say in the decisions being made at the management level, including the hiring of management and coaches.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Messier makes a good point, but as some on social media noted, he’s not in the best position to level criticism over players influencing coaching hires. After Messier signed with the Vancouver Canucks in 1997, he was reportedly directly responsible for the club hiring Mike Keenan as head coach.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Former Canadiens owner George Gillett Jr. died on Tuesday at age 87. He was owner of the club from 2001 until 2009.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gillett purchased the Canadiens and their arena at a time when no potential Canadian owner could be found. That led to concerns that the American owner might have designs on relocating the storied franchise to the United States, but he instead brought stability to the club during a period of uncertainty that included the 2004-05 NHL lockout.

My condolences to Gillett’s family, friends, and the Canadiens organization.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 23, 2026

by | Sep 23, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 23, 2026

Recaps of Tuesday’s preseason action, the Wild re-sign GM Bill Guerin, the Ducks have a new captain, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING TUESDAY’S PRESEASON GAMES

NHL.COM: Matthew Schaefer had a goal and two assists, and Matias Macelli scored twice and collected an assist as the New York Islanders nipped the New York Rangers 4-3. Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov stopped all 10 shots he faced in his first NHL game since a knee injury sidelined him in November 2024. Pavel Dorofeyev scored his first preseason goal with the Rangers, who acquired him from the Vegas Golden Knights in the offseason.

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (NHL Images)

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Florida Panthers 3-2 on shootout goals by Bradly Nadeau and Felix Unger Sorum. Panthers winger Brady Tkachuk had a goal and an assist but left after the second period for precautionary reasons with a minor injury. Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov also had a goal and an assist.

Anders Lee tallied twice in his first game with the Utah Mammoth as he led his new club to a 6-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Lee signed with the Mammoth as a free agent this summer after 14 seasons with the Islanders. Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke had a goal and an assist.

Buffalo Sabres forward Noah Ostlund scored two goals and Owen Power had three assists to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-1. However, the Sabres lost defensemen Mattias Samuelsson and Olen Zellweger to injuries. Samuelsson left in the second period after blocking a shot, and Zellweger suffered a concussion after being hit by Blue Jackets defenseman Carson Soucy in the second period. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff will provide updates on both blueliners on Wednesday.

The Boston Bruins downed the Philadelphia Flyers 5-1. Michael Eyssimont scored two goals for the Bruins. Flyers starting goaltender Dan Vladar left the game in the first period with an upper-body injury. There was no post-game update on Vladar’s condition.

Detroit Red Wings forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard tallied twice, and prospect defenseman Anton Johansson had four assists in a 7-4 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. John Gibston stopped 22 shots through two periods. Nick Robertson had a shorthanded goal in his debut with the Penguins.

The Nashville Predators beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 on an overtime goal by prospect Felix Nilsson. Matthew Wood scored twice in regulation for the Predators. Winger Jeffrey Viel tallied both goals for the Lightning.

San Jose Sharks rookie Ivar Stenberg had an assist in his preseason debut as his club dropped a 2-1 shootout decision to the Vegas Golden Knights. Stenberg also scored in the fourth round of the shootout. Braedon Bowman scored the winning goal, and Carter Hart made 28 saves for the Golden Knights.

Calgary Flames forward Joel Farabee had a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Farabee’s teammates Zayne Parekh and Matvei Gridin each collected two assists.

Edmonton Oilers prospect Viljami Marjala scored in overtime to give his club a 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets.

TWINCITIES.COM: The Minnesota Wild signed general manager Bill Guerin to a contract extension. Guerin was named GM of the Year last season after re-signing superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov and acquiring defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. The Wild went on to win its first playoff series in 11 years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guerin is positioning the Wild as a Stanley Cup contender. He still has to sign Hughes to an extension and address his club’s need for an experienced first-line center. If he can address those issues, he could be in the running for GM of the Year again.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks named forward Mikael Granlund as their new captain. He replaced departed defenseman Radko Gudas, who held the role from 2024-25 to 2025-26.

TSN: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell said progress is being made in his contract negotiations with center Adam Fantilli. However, he couldn’t say if they were close to a deal.

Fantilli, 22, is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. He had 24 goals and 59 points last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The sharp increase in player salaries this summer is the reason why Fantilli remains unsigned a week into training camp. He’s rumored to be seeking an average annual value between $13 million and $15 million, while the Blue Jackets are reportedly offering between $12 million and $12.5 million.

The Jackets have $11.7 million in cap space for this season. Once Fantilli is signed, they can exceed the $104 million cap by placing sidelined goaltender Elvis Merzlikins ($5.4 million AAV) on long-term injury reserve to start the regular season. However, they must be cap-compliant when Merzlikins is ready to return, which could force Waddell to make a cost-cutting trade.

THE ATHLETIC: Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer said family reasons were behind Brady Tkachuk’s trade to the Florida Panthers.

“Blood is thicker than water, and let’s just say that his father and brother got in his kitchen,” Andlauer said, referring to soon-to-be Hall of Famer Keith Tkachuk and Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk. “Ultimately, the decision was made to go and play with his brother. It’s a decision that was out of our control to a certain degree. But you have to want to play for Ottawa. And right to the end, our fans were behind Brady – even after Team USA won gold. I have no doubt in my mind.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some fans have accused Tkachuk’s father and brother of tampering. However, discussions among family members aren’t a violation of the league’s anti-tampering rules.

TSN: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league’s Board of Governors discussed expansion to Houston or Austin, Texas. However, they are taking a “wait-and-see” attitude to examine the pros and cons.

Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly met last week with an ownership group led by billionaire Dan Friedkin. Bettman said the league should know by the end of the year which market the group would prefer. “But we still and they still have a lot of work to do.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I predict the NHL will expand to Houston by 2030. It’ll take that long because a new arena must be constructed to house an expansion franchise.

NHL.COM: Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs is stepping down as chairman of the league’s Board of Governors after 19 seasons. His replacement is Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis.

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals forward Andrew Cristall was fined $2,250.86 for cross-checking Flyers defenseman Hunter McDonald during a preseason game on Monday.

CBS SPORTS: Seattle Kraken center Jake O’Brien is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 22, 2026

by | Sep 22, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 22, 2026

Recaps of Monday’s preseason action, injury updates, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING MONDAY’S PRESEASON GAMES

NHL.COM: Defenseman Bowen Byram made an impressive debut with the Chicago Blackhawks, scoring in overtime to complete a hat trick and defeat the Minnesota Wild 4-3. Byram was acquired in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres on June 23, signing a six-year, $75 million contract ($12.5 million average annual value) on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byram’s performance in this contest bodes well for what the Blackhawks expect from him as their new No. 1 defenseman.

Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield (NHL Images).

Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield scored twice, including the winner in overtime, in a 3-2 win over the Ottawa Senators. Lane Hutson had the primary assists on both goals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Caufield also scored in overtime during the Canadiens’ 4-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs in split-squad action on Saturday.

The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Buffalo Sabres 4-1. Bryan Rust scored and collected two assists for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins sophomore forward Ben Kindel left the game after the first period with a lower-body injury. He was still being evaluated post-game. Before this game, the Penguins announced forward Blake Lizotte is week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes snapped a 2-2 tie for a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers. Timo Meier had a goal and an assist for the Devils. Rangers prospect Adam Sykora left this game with a lower-body injury in the first period.

Washington Capitals forward Jonny Brodzinski tallied two goals as his club defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2. Dylan Strome had a goal and an assist for the Capitals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin missed this game with a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day. Flyers forward Denver Barkey left his contest early in the second period with a lower-body injury.

The Columbus Blue Jackets blanked the Detroit Red Wings 1-0. Jet Greaves turned in a 16-save shutout, and Conor Garland scored the winning goal. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets defenseman Dante Fabbro left this game with an upper-body injury.

Goaltender Stuart Skinner kicked out 31 shots in his debut with the Winnipeg Jets in a 3-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche. Gabriel Vilardi scored and added an assist, and Josh Morrissey collected two assists.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner joined the Jets as a free agent this summer. He’ll be their starting goaltender, with Connor Hellebuyck likely having played his final game for the Jets. Hellebuyck requested a trade and is currently suspended without pay for not reporting to training camp.

The Dallas Stars nipped the St. Louis Blues 2-1. Casey DeSmith stopped 30 shots, and Thomas Harley and Nils Lundkvist scored for the Stars. Jonatan Berggren replied for the Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blues defenseman Tyler Tucker missed this game with an injured knee suffered during practice on Sunday.

HEADLINES

THE SCORE: Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour wouldn’t mind if the NHL abolished preseason play.

“Guys just want to play. Guys just want to drop the puck and start for real,” Brind’Amour told TSN’s “Overdrive” on Monday. “They don’t like practicing – nobody does.”

Brind’Amour said he’d be fine with the league going to 86 regular-season games and no preseason. He pointed out that players are already well-conditioned and there are few available roster spots compared to previous years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL isn’t likely to take Brind’Amour’s advice, but it would be interesting to see how many players, coaches, and general managers share his view.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars forward Sam Steel signed a four-year contract extension worth $14.8 million ($3.7 million AAV).

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs forward Dakota Joshua’s status for the season opener is uncertain after battling an injury through the opening days of training camp.

TSN: Former NHL forward Kevin Hayes announced his retirement after playing five games with KHL team Ak Bars Kazan.

Hayes, 35, spent 12 seasons in the NHL from 2014-15 to 2025-26 with the New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets, Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. He scored 185 goals and 261 assists for 446 points in 805 regular-season games, and 26 points in 56 playoff contests.

OTTAWA SUN: Former NHL coach Jacques Martin, 73, is considering retirement. Martin was part of the Senators’ front office, but confirmed on Friday that he’s no longer with the organization.

Martin coached 18 seasons as an NHL head coach from 1986-87 to 2023-24 with the St. Louis Blues, Senators, Florida Panthers, and Montreal Canadiens. He holds the Senators record for wins (367) and won the Jack Adams Award in 1998-99. Martin won the Stanley Cup as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2015-16 and 2016-17.

RG MEDIA: Marco D’Amico interviewed University of Michigan head coach Brandon Naurato on his plans for the upcoming season with one of the NCAA’s most talented hockey rosters.

Promising youngsters Landon DuPont, Cam Reid, and Henry Mews will join Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael Hage, Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Will Horcoff, and Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jayden Perron this season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 21, 2026

by | Sep 21, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 21, 2026

Recapping Sunday’s preseason action, plus the latest on the Red Wings’ Dylan Larkin and Simon Edvinsson, Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm, Sabres forward Jiri Kulich, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Brady Tkachuk had a Gordie Howe hat trick in his debut with the Florida Panthers as they defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 6-3 in preseason action on Sunday. Tkachuk scored twice, collected an assist, and received a major penalty for fighting Hurricanes prospect defenseman Charles Alexis Legault.

Florida Panthers winger Brady Tkachuk (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthew Tkachuk had the primary assist on Brady’s first goal. Team captain Aleksander Barkov also assisted on Tkachuk’s goal and scored the Panthers’ second goal. It’s the first time he’s played with his teammates since suffering a season-ending knee injury in last year’s training camp.

Anaheim Ducks forward Beckett Sennecke tallied a hat trick in a 6-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Ducks defenseman Tristan Luneau had a goal and two assists.

The Boston Bruins nipped the Washington Capitals 3-2 on James Hagens’s shootout goal. Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy scored the tying goal late in the third period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McAvoy must make the most of the shortened preseason. He will miss the first six games of the upcoming regular season serving a suspension for slashing Buffalo Sabres winger Zach Benson in Game 6 of their 2026 first-round playoff series.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman logged over 19 minutes of ice time during his club’s 2-1 win over the Nashville Predators. It was Hedman’s first game since taking a personal leave of absence on March 19. Ilya Mikhayev scored and John Carlson collected an assist in their debuts with the Lightning.

The Colorado Avalanche downed the Utah Mammoth 4-1. Brock Nelson scored and Gavin Brindley had a goal and an assist for the Avalanche.

New Jersey Devils forward Connor Brown scored the game-winning goal in a 2-1 win over the New York Islanders. Devils goaltender David Rittich stopped 23 shots for the win.

The Seattle Kraken doubled up the Calgary Flames 4-2.

MLIVE.COM: The Detroit Red Wings face a challenge getting center Dylan Larkin and defenseman Simon Edvinsson ready for the upcoming season during the shortened four-game preseason.

Larkin, 30, missed the first four days of training camp with an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, the 22-year-old Edvinsson remains an unsigned restricted free agent. He’s skating with his teammates during practice but cannot scrimmage with them or play in preseason games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Edvinsson wouldn’t be in this position had the Red Wings resolved their search for a new general manager before training camp opened last week. He might be signed by now if assistant GM Shawn Horcoff had been named interim GM in July or August instead of last week.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Eyebrows were raised when Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm was skating in a third-pairing role during the first two days of training camp. However, head coach Mike Babcock explained that the 36-year-old Ekholm was with Shakir Mukhamadullin to help the latter adjust to a new team and surroundings. The Oilers acquired Mukhamadullin from the San Jose Sharks in July as part of the return in the Darnell Nurse trade.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Sabres forward Jiri Kulich is thrilled to be scrimmaging with his teammates after being sidelined since Nov. 10 with a blood clot.

“It’s unreal,” Kulich said. “I can’t even describe the feeling. It’s just unreal seeing everyone, being around them, and being with them on the ice is just, yeah, it’s pretty special.

THE ATHLETIC: Egor Chinakhov is looking forward to his first full season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 25-year-old forward was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Dec. 29, and went on to a career-best season with 18 goals and 36 points in 43 games in Pittsburgh after netting just six points in 29 games with the Blue Jackets.