NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 31, 2025

by | Jul 31, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 31, 2025

Oilers GM Stan Bowman begins contract discussions with Connor McDavid’s camp, possible adjustments for the Maple Leafs and Rangers for 2025-26, the Jets avoid arbitration with Dylan Samberg, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said he’s “very encouraged” by the early discussions he’s had with Connor McDavid’s agent about a contract extension.

The 28-year-old Oilers captain is in the final season of his contract and can become an unrestricted free agent next July. Bowman indicated that they haven’t had detailed talks yet, but expects to have further conversations soon.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid is in the prime of his NHL career. If he and the Oilers fail to agree to a new contract, he would become the biggest name in next summer’s UFA market. However, most observers believe McDavid will sign an extension with the Oilers, making him the league’s highest-paid player starting in 2026-27.

TSN: Travis Yost recently examined the potential effect of Mitch Marner’s departure on the Toronto Maple Leafs, especially team captain Auston Matthews.

Yost believes the Maple Leafs remain a very good team despite Marner’s absence. Matthews is a superstar who should continue to produce with just about anyone as his linemates.

Matthews will have power forward Matthew Knies at left wing. Finding a suitable fit on right wing could be challenging, but Max Domi and recently acquired Matias Maccelli should get significant opportunities.

The Leafs should continue doing well at even strength. However, their power play suffered a downturn midway through last season and into the playoffs. If it persists, it could become a problem.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner’s departure will put the Maple Leafs under a brighter spotlight this season. They could attempt to address any offensive concerns via the trade market, but they have few expendable assets to use as bait.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears looked at the issues the Rangers must address before the start of the regular season.

How well players like Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, and Alexis Lafreniere rebound from their disappointing performances last season is among the crucial factors. Their depth at center could be another, especially if Zibanejad remains on the wing. Fox’s season will depend on how quickly he and recent addition Vladislav Gavrikov can establish chemistry on the top defense pairing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Leafs, the Rangers will be among the more closely scrutinized teams this season. General manager Chris Drury has been retooling his roster since December, and he could end up on the hot seat if his efforts fail to pan out.

THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: The Jets avoided salary arbitration with Dylan Samberg, as the two sides agreed to a three-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $5.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a big raise from the $1.4 million AAV of Samberg’s previous contract. It’s also much closer to the $6 million cap hit he was seeking when he filed for arbitration, and well above the $2.5 million the Jets originally sought.

The Jets, however, had little choice. Samberg emerged last season as a solid top-four defenseman. Had this gone to arbitration, he would’ve become eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July. They want to keep this roster intact as much as possible as they pursue the Stanley Cup.

This agreement leaves Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson as the only restricted free agent still scheduled for arbitration. His hearing will take place on August 3 unless he and the Leafs agree to a contract before that date.

CALGARY SUN: The Calgary Flames signed forward Martin Pospisil to a three-year contract extension beginning in 2026-27. PuckPedia indicates the 26-year-old will earn an AAV of $2.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pospisil is currently in the final season of a two-year deal with an AAV of $1 million. A versatile physical forward who can play center or left wing, his hard-hitting style has made him a fan favorite in Calgary.

RG.ORG: Jimmy Vesey is considering offers from KHL teams. SKA St. Petersburg is viewed as the front-runner for the 32-year-old forward’s services.

Vesey’s future in the NHL is uncertain after the Colorado Avalanche declined to re-sign him. He’s spent nine seasons with the New York Rangers, Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, and the Avalanche.

THE ATHLETIC: Carter Yakemchuk is hoping to crack the Ottawa Senators’ roster this season. The Senators need depth among their right-side defensemen, something the 19-year-old Yakemchuk hopes to address. A skilled puck-mover, he’s been working on improving his defensive game since last season.

KARPAT.FI: Former NHL defenseman Markus Nutivaara is staging a comeback with Finnish team Karpat, signing a one-year contract with his hometown club. The 31-year-old retired two years ago due to hip surgeries. His last game was with the Florida Panthers in 2021-22.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 30, 2025

by | Jul 30, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 30, 2025

The effect of Kyle Connor’s next contract on the Jets, the latest on Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy, the wild cards on the Canadiens’ roster, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau observed that the Winnipeg Jets have had little difficulty getting core players like Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele, and Josh Morrissey to accept less money to stay in Winnipeg. However, Kyle Connor could become an exception.

Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor (NHL Images).

Connor is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. The 28-year-old winger currently earns an average annual value (AAV) of $7.14 million. Over five of the NHL’s last five full seasons, he’s never had less than 31 goals. Last season, he netted 41 goals and set career highs with 56 assists and 97 points.

If Connor is willing to accept between $9 million and $9.5 million on his next contract, it would be a significant win for the Jets. However, there’s no guarantee he will accept such a deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Connor has been a bargain for the Jets on his current contract. He’ll be seeking a substantial raise that will exceed $10 million, especially if he has another 40-goal campaign.

The salary cap will rise to $104 million for 2025-26, the first season of Connor’s next contract. Winnipeg has a projected $47.8 million in cap space, though that could shrink by around $5 million if they manage to re-sign Dylan Samberg to a contract. Nevertheless, they’ll have enough to re-sign Connor to a substantial raise if they want to.

Winnipeg lost Nikolaj Ehlers to free agency this summer. They’ll do what they can to avoid the same fate with Connor, but that depends on his asking price.

BOSTON HERALD: Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is eager to return to action after his 2024-25 campaign was cut short by a shoulder injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off in February.

McAvoy said he’s focused his offseason training on getting healthy and regaining his form. He indicated that he has accomplished a lot with his off-ice training and is starting to ramp things up on the ice.

The 27-year-old defenseman anticipates he’ll be ready for training camp in September. It’s expected he’ll be taking on a larger leadership role with the Bruins, along with teammate David Pastrnak.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins hope for a bounce-back performance in 2025-26 after an injury-ravaged season knocked them out of playoff contention last season. A healthy McAvoy will be crucial to their postseason hopes.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Brendan Kelly believes questions surround Canadiens forwards Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, and Patrik Laine for 2025-26.

The oft-injured Dach is trying to get his career back on track as he’ll again try to nail down the second-line center position. Newhook must bring more than speed to his game to improve the dynamic of the Canadiens’ forward group. As for Laine, Kelly believes the Habs will be almost guaranteed to become a playoff contender if the big Finnish winger can regain his high-scoring ways.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens’ core of young talent should be a contender if they continue improving and stay healthy. Nevertheless, getting better performances from Dach, Newhook ,and Laine will also be crucial to nailing down another postseason berth.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes promising Canucks prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki would benefit from another season with their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

The 21-year-old right winger had 29 points in 36 AHL regular-season games and seven points in 16 Calder Cup playoff games. At times, however, the 5’11”, 172-pounder struggled and looked tired down the stretch as he adjusted to the North American pace.

Kuzma pointed out the Canucks are currently well-stocked on the right wing this season with Brock Boeser, Conor Garland, and Kiefer Sherwood. He believes it wouldn’t do Lekkerimaki any good to be skating on their fourth line.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lekkerimaki could force the issue if he has a strong training camp. Still, it wouldn’t hurt him to spend another season in Abbotsford. He’s waiver-exempt so there’s no fear of losing him to waivers this season.

CALGARY SUN: Flames prospect Zayne Parekh will skip the rest of Team Canada’s mid-summer camp for precautionary reasons related to a lower-body injury.

The 19-year-old defenseman has returned to Calgary to follow up with the Flames’ medical staff. He’s expected to be a full participant at their training camp in September.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Former Sabres head coach Ted Nolan is being recognized for his work in hockey and with Canada’s Indigenous communities. On Oct. 29, Nolan will receive Canada’s Order of Sport Award, marking his induction into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Nolan coached the Sabres from 1995 to 1997, winning the Jack Adams Award in 1996-97 as NHL Coach of the Year. He coached them again from 2013 to 2015.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 29, 2025

by | Jul 29, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 29, 2025

The latest on Mario Lemieux’s attempt to repurchase the Penguins, an update on Jets defenseman Dylan Samberg’s arbitration filing, the Canadiens avoid arbitration with Jayden Struble, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe provides more details behind the attempt to purchase the Pittsburgh Penguins by a group led by Mario Lemieux.

Lemieux was co-owner of the franchise with partners Ron Burkle and David Morehouse from 1999 until 2021, when they sold the majority stake to Fenway Sports Group (FSG) for $900 million.

Former Pittsburgh Penguins captain and co-owner Mario Lemieux (NHL.com).

The Lemieux group has not yet made an offer or discussed one with FSG. Yohe anticipates those talks could be coming soon.

FSG is reportedly only seeking a minority investor to join in its ownership of the Penguins. However, the Lemieux group prefers a majority stake in the team.

According to Yohe, expansion is one reason behind the Lemieux group’s interest in buying back the Penguins. The NHL is expected to add two new teams within the next couple of years, with Houston and Atlanta mentioned as potential destinations. Each team could pay as much as $2 billion in expansion fees, which would be evenly split among the existing 32 franchises.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yohe anticipates FSG’s asking price for the Penguins will be much higher than the $900 million they paid for the franchise.

Sportico had the Penguins’ value at $1.47 billion last October. Statistica has its current value at $1.75 billion.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported Dylan Samberg and the Jets have filed their arbitration numbers for the 2025-26 season.

The Samberg camp set their number at $6 million, while the Jets settled at $2.5 million. His arbitration hearing is set for Wednesday, July 30.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a significant gap between the two sides. Nevertheless, they could reach an agreement before Wednesday’s hearing.

Samberg completed a two-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $1.4 million. If this goes before an arbitrator, he will receive a one-year contract, making him eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: The Canadiens avoided arbitration with defenseman Jayden Struble as the two sides agreed to a two-year, one-way contract worth an AAV of $1.412 million. Struble, 23, was slated to have an arbitration hearing on August 3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Samberg and Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson are the only players with scheduled arbitration hearings. Robertson’s is slated for August 2.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Aaron Ekblad remains pleased that he and the Panthers were able to get a contract extension done. The 28-year-old defenseman was eligible to become a UFA on July 1, but the two sides agreed to an eight-year, $48.8 million extension on June 30.

Some insiders reported there was a sense that Ekblad and the Panthers were far apart in contract negotiations, sparking speculation he’d end up on the open market. He admitted the signing was a huge weight off his shoulders that he’d been carrying last season, but he wasn’t close to leaving the Panthers.

“It was always Florida,” Ekblad said. “I don’t think you guys understand; Florida is home.” He added that it meant the world to him to spend his entire NHL career with one team, adding that he has a lot of pride and expectations for his career over the next eight years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ekblad has been the linchpin of the Panthers’ defense corps. His contract could become burdensome to their salary cap over the final years of the deal, as could those of Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand, who the Panthers also re-signed.

Nevertheless, the Panthers felt it was worthwhile to keep their Stanley Cup window open, especially with the salary cap projected to rise significantly in the next several years.

RG.ORG: Anaheim Ducks prospect forward Beckett Sennecke had a big season with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals. Chosen third overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, he had 86 points in 56 regular-season games in 2024-25, followed by 32 points in 18 playoff games as the Generals reached the OHL Finals.

The Ducks have maintained close contact with Sennecke, helping him improve his strength and puck protection. He will remain patient, saying he’s open to whatever path they believe is best for his development.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sennecke, 19, could make the jump this season if he has a strong training camp and preseason.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 28, 2025

by | Jul 28, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 28, 2025

The latest on Nicklas Backstrom, Oilers GM Stan Bowman defends his lengthy contract for Trent Frederic, the Sabres avoid arbitration with Conor Timmins, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Former Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom is expected to resume his playing career where it began in Sweden.

Swedish Hockey League (SHL) club Brynas IF is expected to hold a press conference on July 28 to announce the signing of the 37-year-old Backstrom to a one-year contract.

Former Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (NHL Images).

Backstrom stepped away from the NHL eight games into the 2023-24 season amid complications arising from hip resurfacing surgery he underwent in 2022.

A first-round pick (fourth overall) by Washington in the 2006 NHL Draft, Backstrom played three seasons with Brynas IF from 2004-05 to 2006-07. He headed to the NHL in 2007-08, amassing 271 goals and 762 assists for 1,033 points over 17 seasons with the Capitals, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2018.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s unlikely that this will lead to a return to the NHL for Backstrom. It’s more of an opportunity to finish his career with his hometown team.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers general manager Stan Bowman defended his signing of forward Trent Frederic to an eight-year contract extension worth an average annual value (AAV) of $3.85 million.

Bowman acquired the 6’3”, 220-pound Frederic before the March 2025 trade deadline. He praised the 27-year-old’s character, physical play, and scoring touch, citing in part his 18-goal, 40-point performance with the Boston Bruins in 2023-24.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The AAV in Frederic’s contract is affordable, especially with the salary cap rising significantly. However, the length of the deal still raised eyebrows.

As long as Frederic remains a decent checking-line forward, it shouldn’t be much of an issue. However, it could still become a burden for their salary cap payroll as his performance declines during the latter half of the deal.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres avoided salary arbitration with Conor Timmins, signing the 26-year-old defenseman to a two-year contract with an AAV of $2.2 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Timmins’ arbitration hearing was scheduled for Aug. 2. Three players – Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dylan Samberg, Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nicholas Robertson, and Montreal Canadiens blueliner Jayden Struble – are slated for hearings.

Samberg’s is July 30, Robertson’s is August 2, and Struble’s is August 3. Like the other players who filed for arbitration, those three will likely sign new contracts with their respective clubs before those dates.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Former NHL defenseman Chris Chelios was named to the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. He spent nearly 10 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, helping win the Stanley Cup in 2002 and 2008.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A 26-season NHL veteran and a three-time winner of the Norris Trophy, Chelios was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Former NHL forward Peter Mueller announced his retirement at age 37.

Chosen sixth overall in the 2006 NHL Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes, Mueller had a promising rookie season in 2007-08 with 22 goals and 54 points in 82 games.

However, injuries would hamper his performance during his five-season NHL career with the Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers until 2012-13. He finished with 63 goals and 160 points in 297 games.

Apart from one season in the AHL, Mueller spent the remainder of his professional playing career in Europe. He won a championship with Brno Kometa in Czechia last season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 27, 2025

by | Jul 27, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 27, 2025

The top remaining unrestricted free agents, the Blackhawks avoid arbitration with Arvid Soderblom, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin listed the notable players remaining on his list of the top unrestricted free agents.

Former Carolina Hurricanes forward Jack Roslovic (NHL Images).

Forward Jack Roslovic, defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, and winger Max Pacioretty are the top three, followed by winger Victor Olofsson, goaltender James Reimer, winger Luke Kunin, goalie Ilya Samsonov, and center Evgeny Kuznetsov.

Other noteworthy players include goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, winger Robby Fabbri, defenseman Jan Rutta, and winger Conor Sheary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sheary signed a professional tryout offer with the New York Rangers last week. Nevertheless, he’s still a UFA and can sign a contract with another team.

Sheary is the first player in this summer’s UFA class to ink a PTO contract. Several of the players on this list could follow his lead before training camps open in September.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: The Blackhawks avoided salary arbitration with Arvid Soderblom, as the two sides agreed to a two-year, $5.5 million contract. The average annual value (AAV) is $2.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Soderblom’s arbitration hearing was scheduled for July 28.

As of July 6, 11 players had filed for arbitration, and two (Bowen Byram of the Buffalo Sabres and Jack McBain of the Utah Mammoth) were to be taken to arbitration by their teams.

Entering this week, nine of the players and their teams avoided arbitration by reaching agreements on new contracts. Four – Dylan Samberg of the Winnipeg Jets, Conor Timmins of the Sabres, Nicholas Robertson of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Jayden Struble of the Montreal Canadiens – remain scheduled for hearings.

Don’t be surprised if the remaining four end up re-signing with their teams before their scheduled hearings.

DAILY FACEOFF: Michael Remis of Winnipeg Sports Talk doesn’t expect the Winnipeg Jets to make any significant additions over the rest of this summer.

Remis believes the Jets will take a step back this season without Nikolaj Ehlers, who signed with the Carolina Hurricanes earlier this month. They added center Jonathan Toews and forward Gustav Nyquist on one-year contracts.

Toews is attempting a comeback after missing the last two seasons with health issues. Nyquist’s production declined with the Nashville Predators and Minnesota Wild last season.

The Jets have lots of salary-cap space, but Remis said he’s heard that they’re not planning to add to the roster over the remainder of the offseason. They’ve set aside money for Toews’ bonuses and a new contract for Dylan Samberg, which could leave them with $4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff could prefer letting that cap space accrue during the season to address any roster issues that arise before the March trade deadline.

The Jets won the Presidents’ Trophy last season. Losing Ehlers will hurt their offense, but the rest of the roster is mostly intact. They should remain among the top teams in the Western Conference this season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 26, 2025

by | Jul 26, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 26, 2025

Corey Perry looks forward to returning to Southern California, the Islanders avoid arbitration with Maxim Tsyplakov, the Rangers sign Conor Sheary to a tryout offer, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Corey Perry is pumped about playing for a Southern California team again. The 40-year-old winger signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings earlier this month.

Former Edmonton Oilers forward Corey Perry (NHL Images).

Perry began his NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks in 2005-06, spending 14 seasons with them. He helped the Ducks win the Stanley Cup in 2007 and won the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Maurice Richard Trophy in 2010-11.

“It’s another new chapter, and I’m excited,” Perry said. “And it’s an area I know very well.” He acknowledged his time with the Ducks, saying it was a significant part of his career and life, and would always be.

“Going back to California, we know it’s not the exact same place, but it’s still exciting to go back to Southern California. We’re looking forward to it.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Perry is still searching for that elusive second Stanley Cup title. At this stage of Perry’s career, this season with the Kings could be his last.

NEW YORK POST: The Islanders avoided salary arbitration with Maxim Tsyplakov as the two sides agreed to a two-year contract worth an average annual value (AAV) of $2.25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tsyplakov’s arbitration hearing was scheduled for July 29. He was the Isles’ last remaining restricted free agent.

Meanwhile, the New York Rangers signed Conor Sheary to a professional tryout offer (PTO). The 33-year-old winger spent most of last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning’s AHL affiliate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning terminated the final season of Sheary’s contract, making him an unrestricted free agent (UFA). He won two Stanley Cups with Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan during their tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Speaking of the Rangers, forward Brett Berard revealed he suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder last November. The injury lingered throughout the 2024-25 season. Berard, 22, said he didn’t require surgery and is now healthy as he prepares for training camp in September.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche made a minor trade with the San Jose Sharks, shipping winger Oskar Olausson to the Sharks for winger Danil Gushchin.

Olausson, 22, was a first-round pick (28th overall) by the Avalanche in 2021. He appeared in only four games with the Avalanche since 2022-23. Gushchin appeared in 18 NHL games with the Sharks over the same period.