NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 26, 2024

by | Aug 26, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 26, 2024

More details on why the Flyers terminated Ryan Johansen’s contract, Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki on how the addition of Patrik Laine should help his club, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman shed more light on why the Philadelphia Flyers terminated Ryan Johansen’s contract last week citing a material breach.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Ryan Johansen (NHL Images).

“I don’t like to question injuries, especially since anyone who’s played 905 games (like Johansen) is guaranteed to have legitimate ones. I’m told the key will be everyone navigating how he went from not missing games and practices in Colorado to how he was unable to play for either Philadelphia or AHL Lehigh Valley. The timing is a little weird, which probably has something to do with video of Johansen dancing at his wedding. Again, I wouldn’t try to handicap this, except for saying the NHL and NHLPA hate risking precedent from an arbitrator, so a settlement is always the preference without an air-tight case.”

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey noted Johansen played in 63 games with the Colorado Avalanche last season before getting traded to the Flyers on March 6.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers reportedly attempted to send Johansen to their AHL affiliate in Lehigh Valley following the trade. He informed them of his injury which prevented that move and kept him sidelined for the rest of the season.

Johansen’s agent vowed to fight his client’s contract termination. He claims the 32-year-old forward has a “severe hockey injury” scheduled for surgery, adding his client worked “in good faith” with the Flyers, its medical staff, and authorized third-party physicians.

THE ATHLETIC: Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki believes adding Patrik Laine will improve his team’s roster this season. The Canadiens acquired the 26-year-old winger last week from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“I think we can beat anybody,” said Suzuki last Thursday. “I thought last year we competed against really good teams all the time.” The 25-year-old Canadiens captain believes adding Laine and a healthy Kirby Dach makes their forward unit “look pretty scary.”

Suzuki contacted Laine following the trade, telling the winger he’d be a “great addition.” He added that Laine is excited about joining the Canadiens and ready to go.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A motivated Laine and the return of Dach should bolster the Canadiens offense which relied heavily on the top line of Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky for the bulk of its production last season. If both players stay healthy they’ll provide the Habs with much-needed scoring depth.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of the Canadiens, a local restaurant chain created a burger honoring Arber Xhekaj called “The Sheriff”, taken from the defenseman’s nickname. Xhekaj appeared in the promotion holding the burger, but the restaurant had to edit the picture to make the blueliner’s huge hands appear smaller so as not to dwarf the product.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: A torn hamstring will sidelined Jaromir Jagr for six weeks, forcing him to miss the start of Rytiri Kladno’s season in the Czech Extraliga. The 52-year-old former NHL star and future Hall-of-Famer owns the club and had hoped to play in every game for them this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jagr’s spent the past seven seasons playing for Kladno since ending his 24-year NHL career midway through the 2017-18 season.

TSN: The American Hockey League last week announced it has mandated cut-resistant gear for all its players and on-ice officials.

The decision was made after former AHL and NHL player Adam Johnson died when his throat was cut by a skate during a game in England’s Elite Ice Hockey League.

The Canadian Hockey League instituted a similar policy last November. USA Hockey implemented a policy that dictates all players 18 years and younger to wear neck protection in all games and practices.

The NHL does not yet have a similar policy but numerous players started wearing neck guards following the incident.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 25, 2024

by | Aug 25, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 25, 2024

Questions persist about the future of Sharks captain Logan Couture, the Hughes brothers are on the cover of EA Sports’ new hockey video game, former Bruins star Zdeno Chara becomes an Ironman, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports it’s unclear if San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture will be on the ice when training camp opens in September.

Couture, 35, missed 76 games last season with a sometimes debilitating groin injury known as osteitis pubis, an inflammation in the joint between his left and right pubic bones.

San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture (NHL Images)

The Sharks captain has yet to begin skating but general manager Mike Grier said the team has a plan for him, adding that Couture remains in a good place mentally. He’s enjoying being back in the gym with his teammates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Couture is about to enter his 16th NHL season. Given the recent significant changes for the Sharks in their rebuilding process, they’re looking to their captain to bring stability and leadership to the roster.

Whether Couture is physically capable of resuming his playing career remains to be seen. It was assumed he would be skating by now. It will become concerning if he’s not on the ice when training camp opens in mid-September.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes joined his brothers Jack and Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils on the cover of EA Sports’ NHL 25 videogame. They are the first siblings to grace the cover of an EA Sports title.

SPORTSNET: Former NHL defenseman Zdeno Chara completed his first Ironman triathlon last Saturday. He said the 3.7-kilometre swim, 180-km bike ride, and marathon run pushed him to his limits as hockey did.

Since retiring from the NHL two years ago, the 47-year-old Chara completed eight marathons and a half Ironman before completing the full Ironman marathon.

Chara’s next challenge is the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, in October.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chara is a physical freak and I mean that in a good way. It’s no wonder he had an NHL career that lasted 24 seasons.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Dallas Stars broadcasters Daryl “Razor” Reaugh and Josh Bogorad were signed to contract extensions on Wednesday. They’ve been the broadcast duo for Stars television and radio broadcasts for the last seven seasons.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Former Sabres player Justin Falk has joined the team as a scout. Falk, 35, spent 10 seasons in the NHL with the Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Sabres, and Ottawa Senators between 2009-10 and 2018-19.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 24, 2024

by | Aug 24, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 24, 2024

The Predators trade Yaroslav Askarov to the Sharks, Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won’t be ready for preseason, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW/SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Predators traded Yaroslav Askarov on Friday to the San Jose Sharks.

The Sharks received Askarov, minor-league forward Nolan Burke, and a 2025 third-round pick (originally from the Colorado Avalanche), while the Predators received prospect forward David Edstrom, goaltender Magnus Chrona, and a conditional 2025 first-rounder that originally belonged to the Vegas Golden Knights.

If that first-round pick falls within the top 10, the Sharks have the right to transfer Vegas’ pick or its own to the Predators.

PUCKPEDIA: The Sharks signed Askarov to a two-year, $4 million contract extension starting in 2025-26. The average annual value is $2 million.

Nashville Predators trade goaltender Yaroslav Askarov to the San Jose Sharks (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This move comes less than a week after the 22-year-old Askarov requested a trade after telling Predators management he wouldn’t report to their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee.

THE TENNESSEAN: Predators general manager Barry Trotz knew he’d have to move Askarov at some point after signing starting goalie Juuse Saros to an eight-year contract extension in July. However, the young netminder’s trade request forced Trotz to move the young netminder sooner than preferred.

Trotz had had discussions with the Askarov camp for several weeks about a trade but the club wanted time to develop his game before doing so. After Askarov’s request became public, Trotz felt he had to move him sooner rather than have an unhappy goalie become an unnecessary distraction.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Sharks general manager Mike Grier conferred with his goaltending staff (Evgeny Nabokov, Thomas Speer and Ryan Miller) for their assessment of Askarov’s ability as a goaltender and his character. He also said he wasn’t worried about the goalie’s emotional side, saying he believes it can be harnessed the right way.

The Sharks already have netminders Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek under contract for this season. Grier isn’t ruling out starting the season with three goalies on the roster. Vanecek underwent offseason surgery for a lower-body injury but is expected to be ready for training camp next month.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Askarov has a more certain path to the NHL in San Jose than he would’ve had in Nashville. He addresses the Sharks’ need for a goalie with starter potential within their prospect system. The young netminder could become part of the Sharks’ future core that one day turns this rebuilding club into a Western Conference powerhouse again.

Askarov has two full seasons of AHL experience and believes he’s NHL-ready now. He could end up joining the Sharks’ AHL affiliate for this season but that two-year extension with its $2 million AAV ensures he’ll be a full-time NHLer by next season at the latest.

Trotz may have preferred taking more time to develop Askarov and improve his trade value but the Predators GM still got a decent return. The Predators have three first-rounders in next year’s draft, one or two of which could be used as trade chips to address more immediate roster needs. Edstrom is a former first-round pick of the Golden Knights and has potential as a two-way center. Chrona will replace Askarov on their AHL affiliate.

SPORTSNET: cited a report by The Athletic’s Rick Dhaliwal and Thomas Drance indicating Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko won’t be ready for training camp or preseason as he continues to rehab an injured knee.

Demko’s status for the Canucks’ season-opener against the Calgary Flames remains uncertain, but the club hopes he’ll be ready by then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s sparked speculation the Canucks could head into the trade or free-agent markets for additional depth between the pipes. Playoff hero Arturs Silovs and Jiri Patera are their current netminders in Demko’s absence. I’ll have more about this situation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE SCORE: Don Waddell is attempting to change the culture of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

He took over as their general manager and president of hockey operations in May. Since then, he replaced head coach Pascal Vincent with Dean Evason and traded unhappy winger Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens.

In an interview with NHL.com, Waddell indicated that some people within the organization had succumbed to a culture of losing.

“The one thing, I’m not saying it was everybody, but losing was acceptable (here) and losing is not acceptable,” said Waddell. “We have a ways to go building this, but our goal every year should be to win the Stanley Cup, not just to win some games. It’s a mindset.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Waddell faces a daunting challenge. The Blue Jackets have only reached the playoffs six times in 23 seasons, the last being 2019-20. They’ve got plenty of promising young players and established stars like Johnny Gaudreau and Zach Werenski to work with, but they need the right direction and work ethic to put it all together.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Vegas Golden Knights will visit Mexico in September to stage hockey clinics and fan activities. The club hopes to expand its fan base and the sport’s popularity.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Former Red Wings masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov died of cancer in Florida at age 71. He suffered debilitating brain injuries from a limousine crash that also permanently injured Wings defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov less than a week following the Wings’ 1997 Stanley Cup championship. He was also paralyzed from the waist down.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Mnatsakanov’s family, friends, and the Red Wings organization.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 23, 2024

by | Aug 23, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 23, 2024

The Jets and Penguins swap top prospects McGroarty and Yager plus the latest on Valeri Nichushkin, Travis Konecny, Anthony Duclair and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

WINNIPEG SUN/PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Winnipeg Jets traded prospect winger Rutger McGroarty to the Pittsburgh Penguins for prospect center Brayden Yager.

McGroarty, 20, was the Jets’ first-round pick (14th overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft. He’s spent the past two seasons with the University of Michigan and had hoped to join the Jets this season but that club intended to start him with their AHL affiliate.

Pittsburgh Penguins acquire Rutger McGroarty. (NHL Images).

The disagreement with the Jets over the timeline of McGroarty’s path indicated he’d return to Michigan this season, sparking rumors he’d welcome a trade to a club where he’d have a better opportunity of playing in the NHL. McGroarty signed an entry-level deal with the Penguins following this trade.

Yager was selected 14th overall by the Penguins in the 2023 draft. The 19-year-old center spent the past four seasons with the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors. He signed an entry-level contract with the Penguins last month. He was touted as a second-line center and was expected to battle for a roster spot in training camp next month.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McGroarty’s unhappiness over the Jets’ plans for his development forced them to make this move. The Penguins did this deal because he’s a year ahead of Yager, a little larger physically, and believed to be a year closer to reaching the NHL. He could bring a welcome injection of youthful skill and physicality into the retooling Penguins’ roster.

A Saskatchewan native, Yager said he’s thrilled to join a Canadian team close to his family. He has the speed and ability to one day become a scoring center with the Jets.

In the short term, both teams won because they addressed their respective needs by swapping their top prospects. Time will tell how this deal pans out over the long term.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Evan Rawal cites an interview by Russian national team scout Sergey Fedotov with Sports.ru claiming Valeri Nichushkin will return to the Colorado Avalanche in November.

Nichushkin, 29, is currently in stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program and is suspended until November.

Fedotov claims to be close to Nichushkin. He said the winger is training and also working with a psychologist in anticipation of rejoining the Avalanche when his suspension ends in November.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fedotov also claims the Avs owner wanted to get rid of Nichushkin, adding some players and people in management would also prefer if he didn’t return. However, Rawal suggests those comments should be taken with a grain of salt, pointing out that the Avs can’t terminate Nichushkin’s contract, aren’t interested in trading him, and hope to rehabilitate him.

NEW YORK POST/NYI HOCKEY NOW: New Islanders winger Anthony Duclair cut his dreadlocks and shaved his beard to comply with the club’s dress code.

Duclair signed a four-year contract with the Islanders as a free agent last month. Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello has a long-standing policy regarding his players’ hair and facial hair designed to promote team discipline and unity, putting no individual above the team.

Lamoriello’s rules have come under criticism by some observers, considering the policy outdated and unnecessary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As a military veteran, part of me doesn’t have a problem with Lamoriello’s dress code as part of the job. On the other hand, I can understand why his critics consider his policy archaic and out of touch with today’s NHL.

I’m more interested in Duclair’s opinion. He knew Lamoriello’s dress code for his players before signing with them and doesn’t seem to have an issue with it.

Lamoriello contacted Duclair’s agent hoping to sign the 28-year-old winger to bolster the Isles’ offense. Being wanted by a team willing to invest in him for four years was perhaps more important to Duclair than the club’s hair policy.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Reports indicate a home believed to be owned by Flyers winger Travis Konecny in New Jersey suffered a devastating fire. Konecny and his family weren’t in the residence at the time of the blaze.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report also indicated two firefighters suffered minor burns but didn’t require additional treatment. The cause of the blaze wasn’t disclosed and is under investigation.

TSN: Veteran forward Sammy Blais signed with the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks and will attend the Vancouver Canucks’ training camp on a professional tryout offer (PTO). Blais, 28, had seven points in 53 games with the St. Louis Blues last season.

The Penguins signed defenseman Nikolai Knyzhov to a PTO contract. He appeared in 10 games last season with the San Jose Sharks.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 22, 2024

by | Aug 22, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 22, 2024

Golden Knights captain Mark Stone believes people want to see his team fail, plus updates on Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko, Rangers netminder Igor Shesterkin, Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone believes his team’s Stanley Cup window remains open despite the offseason departures of key players like Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson.

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone (NHL Images).

“As I’m older I realize that people are going to put a bullseye on our back because they want to see us fail,” said Stone. “We haven’t failed too much in our history. People want to see the Golden Knights crash and burn…I think the foundation we build doesn’t really allow for that to happen. So, I’m feeling confident.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights’ critics want them to fail because they’ve been successful quickly. They’ve been labeled “cheaters” for using long-term injury reserve for cap space over the last two years to add players to their roster for the playoffs.

I understand the envy, especially from those enduring years or decades of their own teams’ mediocrity and failure. However, smart management was behind the Golden Knights’ success from day one. It’s not their fault if some rival clubs are lacking in that department.

Accusing the Golden Knight of “cheating” is sour grapes. Every team is allowed to utilize LTIR. People hate when another club uses it to their advantage but it’s perfectly fine when your club uses it. Perhaps the LTIR rules will be amended to apply to the postseason in the next round of collective bargaining but the Golden Knights did nothing wrong by following the current CBA rules.

Nevertheless, the Golden Knights’ critics could still get their wish this season. Their expensive high-risks moves have mostly panned out, but this year it cost them some core players. Management has gutted their prospect pipeline trading away future assets for immediate help. They’re pressed against the cap this season, giving them little wiggle room to address roster issues as they arise, posing a serious challenge for management.

THE PROVINCE: InGoal Magazine’s Kevin Woodley told Sportsnet 650 that he doesn’t expect Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko will be ready for training camp next month. Woodley also believes Demko underwent some surgical procedure this summer.

Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre reported the Canucks expect Demko to be ready for the start of the season. However, the club remains silent on his condition. Demko injured his knee early in the 2024 playoffs and didn’t return, though reports claimed he was close to returning to action when the Canucks were eliminated from the second round by the Edmonton Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speculation will persist about Demko’s status until Canucks management formally addresses it. Training camp opens in mid-September.

TSN: Speaking of the Canucks, they promoted Marko Torenius as their new goaltending coach. He was the development and goaltending coach of their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford. Ian Clark, their previous head goalie coach and director of goaltender, asked for a new position within the organization. He’s now a goalie scout and development coach.

RG.ORG: Daria Tuboltseva interviewed New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin. His contract extension negotiations were among their topics of discussion.

Shesterkin said his agent is talking with Rangers general manager Chris Drury. “I can’t say anything else. For me, the most important thing now is preparing for the season and being 100 percent ready mentally and physically,” he said. “An exciting season is ahead, and the agent will discuss the contract.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shesterkin’s answer is the standard one coming from the camps of other big stars eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next summer. They include Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl, and Toronto Maple Leafs forwards Mitch Marner and John Tavares.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers announced Jeff Malcolm has been promoted as their full-time goaltending coach. Malcolm spent the past three years as goalie coach of their AHL affiliate in Hartford. He replaced Benoit Allaire, who is scaling back his duties and remains as their director of goaltending.

THE SCORE: Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky is pleased with the club’s acquisition of winger Patrik Laine. He thinks Montreal will be a great place for the 26-year-old winger to restart his career.

TVA SPORTS: Speaking of Slafkovsky, the Canadiens are preventing him from participating in his native Slovakia’s Olympic qualifiers because of a slight back discomfort. The injury isn’t serious but the club isn’t taking any chances as their decision is considered a preventative measure.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A breakout performance is anticipated for Slafkovsky following last season’s 20-goal, 50-point output. The Canadiens are hoping to take a big step forward in their rebuilding this season and Slafkovsky and Laine are expected to play significant roles.

TSN: The Columbus Blue Jackets signed restricted free agent Cole Sillinger to a two-year, $4.5 million contract. The average annual value is $2.25 million.

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz recently cited a source claiming Philadelphia Flyers goalie prospect Alexei Kolosov would prefer to be loaned to KHL team Dinamo Minsk this season. The 22-year-old Kolosov believes staying in the KHL will be better for his development.

However, the Flyers aren’t interested in doing that or terminating his contract. He has two years remaining on his contract and technically cannot play in the KHL without their consent. They expect Kolosov to play for the AHL affiliate in Lehigh Valley.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 21, 2024

by | Aug 21, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 21, 2024

The Flyers intend to terminate Ryan Johansen’s contract, the Kraken signed Matty Beniers to a seven-year contract, concerns are raised over Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko’s readiness for this season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers announced Tuesday they were placing center Ryan Johansen on unconditional waivers to terminate his contract due to a “material breach.”

Johansen, 32, was acquired by the Flyers from the Colorado Avalanche on March 6. He was placed on waivers to be sent to their AHL affiliate in Lehigh Valley. However, he missed the remainder of the season with a hip injury despite playing his final game with the Avs two days before the trade.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Ryan Johansen (NHL Images).

Kurt Overhardt, Johansen’s agent, released a statement claiming his client has a severe hockey injury and is scheduled for surgery. He indicated his client has been working “in good faith” with the club, its medical staff, and authorized third-party physicians.

Calling the Flyers’ move “disappointing,”, Overhardt stated he’s been in contact with the NHL Players’ Association to defend his client and his rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Johansen camp intends to contest the contract termination by filing a grievance. This will drag out for several weeks before a decision is reached.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Flyers’ termination of Johansen’s contract could create additional salary cap space for the Nashville Predators. They retained half his $8 million contract when they traded him to the Colorado Avalanche last summer.

Johansen is in the final year of his eight-year contract. If a mediator rules in favor of the Flyers, it will clear $4 million from the Predators’ books for 2024-25.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: The Kraken signed Matty Beniers to a seven-year, $50 million contract. Beniers, 21, was a restricted free agent. The average annual value is $7.142 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Beniers won the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2022-23 with 24 goals and 57 points in 80 games, helping the Kraken reach the playoffs in their NHL second season. However, he followed up with a disappointing sophomore performance, netting 37 points in 77 games.

The Kraken are betting that Beniers’ 20-point slide last season was merely a blip in his development.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports the lack of offseason news about Thatcher Demko has raised media speculation over the health of the Vancouver Canucks goaltender,

Demko, 28, played in Game 1 of the Canucks’ first-round series before being sidelined by a lower-body injury. He missed the remainder of that series and the entirety of their second-round matchup with the Edmonton Oilers but was reportedly close to returning to action before that series ended.

On July 1, Canucks GM Patrik Allvin claimed Demko would be ready for training camp. However, CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reported Tuesday that the netminder is progressing but there’s no timetable for when he’ll be 100 percent healthy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston suggested the Canucks could end this speculation by publishing a statement about Demko’s health. Meanwhile, Dhaliwal speculated they might “continue to poke around the goalie market again” seeking insurance between the pipes.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said limited salary cap space was why his club opted not to match the offer sheets signed last week by Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway with the St. Louis Blues.

Bowman said the decision wasn’t reflective of Broberg and Holloway but rather concerns over the club’s short and long-term salary cap flexibility. The Oilers must ensure they have sufficient cap space to re-sign Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard next summer and Connor McDavid in 2026.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Over the weekend, the Oilers acquired winger Vasily Podkolzin from the Canucks and shipped defenseman Cody Ceci to San Jose for blueliner Ty Emberson. Those moves were to address the imminent departures of Broberg and Holloway.

SPORTSNET: Blues GM Doug Armstrong dismissed the belief that he wouldn’t have signed Broberg and Holloway to offer sheets if his friend Ken Holland remained as Oilers general manager.

Armstrong claimed that was the furthest from the truth. “Honestly, I’d do it to my mother if she was managing the Oilers.”

He also laughed off the notion that there was an agreement among general managers not to target each other’s players with offer sheets. “I’ve read what people are writing – if there is a GM code not to do offer sheets, nobody emailed it to me.” He added that offer sheets are a tool everyone uses, “and should use.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: General managers rarely share their true intentions about trades or player signings with friendly pundits. Most trades and free-agent signings take place that media insiders never see coming.

Offer sheet signings are few and far between in the salary cap era. Most general managers prefer not to use that tool as Armstrong suggests. There could be more efforts to go that route but restricted free agents seem to favor negotiating with their clubs.

TSN: At the same time it was confirmed the Oilers wouldn’t match the offer sheets for Broberg and Holloway, the Blues traded prospect defenseman Paul Fischer and a 2028 third-round pick to the Oilers for future considerations.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Golden Knights signed free-agent forward Tanner Pearson to a professional tryout offer. An 11-season NHL veteran, the 32-year-old winger had 13 points in 54 games last season with the Montreal Canadiens.

CBC.CA: Allan Andrews, the founder of Andrews Hockey School in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, passed away on Monday at age 83.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon. Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand, and former NHL star (and PEI native) Brad Richards are among the graduates of Andrews Hockey School.

Following the news of Andrews’ death, Crosby and Richards praised the impact he and his hockey school had on their lives and careers.

Andrews was awarded the Order of Canada in 2017 and inducted into the PEI Hall of Fame in 2021.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My sincere condolences to Andrews’ family, friends, colleagues, and the staff and alumni of his hockey school.