NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 16, 2025

by | Feb 16, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 16, 2025

Team USA defeats Canada, Finland upsets Sweden in 4 Nations Face-Off action. Details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TEAM USA DEFEATS CANADA, SECURES SPOT IN CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

NHL.COM: The United States got two goals by Jake Guentzel while Dylan Larkin tallied the game-winner to defeat Canada 3-1 before a sellout crowd of 21, 015 fans at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Team USA winger Jake Guentzel (NHL.com).

Guentzel was named Player of the Game while teammate Connor Hellebuyck stopped 25 shots for the Americans. They have six points in the tournament, earning a spot in the Championship Game on Feb. 20 in Boston.

Connor McDavid opened the scoring in the first period for Canada, who outshot the Americans 26-23. This was the first game the Canadians have lost to the United States in a tournament featuring NHL players since the round-robin of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

TSN: The game got off to a raucous start with the Bell Centre crowd booing the American anthem, followed by three fights within the first 10 seconds of the game. The first tilt featured USA forward Matthew Tkachuk and Canadian winger Brandon Hagel, followed by Brady Tkachuk tangling with Sam Bennett, and American forward J.T. Miller scrapping with Canadian defenseman Colton Parayko.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Tkachuk brothers later said they and Miller engaged in those fights to “send a message” to the Canadians. It was something they planned during a group chat before the game.

NHL.COM: Matthew Tkachuk suffered a lower-body injury that forced him to sit out the final 12:36 of the third period. He later downplayed the injury but Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan said Tkachuk was still being evaluated by team doctors, leaving his status uncertain for Monday’s game against Sweden.

SPORTSNET: Canadian defenseman Cale Makar missed this game due to illness. He was replaced by Dallas Stars blueliner Thomas Harley.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a well-deserved victory for the Americans. Matthew Tkachuk said postgame that he and his teammates wanted to send the message to the Canadians that “it’s our time right now.” It was received loud and clear.

McDavid’s goal aside, Team USA did a masterful job shutting down Canada’s vaunted offense with their physical defensive play. They took away the middle of the ice and the shooting lanes and cleared traffic in front of Hellebuyck, who was superb between the pipes.

Following the game, McDavid said he and his Canadian teammates are determined for a rematch with the United States. That will depend on the outcome of Monday’s game against the Finns.

Makar could return to action for that game. Canada missed his offensive presence and puck-moving skills against the Americans.

The biggest question for Canada will be whether Binnington, Adin Hill, or Sam Montembault gets the start against the Finns. Binnington looked shaky at times during Canada’s win over Sweden. He didn’t play badly against Team USA but Guentzel’s game-tying goal was a softie that even he knew he should’ve stopped.

The tournament shifts to Boston with Canada facing Finland and the USA taking on Sweden on Monday, Feb. 17. The championship game will be held on Thursday, Feb. 20.

If Canada or Finland wins in regulation on Monday, they’ll face the Americans on Thursday. If either team wins in overtime or a shootout, Sweden can advance to the final with a regulation win over the Americans.

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Mikael Granlund lifted Finland to a 4-3 victory over Sweden during their afternoon game.

Anton Lundell, Mikko Rantanen and Aleksandar Barkov scored in regulation, Patrik Laine collected two assists and Kevin Lankinen turned aside 21 shots for Finland. Mika Zibanejad, Rasmus Dahlin and Erik Karlsson replied for Sweden. Filip Gustavsson left the Swedish net after the first period due to an illness, with Linus Ullmark stopping 15 of 17 shots the rest of the way.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canada-USA game overshadowed an entertaining back-and-forth contest between these long-time Nordic rivals.

The Swedes know their chances of reaching the championship game aren’t good. Karlsson praised the Finns’ game while lamenting his team’s inability to reach the standards they’d set for themselves.

Before the game, Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman spoke about the sporting rivalry between the two countries. “I think if you ask them, they say they’re the big brother. If you ask us, we’re the big brother.” Following the game, Laine replied, We’re the big brother now.”

IN OTHER NEWS…

RG.ORG: Hall-of-Fame winger Pavel Bure criticized the Vancouver Canucks’ handling of J.T. Miller during a discussion of his former club’s recent struggles. “If you’ve got a talented player who doesn’t fit into the team, that’s a failure of management,” said Bure. “If it gets to the point where you have to trade him, something has already gone wrong.”

THE PROVINCE: Speaking of the Canucks, season tickets will be rising by 11 percent for next season. Seats in the upper bowl of Rogers Arena will cost $6,900.00 CDN. The team said the increase covers ongoing renovations to the arena and their intention to keep pace with the rising salary cap.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The article notes the rising cap has little to do with the price increase and more to do with ownership’s belief they’re selling a luxury good, “a thing that their season ticket members value as a symbol, not as much as an experience.”

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Sidelined Canadiens defenseman David Reinbacher is close to returning from a knee injury suffered during preseason. The promising blueliner could start playing with their AHL affiliate in Laval by the end of February.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 15, 2025

by | Feb 15, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 15, 2025

Previewing Saturday’s 4 Nations Face-Off Games and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

4 NATIONS FACE-OFF NEWS

TSN/SPORTSNET/THE SCORE: Canada and the United States practiced Friday in preparation for their much-anticipated match-up on Saturday at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Players from both clubs look forward to the next chapter in the ongoing rivalry between the two hockey nations.

Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby called it a game that you love to be a part of, regardless of previous experience. “Excited for the challenge,” he said. Teammate Brad Marchand said there was no bigger rivalry. “They’re the games that everybody dreams about playing growing up.”

Matthew and Brady Tkachuk led Team USA to their 6-1 victory over Finland on Thursday. Brady considers Saturday’s tilt against Canada the biggest game he’s ever played in his career. “Bigger than just the guys on the ice,” he said.

The last time Matthew Tkachuk faced Canada was in a 4-2 victory for Team USA in the preliminary round of the 2016 World Junior Championship. “I think I’ve thought about this game for nine years, so we’ll be ready for it,” said Tkachuk.

Team USA center J.T. Miller expects his team to be fired up when they face Canada on their home turf. Teammate Noah Hanifin expects it will be the most intense environment he’s ever been a part of.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the marquee matchup of the tournament. The two clubs could also end up facing each other again in the championship game in Boston on Feb. 20.

Travis Sanheim will replace Shea Theodore on Canada’s defense. Theodore was sidelined by an upper-body injury in Canada’s 4-3 win over Sweden and is considered week-to-week.

Sam Bennett will replace Travis Konecny among Canada’s forward lines. He skated alongside Marchand during practice on Friday.

Canada’s top defenseman Cale Makar skipped Friday’s practice due to illness but is expected to play against the Americans on Saturday. Canada has been granted permission to bring in blueliner Thomas Harley if Makar remains sidelined.

Team Canada defenseman Drew Doughty spoke out against Canadian fans booing the American anthem before Thursday’s game between Team USA and Finland. “I know what’s going on and I understand Canadians’ frustration,” said Doughty. “But I think we should respect the anthems…I don’t think anyone should be booing.”

Canadian coach Jon Cooper hadn’t named his starting goalie for Saturday’s game. Jordan Binnington allowed three goals on 26 shots against Sweden on Wednesday. Adin Hill of the Vegas Golden Knights and Samuel Montembault of the Montreal Canadiens are Canada’s other goalies.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Is this a mind game Cooper is playing against the Americans or a genuine lack of confidence in Binnington on his part? We’ll know for sure by game time if not sooner.

NHL.COM: Kevin Lankinen of the Vancouver Canucks will get the start in goal for Finland in Saturday’s game against Sweden on Saturday at the Bell Centre in Montreal (1 PM ET). Juuse Saros gave up six goals on 31 shots against the Americans on Thursday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is a must-win game for Finland. A regulation loss will eliminate them from reaching the championship game on Feb. 20.

NHL.com writers selected Sweden’s Quarter-Century Team on Friday.

The First Team comprised goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, defensemen Nicklas Lidstrom and Erik Karlsson, and forwards Daniel and Henrik Sedin and Nicklas Backstrom.

The Second Team featured forwards Peter Forsberg, Mats Sundin and Henrik Zetterberg, defensemen Victor Hedman and Niklas Kronwall, and goalie Jacob Markstrom.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some might question why Forsberg and Sundin aren’t on the First Team. That’s because most of their best seasons occurred in the 1990s. Forsberg won the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Art Ross Trophy in 2002-03 but injuries hampered him throughout the first decade of this century.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NEW YORK POST: Kaapo Kakko has found the role with the Seattle Kraken that he always wanted with the Rangers. He’s seeing first-line duty alongside center Matty Beniers and winger Jaden Schwartz as well as playing on the top power-play unit. Following a period of adjustment where he scored one goal in his first three games, Kaako improved in his next 21 games with 16 points over that stretch.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski recently reported the Sabres have opened contract extension talks with Jason Zucker. The 33-year-old winger is currently on a one-year, $5 million deal.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars signed versatile forward Sam Steel to a two-year, $4.2 million contract extension. The average annual value is $2.1 million beginning in 2025-26.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins traded minor-league winger Corey Andonovski to the St. Louis Blues organization for minor-league forward Mathias Laferriere.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 14, 2025

by | Feb 14, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 14, 2025

Team USA thumps Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off, a potential replacement for sidelined Canadian defenseman Shea Theodore is revealed, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

NHL.COM: Brady and Matthew Tkachuk scored twice and Zach Werenski collected three assists to lead the United States to a 6-1 victory over Finland. Matthew also collected an assist to finish the night with three points.

Team USA forwards Matthew and Brady Tkachuk (NHL.com).

Finland opened the scoring with a first-period goal by Henri Jokiharju but Brady tied the game midway through the frame. Matt Boldy’s second-period goal proved to be the game-winner.

The Americans blew it open in the third period with Matthew Tkachuk scoring 15 seconds into the period and Jake Guentzel picking up his first of the tournament 11 seconds later. Guentzel and Boldy finished with a goal and an assist as the Americans outshot the Finns 32-21.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the first time the Tkachuks played together in a meaningful game. They became the first brothers to score multiple goals in an NHL international tournament game.

The Tkachuk’s performance overshadowed Werenski’s, as he led the Americans in ice time (21:45). This game also marked Guentzel’s debut in international play.

Finland will face Sweden on Saturday at 1 PM ET while Team USA faces Canada at 8 PM ET. Both games will be held at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The Americans lead the tournament with three points based on their regulation win. Canada is second with two points following their overtime win over Sweden on Wednesday. Sweden has one point for their overtime loss.

RG.ORG: Brady Tkachuk is looking forward to Saturday’s game against Canada. “Well, I think it’s gonna be the biggest game I’ve ever played in my career,” he said. “So I’m really looking forward to that.

SPORTSNET: Large sections of the crowd at the Bell Centre booed the American national anthem ahead of Thursday’s game between the United States and Finland. “I didn’t like it, and that’s all I got,” said Matthew Tkachuk in his post-game press conference.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fans in several Canadian cities booed the American anthem in several recent NHL games since US President Donald Trump recently announced tariffs on Canadian goods while talking about annexing the country and turning it into the 51st American state.

Booing the American anthem understandably provides the opportunity for Canadian hockey fans to express their anger and frustration at Trump publicly. The American players aren’t to blame for their president’s actions but they’re bearing the brunt of the vitriol.

The booing made some American players uncomfortable but it hasn’t adversely affected their performance. Some may be using it as inspiration to elevate their play.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore is week-to-week with an upper-body injury suffered Wednesday in Canada’s 4-3 overtime win over Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars defenseman Thomas Harley is reportedly heading to Boston to serve as a standby defenseman for Canada. He will not be allowed to participate in team meetings or formal skates unless another Canadian defenseman becomes sidelined before the tournament’s conclusion.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The tournament shifts to Boston after Saturday’s games in Montreal for its final two days next Monday (Feb. 17) and Thursday (Feb. 20).

RG.ORG: Team Canada forwards Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon expressed their views on the 3-on-3, 10-minute overtime format during their game against Sweden. NHL overtime periods are typically five minutes for regular-season games but the 4 Nations overtime format is seen as a test run by the league for tweaking its regular-season format.

McDavid was an enthusiastic supporter of the format. “I think it’s a great kind of trial run,” he said. “Something I think the players liked, the fans like it. It felt a little more like it was in our hands.”

MacKinnon said he’d prefer a seven-minute format, citing how exhausted he was in the OT against Sweden. “I can’t believe I look off Connor (McDavid) on that two-on-one, honestly, but I could barely see, I was so tired coming off that rush,” said MacKinnon. “I was happy when Marner scored, because I didn’t have much left to give. So five-to-seven would be good.”










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 13, 2025

by | Feb 13, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 13, 2025

Canada defeats Sweden in the opening game of the 4 Nations Face-Off, the World Cup of Hockey will return in 2028, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

CANADA BEATS SWEDEN TO OPEN THE 4 NATIONS FACE-OFF

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Mitch Marner lifted Canada to a 4-3 victory over Sweden in the opening game of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament at the Bell Centre in Montreal. Sidney Crosby collected three assists, including the set-up for Marner’s winning goal during the 3-on-3 overtime period before a sellout crowd of 21, 105 fans.

Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby (NHL.com).

Canada took a 2-0 first-period lead on goals by Nathan MacKinnon and Brad Marchand. Jonas Brodin got Sweden on the board in the second but Mark Stone restored Canada’s two-goal lead.

The Swedes rallied in the third period on goals by Adrian Kempe and Joel Eriksson Ek.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby’s three-point performance earned him “Player of the Game” honors. He joined Mario Lemieux and Bobby Hull as the only players from any country in an NHL international tournament to record a multipoint game at age 37 or older.

SPORTSNET: Canada’s defense corps received a blow as blueliner Shea Theodore suffered an upper-body injury following a clean hit along the boards from Kempe early in the second period. He’s been sidelined for the tournament.

Elliotte Friedman reports Travis Sanheim will replace Theodore for Saturday’s game against the United States. Canada will be allowed to put a defenseman or two “on notice” in case another blueliner suffers an injury. That player would join their lineup when the tournament shifts to Boston.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sanheim and center Sam Bennett were healthy scratches against Sweden.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: The NHL and NHL Players’ Association announced the World Cup of Hockey will return in February 2028. The last World Cup was held in 2016. Games are expected to be played in North America and Europe with at least eight teams and is expected to include only teams from individual countries.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No Team North America of 23-and-young stars or Team Europe made up of stars from small European nations. That’s a shame, those teams helped make the 2016 World Cup more enjoyable.

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer reports New York Islanders center Brock Nelson considers his participation with Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off as a mental break where he can focus on the tournament.

The 33-year-old center is the subject of increasing speculation over his future with the Islanders. Unless he signs a contract extension, he will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, prompting conjecture suggesting he could be traded if he remains unsigned by the March 7 trade deadline.

Nelson is leaving that to his agent and Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello. He believes everything will work itself out, praising Lamoriello while stressing there’s plenty of time to get a deal done. He wants to do what’s best for himself and his family but also understands the Islanders’ legacy and what it would mean to finish his career with them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some pundits believe Nelson has been evasive or seems reluctant to sign an extension. Biringer thinks neither Nelson nor the Islanders want his time on Long Island to end just yet. With the trade deadline on the horizon, we won’t have to wait long to find out.

NEW YORK POST: Team USA has a stall for the late Johnny Gaudreau’s uniform. The Columbus Blue Jackets star and his brother Matthew were killed by an alleged drunk driver last August.

“Everybody knows Johnny would be here right now,” said Team USA forward Vincent Trocheck. “Everyone loved him. It’s nice to have a piece of him here. We know he’s here with us in spirit. Just trying to honor him as best we can.”

Team USA also invited Gaudreau’s father, Guy, to participate in their Thursday practice session.

DAILY FACEOFF: Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine hopes the 4 Nations Face-Off will provide an opportunity to get his season back on track. The 26-year-old is part of Finland’s lineup. Laine started strong when he returned from injury in December with 12 goals and 18 points in 20 games but was held scoreless in his last eight games.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kraken captain Jordan Eberle was assigned to their AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley on a conditioning stint. The 34-year-old winger has been sidelined since Nov. 14 with a pelvis injury. Eberle recently resumed practicing with the Kraken before the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Islanders winger Anthony Duclair’s charitable foundation opened what is believed to be the first public synthetic ice rink in Florida on Wednesday. The city of Lauderdale Lakes declared Wednesday as “Anthony Duclair Day”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Duclair started the project during his tenure with the Florida Panthers. He now makes his home at Lauderdale Lakes.

THE ATHLETIC: Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Cayden Lindstrom could miss the remainder of this season. He’s recovering from back surgery in November and skated for the first time last week at Columbus’ Nationwide Arena.

Lindstrom was chosen fourth overall by the Blue Jackets in last year’s draft. Multiple sources confirm several college programs, including Ohio State, have spoken to him about moving from the WHL to college hockey. That would mean less wear and tear for Lindstrom, allowing for more practice and workout time for his recovery.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 12, 2025

by | Feb 12, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 12, 2025

The latest 4 Nations Face-Off news, the QMJHL honors Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin prepares for the final stretch of the regular season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

LATEST 4 NATIONS FACE-OFF NEWS

NEW YORK POST: Islanders center Brock Nelson is carrying on his family’s legacy of skating for the United States in international play. Nelson’s great-uncle Gordon Christian played in the 1956 Winter Olympic Games. His grandfather Bill Christian and great-uncle Roger Christian won gold at the 1960 Games, and his uncle Dave Christian won gold in 1980.

Team USA center Brock Nelson (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nelson won the bronze medal playing for Team USA at the 2011 World Juniors and the 2015 Worlds.

TSN: Jordan Binnington was named the starter for Canada’s opening game at the 4 Nations Face-Off against Sweden on Wednesday in Montreal. Coach Jon Cooper said Binnington was “excited” and “confident” when informed of the decision. He gets the nod over Adin Hill and Sam Montembeault.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Binnington backstopped the St. Louis Blues to the Stanley Cup in 2019. He played for Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Championships, finishing with a 6-2 record with a 2.81 goals-against average and an .885 save percentage.

DAILY FACEOFF: Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz and Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros could take on prominent roles for Finland’s injury-battered roster. Defensemen Miro Heiskanen, Rasmus Ristolainen and Jani Hakanpaa withdrew from the tournament, putting pressure on the forwards and goaltenders.

SPORTSNET: Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm hopes to have a big impact for Team Sweden in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ekholm was part of Sweden’s gold-medal team at the 2018 World Championships with a goal and two assists in four games.

IN OTHER NEWS…

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) is renaming its Rookie of the Year trophy to the Sidney Crosby Trophy. It was known as the RDS Cup from 1996-97 to 2023-24. Crosby won the award in 2003-04 with the Rimouski Oceanic.

RG.ORG: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin will be training with a “mystery partner” in Miami during the 4 Nations Face-Off to maintain his fitness level for the remainder of the regular season. Ovechkin is chasing Wayne Gretzky’s goal record of 894 while the Capitals are jockeying with the Winnipeg Jets for first place in the overall standings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin needs 15 goals to break Gretzky’s record. He was coy about the identity of his training partner, saying that it’s a former player but it isn’t Ilya Kovalchuk.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Utah Hockey Club continues to evaluate goaltender Connor Ingram’s condition. After taking an Ovechkin slapshot off his mask, he left Sunday’s games against the Capitals.

TSN: Minnesota Wild center Ryan Hartman’s appeal of his 10-game suspension will be heard by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on Friday. Hartman was suspended for roughing Ottawa Senators center Tim Stutzle during a Feb. 1 game between the two clubs.

DAILY FACEOFF: Speaking of the Wild, they placed forward Devin Shore on waivers for the fourth time this season.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: The Kraken invited two youth hockey referees pushed by a parent to an upcoming game. The incident occurred during a game on Sunday at the Kraken Ice Complex.

The parent came on the ice during a 12-and-under game and pushed each of the referees, 13 and 14, to the ice before quickly leaving. The parent has been charged with two counts of fourth-degree assault.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 11, 2025

by | Feb 11, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 11, 2025

The three stars of the week, updates on Sidney Crosby and Mikko Rantanen ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel, Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko, and Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk are the NHL’s three stars for the week ending Feb. 9, 2025.

Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby (NHL.com).

  TSN: Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby declared himself good to go for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. The status of the 37-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins center was in question after he suffered an upper-body injury last week. He was skating on a line with Mark Stone and Nathan MacKinnon during Canada’s practice on Monday.

SPORTSNET: Finland forward Mikko Rantanen is joining his compatriots in Montreal for the upcoming tournament. The 28-year-old Carolina Hurricanes winger missed Saturday’s game against the Utah Hockey Club with a lower-body injury.

TSN: Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews was centering a line with Tampa Bay Lightning winger Jake Guentzel and New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes during Team USA’s practice on Monday.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jesse Puljujarvi signed a tryout agreement with the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League (AHL). Puljujarvi cleared unconditional waivers and agreed with the Penguins to terminate his NHL contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Checkers are the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers. Whether this tryout leads to him landing a role with the defending Stanley Cup champions remains to be seen.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators claimed Andreas Englund off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings.

SPORTSNET: Loui Eriksson announced his retirement on Monday. The winger spent 16 NHL seasons with the Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, and Arizona Coyotes from 2006-07 to 2021-22, tallying 253 goals and 360 assists for 613 points in 1,050 regular-season games and 14 points in 44 postseason contests. His best performances were with the Stars, exceeding 70 points in three straight seasons from 2009-10 to 2011-12.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Former Toronto Maple Leafs PA announcer Paul Morris passed away at age 86. He was with the Leafs from 1961 to 1999, calling 1,585 consecutive games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Morris’ low-key announcing style was an iconic part of the experience at Maple Leaf Gardens – my condolences to his family, friends, and the Leafs organization.