NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 4, 2026

by | Sep 4, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 4, 2026

Concerns over the Red Wings’ search for a new GM, Flyers coach Rick Tocchet regrets harsh comments toward Matvei Michkov, the Senators plan a tribute for former captain Brady Tkachuk, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports the urgency for the Detroit Red Wings to hire a new general manager is rising as training camp approaches in less than two weeks.

While the search continues, the Red Wings have two significant unaddressed issues. They must address center Dylan Larkin’s trade request and must re-sign restricted free-agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

Khan considers it highly unlikely that Larkin is traded before camp opens on Sept. 17. He believes it’s in the Wings’ best interest if the new GM can convince the 30-year-old center to rescind his request. If he still wants out, he must decide if he’ll report to training camp or hold out until he’s traded.

Edvinsson, 22, is due for a significant raise after completing his entry-level contract. If they hope to sign him to an eight-year deal, they must do so before Sept. 15. After that, the maximum terms for NHL contracts drop to seven years for re-signing players and six years for unrestricted free agents.

Kahn reports that interim general manager Shawn Horcoff and assistant GM Kris Draper have both interviewed for the position. Team owner Chris Ilitch wants the next GM to be analytics and data-driven.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings have had over six weeks to find a suitable new GM. They’re running out of time to fill that position before training camp opens.

The club could announce the hiring before Sept. 17. If this search continues through training camp, there will be more uncertainty about the status of Larkin and Edvinsson. It will also call into question the competency of those conducting the search.

THE ATHLETIC: Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet believes reports of a difficult relationship with Matvei Michkov last season were overblown. Nevertheless, Tocchet said he regrets his harsh criticism of the young winger’s preseason conditioning and hopes to reset the relationship this season.

Tocchet’s criticism of Michkov immediately raised questions about the promising winger’s future with the Flyers, prompting GM Daniel Briere to give the youngster a vote of confidence.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tocchet could’ve handled that situation differently, but Michkov took the criticism well. He reportedly worked hard on his conditioning this summer, which could lead to a bounce-back performance from his disappointing sophomore season.

THE SCORE: The Ottawa Senators plan to air a video tribute for Brady Tkachuk when the former captain returns to Canadian Tire Center on Oct. 21. Tkachuk was traded to the Florida Panthers in June after requesting a trade to reunite with his older brother, Matthew.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see how Senators fans react to Tkachuk’s return. Regardless of how his tenure ended, he played a significant role in the club’s rebuild, helping them to end a long postseason drought. He was active in the community in charity events and never badmouthed the team or the city of Ottawa.

Tkachuk took some heat for denying the trade rumors. However, keeping his request quiet avoided the unnecessary drama currently dogging Red Wings center Dylan Larkin and Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck after their public trade requests.

TORONTO STAR: Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev is awaiting clearance from team doctors to play this season. He missed most of last season recovering from surgery to repair a groin and core-muscle injury.

Tanev spent the summer working out with longtime trainer Gary Roberts and has been skating with a group of NHLers that includes Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Chris’ younger brother, Brandon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs’ defense suffered last season without Tanev. Whether the 36-year-old shutdown blueliner can regain his form in his 17th NHL season remains to be seen.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Quebecor, Rogers, and the NHL announced Thursday that TVA Sports will renew its national broadcast rights for another 12 years.

TVA Sports will have national broadcast French-language rights to 32 of the Montreal Canadiens’ 84 regular-season games. They also have the rights to any playoff games involving the Canadiens. TVA Sports will also broadcast 22 regular-season Ottawa Senators games, and up to 350 NHL games a season overall.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 3, 2026

by | Sep 3, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 3, 2026

The questions facing the Winnipeg Jets heading into this season, the Blues name a new captain, Panthers winger Brad Marchand trolls Senators center Tim Stutzle, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: What will happen to goaltender Connor Hellebuyck after he publicly revealed his trade request is the top question facing the Winnipeg Jets entering the 2026-27 season.

Hellebuyck, 33, raised eyebrows with end-of-season comments expressing disappointment about his performance and that of his teammates after the Jets missed the playoffs. He’s spent his entire 11-season career with the Jets, who will need a substantial return if they decide to trade him.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With training camp two weeks away, there’s speculation suggesting Hellebuyck could refuse to report until he’s traded. Doing so would be a considered breach of contract, allowing the Jets to suspend him without pay, fine him, and toll his contract forward if he sits out the season.

General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff could avoid this by shipping Hellebuyck to the highest bidder before training camp opens. However, Cheveldayoff has proven he won’t rush to make a deal when other players (Evander Kane, Jacob Trouba, Pierre-Luc Dubois) tried to force their way out of Winnipeg. Trading Hellebuyck for a meager return won’t sit well with Jets fans.

How the Jets intend to regain their 2024-25 Presidents’ Trophy form and what impact rookie center Viggo Bjorck will have on their roster are the other questions facing the club this season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The St. Louis Blues named Robert Thomas as their new captain. He’s the 25th player in franchise history to hold that title. Thomas replaces Brayden Schenn, who was moved to the New York Islanders at the March trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Naming Thomas captain should silence any lingering conjecture about his future in St. Louis, which raised considerable speculation before the March trade deadline.

OTTAWA SUN: Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand weighed in on Tim Stutzle being considered among the candidates to replace Brady Tkachuk as captain of the Ottawa Senators.

“HAHAHAH…..STUTZLE…..HAHAHA,” Marchand replied on his Instagram account.

Tkachuk became Marchand’s teammate when he was traded to the Panthers in June.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchand is doing what he usually does in his role as the NHL’s biggest pest. It’ll likely stir up some Ottawa fans, but it’ll be interesting to see whether the Senators rise to the bait.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau observed that free-agent forward Evander Kane is clashing with former San Jose Sharks teammate Kurtis Gabriel after the latter called him out as a selfish and absurd teammate. Kane also took umbrage with Sportsnet’s Mark Spector after the Edmonton Oilers’ beat writer criticized his controversial comments on COVID issues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane is trying to find a new NHL club to play with this season. He earned a reputation as a difficult teammate after wearing out his welcome with the Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, and the Sharks. Proteau suggests that his latest off-ice controversy might signal the end of his playing career.

DAILY FACEOFF: New York Islanders GM Mathieu Darche said Semyon Varlamov will be a full participant in training camp after missing most of the past two seasons with significant knee issues.

Varlamov’s last NHL game was Nov. 29, 2024. The 38-year-old goaltender had since undergone multiple knee procedures. Darche called Varlamov’s recovery “almost a miracle”, praising him for the hard work he put into his rehab.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Varlamov could become the favorite to win the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy if he stays healthy and puts in a full season with the Isles.

YAHOO! SPORTS: Jonah Sigel of the Toronto Star reported earlier this week that Sportsnet’s NHL insider Elliotte Friedman and NHL analyst Kevin Bieksa are free agents after their contracts expired on Monday.

Sigel wrote that it doesn’t mean Friedman and Bieksa won’t return, but his sources claimed neither had yet to do so.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No word yet from Sportsnet, Friedman or Bieksa regarding their status. The network declined to extend long-time NHL analyst Kelly Hrudey’s contract. Letting Friedman and Bieksa join a rival network in Canada or the United States would signal a shakeup of their NHL television team.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 2, 2026

by | Sep 2, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 2, 2026

Questions facing the Capitals this season, the Ducks retiring Ryan Getzlaf’s number, an update on Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau, the Predators trading Luke Evangelista to the Devils, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: How the defense holds up until Rasmus Sandin returns to action, where Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou play, and Alex Ovechkin’s role are the three big questions facing the Washington Capitals in 2026-27.

Sandin remains sidelined recovering from his April knee surgery, with a recovery timeline of six to nine months. The addition of Vincent Desharnais and re-signing of Timothy Liljegren should help, while promising blueliner Cole Hutson could play a significant role.

Tuch was acquired in a sign-and-trade move from the Buffalo Sabres, while Kyrou arrived in a trade with the St. Louis Blues. Given the Capitals’ depth on right wing, Tuch or Kyrou could shift to the left side.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

Ovechkin turns 41 this month as he approaches his 22nd NHL season. His place as the league’s all-time goal-scoring leader is assured, but his ice time has declined in recent years, and he might not play the full two minutes on the power play this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals were among the league’s busiest teams during this offseason as they attempt to rebound from last season’s disappointing performance. How they answer those three questions will determine how successful their bounce-back efforts will be.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks will retire Ryan Getzlaf’s No. 15 during a ceremony on Jan. 30 before the club’s game against the Nashville Predators.

Getzlaf spent his entire 17-season NHL career with the Ducks from 2005-06 to 2021-22. He’s the franchise leader in regular-season games played (1,157), assists (737), and points (1,019), and he holds the club’s single-season assist record with 66. He also helped the Ducks win their first Stanley Cup in 2007 and is their longest-serving captain, serving 12 seasons from 2010-11 to 2021-22.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A well-deserved honor for one of the greatest players in Ducks history.

DAILY FACEOFF: Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy said Jonathan Huberdeau might not be ready when the club’s 2026-27 regular-season schedule begins.

Huberdeau underwent season-ending hip resurfacing surgery in March 2026. Conroy said the 33-year-old winger suffered “a little bit of a setback” about two weeks ago with his skating. He added that they will give Huberdeau the time to fully recover.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Huberdeau’s production had been in steady decline since his career-best 115-point performance in 2021-22 with the Florida Panthers. He played through pain last season before undergoing hip resurfacing in March, a procedure that few NHL players fully recover from.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW/THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators traded winger Luke Evangelista to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for the Colorado Avalanche’s conditional 2028 first-round pick, and their own second-round pick in 2028.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trading a young winger like Evangelista for two draft picks prompted puzzled reactions on social media. Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin acknowledged the Devils paid a high price for the 24-year-old winger, but wondered if this was a precursor to a bigger deal by the Predators, such as pursuing Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin.

Predators general manager Chris MacFarland told Alex Daugherty of The Tennessean that he’s not ruling out using those two picks to acquire more immediate help. It remains to be seen who they might target in the trade market and when they’ll make that move.

The Predators are not among the teams on Larkin’s narrow list of preferred destinations. Unless that changes, they’ll have to look elsewhere for a top-six center.

NHL.COM: Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin was back on the ice this week as part of the captain’s skate. The 34-year-old Seguin last played on Dec. 2, when he tore the ACL in his right knee.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seguin is in the final season of his eight-year contract with a $9.85 million cap hit. Injuries have limited him to 20 games in 2024-25 and 27 games last season. His performance in 2026-27 could determine if he’ll continue his NHL career after his contract expires.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers are closing in on a one-year contract with winger Eeli Tolvanen worth $1.5 million. He completed a three-year deal worth $3.475 million annually with the Seattle Kraken.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tolvanen, 27, was among the youngest players still available in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market. A versatile forward who can skate at either wing, he spent most of the last four seasons with the Kraken. He reportedly sought a multi-year contract, but had to settle for a significant pay cut on a one-year deal.

DAILY FACEOFF: Colorado Avalanche owner Stan Kroenke and his ownership group have acquired a controlling interest in the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball.

CALGARY SUN: Tickets for the Flames’ final game at the Saddledome on April 10, 2027, sold out in minutes on Monday morning. The Flames are moving to the Scotia Place arena next season, and the iconic Saddledome is slated for demolition once the move is complete.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 1, 2026

by | Sep 1, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 1, 2026

The questions facing the Golden Knights this season, an update on Quinn Hughes’ contract talks with the Wild, the latest on the Flyers, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: How the Vegas Golden Knights respond to new head coach Ryan Craig is among the three big questions facing the club in 2026-27.

Craig was promoted from head coach of the Golden Knights’ AHL affiliate after the team parted ways with John Tortorella, who replaced former Golden Knights bench boss Bruce Cassidy in late March. Tortorella guided the club to the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.

Finding a way to replace the offense of departed winger Pavel Dorofeyev and sorting out their goaltending are other notable questions this season.

Limited salary-cap space forced the Golden Knights to trade the 25-year-old Dorofeyev to the New York Rangers in June. Meanwhile, Adin Hill and Carter Hart will jockey for the starting goalie role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights have one of the NHL’s oldest rosters entering 2026-27. That could become an issue as they attempt to maintain their place among the Stanley Cup contenders in the Western Conference against some of the rising young clubs.

DAILY FACEOFF: Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin gave an update on his contract extension negotiations with superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes during a Monday appearance on The Chad Hartman Show.

Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin (NHL Images).

Guerin acknowledged that Colorado Avalanche blueliner Cale Makar’s new contract, with its $20.4 million average annual value, creates a bar for Hughes, but suggested that the 26-year-old Wild blueliner “might be after different things.”

“He’s a different guy. He has a different personality and has different things in his life that are important to him. Who knows what he’s gonna do in the end,” Guerin said.

The Wild GM maintained that he has a good relationship with the Hughes camp. “There’s no tension. Communication has been good. I don’t have anything disheartening to say.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers (especially some New Jersey Devils supporters) believe Guerin’s comments suggest Hughes won’t re-sign with the Wild. It’s no secret that the 2024 Norris Trophy winner hopes to play with his brothers Jack and Luke, who currently play for the Devils.

Hughes is due to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Plenty of time remains for the Wild to get him under contract, but speculation about his future will grow if he’s not signed before the regular season begins.

RG.ORG: Philadelphia Flyers GM Daniel Briere doesn’t believe that signing Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson to an offer sheet reset the NHL market. Briere signed the 21-year-old Carlsson to a five-year offer ($18 million AAV) on July 3, but the Ducks matched it six days later.

Briere believes the market was trending higher because of the rising salary cap. He accused his critics of taking a simplistic approach by criticizing the Flyers.

“Someone’s going to get that money somewhere. It was just a matter of time,” Briere said. “Honestly, I don’t think some of the players that signed the big tickets would have signed for less without the offer sheet. So no, I don’t believe it played much of a factor (in the market).”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Briere is correct that the rising salary cap ensured some of those players would’ve received significant raises regardless of his failed attempt to sign Carlsson away from the Ducks.

Nevertheless, that offer sheet set the bar for what followed. San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier acknowledged as much after re-signing young superstar Macklin Celebrini to his five-year deal ($18.8 million AAV). Several projections had him receiving between $15 million and $17 million.

That was also the same range projected for Colorado Avalanche superstar blueliner Cale Makar before he signed his eight-year extension with its record-setting $20.4 million AAV last week.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Vancouver Canucks are rebuilding their roster, but that’s not discouraging Filip Hronek. Despite the club’s struggles over the last two years, the 28-year-old defenseman remains positive, pointing to their fan support.

“We like the city, and obviously the fans in Vancouver are great,” Hronek said. “They were supporting us even though we didn’t have a good year last year, and they still are showing up to the games, and it was sold out.”

Hronek indicated he likes the city of Vancouver overall, and that’s why he signed with the Canucks for eight seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are trending toward younger talent, but they’ll need a veteran presence on their blueline like Hronek to mentor their inexperienced defensemen.

TORONTO SUN: Former Maple Leafs center Calle Jarnkrok signed a three-year contract with Swedish club Brynas IF, for whom he played four seasons from 2009-2013 before moving on to the NHL.

Jarnkrok, 34, spent 13 seasons in the NHL from 2013-14 to 2025-26. He began with the Nashville Predators and spent eight seasons with them. He did brief stints with the Seattle Kraken and Calgary Flames before spending the past four seasons with the Maple Leafs. In 774 regular-season games, Jarnkrok had 143 goals and 173 assists for 316 points, and 23 points in 105 playoff contests.

TRIBLIVE.COM: For the first time since 1999, Mario Lemieux is no longer part of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ ownership. Lemieux and his business partner Ron Burkle sold their minority stake in the Penguins when the Hoffmann Group purchased the franchise from Fenway Sports Group.

SPORTSNET: Houston mayor John Whitmore said his office is excited about the possibility of landing an NHL franchise. He told The Sporting News on Monday that his office is ready to do whatever it can to facilitate that process. “We’ll definitely be a better location than Austin.”

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Former goaltender Marty Turco and former team executive Les Jackson will be inducted into the Stars’ Hall of Fame in December.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 31, 2026

by | Aug 31, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 31, 2026

The questions facing the Canucks this season, the latest on Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko and Adam Fantilli, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Vancouver Canucks face three big questions entering 2026-27.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

The biggest is whether Elias Pettersson can regain his high-scoring ways. It’s been three years since his career-best 102-point performance. He had 89 points in 2023-24, 45 points in 64 games in 2024-25, and 51 points in 74 games last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Injuries and a well-publicized rift with now-former teammate J.T. Miller hampered the 28-year-old center’s play over the past two years. He’s also been under pressure to meet the expectations that come with the expensive contract he signed over two years ago, and has faced criticism for his poor offseason training and preparation.

Pettersson’s been a fixture in the NHL rumor mill, but the steep drop in his production and his contract make him almost impossible to move. He and the Canucks are stuck with each other for better or worse.

Another big question is how many games oft-injured starting goaltender Thatcher Demko can play during the 2026-27 campaign. A Vezina Trophy finalist in 2023-24, he’s played 43 games over the past two seasons, and there’s no timeline as to when he’ll be ready to play this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks signed free-agent goalie Chris Driedger to a professional tryout offer last week. That move suggests Demko won’t be ready when the regular season begins a month from now.

Another question is whether a young defenseman like Zeev Buium, Tom Willander, Elias Nils Pettersson, or Victor Mancini will step up this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Buium is the blueliner Canucks fans will be focused on this season. He was part of the return in the Quinn Hughes trade last season and is ranked No. 2 among their top prospects by The Athletic.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger reports Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said he expects winger Kirill Marchenko to play for the club starting on Sept. 16 when training camp opens.

Marchenko, 25, became the subject of trade rumors after ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported he wasn’t interested in signing a contract extension. He’s slated to become a restricted free agent next July, and is eligible to be an unrestricted free agent in July 2028.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A report out of Russia claiming the Blue Jackets were working on trading Marchenko last month created a stir for several days. However, Waddell quickly denied the speculation, insisting that the young winger would be with the Blue Jackets when this season began.

Hedger also reports that Waddell remains confident of signing Adam Fantilli to a new contract before training camp begins.

The 21-year-old center is a restricted free agent after completing his entry-level contract. Waddell said there is a “little difference of opinion” between the two sides, but they “remain in communication”.

Re-signing Fantilli got more expensive after the Philadelphia Flyers signed Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson to a five-year, $90-million contract on July 3 ($18 million AAV), which the Ducks matched less than a week later.

Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks signed a five-year deal last month worth $15 million AAV, leaving Fantilli as the lone unsigned player among the top-three picks in the 2023 NHL Draft.

Fantilli’s numbers are nearly identical to Carlsson, meaning the Blue Jackets center is due for a significant raise.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fantilli won’t get what Carlsson got, and he probably won’t get a deal similar to Bedard’s. Nevertheless, he could receive around $13 million annually on a five-year contract.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar has put a stronger emphasis on his conditioning during the offseason. He shares teammate Alex Vlasic’s belief that the rebuilding club can push for a playoff berth this season, and has spent time studying new teammate Patrick Kane’s stickhandling abilities.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 30, 2026

by | Aug 30, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 30, 2026

The questions facing the Mammoth this season, the latest on Canadiens defenseman Noah Dobson, Chicago Blackhawks blueliner Kevin Korchinski, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Logan Cooley’s performance and those of offseason additions Vincent Trocheck, Anders Lee, and Sebastian Cossa are among the questions facing the Utah Mammoth this season.

Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley (NHL Images).

The biggest question is whether the 22-year-old Cooley will have his breakout season. He seemed poised to do so entering the 2025-26 campaign, but a lower-body injury limited him to 54 games.

Trocheck could help Cooley reach that goal. The Pittsburgh natives train together during the offseason. Trocheck, 33, and the 37-year-old Anders Lee will bring experience and leadership to the young Mammoth roster.

Cossa, 23, is a highly touted goaltender acquired from the Detroit Red Wings. He’s almost guaranteed to fill the backup role behind starter Karel Vejmelka, and has the potential to take over that spot one day.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Mammoth are among the promising young teams poised to rise in the Western Conference. After reaching the playoffs and throwing a scare into the Stanley Cup finalist Vegas Golden Knights last spring, they could challenge for a top-four Conference spot if Cooley stays healthy and Trocheck, Lee, and Cossa have a positive impact on their roster.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan profiled Canadiens defenseman Noah Dobson’s Prince Edward Island roots. The 26-year-old Dobson returns to his Summerside, PEI hometown every summer for his HockeyFest fundraiser billed as the world’s largest street hockey event.

The fourth annual event, held over three days in June, attracted 167 teams and raised $45,000 for Community Connections, a non-profit organization in Summerside that provides support for adults with intellectual disabilities.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Chicago Blackhawks signed defenseman Kevin Korchinski to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.325 million.

Korchinski, 22, split last season between Chicago and their AHL affiliate in Rockford, playing 13 games with the Blackhawks.

TSN: The Edmonton Oilers hired Misha Donskov as a coaching consultant on Thursday.

Donskov joined the Vegas Golden Knights as director of hockey operations before their 2017-18 inaugural season. He was one of their assistant coaches when they won the Stanley Cup in 2022-23. He spent the next two seasons as an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars.

Donskov was part of the coaching staff for Canada at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off and the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

THE ATHLETIC: NHLPA executive commissioner Marty Walsh believes it won’t be difficult to convince NHL players to participate in future Winter Olympics. He believes the experience of the 2026 Winter Games was so positive that it will convince all stakeholders to work out a deal in time for the 2030 Games in France.