NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 17, 2024

by | Aug 17, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 17, 2024

A poll indicates Red Wings fans are losing confidence in their club’s management, three Predators with the most to prove this season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman examined a recent poll indicating Detroit Red Wings fans are losing confidence in the club’s front office led by general manager Steve Yzerman.

Two years ago, the Wings ranked third in The Athletic’s annual survey of front-office confidence. They dropped to 12th in 2023 and are 21st in this year’s ranking.

Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman (NHL Images).

Wings fans aren’t happy with how the club has built the roster and managed its salary cap. They’re also critical of the club’s recent trades and free-agent additions.

Bultman believes Wings fans aren’t jumping ship but are losing faith despite the club’s upward trend in the standings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings’ long playoff drought is taking a toll on their fans’ patience. They’ve missed the playoffs for eight straight seasons. That’s the longest drought in the franchise’s history, including the “Dead Things” era of the 1970s and early 1980s.

Yzerman took over as Wings GM in April 2019, by which point the Wings missed the postseason for the third straight year. Their fans were willing to be patient with him because of his great career as their team captain and his success building up the Tampa Bay Lightning into an eventual Stanley Cup champion.

The Wings have steadily improved over the past three years, narrowly missing last year’s playoffs. Nevertheless, the fans are getting restless awaiting their club’s return to playoff contention. Coming up short last season did little to restore their trust in Yzerman’s plans.

Yzerman isn’t in danger of losing his job yet. However, questions could be raised about his future if the Wings come up short this season.

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty lists Tommy Novak, Gustav Nyquist, and Juuse Saros as the three Nashville Predators players with the most to prove this season.

Novak’s production dipped after signing his three-year, $10.5 million contract extension in March, especially during their playoff series against the Vancouver Canucks.

Nyquist is coming off a career-high 75-point performance, but the 34-year-old must repeat that output, potentially with different linemates. He clicked with Ryan O’Reilly and Filip Forsberg last season but could be moved down to make way for Steven Stamkos or Jonathan Marchessault.

Saros must rebound from a sub-par performance last season. He signed an eight-year, $61 million contract extension this summer, making him the fifth-highest-paid goaltender in the league.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros has the most to prove of the three given that huge contract extension. Daugherty believes the Predators will have immediate buyer’s remorse if Saros’ struggles continue.

SPORTSNET: The Carolina Hurricanes hired Tyler Dellow as their assistant general manager.

Dellow spent the past five seasons with the New Jersey Devils as senior vice president of hockey strategy and analytics. He previously spent two seasons (2014 to 2016) as an analytics consultant with the Edmonton Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dellow was a lawyer in Toronto who started making his name in hockey analytics in 2006 with his blog mc79hockey.com. He was also a hockey analytics columnist with The Athletic from 2017 to 2019.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 16, 2024

by | Aug 16, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 16, 2024

Jeremy Swayman updates his contract negotiations with the Bruins, Milan Lucic hopes to continue his playing career, Tony DeAngelo talks about his fight with former Rangers teammate Alexandar Georgiev, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

WEEI.COM: Jeremy Swayman has yet to re-sign with the Boston Bruins. However, he believes they will get a deal done.

“There’s a lot of confidence,” said Swayman. “And I say that because I’ve treated it like a business as usual this year.” He said he’s been working out with his Bruins teammates and staff, adding that he felt they’re building something special for this year and he’s excited about that.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images).

“I know that it will take care of itself with time, and all I can do is control how I’m going to be a better goalie for the Boston Bruins this year. So, that’s all I’m focused on. And I know, again, it will work out, and I couldn’t be happier to be a Bruin.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The St. Louis Blues signing of two Edmonton Oilers players to offer sheets earlier this week has some Bruins observers nervous that another club will attempt to do the same with Swayman.

Anything’s possible but it’s unlikely. Swayman doesn’t sound interested in an offer from another club plus the Bruins have over $8.6 million in cap space this season. They can afford to match an offer for Swayman.

Assuming Swayman would sign an offer sheet, it would have to be an expensive pitch to tempt him and must be unmatchable for Boston.

Anything between $8.7 million and $9.16 million would entitle the Bruins to receive a first, a second and a third-round pick in compensation. Anything between $9.16 million to $11.45 million is two firsts, a second and a third rounder.

Given those high costs, it’s doubtful that a rival team will sign Swayman to an offer sheet.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Former Bruins winger Milan Lucic hopes to resume his playing career this season. The 36-year-old is currently suspended from the NHL after being arrested for assault and battery against a family member last November.

Lucic pled not guilty and the charges were eventually dropped after his wife, Brittany Lucic, invoked marital privilege and refused to testify. He was placed on indefinite leave following his arrest and the Bruins let his contract expire.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lucic would require the approval of commissioner Gary Bettman to resume his NHL career.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former New York Rangers defenseman Tony DeAngelo told his side of the story about his infamous fight with teammate Alexandar Georgiev during a January 2021 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

DeAngelo said he and Georgiev weren’t playing well in that game. As they left the ice, he yelled at the goaltender to “make a f**kin’ save!” Georgiev turned and headbutted the defenseman with his mask, prompting the blueliner to retaliate by swinging his stick at Georgiev’s head.

The altercation spilled over into the dressing room and was quickly broken up by their teammates. DeAngelo said he knew the fight in the tunnel shouldn’t have happened and took responsibility for the incident, saying his remark to Georgiev sparked the fight.

DeAngelo wound up placed on waivers and released by the Rangers. He felt the club could’ve handled it differently but acknowledged most of his difficulties that season were his fault. He also said he and Georgiev patched up their differences and there is no bad blood between them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeAngelo played for the Carolina Hurricanes in 2021-22 and 2023-24 and the PhiladelphiaFlyers in 2022-23. It’s rumored he could be signing with a KHL club for this season.

TSN: The Washington Capitals brought back winger Jakub Vrana on a professional tryout offer. Vrana, 28, spent nearly five seasons with the Capitals from 2016-17 to 2020-21 until shipped to the Detroit Red Wings at the 2021 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vrana has struggled since leaving the Capitals. He was limited to 26 games in 2021-22 and had a stint in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program the following season, which included a trade to the St. Louis Blues. This could be his last chance to get his NHL career on track.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Former Canadiens forward Steve Begin announced Thursday that he’s declaring bankruptcy. The 46-year-old confirmed the news on Facebook, saying the civil engineering company he’s invested in since 2013 went bankrupt.

“I could have tried to avoid the subject, but I chose to talk openly about it, because I believe there are lessons to be learned,” wrote Begin. He indicated it’s been a trying and hurtful experience for himself and his family, but he intends to push forward “to carry out great projects despite this ordeal.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some folks saw the headline on social media and felt Begin’s situation was being exploited by the press. That’s not the case at all. He’s going public about the ordeal and wants to explain what’s happened and what he’s learned from it.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The St. Louis Blues and the club’s alumni have each donated $5,000.00 to help pay for medical expenses for the brother and nephew of former Blues player Kyle Brodziak.

Ryan Brodziak and his young son Ozzy were walking their dog in their Sherwood Park, Alberta neighbourhood when they were struck by an out-of-control vehicle. Ryan suffered a spinal core injury and multiple fractures to his spine while Ozzy suffered a fractured skull and a fractured left arm. Their dog was taken to an emergency vet for care and is now home with the family.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist the Brodziaks.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 15, 2024

by | Aug 15, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 15, 2024

The Leafs formally introduce Auston Matthews as their new captain, former Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf joins the department of player safety, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs formally introduced Auston Matthews on Wednesday as their new captain.

Matthews first learned of the promotion from then-captain John Tavares in late July, who spent several weeks discussing the change with Leafs general manager Brad Treliving.

“After he let me know, I told him I was shaking, I got chills,” said Matthews, adding how much of an honor it was to represent the Maple Leafs as team captain.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Matthews appreciated Tavares’ call. “For him to call me and let me know that he wanted to pass the captaincy on to me, it was very emotional. It was a lot of things. It’s truly an honor.”

Treliving said Tavares wasn’t taken aback when approached about handing over the captaincy to Matthews. The Leafs GM could’ve waited another year until Tavares’ contract expired to make the change but felt this was the right time to do so.

Tavares said being Leafs captain meant everything to him and his family and he gave it everything he had. However, he felt Matthews was ready now to take on that responsibility, saying he felt the role would help the Leafs star thrive. Tavares will remain in a leadership role this season as an alternate captain.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers wondered if management pushed Tavares out of the captaincy but he and Treliving claimed that wasn’t the case.

It’s not Tavares’ fault that the Leafs won only one playoff round during his captaincy. That blame lies with the current and former management and how they constructed the roster. Nevertheless, Treliving felt a leadership shakeup was necessary.

Matthews will do his best just as Tavares did, but the Leafs won’t be any better unless they sufficiently address their weaknesses in goal, on defense, and among their depth forwards.

Some think the captaincy change means this is Tavares’ final season with the Leafs. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. However, others speculate having Tavares in a lesser leadership role could make it easier for the Leafs to sign him to a cheaper contract.

Mitch Marner was also in attendance for Matthews’ investiture. Like Tavares, the 27-year-old winger is UFA-eligible next July. He was also the subject of trade rumors following the Leafs’ early postseason exit this spring.

Marner insists he loves being a Maple Leaf. He said he’s focused on the coming season and looks forward to playing for new head coach Craig Berube. However, he offered no hint whether his camp is actively engaged in contract extension talks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner wouldn’t get into his future during Matthews’ big day. Nevertheless, the longer he’s unsigned the more he’ll feature in trade rumors, especially if there’s no extension in place when training camp opens next month.

Speaking of the Leafs, offseason signing Jani Hakanpaa’s future remains murky amid recent reports suggesting a knee injury suffered in March could derail his playing career. The Leafs signed the 32-year-old UFA defenseman to a two-year contract last month.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Treliving said they were “dealing with this” and expect to have this addressed sooner rather than later. That could be determined when he undergoes his training camp medical next month.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Former Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf is joining the NHL’s department of player safety. He spent last season as a player development coordinator with the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I have nothing but respect for Getzlaf given his stellar NHL career. However, I doubt his presence will lead to any great improvement in the league’s player safety department.

TSN: UFA forward Sam Gagner hopes to return to the NHL for his 18th season. The 35-year-old returned to the Edmonton Oilers last season after earning a spot on a PTO in training camp, appearing in 28 games.

Gagner has 529 points in 1,043 career NHL games with the Oilers, Arizona Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings and Winnipeg Jets.

DAILY FACEOFF: Logan Brown will attend the Tampa Bay Lightning’s training camp next month on a professional tryout offer. The 26-year-old center was the first-round pick of the Ottawa Senators in 2016. He last played in the NHL in 2022-23 with the St. Louis Blues.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Center Colin White signed an AHL contract with the San Jose Barracudas. A 2015 first-round pick by the Ottawa Senators, the 27-year-old White split last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens.

TSN: Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito brought the Stanley Cup on Wednesday to the MLB’s Milwaukee Brewers. As a teenager in the 1980s, Zito spent three summers working as a clubhouse attendant for the Brewers.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former Quebec Nordiques executive Gilles Leger passed away earlier this week at age 83.

Leger spent 15 seasons with the Nordiques from 1979-80 to 1994-95. He was also a scout for the Edmonton Oilers from 1998 to 2000 and with the New York Rangers from 2000 to 2020.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Leger’s family, friends and associates.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 14, 2024

by | Aug 14, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 14, 2024

Reaction from the Blues signing Oilers’ Broberg and Holloway to offer sheets, Jeff Vinik selling his majority stake of the Lightning, Rangers broadcaster Sam Rosen to retire, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The St. Louis Blues signed Oilers defenseman Philip Broberg and winger Dylan Holloway on Tuesday to offer sheets. Broberg’s is a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4,580,917 while Holloway’s is two years with an AAV of $2,290,457.

The Oilers have seven days from those signings to match those offers. If they don’t, they’ll receive the Blues’ 2025 second-round pick as compensation for Broberg and the Blues’ third-rounder for Holloway.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Philip Broberg (NHL Images).

They’re above the $88 million salary cap by $341, 667. They’re allowed to be over the cap by 10 percent during the offseason but must be cap-compliant before their season opener.

The Oilers could put Evander Kane (sports hernia issues) on long-term injury reserve if he requires surgery before the start of the season. That would provide them with $5.125 million in cap relief to sign one but not both without making another cost-cutting move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the first time a team has attempted to sign two players from a rival club at the same time. The Oilers cannot trade Broberg and Holloway during these seven days. If the Oilers match, the players cannot be traded for one year from the date the offers were matched.

The Edmonton Journal’s Bruce McCurdy pointed out the AAVs were designed in such a way as to maximize the respective cap hits while keeping each just below a specific threshold for compensation. Had each offer been a dollar more, it would’ve increased the compensation paid by the Blues.

It’s speculated Kane could undergo surgery with a recovery time of 8-12 weeks but that hasn’t been confirmed. Placing him on LTIR would be a short-term fix because they’ll have to clear sufficient cap space when he’s ready to return to action during the season.

STLTODAY.COM: Matthew DeFranks reports Blues general manager Doug Armstrong also reacquired his club’s 2025 second-round pick yesterday from the Pittsburgh Penguins, which had been dealt to the Penguins in the Kevin Hayes trade last month. They wouldn’t have been allowed to sign Broberg to that offer sheet without that pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As per the CBA, teams must use their own draft picks as offer-sheet compensation. They’re allowed to reacquire those picks to make this work.

Observers agree this move by the Blues puts the cap-strapped Oilers in a difficult spot. If they don’t match, they’ll lose two former first-round picks who showed promise last season, especially during their run to the Stanley Cup Final.

I’ll have more about the options facing the Oilers and the potential effect this move could have on other clubs with unsigned RFA players in today’s Rumors section.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Jeff Vinik is working on selling his majority stake of the Lightning.

The team will remain under Vinik’s control for the next several seasons and he’ll remain part of the new ownership group.

Doug Ostrover, the co-founder and CEO of Blue Owl Capital, is believed to be the purchase. The Lightning are valued at close to USD $2 billion.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That sale will make Vinik much wealthier and increase the estimated value of other NHL teams.

NEW YORK POST: Long-time Rangers play-by-play man Sam Rosen will retire at the end of the 2024-25 season. It will be the 40th season behind the mike for the 77-year-old Rosen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rosen called plenty of Rangers’ history during that period, including the club’s Stanley Cup championship run in 1994. He’s earned his place among the NHL’s greatest broadcasters.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW/NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins acquired center Cody Glass, a 2025 third-round pick, and a 2026 sixth-rounder from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for minor league forward Jordan Frasca.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Glass, 25, was a former first-round pick (sixth overall, 2017) by the Vegas Golden Knights. He struggled to crack Nashville’s lineup last season.

This was a cost-cutting deal by the Predators, freeing up $2.5 million from their cap payroll for 2024-25.

Penguins GM Kyle Dubas continues to stockpile draft picks. He’s also adding a young NHL depth player to his roster while giving up little in return.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars signed free-agent goaltender Magnus Hellberg to a one-year, two-way contract. The 33-year-old Hellberg appeared in 26 NHL games over the past six seasons with the Nashville Predators, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 13, 2024

by | Aug 13, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 13, 2024

The Leafs to name Auston Matthews as captain, Oilers winger Evander Kane could start this season on LTIR, plus the latest on Patrik Laine, Nikolaj Ehlers, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TORONTO STAR: The Maple Leafs are expected to call a press conference on Wednesday to name center Auston Matthews as their new captain.

Matthews, 26, will take over from John Tavares, who has held the captaincy since Oct. 2, 2019. The 33-year-old center reportedly was heavily involved in the process and approves of the move.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The move is seen as shaking up the leadership and providing a fresh perspective. It’s also worth noting that Tavares is in the final season of his contract and could depart next July as an unrestricted free agent.

Cynical observers, such as the Star’s Dave Feschuk, believe the Leafs are making this move because the no-trade protection enjoyed by Matthews, Tavares, Mitch Marner and William Nylander makes it impossible to shake up their failing core by trading one of them.

What do you think, folks? Let me know in the comments below.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cites Oilers insider Bob Stauffer reporting that there is a “very good chance” that Oilers winger Evander Kane starts this season on long-term injury reserve. Stauffer indicated the 33-year-old winger “may require surgery”.

Kane claimed he was hampered last season by a sports hernia. Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson recently said he was dealing with a hip issue.

Staples noted Stauffer’s report contradicted recent rumors claiming Kane would be good to go for the start of training camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staples points out Stauffer is the ultimate Oilers insider so this report should be considered credible unless we hear otherwise. Kane carries a $5.125 million annual cap hit through 2025-26.

This could explain why the Oilers haven’t signed restricted free agents Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg yet. They are over the $88 million cap but could sign Holloway and Broberg for the start of the season with Kane on LTIR without having to trade or demote players to free up cap room.

They’ll have to shed salary to be cap-compliant once Kane’s ready to return to action this season. In the short term, this would give them the relief they need and buy them time to find a way to prepare for Kane’s return.

TSN: Patrik Laine and his fiance, Jordan Leigh, have launched a mental health initiative called “From Us To You”.

Laine, 26, missed most of last season in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program receiving treatment for his mental health. The couple said they decided to start this initiative after people reached out to Laine to share their stories and the importance of speaking out while dealing with mental health issues.

TSN: Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers will be suiting up for his native Denmark in Olympic qualifying later this month.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Ilya Samsonov lashed out at Ottawa Senators netminder Linus Ullmark in response to comments by the former Boston Bruins goalie earlier this year when Samsonov played for the Maple Leafs.

After Boston eliminated Toronto from the opening round of the 2024 playoffs, Ullmark said he was surprised the Leafs stuck with Samsonov as long as they did. He claimed the Bruins found Leafs netminder Joseph Woll more challenging.

Samsonov’s Golden Knights are scheduled to face Ullmark’s Senators on Nov. 21. The Vegas netminder took to Instagram to note the date, telling Ullmark to “keep your a** shut or will you be injured again?” Samsonov soon deleted the comment but not before fans took screenshots.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Circle your calendars, Golden Knights and Senators fans. Things could get spicy if Samsonov and Ullmark are the starting goalies for that game.

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie shed some light on why Oliver Kylington didn’t re-sign with the Calgary Flames in a recent mailbag segment.

McKenzie indicated the Flames approached Kylington with a one-year contract offer but the 27-year-old defenseman wanted a two-year deal. Ultimately, the Flames wouldn’t give him more than a year and let him depart as a UFA.

Kylington’s agent claimed his client was willing to sign a one-year contract with the Flames once he hit the open market but the club had moved on by then. The blueliner recently signed a one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils signed Nolan Foote to a one-year, two-way contract worth $825K at the NHL level. The 23-year-old forward missed all but four games last season with a lower back injury.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 12, 2024

by | Aug 12, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 12, 2024

The Leafs’ secondary scoring, three encouraging stats from last season for the Avalanche, what must go right for the Devils this season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes a trio of secondary scorers will decide the Toronto Maple Leafs’ fate this season.

Proteau examines how the play of Nick Robertson, Bobby McMann, and Matthew Knies could come under increasing scrutiny this season. If they flourish, the Leafs could become one of the league’s most dangerous teams this season. If not, management won’t waste time bringing in players who can fill those roles.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The “Core Four” of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares have carried the bulk of the Leafs offense since 2018, powering them to three of the franchise’s five best regular-season records.

However, the lack of reliable secondary scoring contributed to their pathetic postseason record over that period. It’ll be the same story this season if Robertson, McMann, and Knies fail to step up or if suitable replacements cannot be found.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Evan Rawal looked at three encouraging stats from last season for the Avalanche.

One of them was Miles Wood’s solid penalty-killing skills. Casey Mittelstadt’s five-on-five production was another. The third was Jonathan Drouin’s numbers when not playing alongside Nathan MacKinnon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m interested in Mittelstadt’s performance throughout a full season with the Avs. He was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres on March 7 and fitted in well over the remainder of last season. A strong effort throughout this season will be crucial to the Avs’ hopes for a Stanley Cup run.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols recently listed three things that must go right for the Devils in 2024-25.

Good health will be a must after injuries to core players such as Dougie Hamilton, Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Timo Meier derailed their 2023-24 campaign. They’ll also need better goaltending and an improved performance from Meier.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The injury bug shouldn’t bite the Devils as deeply as it did last season, though there could be some concern over Hughes’ growing injury history. Offseason addition Jacob Markstrom and trade-deadline pickup Jake Allen should improve their goaltending. A healthy 2024-25 should result in a bounce-back effort from Meier.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars have the furthest travel distance in the upcoming season. It’s expected they’ll travel an estimated 56,700 miles.

The defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers are second with 51,100 miles, followed by the Anaheim Ducks (51,000), Edmonton Oilers (50,000) and the Utah Hockey Club (48,700).

The teams that will travel the fewest miles are the Pittsburgh Penguins (31,700), Ottawa Senators (32,800), Columbus Blue Jackets (33,400), New York Rangers (35,300) and Philadelphia Flyers (35,500).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some older players prefer playing in the Eastern Conference because of that lighter travel schedule.