NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 23, 2026

by | Aug 23, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 23, 2026

The Lightning could face difficult extension talks with Nikita Kucherov, Leon Draisaitil weighs in on new Oilers coach Mike Babcock, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPORTSNET: Michael Amato recently suggested that Nikita Kucherov’s contract extension talks with the Tampa Bay Lightning could get complicated.

Kucherov is coming off a 130-point performance in 2025-26, including a remarkable stretch in which he netted 107 points in a 53-game stretch. That effort earned the 33-year-old winger his second Hart Memorial Trophy.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (NHL Images).

Eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July, Kucherov can now sign an extension with the Lightning. He’s in the final season of an eight-year contract worth an average annual value of $9.5 million.

Amato doesn’t think it’s unreasonable for Kucherov to seek an $18 million AAV on his next contract. However, his age suggests he’s unlikely to accept a modest raise over his current salary. He suggested something comparable to the $14 million AAV that Leon Draisaitl is currently earning with the Edmonton Oilers.

Given Kucherov’s age, he’ll likely try to get as much term as possible, while the Lightning could prefer a shorter term. However, Amato speculated that the Bolts could entertain a league-maximum seven-year deal if signed before the maximum is shortened by a year after Sept. 15 or a six-year deal if signed after Sept. 15 if it’ll reduce the AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see how this plays out. The Lightning have $30.675 million in projected cap space for 2027-28, with 14 active roster players (including all core players except Kucherov) under contract.

A new contract for Kucherov could take up half that cap space, but it should leave enough for the Lightning to fill out their roster and ice a competitive team.

Being in a no-tax state could also work in the Lightning’s favor as in the past. Nevertheless, Kucherov will get a lucrative new deal, either with Tampa Bay or another club if he goes to market next summer.

NHL.COM: Leon Draisaitl is looking forward to playing under Mike Babcock, the controversial new head coach of the Edmonton Oilers.

“I think he’s got a very clear plan, and I think he holds guys accountable, and I think to him, it’s not about who it is when it comes to accountability, you know?” Draisaitl said. “Like, we’re looking to be coached. We’re looking to get better, and I sometimes deserve (to be yelled at) too, just like anyone else does. I don’t think Babs is going to care overly much who we are in terms of that. I think sometimes that’s needed.”

Draisaitl also said that he believes Babcock will bring a different attitude and mentality to the Oilers. He claimed that everyone on the team is excited about the coming season and is looking forward to playing for their new coach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is gambling that Babcock can help the Oilers return to Stanley Cup contention. If it pays off, he’ll look like a genius for taking that risk. But if this gambit fails, it could have far-reaching consequences for the Oilers, especially the future of superstar Connor McDavid, who is in the first season of a two-year contract.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael Traikos dismissed recent speculation suggesting Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper might leave at the end of this season to coach the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Traikos pointed out that Cooper won the Jack Adams Award as the league’s top coach for the first time last season. He also noted that Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois intends to keep him around for a long time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Traikos also noted that the Maple Leafs hired Jim Hiller this spring as their new bench boss. Unless the Maple Leafs repeat last season’s disappointing performance, they’re unlikely to seek a replacement next summer.

Anything’s possible, of course, and maybe Cooper decides he needs a change and a new challenge, or maybe he and the Bolts won’t agree to a new contract. Ending the Maple Leafs six-decades-and-counting Cup drought would be the ultimate test of his coaching abilities. Nevertheless, it seems more likely that he stays in Tampa Bay.

BOSTON HERALD: Bruins head coach Marco Sturm said conversations are ongoing with management and the front office about selecting a suitable player as the club’s next captain. They were without one last season, spreading the duties between alternate captains David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Hampus Lindholm.

Sturm also believes that Michael DiPietro will do a good job as the Bruins’ new backup goaltender. He pointed out that DiPietro was outstanding for their AHL affiliate in Providence over the last two seasons.

The Bruins coach also hasn’t decided yet which of his centers will skate alongside Pastrnak, but feels he has some good options. He noted that Pavel Zacha had a solid season in that role, and believes Elias Lindholm has proven he can play with Pastrnak.

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin listed five NHL teams that he believes improved during the offseason.

The Florida Panthers are on Larkin’s list as he cited what should be a healthier roster this season and the addition of winger Brady Tkachuk. Larkin also included the Nashville Predators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Utah Mammoth, and Washington Capitals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I believe the Capitals’ addition of Jordan Kyrou, Alex Tuch and Boone Jenner will make them the most improved on Larkin’s list.

Do you agree with this list? Is there another team that you think should be here? Let us know in the comments section below.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 22, 2026

by | Aug 22, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 22, 2026

Notable questions facing the Penguins, the latest on a potential expansion team, plus updates on Senators center Tim Stutzle, Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The play of veterans Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson is among the notable questions facing the Pittsburgh Penguins this season.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

Malkin, 40, had 61 points in 56 games last season while the 36-year-old Karlsson had 66 points in 75 contests. Both are entering the final seasons of their contracts, and Malkin may be heading toward retirement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin and Karlsson helped the rebuilding Penguins exceed expectations by qualifying for the playoffs last season for the first time in three years. However, any significant decline in their performances could cripple their postseason hopes.

The Penguins must also determine who will be their starting goaltender. Arturs Silovs is the likely candidate, with Sergei Murashov and Joel Blomqvist to jockey for the backup role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Goaltending will also be a key factor for the Penguins this season. Consistency was an issue for former starter Tristan Jarry, who was traded to the Edmonton Oilers last season for Stuart Skinner, who also had issues with steadiness between the pipes.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: David Alter interviewed NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly, who said a 33rd NHL franchise could begin play as early as 2029-30.

Two Texas cities, Houston and Austin, have emerged as the top two destinations for the next expansion team. Daly said Houston was the priority market, with Austin as an alternative.

According to Daly, the league has agreed to a “framework of a transaction” with a potential ownership group in Houston. “We hope to have definitive agreements in place that would commit the franchise as early as December of this year,” Daly said. “And we expect that they’ll be able to play as early as the 2029-30 season, closing the transaction early 2029.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve been saying for months that a new NHL team would be in place by the end of this decade. Daly didn’t mention Atlanta, which has also been rumored as a destination for another expansion club, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t interest in making it happen, provided suitable deep-pocketed ownership can be found, and a suitable NHL arena is constructed.

Daly also discussed expansion into Canada, noting that the interest in owning and operating a franchise in Canada is “less vibrant” than it is for some markets in the United States. He addressed Quebec City as a destination, saying there wasn’t a potential ownership group willing to buy a franchise and operate there.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to Alter, Daly’s comments suggest the depth of potential expansion markets in the United States and the lack of serious Canadian ownership interest explains why an eighth franchise in Canada is unlikely for the foreseeable future.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators center Tim Stutzle believes he and his teammates must turn the page after long-time teammate and captain Brady Tkachuk was traded to the Florida Panthers in June.

Stutzle said there was nothing he or his teammates could do about Tkachuk’s decision. He praised his former captain as a great player and teammate, saying they will miss him.

“We’re focused on what we have ahead of us and the team we have right now,” Stutzle said, adding that he wished Tkachuk “all the best.” He’s also confident that there is sufficient leadership on the current roster to fill the role of team captain.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stutzle will play a substantial role in how the Senators adapt to Tkachuk’s departure. The 25-year-old playmaking center has been their leading scorer in three of the past four seasons. They will also be looking to him for leadership.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: In a recent interview with the German magazine Eishockey News, Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider said that he was caught off guard by team captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request earlier this summer.

“Everyone certainly has their reasons for making certain decisions. Whether I or we approve of it is not for us to answer,” Seider said. However, he added that he felt the Red Wings were a better club with Larkin on the roster.

Seider also said that he’s had enough of the Red Wings “falling asleep in the home stretch” and missing the Stanley Cup playoffs. “It’s the month of March,” he said. “We always lose some momentum after the trade deadline. When you’re caught in that kind of downward spiral, it’s hard to get out.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seider also said it was important for the Red Wings to put the offseason noise behind them and get off to a strong start to this season. Whether they can pull that off remains to be seen.

The Red Wings must do something to address their trend of late-season collapses. Otherwise, Seider could reach a point when he starts seeking an exit strategy before his contract expires in 2031.

DAILY FACEOFF: Hall of Fame defenseman Zdeno Chara recreated his hardest shot record of 108.8 MPH during his farewell event in Slovakia on Friday. The 49-year-old originally hit that mark during the skills competition at the 2012 NHL All-Star Weekend.

The farewell event also featured a charity game involving active players such as Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak, former NHLers Patrice Bergeron and Raymond Bourque, and fellow Slovaks Jaromir Jagr and Marian Hossa.

THE MERCURY NEWS: The San Jose Sharks re-signed their affiliation agreement with the ECHL’s Wichita Thunder for the 2026-27 season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 21, 2026

by | Aug 21, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 21, 2026

The big questions facing the Senators, Juraj Slafkovsky on the Canadiens’ ultimate goal, Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins sidelined by an injury, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: How quickly the Ottawa Senators and their fans can put the Brady Tkachuk era behind them, and whether they can find consistency in goal, are among the big questions facing the club this season.

Tkachuk was traded to the Florida Panthers in June, sparking heated emotions among Senators fans after he stated on numerous occasions that he didn’t want to leave Ottawa.

Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images)

Meanwhile, the Senators will be looking for stability from starting goalie Linus Ullmark after last season’s roller-coaster performance. The club hired his friend and mentor, Maciej Szwoch, as director of goaltending scouting and development.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be a test of the Senators’ mettle how they adjust to Tkachuk’s departure. Senators fans point out that their club played better when Tkachuk was sidelined for several weeks with an injured thumb last fall. They also noted that Ullmark’s performance improved after he took a midseason mental health break.

The Senators should be able to cope without their former captain, and they might even perform better without the constant questions about his future with the team. However, the real issue is whether Ullmark can carry over his solid second-half performance into this season. If he regains the form that won him the Vezina Trophy in 2022-23 and remains healthy, the Senators shouldn’t have much difficulty clinching a playoff spot.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky said he and his teammates are focused more on winning multiple Stanley Cup championships than they are on pursuing expensive contracts.

Slafkovsky is among several young Canadiens core players signed to affordable long-term contracts, giving the club considerable salary cap flexibility in the coming seasons to build around that young talent.

“It’s not really about the money (in Montreal),” Slafkovsky told reporters after being named Slovakia’s Hockey Player of the Year for the third straight year. “We all have the same goal on that team. Nobody really cares about the money at this point. I mean, all those contracts that the guys have, or even I personally have, it’s already made our lives easier. Nobody really needs more than that. We’d rather focus on collecting those (Stanley Cup) rings, because that’s a much bigger number, and I don’t think any amount of money can top that.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens have attempted to build a winning culture among their young players. Based on what young stars such as Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov have recently signed, they’re buying into what management and the coaching staff have been preaching. If it works, the Canadiens could have the cap space to build and maintain a Stanley Cup contender for the next decade.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins is sidelined indefinitely after undergoing shoulder surgery on Aug. 17.

General manager Don Waddell said Merzlikins had been experiencing some discomfort in his shoulder during his offseason workouts. Following an MRI, it was decided that surgery was the best option. Waddell indicated that the 32-year-old goaltender will be reevaluated in a few weeks, after which they hope to have a clearer picture of when he could return to action.

Merzlikins is entering the final season of his five-year contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Merzlikins lost the starting goaltender role to Jett Greaves last season. Pheonix Copley is expected to be Greaves’ backup. He signed a one-year, $850,000 contract earlier this summer.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins will induct former goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, former defenseman Larry Murphy, former general manager Jim Rutherford, and former owner Jack McGregor into its Hall of Fame. The foursome will be inducted in a pregame ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 14.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This could be a prelude for Fleury’s eventual induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He will be eligible for that honor in 2028.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL forward Joe Pavelski has joined the University of Wisconsin’s men’s hockey program as director of player development.

Pavelski spent 18 seasons in the NHL. He played college hockey for Wisconsin from 2005 to 2007 and spent the past two years coaching his son Nate for the AAA Madison Capitals.

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston reports the NHL is partnering with soccer giant FC Bayern to grow the league’s popularity in Germany. The partnership comes as the league is making a concerted push in the German sports market, including staging additional regular-season games there as part of its annual Global Series.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the league intends to bring more games to Germany in 2028-29, and could eventually stage an outdoor game at FC Bayern’s 75,000-seat Allianz Arena in Munich.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL stages several outdoor games each season throughout North America, but an outdoor game in a large European market would be a unique event that helps to grow the product.

THE SCORE: The New York Islanders announced the winner of their popular fan-designed third jersey contest on Thursday, revealing a navy sweater with a large lighthouse logo in the center.

The winning design was selected from eight finalists chosen from over 80,000 submissions. The Isles will wear the unique jersey for several games in 2027-28.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 20, 2026

by | Aug 20, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 20, 2026

Notable questions facing the Rangers, regular-season games to be played in Germany in 2027-28, the latest on Sergei Bobrovsky, Jaccob Slavin, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The New York Rangers entered 2026-27 facing the prospect of how to replace Vincent Trocheck and who centers offseason addition Pavel Dorofeyev among their notable questions to be addressed.

The Rangers traded Trocheck to the Utah Mammoth on July 1, leaving them without a reliable second-line center and key contributor to their power play. Alexis Lafreniere could replace Trocheck on their first PP unit. J.T. Miller could take over as a primary center at even strength.

The New York Rangers acquired Pavel Dorofeyev from the Vegas Golden Knights on June 26. (NHL Images).

Dorofeyev was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights on June 26, signing a seven-year, $77 million contract. The 25-year-old winger could be on the Rangers’ top PP unit with Miller and Mika Zibanejad.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This season could be a critical one for the Rangers as their retooling process enters its third year. Failure to qualify for the playoffs could lead to more changes, perhaps starting in their front office.

NHL.COM: The NHL and NHLPA announced that Munich and Cologne will host NHL regular-season games during the 2027-28 campaign as part of the league’s annual Global Series. It’s the first time regular-season games will be played in Germany.

The Boston Bruins will play two games in JJ Peterka’s home city of Munich, while the Edmonton Oilers will play two games in Leon Draisaitl’s native city of Cologne.

The league is also partnering with FC Bayern for a first-of-its-kind multiyear partnership to accelerate the growth of hockey in Germany and the development of FC Bayern in North America.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL continues to make strides in its efforts to promote its brand into European markets. It could be setting the stage for a potential expansion into Europe, though that appears to be years away. For now, it will continue to grow the game there, ensuring a steady stream of the best European talent makes its way to the NHL.

TORONTO SUN: Former NHL goaltender Glenn Healy downplayed concerns among Maple Leafs followers about whether Sergei Bobrovsky’s best years are behind him. He believes the 37-year-old netminder can still be an effective starter for the Leafs, whose experience could be an inspiration for the retooling club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bobrovsky’s struggles last season with the injury-ravaged Florida Panthers raised concerns that he’s past his prime. A bounce-back performance on his part will be crucial to the Maple Leafs’ hopes of regaining playoff contention this season following their own disappointing performance.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin will use his day with the Stanley Cup this weekend to help raise funds, in part, to support the Grayson Murray Foundation.

Murray, a Raleigh native, was a two-time winner on the PGA Tour who died by suicide two years ago. The nonprofit foundation, which has support from the PGA, raises greater awareness and support for mental health and addiction challenges while advancing and funding innovative research and services.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers signed defenseman Scott Morrow to a one-year, two-way contract worth $850,000 at the NHL level. Morrow, 23, played 29 games with the Rangers last season.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Bill Hoppe recently reported Radim Mrtka was praised by his WHL coach over how the Sabres prospect defenseman handled rumors linking him to the St. Louis Blues before the March trade deadline.

Mrtka was reportedly part of the return to the Blues if defenseman Colton Parayko waived his no-movement clause. The deal died when Parayko refused to do so.

According to Seattle Thunderbirds coach Matt O’Dette, Mrtka handled the speculation well, calling him unflappable. “He just kind of goes about his business and kind of shrugged off that distraction a little bit,” O’Dette said.

Mrtka finished what was likely his final season with the Thunderbirds before joining the Sabres’ AHL affiliate in Rochester.

AZ HOCKEY INSIDER: Craig Morgan reports NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told him that the league continues to have an interest in having a franchise return to Phoenix.

The Coyotes played in the Phoenix area from 1996-97 to 2023-24, relocating to Salt Lake City, Utah, in April 2024.

Daly indicated that there is interest among “a number of people in Arizona to bring an NHL franchise back to the Phoenix area.” He indicated that the league has been open and honest that, given the right circumstances, they continue to believe it would be a good market for a successful NHL franchise.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the league considering another expansion attempt into Atlanta, it shouldn’t be surprising that they would maintain an interest in Phoenix. Part of the “right circumstances” would be stable, deep-pocketed ownership and the construction of a new NHL-worthy arena in Phoenix. Without either one, there won’t be a return to Phoenix anytime soon.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks radio broadcasts will reportedly be moving to Rogers-owned Kiss Radio. The news comes six weeks after the demise of Sportsnet 650.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 19, 2026

by | Aug 19, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 19, 2026

Big questions facing the Islanders, the Canadiens to honor Carey Price, the latest on Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Who replaces Anders Lee as captain and whether Semyon Varlamov will be healthy enough to back up starting goalie Ilya Sorokin are among the big questions facing the New York Islanders in 2026-27.

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (NHL Images).

Lee captained the Islanders from 2018-19 to 2025-26 before signing with the Utah Mammoth in July. It’s expected they’ll name a new captain before the end of September. Bo Horvat and Brayden Schenn are possible options, having served as captains with their previous clubs. Promising defenseman Matthew Schaefer is another possibility to fill that role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Horvat seems the most likely candidate given he’s been with the Islanders for the past four seasons. Schaefer is coming off an impressive rookie campaign, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy in a unanimous vote, but making him captain as a sophomore could put too much pressure on the youngster’s shoulders.

Varlamov hasn’t played since November 2024, and has had both knees replaced since then. He looked good during a brief conditioning stint with their AHL affiliate at the end of last season. The Isles signed veteran Vitek Vanecek as insurance.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: The Canadiens will honor former goaltender Carey Price a day after he is officially inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Price will be added to the Canadiens’ Ring of Honour on Nov. 10 at the Bell Centre. He played his entire 15-season NHL career with the Habs, becoming their all-time leader in wins by a goalie with 361. Price is only the fifth goaltender in NHL history to win the Vezina Trophy and the Hart Trophy in the same season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Price should have his No. 31 retired by the Canadiens. That honor is reserved for multiple Stanley Cup winners, but they should make an exception in his case given how much he meant to the franchise during his career.

Price is the greatest Canadien never to win the Stanley Cup, but that’s because the club’s previous management failed to build the kind of roster that could become a serious contender during his tenure. Had he had a team in front of him like the current incarnation, perhaps he’d have a couple of Stanley Cups on his resume.

TORONTO STAR: Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly is happy that he wasn’t traded this summer. The 32-year-old blueliner was the subject of trade chatter earlier in the offseason, reaching the point where he reportedly submitted a list of four preferred destinations to management.

However, a trade never emerged, and Rielly is now featured prominently in the club’s social media posts about the coming season. He acknowledged that there was uncertainty about his future, but he considers Toronto his home now and is excited about the upcoming season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored the San Jose Sharks were interested in Rielly, but they acquired Darnell Nurse from the Edmonton Oilers instead. Given how much the trade speculation about Rielly has dried up, it’s a good bet that he’ll be starting his 14th season with the Maple Leafs.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reports the Washington Capitals have started contract extension talks with Ryan Leonard and Justin Sourdif. The young forwards are slated to become restricted free agents at the end of this season.

Silber believes the Capitals’ urgency to re-sign them now is because the Philadelphia Flyers signed Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson to an expensive offer sheet earlier this summer, which the Ducks matched at great cost.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leonard, 21, is in the final season of his entry-level contract. The 24-year-old Sourdif is on his second contract and is eligible for salary arbitration.

Leonard and Sourdif are coming off promising campaigns. If they build on those performances this season, they could command more lucrative new contracts, which could lead to one of them signing an offer sheet with another club. It makes sense that the Capitals want to avoid that situation.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico looked at the major changes coming to the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement on September 16.

The biggest change will be the end of eight-year contracts for restricted free agents and seven-year contracts for unrestricted free agents. Those maximum terms will be reduced to seven years for RFAs and six years for UFAs.

There will be tighter rules for how money is distributed through the term of a contract. “Teams will have less flexibility to create large salary swings from one season to the next, with a 20 percent limit tied to the first year and a 71 percent minimum compared to the contract’s highest-paid season.”

Signing bonuses will be restricted to no more than 60 percent of the total value of an NHL contract over the life of the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those changes will affect contracts signed after Sept. 15, 2026.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: The Flyers signed defenseman Hunter McDonald to a two-year contract worth $1.825 million. McDonald, 24, was a restricted free agent. It’s a two-way deal for the first year and becomes a one-way deal in the second year.

 










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 18, 2026

by | Aug 18, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 18, 2026

The big questions facing the Devils, plus the latest on Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, Senators winger Drake Batherson, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The health of Jack Hughes and the state of the goaltending are among the big questions facing the New Jersey Devils this season.

Hughes, 25, had 77 points in 61 games last season, but the Devils won only eight of 21 games without him. Durability has been an issue for the talented center throughout his seven NHL seasons.

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (NHL Images).

The Devils’ goaltending depth is in question after trading Jacob Markstrom to the Florida Panthers. They’ll go into this season with Jake Allen, Nico Daws, and David Rittich.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Hughes stays healthy and one of those three goalies adequately fills the starter’s role, the Devils should be a playoff team. Otherwise, it will be another disappointing campaign resulting in more changes to their roster.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Alex Ovechkin is looking forward to his 22nd NHL season, but he’s not committing to anything beyond that for now.

Ovechkin signed a one-year extension with the Capitals for this season. He turns 41 in September and will see how the season unfolds. He also intends to consult with his family before making any decisions beyond this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin’s status among the greatest players in NHL history is assured, as is his place as the greatest player in Capitals history. Nevertheless, age is catching up with him. Ovechkin could take on a lesser role with the Capitals this season, most likely as a power play specialist.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports league sources don’t believe that the Senators and winger Drake Batherson are getting close to a new contract. The 28-year-old winger is in the final season of a six-year deal worth an average annual value of $4.975 million.

Batherson seeks an eight-year deal, but he and the Senators have until Sept. 15 to negotiate an agreement. After that, the maximum length of NHL contracts will drop from eight years to seven for teams signing their own players, and from seven years to six for unrestricted free agents.

According to Garrioch, Batherson could command between $10 million and $11 million annually on the open market. That would be comparable to the contracts of Los Angeles Kings winger Adrian Kempe (eight years, $10.625 million) and Washington Capitals winger Alex Tuch (eight years, $10.5 million).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given the rise of the salary cap, Batherson could get over $12 million annually as a UFA if he has a strong performance this season.

Garrioch noted that Batherson wants to stay in Ottawa, and believes there’s no reason the two sides can’t work out a deal. However, he also speculated that the winger could go into this season without an extension if they haven’t reached an agreement by Sept. 15.

The two sides still have plenty of time to get an eight-year deal done, but we can expect more speculation about Batherson’s future in Ottawa if he’s still unsigned as Sept. 15 approaches.

NHL.COM: Hall of Fame defenseman Zdeno Chara is staging a farewell game in his hometown of Trencin, Slovakia. It will serve as a thank you to those who supported him during his playing career while raising money for several schools in Slovakia.

Chara, 49, will be joined by former Boston Bruins teammates David Pastrnak and Patrice Bergeron. Hall of Famers Ray Bourque, Mark Recchi, and Marian Hossa will also be there, along with future Hall of Famers Jaromir Jagr and Anze Kopitar.

Long-time Bruins teammate Brad Marchand was also scheduled to play, but will miss the event due to surgery.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: A long, bitter legal dispute between the Stars and the NBA’s Mavericks has been settled. In a joint statement, the two clubs announced they’ve reached an agreement that resolves the outstanding matters between them.

A yearlong breakdown in the teams’ relationship came to a head last October when the Mavericks filed suit against the Stars over control of the American Airlines Center.