NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 30, 2026

by | Jul 30, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 30, 2026

Reaction to Macklin Celebrini’s record-setting contract extension with the Sharks and its ramifications in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SHARKS SIGN MACKLIN CELEBRINI TO NHL-RECORD CONTRACT.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Sharks signed center Macklin Celebrini to a five-year, $94 million contract extension.

Celebrini, 20, will earn an NHL record average annual value of $18.8 million, breaking the previous record of $18 million signed by Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson earlier this month. The contract begins in 2027-28, and he will be an unrestricted free agent upon its completion in 2031-32.

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (NHL Images).

PuckPedia indicates that Celebrini will earn a base salary of $950,000 with a $19.85 million signing bonus for 2027-28 and 2028-29. He’ll earn a $1 million base salary with a $19.8 million signing bonus in 2029-30, $1 million with a $16.1 million signing bonus in 2030-31, and $1 million with a $13.5 million signing bonus and a full no-movement clause in 2031-32.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Celebrini has only played two NHL seasons, but he earned that whopping pay raise after finishing fourth among NHL scorers last season with a franchise-best 115 points. He is truly a generational talent who established himself among the NHL’s superstars last season, and the undisputed foundation player for the rebuilding Sharks.

Celebrini is another high-salaried player earning the bulk of his money in annual signing bonuses. It’ll be interesting to see if the league allows that practice to continue in the next CBA once the current one expires in September 2030.

Signing bonuses aren’t a salary-cap loophole because the total value of the bonus counts against the average annual value. What it does is guarantee players more money upfront, even if there’s a lockout or an unforeseen event (like a pandemic) that could shorten or shut down a season.

What could make signing bonuses a contentious issue is that wealthy teams can afford them more easily than small-market or cap-strapped teams. That could give deep-pocketed clubs an edge in re-signing talent, especially those eligible for unrestricted free-agent status.

It also creates the situation we saw with Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson. Earlier this month, he signed an expensive offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers, who gambled that the Ducks couldn’t afford to match it because of the hefty signing bonuses. The Ducks matched, but it created an expensive headache for them later.

Speaking of Carlsson’s offer sheet…

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Jordan Hall believes that Flyers GM Daniel Briere’s bold signing of Leo Carlsson to a five-year, $90 million offer sheet led to Celebrini’s expensive new contract with the Sharks.

Briere’s offer sheet to Carlsson, which the Ducks matched, set the market for young talent such as Celebrini, and for Connor Bedard, who inked a five-year, $75 million contract ($15 million) with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 18.

With the salary cap rising to $113.5 million in 2027-28, and projected to reach $123 million in 2028-29, contracts for the league’s top stars will become more expensive.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The ripples from the Flyers’ bid to land Carlsson will be felt for years. It couldn’t have happened without the substantial increases in the salary cap.

It could also create a situation in which the NHL once again finds itself with “have” and “have-not” franchises, something the salary cap was supposed to address over 20 years ago. Teams in smaller markets could find it difficult simply to reach the annual salary cap minimum, losing players through free agency or cost-cutting trades to wealthier markets flush with cap space.

The NHL has a better revenue-sharing system in place to help small-market or struggling franchises than it did over 20 years ago. Nevertheless, it might not be enough to help some of them remain competitive against richer, well-managed teams.

TSN: It remains to be seen how Celebrini’s new deal affects the Columbus Blue Jackets’ efforts to re-sign Adam Fantilli and the Ducks’ efforts to re-sign Cutter Gauthier. Both are currently restricted free agents.

Meanwhile, the Celebrini and Carlsson contracts will also affect how much veteran superstars such as Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, and Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning. McDavid is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in 2028, while Makar and Kucherov are UFA-eligible next July.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson and Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes will also be in line for substantial raises. Like Makar and Kucherov, they are slated to become UFAs next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One of those veterans will become the NHL’s first $20 million man. McDavid and Makar seem the most likely candidates. We can also add Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who is slated to join McDavid in the 2028 UFA class.

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: Sheng Peng reports Sharks general manager Mike Grier said he didn’t think team owner Hasso Plattner would’ve hesitated to pay Celebrini the league maximum of $20.8 million annually if that’s what he wanted. He commended the young center for accepting less than market value as one of the best players in the league.

Peng believes Grier is now on the clock to build a playoff team around Celebrini, and eventually, a true Stanley Cup contender.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: With Celebrini re-signed, GM Mike Grier is shifting his focus to re-signing some other young Sharks.

Grier indicated that negotiations continue with Collin Graf’s camp, adding that the two sides are getting closer to a new contract. It’s projected the restricted free-agent forward could receive a two-year, $7.8 million deal or $45.5 million on a seven-year contract.

Like Celebrini, Will Smith can sign an extension this summer. Grier indicated that he’d like to get the 21-year-old forward under a long-term contract as soon as possible. It’s projected that Smith could get a five-year, $50 million deal ($10 million AAV).

NHL.COM: Sharks sophomore forward Michael Misa believes his rebuilding young team will take another step forward this season. The young club was in contention for a playoff berth throughout last season, finishing four points shy of a Western Conference wild-card berth.

Misa is excited to see what Celebrini will do for an encore this season after his 115-point sophomore campaign. The Sharks added veteran defensemen Darnell Nurse and Jacob Trouba, winger Mason Marchment, and goaltender Eric Comrie. They also signed top prospect Ivar Stenberg after selecting him with the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks had little choice but to sign Celebrini to his expensive new contract. It will also cost a lot to re-sign Smith, something Grier understandably wants to do now before his value climbs again. Misa could also be another high-priced re-signing next summer if he blossoms as expected in his sophomore campaign.

Misa is justified in his excitement about his promising team’s future. However, building the Sharks into a contender got more expensive.

PuckPedia indicates that the Sharks currently have $34.7 million cap space for 2027-28, the first season under Celebrini’s new contract. Assuming Smith gets $10 million annually and Graf $6.5 million on long-term deals, they’ll have around $18.2 million left. That will give them more than enough to re-sign promising goalie Yaroslav Askarov, who is an RFA with arbitration rights next summer, and sufficient space to fill out the remainder of the roster.

However, it could become more costly over the following two years. That’s when Misa, Sam Dickinson, Igor Chernyshov, and Stenberg will be due for new contracts. They’ll also face finding suitable replacements for aging core players Tyler Toffoli and Dmitry Orlov, and for backup goalies Alex Nedeljkovic and Eric Comrie.

The rising cap should help Grier in his efforts to re-sign or replace those players. However, the cost of doing so could reach a point where they run out of sufficient salary-cap space to add the necessary depth to become a Stanley Cup contender.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 29, 2026

by | Jul 29, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 29, 2026

Check out the latest on Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes, Blues center Robert Thomas, Avalanche winger Jaden Schwartz, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE ATHLETIC’s Michael Russo believes Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin will meet with defenseman Quinn Hughes and his representatives this week in Michigan to discuss a contract extension.

Hughes, 26, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. He’s in the final season of a six-year contract with an average annual value of $7.85 million.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Russo reports the Wild want to sign him to a new deal between five and eight years, pointing out that the maximum term for re-signing players drops to seven years as of Sept. 16. However, a three-year deal makes the most sense for Hughes, aligning with the remaining term on brother Jack Hughes’ contract with the New Jersey Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild owner Craig Leipold last month claimed his club would re-sign Hughes, but that was before Leo Carlsson’s new contract (with its record $18 million average annual value) set a more expensive bar for retaining talent.

The Wild have already invested $17 million annually in superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov. If Hughes seeks more than that, regardless of term, they will have a significant chunk of their salary cap payroll tied up in two players.

Hughes is among the NHL’s elite players, winning the Norris Trophy as top defenseman in 2023-24. He would be justified in seeking a significant raise that puts him among the league’s highest-paid players.

Before the Carlsson signing, it was expected that Hughes would at least double his salary. Now, he could seek between $18 million and $20.8 million, which is the current maximum cap hit allowed under the CBA.

With a projected $45.9 million in cap space for 2027-28, the Wild have room to accommodate a new contract for Hughes. However, it could complicate efforts to maintain a Stanley Cup-contending roster.

The Wild currently have only 11 active roster players under contract for that season, with forwards Blake Coleman and Ryan Hartman, defenseman Jared Spurgeon, and goaltender Jesper Wallstedt among the notables to be re-signed or replaced.

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford reports Robert Thomas has put last season’s trade speculation behind him as he and the Blues focus on building something special in St. Louis.

Despite the rumors, Thomas indicated that he was never asked by Blues management to waive his no-trade clause. After meetings with new general manager Alex Steen, the two sides are now aligned on the club’s goal of building a Stanley Cup contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues shook things up in recent months, trading away veterans Brayden Schenn, Justin Faulk, and Jordan Kyrou. Goaltender Jordan Binnington will likely remain a trade candidate, and rumors continued to dog blueliner Colton Parayko. However, whatever changes come next to their roster, they won’t involve Thomas, who could take on a larger leadership role with the Blues.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen considers winger Jaden Schwartz as the Avalanche player with the most to prove in 2026-27.

Schwartz, 34, signed a three-year contract with the Avalanche. He could fill a top-six role, which means they’ll need the 2024-25 version who scored 26 goals and 49 points in 2024-25, not the one who managed only 26 points in 50 games last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Deen noted that the Avalanche brought in Schwartz after moving out forwards Valeri Nichushkin and Ross Colton in cost-cutting deals. He inked an affordable AAV of $3.25 million, down from his previous annual salary of $5.5 million.

Schwartz’s production declined last season because he missed 32 games with various injuries. When healthy, he’s a productive second-line winger. The problem is he’s been dogged by injuries for most of his career.

THE ATHLETIC: Dom Luszczyszyn recently published his annual ranking of the NHL’s 10 worst contracts. For the third straight year, Jonathan Huberdeau of the Calgary Flames tops the list.

He also considers Leo Carlsson’s new contract with the Anaheim Ducks among the worst. He acknowledged the 21-year-old center has plenty of potential and could be worth his $18 million AAV by the fourth or fifth year of the deal, but he’s not worth that amount of coin at this stage of his career.

Luszczyszyn also agreed that matching the offer to retain Carlsson was a win. However, he felt the contract efficiency aspect is a big loss that will limit the Ducks’ ceiling over the course of the center’s contract.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kraken Hockey Network’s color analyst Eddie Olczyk is stepping away from his duties for personal and family reasons. He joined KHN in 2022 after spending 15 seasons as an analyst for the Chicago Blackhawks.

THE SCORE: Prime Video will broadcast three Stanley Cup playoff series in Canada (two in the first round, one in the second) as part of a 12-year sublicensing agreement with Rogers. It will also get Wednesday night regular-season national games in Canada in English and French.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 28, 2026

by | Jul 28, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 28, 2026

Three Oilers stars talk about new coach Mike Babcock, Nick Foligno stumps for Quinn Hughes to re-sign with the Wild, potential breakout players who changed teams this summer, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: New Edmonton Oilers head coach Mike Babcock was the hot topic for several Oilers players who attended teammate Zach Hyman’s annual charity golf tournament in Toronto on Monday.

Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

Leon Draisaitl acknowledged Babcock’s brief tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets three years ago. However, he said the Oilers’ leadership group had an “honest conversation” with Babcock about the circumstances behind his decision to step down as Jackets coach.

The Blue Jackets hired Babcock in the summer of 2023. However, he stepped down before coaching a game for them after it was reported he asked players to share personal photos from their phones.

While Babcock hasn’t coached in three years, Draisaitl believes he’s the right coach to improve the Oilers. He said he’s “very excited” to work with Babcock and to learn from him.

Oilers captain Connor McDavid said that he, Draisaitl, and defenseman Evan Bouchard want to be pushed to be better, and he believes Babcock can do that. Hyman, who played for Babcock during his tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs, said he and his teammates want to win and believe hiring Babcock gives them the best chance to do so.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Babcock’s abrupt departure from the Blue Jackets brought back the stories of his bullying players during his tenure with the Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.

Babcock claims he’s learned his lesson and changed his ways. If so, his hiring could be a positive move, though he’ll have his hands full trying to overcome their shaky goaltending and defensive depth issues.

On the other hand, things could get ugly if Babcock hasn’t changed. Oilers stars such as Draisaitl, McDavid, Hyman and Bouchard won’t have to worry about that. It’s the members of the supporting cast who could be singled out.

SPORTSNET: Minnesota Wild center Nick Foligno understands the pull of playing with family members. He and brother Marcus were reunited this year when the Wild acquired him from the Chicago Blackhawks before the March trade deadline.

Nevertheless, he believes teammate Quinn Hughes should forego the idea of joining his brothers, Jack and Luke Hughes, in New Jersey for a chance to win the Stanley Cup with the Wild.

“That part always works itself out,” Foligno told The Athletic. “You want to team up when it’s a good situation, and it matters. Hopefully, he understands that and realizes this is a great team right now and has a window to win, and he can see that through.”

Foligno pointed out that the Hughes brothers are still young and have plenty of time to play together.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes has been dogged by speculation regarding a reunion with his brothers for over a year. He’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July, but indicated at the end of this season that he’s open to signing an extension with the Wild.

Last month, Wild owner Craig Leipold indicated that his team would re-sign Hughes. However, that was before Leo Carlsson’s new contract gave the Anaheim Ducks’ center the highest average annual value in NHL history ($18 million).

Hughes could agree with Foligno that staying in Minnesota gives him a great chance to win the Stanley Cup. Whether the Wild can afford to keep him remains to be seen.

DAILY FACEOFF: Mike Gould recently listed five breakout candidates who changed teams this summer.

They include forward Mavrik Bourque, who the Dallas Stars traded to the Nashville Predators. Winger William Eklund could be another after being dealt to the Ottawa Senators by the San Jose Sharks. So could defenseman Kaedan Korczak, who was acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins from the Vegas Golden Knights.

Forward Connor McMichael could also be a breakout player after being shipped by the Washington Capitals to the St. Louis Blues as part of the Jordan Kyrou trade. Defenseman Simon Nemec is another candidate following his trade to the Calgary Flames by the New Jersey Devils.

THE ATHLETIC: Joel Ward could be on track to become the second Black head coach in NHL history. The first was Dirk Graham with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1998-99.

Ward spent the past six seasons as an assistant coach with the Vegas Golden Knights before being named head coach of their AHL affiliate in Henderson, Nevada, last month.

Former Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy and New York Islanders coach Peter DeBoer believe Ward has what it takes to become an NHL head coach.

Cassidy said he leaned on Ward’s experience as an NHL player, watching him grow from providing individual instruction to players to holding the entire dressing room’s attention with his voice. DeBoer said he saw Ward as a future coach when the latter played for him with the San Jose Sharks.

Cassidy and DeBoer also believe that Ward is doing the right thing by taking a head-coaching role in the AHL despite his years as an NHL assistant coach. They say it’s the best preparation for an NHL head-coaching career.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins named Trent Whitfield as the new head coach of their AHL affiliate in Providence.

DAILY FACEOFF: Goaltender Michael Hutchinson announced his retirement after 11 NHL seasons.

From 2013-14 to 2023-24, Hutchinson had a record of 57 wins, 62 losses, and 18 overtime losses in 127 games saved with the Winnipeg Jets, Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Detroit Red Wings. He had a career goals-against average of 2.94, a save percentage of .902, and six shutouts.

Hutchinson also had a 2-1-0 playoff record in three games saved with a 2.75 GAA and .910 SP.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 27, 2026

by | Jul 27, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 27, 2026

Patrick Kane explains his return to the Blackhawks, the biggest unresolved storylines of this offseason (thus far), the latest notable contract signings, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Patrick Kane said that nostalgia wasn’t the sole reason why he returned to the Blackhawks after spending the last three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings and part of the 2022-23 season with the New York Rangers.

Kane, 37, signed a two-year contract with the Blackhawks last week worth an average annual value of $8 million.

Chicago Blackhawks signed former Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane to a two-year contract. (NHL Images).

During a press conference in Chicago on Friday, Kane said that he didn’t return to the Blackhawks with the intention of “riding off into the sunset.” Instead, he wants to help the new generation of Blackhawks reach the playoffs.

Kane indicated that he’s looking forward to playing alongside young Blackhawks star Connor Bedard once the 21-year-old center returns to action in November. Bedard is currently recovering from shoulder surgery.

“This will be my 20th year in the league, and I’ll probably see passes I’ve never seen before playing with him,” Kane said. He’s also been skating with Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar, and is impressed by his work ethic and speed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks overpaid to bring Kane back to the city where he spent most of his NHL career and had his greatest success. He’s well past his prime, but management believes the investment will be worthwhile if he can help to shape their young players into postseason contenders. They could get closer to that goal if Kane and Bedard find some offensive chemistry.

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin recently listed the five biggest unresolved storylines of the 2026 NHL offseason.

Dylan Larkin’s trade request tops the list, as the 29-year-old center remains with the Detroit Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The removal of Steve Yzerman as general manager has complicated this situation. There’s also no indication the move has changed Larkin’s mind about a trade.

Connor Hellebuyck’s future with the Winnipeg Jets comes in at No. 2. It’s rumored that the 33-year-old goaltender would be open to being traded to the Buffalo Sabres. The two clubs were reportedly close to a deal a month ago. However, it fell through, and there’s no sign those discussions will resume.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been some recent conjecture over what it might cost the Sabres to acquire Hellebuyck and whether it would be worthwhile. However, they don’t seem any closer to a deal, and it’s possible they might never get one done. Hellebuyck has five years left on his contract, and the Jets aren’t in a hurry to move him.

Cutter Gauthier’s contract extension remains a hot topic. The 21-year-old Anaheim Ducks winger is ineligible to sign an offer sheet. However, linemate Leo Carlsson’s new contract (with its league-leading $18 million AAV) could push his asking price much higher than the Ducks originally expected.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s expected the Ducks will re-sign Gauthier, but they’ll also have to shed salary to fit his new contract within their limited salary-cap payroll.

Larkin is also interested to see if Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild, and Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning sign contract extensions this summer. They are eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next summer, and each stands a good chance to become the NHL’s highest-paid player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carlsson’s league-leading AAV will affect what Makar, Hughes, and Kucherov seek on their next contracts. Unlike Carlsson, they have the resumes to justify the huge raises they’re expected to get.

Larkin also wondered if we’ll see more offer sheets this summer. The Philadelphia Flyers signing Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson to a five-year, $90 million contract (matched by the Ducks) prompted speculation over whether Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets or Simon Edvinsson of the Detroit Red Wings could become offer-sheet targets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It depends on whether Fantilli and Edvinsson are open to offers from rival clubs. Nevertheless, the Carlsson offer sheet will have an impact on what those two youngsters receive, whether it’s with their current clubs or another team via offer sheet. It could explain why they haven’t been re-signed yet.

NHL.COM: The Blue Jackets avoided salary arbitration with Cole Sillinger, signing the 23-year-old forward to a three-year contract with a $4.625 million AAV.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers avoided salary arbitration with Akira Schmid. On Friday, the two sides agreed to a two-year contract worth an AAV of $2 million.

THE ORANGE COUNTRY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks signed Nikita Klepov to a three-year entry-level contract. They drafted the 18-year-old forward with the 15th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The St. Louis Blues hired Hall of Fame defenseman Sergei Zubov as an advisor to hockey operations. He was previously a team consultant with the Blues in 2012-13.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 24, 2026

by | Jul 24, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 24, 2026

Patrick Kane returns to the Blackhawks, Mitch Marner’s agent claims the Maple Leafs never protected his client, John Tortorella wants to continue coaching, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I will be off Saturday (July 25) and Sunday (July 26). The next update to this site will be Monday, July 27. Enjoy the weekend, everybody!

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Patrick Kane is returning to Chicago. The 37-year-old winger signed a two-year contract with the Blackhawks worth an average annual value of $8 million. He also gets a full no-movement clause through 2027-28.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks had been trying to woo Kane back as they attempt to bolster their offense and add more skilled experience to their lineup. He could also be playing alongside rising superstar Connor Bedard on the top line once the latter returns from shoulder surgery in November.

Chicago Blackhawks sign former Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

It’s a feel-good story, but also a surprisingly expensive one. Kane’s earning much more per season on this deal than he did during his three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. He put up respectable numbers during his tenure with the Wings, but nothing that justifies $8 million annually. It’s unlikely those stats will improve given his age.

Nevertheless, the Blackhawks believe they can comfortably carry Kane’s new contract. They’ll feel justified in the investment if he helps them improve offensively.

Speaking of the Red Wings, Kane’s departure is another blow for a club whose captain has requested a trade and is currently seeking a new general manager after removing Steve Yzerman from that role. It could also push winger Alex DeBrincat closer to following Kane out the door via free agency next summer.

SPORTSNET: Mitch Marner’s agent, Darren Ferris, provided new information on what led to his client’s departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs for the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade move last June.

Ferris claimed Marner “bled” for the Maple Leafs, but he was “never really protected” by the organization. He rehashed some of the issues about the departure, claiming his client and his family became the scapegoat for the Leafs’ playoff failures, and blaming “misinformation” regarding his client’s previous contract negotiations with the club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Based on social media reaction, most Maple Leafs followers are fed up with what they perceive as whining from the Marner camp and want to move on.

Some of the flak that Marner received as a Maple Leaf was unjustified, such as the personal attacks against his family. But he was also one of the club’s highest-paid players and a local boy to boot, and that put him into a brighter spotlight than most. He also claimed he and his Leafs teammates were “looked upon as kind of gods” in discussing the love that they received from Leafs Nation.

Marner wasn’t solely responsible for the Leafs’ playoff woes, but he deserves his fair share of the blame.

THE ATHLETIC: In an exclusive interview with Joe Smith, John Tortorella said that he hopes to continue his NHL coaching career.

The 68-year-old Tortorella took over as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights late last season, guiding them to the Stanley Cup Final. However, the club subsequently informed him that they were replacing him with Ryan Craig.

Tortorella said he understood the decision, noting that the Golden Knights had spent several years grooming Craig, calling him “a good coach and a good man.” He said he was grateful to the Golden Knights but wanted to finish the job.

Asked what he felt was the turning point of the Cup Final, Tortorella said it was the Hurricanes replacing starter Frederik Andersen with Brandon Bussi in Game 3. He also defended his decision to stick with Carter Hart as his starter in the Final, crediting the latter with getting them to the Final.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tortorella’s role in getting the Golden Knights into the Stanley Cup Final hasn’t been overlooked. While he can be stubborn and outspoken, and has a contentious relationship with the media, he has a proven record for turning struggling teams into playoff contenders. It won’t be surprising if he’s back behind an NHL bench at some point this season.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets avoided salary arbitration with Jet Greaves, signing the 25-year-old goaltender to a three-year contract worth an AAV of $5 million.

In their arbitration filings, Greaves sought $7.5 million on a one-year deal while the Blue Jackets had offered $2.8 million. His hearing had been slated for Thursday morning.

The Blue Jackets have $19 million in cap space left with forwards Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger to sign. Sillinger is slated for arbitration on July 27.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jackets had little choice but to reach common ground with Greaves, who emerged as their starting goalie last season. They need reliable goaltending if they hope to make the playoffs this season.

Sillinger isn’t expected to cost much to re-sign, and it’s unlikely his case will reach arbitration.

The Jackets appear focused on getting Greaves and Sillinger signed before sorting things out with Fantilli, who lacks arbitration rights but is eligible to sign an offer sheet. A rival club could attempt to sign him if he’s receptive, but the Jackets should have enough space to match.

Speaking of the Blue Jackets, former defenseman Jack Johnson has joined the coaching staff of Ohio State University’s women’s hockey team as associate head coach.

NHL.COM: Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck appeared on “Celebrity Family Feud” alongside their fellow Olympic and Paralympic gold medalists.

RDS.CA: Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis is a big fan of Jerry Seinfeld, admitting earlier this year that he listens to “Seinfeld” episodes to relax.

On Thursday, St. Louis met his comedy idol during the Just For Laughs festival in Montreal. He presented the American comedian with a Canadiens jersey bearing Seinfeld’s name.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 23, 2026

by | Jul 23, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 23, 2026

The latest on Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, a look at possible trends regarding restricted free agents, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Defenseman Matthew Schaefer said it would be an honor if he were named captain of the New York Islanders, but that’s not his focus right now.

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (NHL Images).

Schaefer, who turns 19 in September, pointed out that the Islanders already have so many leaders. He singled out Bo Horvat and Brayden Schenn, who were captains with their previous teams. “I’m still young, so I’m in no rush.”

Entering his second NHL season, Schaefer will be eligible to sign a contract extension next July. However, he’s not concerned about getting a big payday.

“I’ll let my agent think about that,” Schaefer said. “I don’t need to think about that. I’m still a kid; I’m still a year away from any of that. I love Long Island; we have something special going on there. I don’t care about the money. I just want to play the game of hockey, and that’s what I love.”

The first-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Schaefer won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the 2025-26 Rookie of the Year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schaefer may not be thinking about his next contract, but his agent and Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche definitely will be. If he improves on his impressive debut campaign, he’ll be in line for a substantial raise that could reach at least $18 million annually.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Andre Leal recently suggested that Connor Bedard’s new five-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks signals a trend among restricted free agents signing mid-term contract extensions rather than maximum term.

Other RFAs who signed five-year deals include Leo Carlsson (via offer sheet) and Pavel Mintyukov of the Anaheim Ducks, Simon Nemec of the Calgary Flames, Cole Perfetti of the Winnipeg Jets, Brandt Clarke of the Los Angeles Kings, and Dylan Holloway of the St. Louis Blues.

Notable RFAs who opted for four-year terms this summer were Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale of the Philadelphia Flyers, Peyton Krebs of the Buffalo Sabres, and Jordan Spence of the Ottawa Senators.

Meanwhile, Ryan O’Hara noted that Utah Mammoth defenseman John Marino signed an eight-year extension this week. He suggested Marino’s deal might be the first of many massive extensions before Sept. 15.

That date is the deadline for teams to sign players to eight-year contracts. After that, the maximum term for re-signing players drops to seven years. Those for unrestricted free agents go from seven years to six.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see how many opt for the maximum term or a shorter deal. The remaining noteworthy RFAs include Cutter Gauthier of the Anaheim Ducks, Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Simon Edvinsson of the Detroit Red Wings, and Alexander Nikishin of the Carolina Hurricanes.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets signed forward Danton Heinen to a one-year, two-way contract.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner cited a report claiming former Boston Bruins assistant general manager Evan Gold could be heading to the New York Islanders.