NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 14, 2026

by | Aug 14, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 14, 2026

Zach Werenski addresses the trade rumors dogging him this summer, some under-the-radar acquisitions who could surprise this season, the latest on Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH/THE ATHLETIC: Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski returned to Columbus from his summer break and addressed the trade rumors that popped up about him two months ago.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

The rumors began in mid-June amid a report stating that he might request a trade out of Columbus. On June 30, it was reported that he rejected a trade that would’ve sent him to the Dallas Stars.

Werenski and Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell released statements on July 1, emphasizing that he was staying in Columbus and wanted to help the Blue Jackets win. The 29-year-old superstar defenseman’s comments on Thursday were little different from those in his statement last month.

Werenski again stressed how much he loved the city of Columbus, adding that he has no issue staying with the Blue Jackets for a longer period. His current contract expires on July 1, 2028. He said that he wanted to see the Blue Jackets in the playoffs and to make progress.

Regarding his future, Werenski said he wouldn’t answer any questions about it after Thursday, adding that it was important for him to get them out of the way now. He reiterated that he’s committed to the club and his teammates, and excited to return to action with them.

As for those trade rumors, Werenski believed there was miscommunication, claiming that he never requested a trade and never definitively said that he wouldn’t sign an extension, only that he can’t say today what might happen when his current deal expires in two years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m not doubting Werenski’s sincerity, but it seems this situation was badly handled by both sides, which created the impression that his days in Columbus are numbered.

Werenski’s comments should silence the trade rumors for the coming season, especially if the Blue Jackets make the playoffs by April. However, the longer he goes without an extension next summer, the more often his name will appear in the rumor mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Speaking of Werenski and the Blue Jackets, Ryan Lambert looked at four things they must do to return to the postseason for the first time since 2020.

Convincing Werenski and others (such as winger Kirill Marchenko) to stay are among those things, along with the 2026 Norris Trophy winner having another big season.

THE ATHLETIC: Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey is enjoying life as a new father after his son Hayes was born two months ago. It’s also given him a new perspective on life, and a new appreciation for his mother and his late father.

Morrissey acknowledged the coming season will be pivotal for the Jets, who missed the playoffs last season after winning their first Presidents’ Trophy in franchise history in 2024-25.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As the Jets’ top defenseman, Morrissey will play a crucial role in the club’s performance this season.

SPORTSNET: Forward Mavrik Bourque of the Nashville Predators, winger Jordan Kyrou of the Washington Capitals, and defenseman Mario Ferraro of the Winnipeg Jets are among David Morassutti’s list of 12 under-the-radar NHL offseason acquisitions who could surprise this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link for the full list and feel free to weigh in with your thoughts.

I don’t think Kyrou qualifies as an “under-the-radar” acquisition. His trade from the Blues to the Capitals garnered plenty of attention as the latter bolstered their offense to return to the playoffs next season.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Former McGill University men’s hockey coach David Urquhart is joining the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate in Laval as an assistant coach.

CALGARY SUN: Former Flames radio play-by-play broadcaster Peter Maher passed away on Thursday at age 79.

Maher called the Flames’ games from 1980-81 to 2013-14, including the club’s Stanley Cup championship in 1989 and their run to the Cup Final in 2004. A native of Campbellton, New Brunswick, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2016.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Maher’s family, friends, and the Flames organization.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 13, 2026

by | Aug 13, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 13, 2026

The questions facing the Kings, the worst decisions from last season, what the Capitals need to bounce back, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: How Quenton Byfield fares as the No. 1 center and Drew Doughty’s future are among the three notable questions facing the Los Angeles Kings this season.

Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield (NHL Images).

Byfield, 23, has big skates to fill as he takes over the first-line center role from Anze Kopitar, who retired at the end of last season. He’s averaged over 53 points in each of the last three seasons, and could see those numbers increase while centering wingers Artemi Panarin and Kevin Fiala.

Doughty is entering the final season of his eight-year contract. The 36-year-old defenseman faces an uncertain future with the Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byfield has been projected for years as the Kings’ future first-line center. That future is now for the youngster. How well he handles the role and the pressure will play a significant part in how this season unfolds for the retooling Kings.

Doughty isn’t the Norris Trophy contender of his youth, but he was still an effective top-four defenseman for the Kings. His performance this season will determine if he gets a contract extension before his eligibility for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

BLEACHER REPORT: Adam Gretz recently looked back at the biggest mistakes of the NHL’s 2025-26 campaign.

The Edmonton Oilers’ trading Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Tristan Jarry was among the notable blunders. So was the Anaheim Ducks’ not getting Leo Carlsson signed before the offseason, and the Winnipeg Jets expecting a fading Jonathan Toews to fill their second-line center role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link for the full list and let us know if you agree or disagree with Gretz’s choices.

Hindsight is 20/20, but for me, the Ducks not re-signing Carlsson to an extension last summer was the biggest mistake. That decision changed the cost of re-signing players considerably, and could adversely affect the Ducks’ roster.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert looked at four things the Washington Capitals need if they’re to rebound from last season’s disappointing performance.

Their offseason investments paying off topped the list. Capitals management hoped to bolster their scoring punch by adding wingers Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres and Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues. They also brought in two-way forward Boone Jenner from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has agreed to return for one more season, but it’s clear that management is preparing their offense for the day when he’ll be moving on. Adding Tuch and Kyrou could help them spread their scoring around while providing more depth in anticipation of Ovechkin’s inevitable retirement.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: The Sabres will induct former forwards Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek into their Hall of Fame before their home game on Jan. 14 against the Colorado Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pominville and Vanek were among the Sabres’ best players between 2005-06 and 2011-12.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Calen Addison has signed a one-year contract with KHL team Shanghai Dragons. The 26-year-old defenseman spent four NHL seasons with the Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks from 2020-21 to 2023-24, netting 50 points in 152 regular-season games. He spent the last two seasons in the AHL.

SPORTSNET: Hockey Canada suspensions remain in place for four of the five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team who were acquitted of sexual assault last year.

Cal Foote’s suspension remains in place until Nov. 10. Carter Hart’s will be lifted on the same date in 2027; Dillon Dube’s in 2028; and Michael McLeod’s in 2030.

Alex Formenton was the only player whose suspension was lifted.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames have signed a five-year radio broadcasting deal with QR Calgary 770 AM.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 12, 2026

by | Aug 12, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 12, 2026

Questions facing the Panthers this season, Carey Price weighs in on the Canadiens, the latest on Alex Ovechkin, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: How well Brady and Matthew Tkachuk play together as NHL teammates is among three questions facing the Florida Panthers this season.

The Ottawa Senators traded Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers on June 21. (NHL Images).

The Tkachuk brothers were reunited after the Panthers acquired Brady from the Ottawa Senators in June. They’ve played together for Team USA in international tournaments, including the 2026 Winter Olympics, but this season will be the first time they are NHL teammates.

How well Jacob Markstrom and Akira Schmid can replace departed starting goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is another question facing the Panthers, along with the health of their roster.

Bobrovsky departed on July 1, signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Markstrom was acquired in a trade with the New Jersey Devils and Schmid in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Injuries were the significant factor in the Panthers missing the playoffs last season. Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, Brad Marchand, Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Bennett, Seth Jones, Dmitry Kulikov and Niko Mikkola were among a long list of Panthers regulars sidelined for long periods last season. Barkov missed the entire season with a knee injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The goaltending and the health of the roster are bigger issues than whether the Tkachuks can play well together.

Markstrom was a Vezina Trophy finalist in 2022, but his performance declined over the past two seasons with the Devils. Meanwhile, Schmid struggled to establish himself as a full-time NHL goalie.

On paper, a healthy Panthers roster should make the playoffs and (with good goaltending) become a Cup contender again. However, many of those who were sidelined last season have played more hockey than their peers around the league over the past four seasons, and that does take its toll. Some also have injury histories that could affect their performances.

NHL.COM: Former Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price believes his former club has a bright future. “It sure feels like they’re a contender,” Price said. However, he cautioned that many things need to go right for them to win the Stanley Cup.

Price praised young Canadiens goaltenders Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler, and noted their different styles of play.

“I really love Dobes’ compete level; he’s got that ‘grrr” in his game, he’s got that swagger. I really enjoy watching that. Fowler kind of reminds me more of myself, a little more reserved. He plays a very quiet game like I did. It’s their mentality that has them where they’re at.”

Price played his entire 15-season NHL career with the Canadiens, finishing as the franchise leader with 361 wins and games played (712). He’ll be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reports no player has more slap shot goals over the past decade than Alex Ovechkin. The Washington Capitals captain has 107, three more than Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos. Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak was third with 76 goals.

Ovechkin was second in snap shot goals with 94. Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers was the leader in that category with 145.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Blackhawks rookie forward Anton Frondell has an opportunity to be the club’s first-line center for at least the first month of this season. The 19-year-old could start this season filling in for sidelined star Connor Bedard.

Frondell showed promise as a center in nine of his 12 NHL games last season, but he struggled with faceoffs and defensive assignments. He’s working on improving those areas of his game for the coming season.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins announced five new jersey numbers for 2026-27.

Winger JJ Peterka will wear No. 10 and defenseman Will Borgen wears No. 17. Center Ivan Ivan is No. 49; returning defenseman Connor Clifton is No. 75; and forward Lukas Reichel wears No. 76.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Vancouver Canucks signed prospect forward Adam Novotny to an entry-level contract. Novotny, 18, was chosen 24th overall by the Canucks in the 2026 NHL Draft.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reports the New York Islanders have narrowed down 80,000 global fan submissions for their third jersey for 2027-28 to eight finalists.

Round one of voting runs from Aug. 12 through Aug. 14. Round two is from Aug. 15 to 17, with the final round taking place from Aug. 18 to 20.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 11, 2026

by | Aug 11, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 11, 2026

 

Lingering offseason questions remain to be answered. Check out the latest in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

YAHOO! SPORTS/USA TODAY: Mike Brehm recently looked at five offseason questions still to be answered before the 2026-27 NHL regular season begins next month.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

The Detroit Red Wings’ search for a new general manager tops the list, followed by Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was reported last week that the Red Wings hired a search firm to help them find a new general manager. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicated the search is ongoing.

For now, Larkin’s trade request will have to wait until a new GM is in place. Even then, there is no certainty that he’ll be moved quickly, if at all. A reconciliation is possible, though there’s currently no indication that a change of management will prompt Larkin to rescind his request.

Quinn Hughes’ contract extension negotiations with the Minnesota Wild must be resolved.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not for lack of trying by the Wild. General manager Bill Guerin said he’d been in ongoing discussions with the Hughes camp thus far, and recently met with them in Michigan. Guerin is preaching patience, pointing out that it’s a big decision for both sides.

Several notable restricted free agents remain to be signed. They include Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier, Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli, Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson, and Carolina Hurricanes blueliner Alexander Nikishin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some Blue Jackets and Red Wings fans remain concerned that Fantilli or Edvinsson could sign an offer sheet with another club. It’s possible but unlikely, given that the Jackets and Red Wings have plenty of salary cap space to match an offer.

Gauthier is ineligible to sign an offer sheet, but the Ducks could be forced to make a cost-cutting trade or two to free up cap sroom for his new contract. Meanwhile, speculation persists over whether the Hurricanes will sign or trade Nikishin.

Unrestricted free agents still available include forwards Vladimir Tarasenko, Michael Bunting, and Eeli Tolvanan, defensemen John Klingberg, Logan Stanley, and Nick Blankenburg, and goalie Connor Ingram and Cam Talbot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s now mid-August with no indication that those remaining UFAs are any closer to getting new contracts. Most could be signed before training camps open in September, but others might have to sign professional tryout offers to prove their worth during training camp.

NHL.COM: Speaking of questions, the Edmonton Oilers have three facing them for the coming season.

Mike Babcock’s impact as head coach is the main questions. They hired the controversial coach this spring, hoping he’ll be able to get them back into Stanley Cup contention following last season’s early playoff exit.

Goaltending depth and defensive play are the other questions that must be addressed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The defensive game should improve under Babcock, but the goaltending could remain their Achille’s heel if Frederik Andersen and Devon Levi struggle to adjust with their new club. Andersen’s injury history and Levi’s development remain concerning issues.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Carolina Hurricanes will be holding a yard sale of game-used gear and signed collectibles at the Lenova Center on August 15.

OTTAWA SUN: A year after the Senators signed their agreement with Ottawa’s National Capital Commission for a new arena at LeBreton Flats, the club says there is plenty of activity behind the scenes to make the new venue a reality.

Senators ownership has agreed to pay $37 million for the 11 acres, with the option to purchase for additional acres. There is no firm date when construction will begin. Cleaning the site of more than 514,000 cubic acres of contaminated soil still has to take place.

The Senators have also held several meetings with Indigenous groups to secure a financial agreement, which is paramount to the project.

TSN: The Vancouver Canucks hired Ryan Stewart as their new director of hockey strategy and player evaluation. He spent the past four seasons with the San Jose Sharks where he oversaw their professional staff in North America and Europe.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 10, 2026

by | Aug 10, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 10, 2026

Questions facing the Hurricanes and Avalanche, the top defensemen for 2026-27, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Who steps up for the sidelined Seth Jarvis and Jordan Staal’s uncertain future are among the three questions facing the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes.

Jarvis, 24, underwent shoulder surgery in late June and faces a recovery period of 4-to-6 months. It could open the door for prospects such as Bradly Nadeau and Felix Unger Sorum to fill Jarvis’ role until his return.

Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal (NHL Images).

This season could be the final one for Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal. The 38-year-old center won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP and is entering the final season of his four-year-contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staal is entering his 21st NHL campaign. Another solid performance on his part could convince him to return, though it could be on a one- or two-year contract.

Questions about their goaltending linger with the departure of veteran starter Frederik Andersen. Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov will be their goalie tandem this season. Bussi excelled after taking over for the injured Andersen in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final and the final three games of the series, but he must prove he can do it again.

NHL.COM: The biggest question facing the Colorado Avalanche is, “When will Cale Makar sign?” The 28-year-old superstar defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He can sign an extension now, but so far, there’s no indication that a deal is close.

Avalanche president Joe Sakic isn’t concerned. In June, he claimed that Makar would finish his career in Colorado.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: How much Makar will be paid and for how long are the main questions. He could become the first NHL player to earn an average annual value of $20 million. It could be an eight-year contract if he signs before the change to the maximum term for extensions drops to seven years on Sept. 16.

Whether the goaltending and the power play can improve are the other notable questions facing the Avalanche this season.

NHL.COM: Speaking of Cale Makar, he topped the NHL Network’s ranking of the top-20 defensemen in the league heading into 2026-27.

Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild and Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets finished second and third, respectively, followed by Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres and Miro Heiskanen of the Dallas Stars.

Other notables included Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens, Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders, and Jake Sanderson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: You can see the complete list by following the link. Let us know what you thought in the comments section below.

TSN: The Toronto Maple Leafs promoted Patrick O’Sullivan as their director of NHL development. He’d served as their development coach since 2023-24.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 9, 2026

by | Aug 9, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 9, 2026

The league’s best value contracts for 2026-27, plus the latest on Islanders winger Kyle Palmieri, Oilers goaltender Devon Levi, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPORTSNET: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson and winger Ivan Demidov are among Michael Amato’s list of the best value contracts among the NHL’s high-value players.

Hutson, 22, is starting an eight-year contract worth an average annual value of $8.85 million. Meanwhile, the 20-year-old Demidov recently inked an eight-year extension with an AAV of $9.15 million.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (NHL Images).

The Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings, and Carolina Hurricanes also each have two young players on value contracts.

Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson, 24, has six years remaining on his deal with an AAV of $8.05 million, and center Tim Stutzle (also 24) has five years left at $8.35 million annually.

Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond (24) has six years left at $8.07 million AAV while defenseman Moritz Seider (25) has five years remaining at $8.55 million AAV.

Hurricanes forwards Jackson Blake and Logan Stankoven are each 23 and have eight-year deals, with the 23-year-old Blake earning $5.11 million annually while Stankoven’s AAV is $6 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link above for the complete list. Let us know in the comments section if you agree with Amato’s listing or if any players are missing from his list.

NEWSDAY: New York Islanders winger Kyle Palmieri is hoping to be fully recovered from knee surgery in time for training camp in September. The 35-year-old Palmieri underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL that he suffered last November.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Palmieri was enjoying a good start to last season (18 points in 25 games) before the injury. His absence contributed to the low-scoring Islanders missing the playoffs last spring. Given his age and the lengthy recovery period, it could take some time before he returns to form.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Devon Levi is looking forward to a fresh start with the Oilers after failing to crack the Buffalo Sabres roster on a full-time basis.

Levi was a promising young goalie when the Sabres acquired him from the Florida Panthers in July 2021 as part of the return in the Sam Reinhart trade. He appeared in only 39 games with the Sabres between 2022-23 and 2024-25.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers’ goaltending has been their Achilles’ heel for some time. They brought in recent Stanley Cup champion Frederik Andersen to share the duties with the inconsistent Tristan Jarry. However, the 36-year-old Andersen’s age and lengthy injury history make him a risky addition.

This could provide the 24-year-old Levi with a golden opportunity to establish himself as an NHL goaltender. If he can rise to the occasion, it’ll provide invaluable stability in the crease for the Oilers.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL forward Noah Philp has announced his retirement at the age of 27. He signed with Swedish Hockey League club HV71 for this season. However, in a social media post, he apologized to the team, explaining that he no longer has the motivation for hockey.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Philp played for the Oilers and Hurricanes from 2024-25 to 2025-26, finishing with five points in 32 games.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets have an ECHL affiliate after signing a two-year agreement with the Wheeling Nailers.

The Nailers were the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins from 1998 to 2026.