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.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 22, 2026

by | Jul 22, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 22, 2026

The Stars and Jason Robertson avoid arbitration, the Mammoth re-sign John Marino, the Blue Jackets and Jett Greaves remain apart in contract talks, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars and winger Jason Robertson avoided salary arbitration, agreeing on Tuesday to a one-year, $12 million contract.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

Robertson, 26, was a restricted free agent coming off a four-year contract worth an average annual value of $7.75 million. He was slated for an arbitration hearing on Saturday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson was reportedly seeking $14 million annually while the Stars countered with $12 million.

This contract buys time for both sides. Robertson wants to remain with the Stars, vetoing a trade to the Seattle Kraken after refusing their offer of an eight-year deal worth $15 million annually. The Stars want to keep him, especially as they push for a Stanley Cup in 2026-27, but at their price.

Robertson was due for a substantial raise after leading the Stars in scoring last season with 45 goals and 96 points. He’s also been consistently among their top scorers since his rookie season during the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season, finishing no lower than second in each of those seasons.

Another high-scoring season will ensure that Robertson will get a big pay bump on his next deal. He’ll either get that lucrative new contract with the Stars or another club as an unrestricted free agent next July. Given the rise in the salary cap to $113.5 million for 2027-28, his asking price could be more than $14 million annually.

The Stars will have more salary-cap space next summer ($41.163 million as per PuckPedia) to re-sign Robertson. They can open contract extension talks on Jan. 1.

Robertson was the subject of frequent trade speculation last season. The longer he goes without an extension, the more rumors will arise about his future in Dallas.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Utah Mammoth signed defenseman John Marino to an eight-year contract extension worth an AAV of $6.75 million. He’s in the final season of a six-year deal with an AAV of $4.4 million.

Marino, 29, is coming off a career-best 36-point performance in 80 games last season. He’s been among their best all-around defensemen, playing a key role in the Mammoth’s improvement as they reached the playoffs last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mammoth general manager Bill Armstrong believes Marino can become an elite puck-moving defenseman. They consider him to be an invaluable part of their blueline corps. Given the steady rise of the salary cap, this could become a cost-effective contract.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets and goaltender Jet Greaves appear to be far apart in contract negotiations as his July 23rd arbitration hearing approaches.

Both sides submitted their briefs to the arbitrator on Tuesday on a one-year contract. Greaves is seeking $7.5 million while the Blue Jackets offered $2.8 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If this goes to arbitration, Greaves could get an amount somewhere around the midpoint of those two submissions. However, he and the Jackets could also reach an agreement before Thursday’s scheduled hearing, which is usually the outcome as these cases rarely go before an arbitrator.

THE ATHLETIC: The New York Rangers hired two former players for development roles.

Jonathan Quick will become the Rangers’ new director of goaltending development. Derick Brassard becomes a player development assistant.

Quick, 40. retired at the end of 2025-26 after 19 seasons as a goaltender, 16 of those with the Los Angeles Kings. He spent the past three seasons as the Rangers’ backup.

Brassard spent 16 seasons in the NHL as a center, with four of those as a Ranger.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks defenseman Zeev Buium is hoping for a breakout performance this season. The 20-year-old finished third among rookie blueliners last season with 26 points in 76 games. He’s spending the offseason focused on improving his stamina.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Buium was part of the return the Canucks received in the trade that sent superstar rearguard Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild. He’s expected to become an important part of the club’s rebuild.

ESPN.COM: The Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues will have their games produced and distributed by NHL Productions this season.

The four clubs had agreements with Main Street Sports, which operated regional channels under the FanDuel Sports Network brand and went out of business at the end of last season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 21, 2026

by | Jul 21, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 21, 2026

Check out the latest on Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, Mammoth center Logan Cooley, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Blackhawks center Connor Bedard said he’s feeling good following shoulder surgery two weeks ago. He intends to remain mostly in Vancouver during his recovery this summer. His estimated recovery timeline is four months.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (NHL Images)

Regarding his new contract, Bedard said that Leo Carlsson’s new contract with the Anaheim Ducks didn’t really change things regarding his negotiations with the Blackhawks, saying he was “very happy” with the money he’ll be making.

Bedard maintains he’s very happy in Chicago and with the Blackhawks’ progress. He also said he’s excited at the possibility of Patrick Kane potentially returning to the club as a free agent. “Hopefully, he decides to come back,” Bedard said. “It would make us a way better team.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bedard will be earning an average annual value of $15 million on his new five-year contract.

As for Kane, it’s believed he’s considering returning to the Blackhawks or signing with his hometown club, the Buffalo Sabres.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh reports New York Islanders head coach Peter DeBoer believes Matthew Schaefer could one day become the club’s captain.

DeBoer took over as the Isles coach late last season, but was impressed with Schaefer’s performance and the 18-year-old defenseman’s leadership within the dressing room. He believes Schaefer will be part of the Isles’ leadership group, and thinks he could become captain one day, but stressed they must be careful not to put too much on the youngster too soon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders need a new captain after Anders Lee departed via free agency this summer. It’s unlikely they’ll hang the “C” on Schaefer, but there’s no doubt that the young blueliner will be part of their leadership group going forward.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley is looking forward to playing alongside Vincent Trocheck. He grew up admiring Trocheck, who was acquired from the New York Rangers earlier this summer.

The two Pittsburgh-area natives have skated together in offseason training, developing a friendship. Trocheck said it was among the factors that contributed to his decision to accept a trade to Utah.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck is a center, but he’s indicated that he’s willing to play on the wing for the Mammoth. Perhaps he and Cooley will be linemates this season.

NHL.COM: According to Dylan Strome, it’s Stanley Cup or bust for the Washington Capitals. “I mean, I think it has to be”, the Capitals forward said. “I think that with the pieces that we’ve added, you can’t ask much more from management, so now it’s time for the players to step up and do what’s asked of us.”

The Capitals were among the busiest teams this summer, acquiring Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, and Boone Jenner through trades and free agency, and signing team captain Alex Ovechkin to a one-year contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals’ recent moves were spurred by their disappointing performance last season after finishing first in the Eastern Conference in 2024-25. They are not only attempting to bounce back, but also give Ovechkin one last chance to stage a run for a second Stanley Cup before his inevitable NHL retirement.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: The Canadiens have officially announced that they’ve hired former Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde as their new associate coach, replacing Trevor Letowski.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL center Eddie Joyal passed away at the age of 86.

Joyal spent nine seasons in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, and Philadelphia Flyers from 1962-63 to 1971-72. He also spent four seasons in the WHA from 1972-73 to 1975-76.

In 465 NHL games, Joyal scored 128 goals and 134 assists for 262 points, and 11 goals and 19 points in 50 postseason games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Joyal’s family, friends, and former teammates.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 20, 2026

by | Jul 20, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 20, 2026

Reaction to Connor Bedard’s new contract, Brandon Saad could be heading overseas, Jack Campbell retires, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: The Blackhawks signed center Connor Bedard on Saturday to a five-year contract worth an average annual value of $15 million.

Bedard, 21, had completed his three-year entry-level contract. He has the third-highest AAV this season, behind Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson ($18 million) and Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov ($17 million).

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus believes Bedard likely would’ve received the same contract as Carlsson if he’d asked for it. However, he informed his agent, Don Meehan, that he was happy to continue to negotiate from their original position, which would give the Blackhawks the salary-cap leeway necessary to remain “as effective and competitive as it could be.”

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (NHL Images)

According to Lazerus, money was never the issue. “The sticking point – if you can call it that – was term.” The contract expires when Bedard is 26, making him eligible for unrestricted free-agent status.

Meehan also indicated that Bedard had no interest in signing an offer sheet. He also stressed that the shorter term is not indicative of any uneasiness on his client’s behalf over the direction of the Blackhawks. He said his client remains “very happy” in Chicago, believes in his teammates, and remains committed to the organization.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bedard didn’t opt for the same deal as Carlsson’s, but the latter’s new contract did affect what the young Blackhawks star received. He could’ve received $18 million annually or more if he wanted it.

Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli is the most notable young star still unsigned this summer. So far, there’s no indication that the 21-year-old center is getting closer to a deal. The longer he remains unsigned, the more speculation there is over whether he’ll receive an offer sheet.

EXPRESSEN: Johan Svensson reports two SHL teams (Brynas IF and Djurgardens IF) have expressed interest in signing Brandon Saad. The 33-year-old winger spent last season with the Vegas Golden Knights on a one-year contract. He had nine points in 49 games and two points in five playoff contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stick tap to Gabriel Foley of Pro Hockey Rumors. A seven-time 20-plus-goal scorer who won two Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks, the 33-year-old Saad’s 15-season NHL career is winding down. He might have to sign in Sweden or elsewhere in Europe to continue his pro career.

SPORTSNET: Goaltender Jack Campbell has announced his retirement.

Campbell, 34, spent nine seasons in the NHL from 2013-14 to 2023-24 with the Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Edmonton Oilers. His last NHL team was the Detroit Red Wings in 2024-25. He entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program and later spent 14 games with the Wings’ AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids in 2024-25.

Campbell said he was “super grateful” for his playing days, but said a lot of people never saw the personal battle he went through during that time. He intends to pursue a career as a life coach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In 164 games saved, Campbell had a record of 93 wins, 52 losses, and 18 overtime losses, finishing with a 2.76 goals-against average, a 909 save percentage, and 10 shutouts. He had a postseason record of 7-8-0 with a 2.28 GAA, a .920 SP, and two shutouts.

DAILY FACEOFF: Blue Jackets center Isac Lundestrom underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon. He is expected to return to action in November.

NJ HOCKEY HOCKEY: Former Devils assistant coach Sergei Brylin has reached an agreement to become the head coach of Dinamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League.

THE PIONEER PRESS: “Da Beauty League” is staging its final season. The Minnesota summer rec league, consisting of Minnesota-based NHL players, minor leaguers, and collegians, began 10 years ago in Edina.