NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 21, 2025

by | Jun 21, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 21, 2025

An update on the Oilers’ offseason plans, Jonathan Toews signs with the Jets, the latest on Joe Pavelski, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

TSN: Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said Friday that signing team captain Connor McDavid to a contract extension is the team’s top offseason priority.

Bowman said McDavid has earned the right to determine the timeline for negotiations, but said the Oilers will be ready once he’s ready to begin. The Oilers superstar is eligible for unrestricted free-agent (UFA) status next July, but he can sign an extension as early as this July 1.

The Oilers GM indicated that the Oilers’ defense corps will remain largely intact. That includes Evan Bouchard, who is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1.

Bowman will focus on making modifications to the forward lines and the goaltending. He said he’s not singling out the goalie tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, but the club will explore changes to that position.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Based on Bowman’s comments, Robert Tychkowski believes the Oilers GM plans a mid-level change or two to his roster.

Tychkowski expressed concern over the Oilers’ aging roster and its thin prospect cupboard. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that their priority is winning the Stanley Cup next season.

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (NHL Images).

Meanwhile, Jim Matheson wondered if Skinner returns next season as the Oilers’ starting goalie, or will he be sharing the crease in a “1 and 1A scenario” without Pickard.

Matheson wondered if the Oilers might target Joel Hofer of the St. Louis Blues with an offer sheet. If they sign him to no more than an average annual value (AAV) of $4,680,076, it’ll only cost them a second-round pick in 2026 as compensation, which is a pick they have.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Assuming Hofer is open to signing an offer sheet, the Blues are in a good position to match it. They have roughly $5 million in cap space for 2025-26 with 22 active roster players under contract. They could get $6.5 million in additional cap flexibility if Torey Krug (ankle) remains on long-term injury reserve (LTIR) next season.

Bigger names that have surfaced in the rumor mill include Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins, Jordan Binnington of the Blues, and Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Swayman will play a key role in the Bruins’ plans for a bounce-back performance next season. Trading him would leave them with Joonas Korpisalo as their full-time starter, and history has shown he’s best suited as a backup.

Binnington’s fortunes have rebounded following a strong performance in the 4 Nations Face Off tournament and the Blues’ memorable first-round series against the Winnipeg Jets this spring. He’s not going anywhere.

Saros struggled along with his Predators teammates last season. They could trade him before his new contract (with its full no-movement clause) begins on July 1, but it’s doubtful the Oilers would be comfortable with his $7.7 million AAV through 2032-33.

Besides, Predators GM Barry Trotz signed Saros to that hefty contract. It’s unlikely he’ll put the netminder on the trade block this summer.

Smaller names that could be available via trade or free agency include John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks, Jake Allen of the New Jersey Devils, and Tristan Jarry of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Not much to choose from there, but Gibson might be worth the risk. He’s signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $6.5 million, but the Ducks might be willing to retain some salary to facilitate a trade for the right return. Allen is a reliable backup while Jarry’s inconsistency is a significant concern.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews has agreed to a one-year contract with the Jets. The 37-year-old center is staging a comeback after being sidelined for the last two seasons by long COVID symptoms and chronic immune response issues.

Toews will earn a base salary of $2 million. With bonuses for games played, that number will more than double if he suits up for at least 50 games in 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is a low-cost gamble by the Jets. If it pays off, Toews could fill their second center position. If it doesn’t, they’ll have sufficient cap space to address that position later in the season.

RG.ORG: Former San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars forward Joe Pavelski admitted he had a moment where he felt the itch to return to the NHL during this season. However, it passed quickly as he confirmed that he is retired for good.

Pavelski played 18 seasons in the NHL, establishing himself among the greatest American-born players in league history.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Carolina Hurricanes signed forward Eric Robinson to a four-year contract extension with an AAV of $1.7 million. Robinson, 30, was slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

TSN: The Dallas Stars signed restricted free agents Mavrik Bourque and Nils Lundkvist to one-year contracts. Bourque will earn $950,000 while Lundkvist will earn $1.25 million.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames signed depth forward Dryden Hunt to a two-year, two-way contract with an AAV of $825,000 at the NHL level.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: The Kraken inked defenseman Cale Fleury to a two-year contract with an AAV of $890,000.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils are reportedly not qualifying the rights of restricted free agent Cody Glass, making him a UFA on July 1.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 20, 2025

by | Jun 20, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 20, 2025

Connor McDavid talks about his future with the Oilers, the Stars re-sign Matt Duchene and trade Mason Marchment to the Kraken, the Senators re-sign Fabian Zetterlund, and more in the NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

MCDAVID DISCUSSES HIS FUTURE IN EDMONTON

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Robert Tychowski reports Oilers captain Connor McDavid left just a little doubt over whether he’ll remain in Edmonton after next season. The 28-year-old superstar center has a year left on his contract and will be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

McDavid talked about the hard work the organization has done to build toward being a Stanley Cup contender. He indicated that he would take some time to regroup, talk to his agent and family, adding there was no rush to sign a contract extension on July 1.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

However, McDavid made a remark that left just enough room for doubt.

“With that being said, ultimately, I still need to do what’s best for me and my family. That’s how you have to take care of, first. But of course there is unfinished business here.”

McDavid was asked what would influence his decision.

“Winning would be at the top of the list, it’s the most important thing. If I feel there is a good window to win here, then signing is no problem.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Edmonton pundits, including Tychowski and Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic, believe the odds favor the Oilers re-signing McDavid. They felt his comments were meant as a direct message to management that he’ll be closely watching their roster decisions over the next two weeks.

Nevertheless, a few observers around the league speculated about the possibility of McDavid becoming available in the trade market or via free agency next summer.

If McDavid becomes a trade candidate, several factors will determine potential destinations.

An interested team needs sufficient trade capital on its roster, which could include its most promising young player and a top-six veteran forward. They must be prepared to part with at least one first-round pick and at least one top prospect. Finally, and most importantly, they need sufficient cap space to sign McDavid to a long-term extension and still be able to ice a contending roster.

It would be cheaper to wait for free agency, but it could still cost up to 20 percent of a team’s cap payroll for 2026-27 to sign McDavid. If the cap reached $104 million as projected, the maximum contract is $20.8 million.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson reports McDavid and Leon Draisaitl voiced their full support of Evan Bouchard. The 25-year-old defenseman faced criticism from Oilers followers regarding his defensive play, but McDavid and Draisaitl defended Bouchard’s play and consider him to be an important part of their roster.

Bouchard is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. He said he loves playing for the Oilers and believes they’re close to becoming a champion. Matheson speculates Bouchard could get an average annual value in the $10 million range on his next contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bouchard’s critics will be apoplectic if the Oilers re-sign him for that much. However, the puck-moving defenseman’s contract situation is likely one of the factors that McDavid will be watching. Re-signing Bouchard could help to ensure that the Oilers captain remains in Edmonton beyond next season.

McDavid revealed that teammate Ryan Nugent-Hopkins suffered a broken hand in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final but still played the rest of the series.

TSN: Corey Perry said he’d love to return with the Oilers next season. The 40-year-old winger played a key role in their march to the Stanley Cup Final this season. He’s coming off a one-year, $1.4 million contract.

STARS RE-SIGN DUCHENE, TRADE MARCHMENT TO THE KRAKEN

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars signed Matt Duchene to a four-year, $18-million contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $4.5 million. He also has a full no-movement clause for the first two years of the deal.

The Stars traded forward Mason Marchment to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A cost-cutting trade was inevitable after signing Duchene. Shipping Marchment to Seattle freed up $4.5 million, giving the Stars just under $5 million in cap space for 2025-26 with 16 active roster players under contract.

Duchene, 34, had a solid regular-season performance in 2024-25 with 30 goals and 82 points, but he managed only six points in 18 playoff games. The cap hit is reasonable, but given his age, this deal seems about a year too long.

The Seattle Times’ Kate Shefte believes the Kraken got Marchment at a bargain. The 30-year-old winger is a big, physical, energetic forward with a decent scoring touch, coming off back-to-back 22-goal seasons.

Kraken GM Jason Botterill cited Marchment’s combination of size, skill, and netfront presence. He should be a welcome addition to the Kraken, but he’s also UFA-eligible next summer. Botterill could attempt to re-sign the big winger this summer or wait to see how this season pans out.

TSN: The Ottawa Senators signed forward Fabian Zetterlund to a three-year, $12.825-million contract extension with an AAV of $4.275 million. He was slated to become an RFA on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators acquired Zetterlund from the San Jose Sharks before the March trade deadline. He had a career-best 24 goals and 44 points with the Sharks in 2023-24, and finished with 19 goals and 40 points in 2024-25. The 25-year-old is slated to play at right wing on the Senators’ second line.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Washington Capitals have granted defenseman Ethan Bear permission to speak with other teams. He appeared in 24 games with the Capitals this season and will become a UFA on July 1.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: The Flyers are reportedly adding Todd Reirden to their coaching staff. He was an associate coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2023-24.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 19, 2025

by | Jun 19, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 19, 2025

The league continues to examine the Oilers’ use of LTIR with Evander Kane, the Blackhawks re-sign Ryan Donato, the Devils trade Erik Haula to the Predators, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli cited sources claiming the NHL plans to continue examining the Edmonton Oilers’ use of long-term injury reserve salary-cap relief (LTIR) with winger Evander Kane.

The league may require more information to confirm that Edmonton complied with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) when Kane returned for the second game of the Oilers’ first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings. The 33-year-old winger missed the entire 2024-25 regular season due to injuries.

Edmonton Oilers winger Evander Kane (NHL Images).

Seravalli indicated that no NHL team has been punished for LTIR usage. The Oilers could face retroactive punishment if the league finds they violated the spirit of the CBA. He indicated that sources say the Oilers have complied with the league’s requests for information and medical opinions.

Kane is under contract through 2025-26 with an average annual value (AAV) of $5.125 million.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples reports that Seravalli’s report sparked outrage in Edmonton, citing several local pundits and broadcasters questioning why this is happening now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It is puzzling why the league continues to monitor this nearly two months after Kane returned to action. They could simply be conducting due diligence and nothing further may come of it.

We saw a similar situation with Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber in 2021, when the league kept an eye on his status after being placed on LTIR for 2021-22. In Weber’s case, the severity of his injuries ended his playing career.

THE SCORE: Speaking of the Oilers, they’re expected to sign forward Trent Frederic to an eight-year contract extension with an AAV of between $3.5 million and $4 million. John Matisz indicated the deal also comes with a modified no-movement clause.

Seravalli stated the deal isn’t expected to be officially announced just yet as they’re engaged in contract talks with other players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Frederic, 27, is a checking line power forward who can play center or wing. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) coming off a two-year contract with an AAV of $2.3 million.

Frederic would likely get a similar AAV elsewhere in the free-agent market on July 1. However, inking him for eight years seems excessive. Given his style of play, that deal might not age well.

The Oilers currently have $11.9 million of salary-cap space for 2025-26. Frederic’s new contract would reduce it to between $8.4 million and $8.9 million. That leaves no room to re-sign or replace their other free agents.

That includes Evan Bouchard. The 25-year-old defenseman is slated to become a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights on July 1. It could cost over $9 million annually to re-sign him.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: The Blackhawks re-signed forward Ryan Donato to a four-year, $16-million contract with an AAV of $4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Donato was among the few bright spots this season for the rebuilding Blackhawks. The versatile 29-year-old forward had a career-best performance with 31 goals and 31 assists for 62 points, putting him among their leading scorers. He’s coming off a two-year contract with an AAV of $2 million.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators acquired forward Erik Haula from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick and minor-league defenseman Jeremy Hanzel.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now indicates this move cleared $3.15 million from the Devils’ salary-cap payroll for 2025-26. They now have over $14.3 million in cap space with RFAs Luke Hughes and Cody Glass and UFA Jake Allen to re-sign. This could also give them some flexibility to make an addition via trade or free agency.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers signed forward Matt Rempe to a two-year contract with an AAV of $975,000.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks re-signed winger Nikita Nesterenko to a two-year, one-way contract with an AAV of $775,000.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Former NHL forward Nick Bonino has ended his playing career and is joining the Penguins as an assistant coach.

Bonino, 37, spent 15 seasons in the NHL from 2009-10 to 2023-24 with the Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins (helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2016 and 2017), Nashville Predators, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks and New York Rangers. He had 159 goals and 199 points in 358 regular-season games and 19 goals and 48 points in 105 postseason contests.

SAN JOSE SHARKS: announced former TV and radio color analyst Chris Collins passed away. Collins covered the team from 1992 to 1997.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Collins’ family, friends, broadcast colleagues and the Sharks’ organization.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 18, 2025

by | Jun 18, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 18, 2025

The Florida Panthers repeat as Stanley Cup champions as Sam Reinhart ties an NHL playoff scoring record, Sam Bennett wins the Conn Smythe Trophy, Predators captain Roman Josi reveals a medical condition related to a concussion, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

PANTHERS WIN STANLEY CUP, BENNETT NAMED PLAYOFF MVP

NHL.COM: The Florida Panthers won their second straight Stanley Cup, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 to win the best-of-seven Final in six games.

Sam Reinhart tied a Stanley Cup playoff record by scoring four goals in the Cup-clinching game, becoming the first player to do so since Babe Dye with the Toronto St. Pats in 1922.

2025 Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers (NHL.com).

Matthew Tkachuk also scored, Sergei Bobrovsky made 28 saves, Carter Verhaeghe had three assists and Aleksander Barkov had two helpers for the Panthers. Vasily Podkolzin scored for the Oilers and Stuart Skinner stopped 20 of 23 shots.

Panthers forward Sam Bennett won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, leading all scorers in this postseason with 15 goals.

DAILY FACEOFF: Following the game, Tkachuk shed light on the lower-body injury that sidelined him from the end of the 4 Nations Face Off tournament in February to the end of the regular season. He said he tore an adductor muscle “off the bone”, adding that he’s also dealing with a sports hernia.

Barkov sliced his hand in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final and ripped the sutures out twice before the wound was glued. Reinhart was dealing with a Grade 2 MCL tear that he suffered during the Eastern Conference Final.

This was the first Stanley Cup championship for Panthers defenseman Seth Jones. Acquired in early March, this was the first time in his 12 NHL seasons that he played for a team that advanced beyond the second round.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the Florida Panthers. This series had the air of inevitability since their lopsided victory in Game 3.

The Oilers tried their best, but the Panthers did an outstanding job of smothering their offense. They also picked apart Edmonton’s defense and received superb goaltending from Bobrovsky.

Bennett’s clutch scoring and agitating style earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy, but the case could’ve also been made for trade-deadline acquisition Brad Marchand. Bennett praised Marchand’s performance, leadership, and work ethic throughout the postseason.

After the game, Oilers captain Connor McDavid gave credit to the Panthers, praising their forecheck and shutting down his club’s momentum. “We kept f**king trying to do the same thing over and over again, just banging our heads against the wall.” He also cited the Panthers’ roster depth as a difference-maker in the series.

McDavid also praised his teammates for overcoming adversity and injuries to return to the Final. “I don’t think people thought we were gonna make it this far,” said McDavid. “We obviously believed. We just came up a bit short again.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll have more about the Oilers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

Corey Perry’s stretch of Stanley Cup futility continued. He appeared in five Stanley Cup Finals since 2020 with the Oilers (2024, 2025), Dallas Stars (2020), Montreal Canadiens (2021) and Tampa Bay Lightning (2022).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s quite a stretch of Cup Final disappointment, but he can draw consolation from the Stanley Cup he won with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007.

PREDATORS CAPTAIN JOSI REVEALS MEDICAL CONDITION

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi told a Swiss publication that he’s dealing with Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). It’s a condition that typically causes someone’s heart rate to increase quickly when standing up from sitting or lying down.

The 35-year-old defenseman hasn’t played since suffering a concussion on Feb. 25. He indicated he was scared that he may have suffered brain damage. Josi underwent tests and an MRI that revealed nothing wrong with his brain, but he was subsequently diagnosed with POTS.

Doctors acknowledged that his condition could be related to his past concussion injuries. The condition could also explain the fainting spells he suffered as a child.

Josi is preparing to return to action next season, having undergone intensive therapy over the last eight weeks, which also includes taking beta blockers. He said he’s been feeling much better and believes he’ll be 100 percent fit to rejoin the Predators and to play for Switzerland in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A healthy Josi is crucial to the Predators’ hopes of bouncing back quickly from their disappointing 2024-25 performance.

IN OTHER NEWS…

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports Ken Holland expects trade activity will increase around the league leading up to the NHL Draft on June 27-28 in Los Angeles. He was hired as the general manager of the Los Angeles Kings on May 14.

Holland said the success of the Florida Panthers will affect other teams’ offseason decisions. He hasn’t ruled out making trades if they make sense for the Kings. Holland also indicated he’ll begin talking soon with Anze Kopitar’s agent regarding a contract extension. The 37-year-old Kings captain has a year remaining on his current deal.

TRIBLIVE.COM: The Pittsburgh Penguins re-signed forward Joona Koppanen to a one-year, $775K contract.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: The Kraken announced the hiring of assistant coaches Chris Taylor and Aaron Schneekloth and goaltending coach Colin Zulianello.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets have revealed their 25th anniversary patch.










NHL Late Afternoon Headlines – June 17, 2025

by | Jun 17, 2025

NHL Late Afternoon Headlines – June 17, 2025

Next season will be Evgeni Malkin’s last with the Penguins, the latest on the Panthers and Oilers on the eve of Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, Canada and the USA are among the nations to reveal their starting six players for the 2026 Olympics, and more in today’s NHL Afternoon Headlines.

PENGUINS NOT EXPECTED TO OFFER AN EXTENSION TO EVGENI MALKIN

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reported the 2025-26 season will be Evgeni Malkin’s last with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The club is not expected to offer the 38-year-old center a contract extension.

Malkin has one season remaining on his four-year contract and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. He has repeatedly stated that the Penguins are the only NHL team he wants to play for.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

Yohe noted that Malkin remained a productive player this season, with 50 points in 68 games. However, he’s a far cry from the dominant player he was a decade ago.

In his prime, Malkin helped the Penguins win the Stanley Cup in 2009, 2015 and 2016. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2009 as playoff MVP, the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2012, and the Art Ross Trophy in 2009 and 2012.

Yohe also pointed out that Malkin hasn’t been the same skater since undergoing two reconstructive surgeries to the same knee.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was perceived when Malkin signed his current contract that it would be his last in the NHL. Whether he wants to continue his NHL career elsewhere is unknown. He could conclude his playing career in his native Russia or hang up his skates for good.

Malkin’s future could be determined by his performance this season. Another 50-plus point effort could entice him to continue his NHL career. If his production declines again, he could decide his playing days are over.

STANLEY CUP FINAL NOTEBOOK

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers hope their Stanley Cup nerves are behind them when they face off on Tuesday against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the Cup Final. Last year, the Panthers held a 3-0 series lead over the Oilers but struggled to contain their nervousness, losing the next three games before winning Game 7.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was different last year because the Panthers were poised to win their first-ever Stanley Cup. This time, they’re defending champions and in a better place mentally to deal with the nerves.

SPORTSNET: Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk said he’s at the best he’s felt since returning from the lower-body injury he suffered in the 4 Nations Face Off tournament in February. He missed the remainder of the regular season, returning to action in the Panthers’ opening game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tkachuk admitted he’s had some “ups and downs” during this postseason, but he’s tied with Sam Bennett as the Panthers’ points leader with 22 points. He has the same number of points as he had at the end of last year’s playoffs.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers captain Connor McDavid said he’s not letting the pressure of trying to lead his team to the Stanley Cup get to him. “I don’t think about it that way,” he said. “If you think about it that way, you’d probably be pretty crippled in terms of how you prepare and how you play.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Panthers, the Oilers have been in this position before. Nevertheless, it’s still a hefty burden for McDavid as his team’s captain and being the NHL’s biggest star. They’ll need him at his absolute best if they hope to overcome the 3-2 series deficit.

TSN: Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins wasn’t on the ice for Monday’s practice with his teammates. He’s been battling an injury in this series. Meanwhile, goaltender Stuart Skinner was in what was the starter’s net the last time the Oilers practiced in Florida.

IN OTHER NEWS

IIHF: Canada, the United States, and Germany were among the nations that qualified for the 2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Hockey tournament to reveal their first six players named to their respective rosters.

Canada’s “starting six” includes Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins), Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers), Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche), Brayden Point (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Sam Reinhart (Florida Panthers).

Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs), Matthew Tkachuk (Florida Panthers), Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators), Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks), Jack Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights) and Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins) were revealed for the United States.

Germany’s first six players include Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers), Tim Stutzle (Ottawa Senators), Moritz Seider (Detroit Red Wings), Philipp Grubauer (Seattle Kraken), Nico Sturm (Florida Panthers) and Lukas Reichel (Chicago Blackhawks).

Nikolaj Ehlers (Winnipeg Jets), Frederik Andersen (Carolina Hurricanes), Lars Eller (Washington Capitals), Oliver Bjorkstand (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Jonas Rondbjerg (Vegas Golden Knights) are among the NHL players named to Denmark’s Olympic squad.

Slovakia’s six players include Juraj Slafkovsky (Montreal Canadiens), Martin Fehervary (Washington Capitals), Erik Cernak (Tampa Bay Lightning), Tomas Tatar and Simon Nemec (New Jersey Devils) and Martin Pospisil (Calgary Flames).

St. Louis Blues forward Alexandre Texier and former NHL player Pierre-Edouard Bellemare are among the first six named to France’s roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The “starting six” for Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Switzerland and Latvia was revealed earlier on Monday and duly noted in yesterday’s Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Winger Andrew Mangiapane won’t be signing a contract extension with the Washington Capitals and will become a UFA on July 1.

TSN: The Los Angeles Kings signed goaltender Pheonix Copley to a one-year, $775K contract.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: The Islanders hired Ryan Bowness as assistant general manager and director of player personnel.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames named Peter Hanlon as their new assistant GM. He was vice-president of communications for years.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Long-time NHL player agent Steve Reich died of a heart attack on Sunday. He was 64.

Reich’s former clients included Hall of Famers like Mario Lemieux, Ron Francis, Tom Barrasso, Chris Chelios, Luc Robitaille and Scotty Bowman. He also represented Scott Gomez, Daniel Briere, Kevin Stevens, and Brad Stuart, and was the signing agent on Vincent Trocheck’s current contract with the New York Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Reich’s family, friends, colleagues and clients.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 16, 2025

by | Jun 16, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 16, 2025

The latest on the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers ahead of Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, the countries that qualified for the 2026 Olympics Men’s Hockey tournament begin to announce the top-six players for their preliminary rosters, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

STANLEY CUP FINAL NOTEBOOK

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Robert Tychkowski looks at several troubling issues facing the Oilers heading into Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers.

Down three games to two, the Oilers have proven capable of coming back throughout this postseason. However, they seemed overwhelmed by the Panthers’ aggressive forechecking in Game 5. They’ve also been plagued by slow starts in this series, playing as though they were fearful of taking penalties.

The Oilers have yet to reveal their goaltender for Game 6. However, Tychkowski believes it doesn’t matter because Panthers starter Sergei Bobrovsky has been better than the Oilers tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been an air of inevitability to this series since the Panthers’ lopsided 6-1 victory in Game 3. The Oilers’ two overtime wins were victories in games that could’ve just as easily gone Florida’s way, while two of the Panthers’ three wins were dominating performances. They seemed well on their way to another overwhelming victory in Game 4, but took their foot off the gas, enabling the Oilers to play their way back.

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (NHL Images).

Panthers forwards Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand are the favorites to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. Still, Bobrovsky deserves recognition for his solid performance in this postseason, burnishing his resume for his future induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers’ ability to learn quickly from their mistakes has them on the cusp of winning their second-straight Stanley Cup.

Their win over the Oilers in Game 5 was the fifth straight time that they’ve been victorious following a loss.

Panthers forward Brad Marchand said they learned in the opening game of this series that they needed to be prepared, especially in the early going. They also know that the Oilers can take over a game, and must be ready to match their skill level and scoring ability.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers have opened the scoring in every game in this series except Game 1, and built two and three-goal, first-period leads in the last three contests. They’ve put the Oilers on the back foot early, knocking them off their game plan and forcing them to play catch-up. If that trend continues in Game 6, the Panthers will hoist the Stanley Cup for the second straight year.

IN OTHER NEWS…

IIHF: The 12 countries that qualified for the 2026 Olympics Men’s Hockey tournament are announcing the six players of their preliminary rosters today. Here are the notable NHL players for each preliminary roster (as of 7 am ET):

Sweden: William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs), Adrian Kempe (Los Angeles Kings), Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning), Lucas Raymond (Detroit Red Wings), Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo Sabres), and Gabriel Landeskog (Colorado Avalanche).

Finland: Mikko Rantanen (Dallas Stars), Sebastian Aho (Carolina Hurricanes), Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers), Juuse Saros (Nashville Predators), Miro Heiskanen (Dallas Stars), and Esa Lindell (Dallas Stars).

Czechia: David Pastrnak (Boston Bruins), Martin Necas (Colorado Avalanche), Pavel Zacha (Boston Bruins), Radko Gudas (Anaheim Ducks), Lukas Dostal (Anaheim Ducks), and Ondrej Palat (New Jersey Devils).

Switzerland: Roman Josi (Nashville Predators), Nico Hischier (New Jersey Devils), Timo Meier (New Jersey Devils), Kevin Fiala (Los Angeles Kings), Nino Niederreiter (Winnipeg Jets) and Jonas Siegenthaler (New Jersey Devils).

Latvia: Elvis Merzlikins (Columbus Blue Jackets), Uvis Balenskis (Florida Panthers), Teodors Blugers (Vancouver Canucks), Arturs Silovs (Vancouver Canucks), Zemgus Girgensons (Tampa Bay Lightning), and Rodrigo Abols (Philadelphia Flyers).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Italy has also released their preliminary six, but none of them are NHL players. The remaining countries (Canada, United States, Denmark, France, Germany and Slovakia) will release their “Olympic Six” throughout Monday.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Boston Bruins signed defenseman Victor Soderstrom to a one-year, two-way contract. They acquired his NHL rights last week from the Chicago Blackhawks.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators are bringing Lassi Thomson back from Europe, signing the 24-year-old Finnish defenseman to a one-year, two-way contract. A first-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, he spent last season playing for Malmo in the Swedish Hockey League.