NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 15, 2026

by | Sep 15, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 15, 2026

Senators close to re-signing Drake Batherson, Bo Horvat named Islanders captain, Sabres re-sign Noah Ostlund, Canadiens re-sign coach Martin St. Louis, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators and winger Drake Batherson are close to an eight-year contract extension. The average annual amount is believed to be between $10.5 million and $11 million, with a formal announcement expected on Tuesday.

Ottawa Senators winger Drake Batherson (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators want to keep Batherson, who wants to retire as a Senator. Both sides are rushing to get this deal done because today is the deadline for teams to re-sign players to eight-year maximum term contracts. After Sept. 15, the maximum term drops to seven years, while the term for signing unrestricted free agents drops from seven years to six.

Hockey analytics guru “JFresh” reports Batherson’s new deal is for eight years with a $10.6 million AAV, but there’s been no official announcement as of this writing.

Batherson, 28, would become the highest-paid player in Senators history. He’s been a consistent offensive winger, posting 20-plus goals and 60-plus points in each of the last four seasons, including a career-high 33 goals and 71 points in 2025-26.

**UPDATE** 

The Batherson deal is now confirmed at eight years with a $10.75 million AAV. 

NEW YORK POST: The Islanders named Bo Horvat as their new team captain. He replaced Anders Lee, who departed to the Utah Mammoth this summer as an unrestricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers suggested 19-year-old wunderkind Matthew Schaefer might be tapped for the captaincy. Schaefer will likely earn that honor one day, but Horvat is the better choice for now. The 31-year-old two-way center has 12 NHL seasons under his belt, including four seasons as captain of the Vancouver Canucks.

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: The Sabres signed sophomore forward Noah Ostlund to an eight-year contract extension with an AAV of $6.6 million.

Ostlund, 22, is in the final season of his entry-level contract. He had 27 points in 60 games last season, but management is convinced that he’s earned this lucrative long-term extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres beat the deadline for locking up players to eight-year contracts. This deal follows a similar move by the Vancouver Canucks, who recently signed promising defenseman Zeev Buium to an eight-year deal with a $9.38 million AAV.

Like the Canucks, the Sabres are betting on a promising young player reaching his potential. Ostlund is projected to become a skillful two-way forward. If he meets or exceeds expectations, his extension will be a bargain over the long term, especially under a rapidly rising salary cap.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Montreal Canadiens signed head coach Martin St. Louis to a three-year contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: St. Louis has done a tremendous job with the rebuilding Canadiens, coaching them from dead last in 2021-22 to the Eastern Conference Final last season.

The Canadiens also announced that Josh Anderson will be an alternate captain. He replaced Brendan Gallagher, who was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in June.

TVA SPORTS: Speaking of the Canadiens, Renaud Lavoie reports defenseman Kaiden Guhle will miss the start of this season as he continues to rehab from offseason surgery. Lavoie believes the oft-injured Guhle will return sometime in November.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guhle’s injury opens up an opportunity for one of the Canadiens’ young defensemen to earn a roster spot. However, that could force management to trade or demote a blueliner once Guhle is ready to return.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Canadiens and Arber Xhekaj are close to agreeing to a new contract for the 25-year-old defenseman. He’s expected to be signed before training camp opens on Wednesday.

THE DENVER POST: Joe Sakic will remain as general manager of the Colorado Avalanche. Sakic, who also serves as president of hockey operations, took over the GM position from Chris MacFarland, who departed in June to become the general manager of the Nashville Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sakic is taking over the role for the second time. He initially served as GM from 2014 to 2022, building the Avalanche into a Stanley Cup champion.

TSN: The Columbus Blue Jackets signed UFA goaltender Cam Talbot to a one-year, $950,000 contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Talbot, 39, will fill in for Elvis Merzlikins, who is sidelined indefinitely following offseason shoulder surgery.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins hired Marcel Braithwaite as their new president of business operations. Braithwaite spent the past 14 years as senior vice president of MLB’s Houston Astros.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 14, 2026

by | Sep 14, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 14, 2026

The Canadiens re-sign Zachary Bolduc, Matty Beniers talks about stars not wanting to come to Seattle, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens re-signed winger Zachary Bolduc to a four-year contract worth an average annual value of $4.2 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bolduc signing came one day after the Canadiens inked unrestricted free agent winger Chris Kreider to a one-year, bonus-laden deal.

Montreal Canadiens winger Zachary Bolduc (NHL Images)

Bolduc, 23, was coming off his entry-level contract. He made his NHL debut with the St. Louis Blues in 2024-25, and the Canadiens acquired him on July 1, 2025. Bolduc struggled to adjust to the Canadiens’ system, sparking offseason speculation that he could become a trade candidate. However, management obviously believes he has potential as a middle-six winger.

The signing leaves the Canadiens with over $4.2 million in salary cap space. Defenseman Arber Xhekaj (who has also been the subject of trade rumors this summer) is their only unsigned player.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Speaking of the Canadiens, Karine Hains indicated that there is an unconfirmed report that defenseman Kaiden Guhle underwent offseason surgery and is still rehabbing. More information about Guhle’s status is expected to be revealed during the Canadiens’ annual golf tournament on Monday.

Hains also noted that blueliner Arber Xhekaj remains unsigned, raising questions about whether he’ll still be with the Canadiens when training camp opens. That could open the door for promising blueliner David Reinbacher to earn a full-time roster spot this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Plenty of blueline intrigue as the Canadiens approach training camp this week. We won’t have to wait long to find out what’s going on with Guhle, Xhekaj, and Reinbacher.

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus recently reported that Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers and his teammates take it personally when stars reject joining the club.

“Yeah, absolutely,” Beniers said. “There’s a tough rep about Seattle because it’s rainy, and maybe the city. But guys love it in Seattle – the guys that are there. When the sun’s out, it’s beautiful. There’s so much nature; there are a lot of things to do. So yeah, it obviously doesn’t feel good when you’re on a team and you try to get someone and they don’t want to come. But at the same time, if you don’t want to be here, we don’t want you, anyway.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lazerus observed that players around the league love Seattle as a road city, and it has a state-of-the-art arena. However, he noted that the Kraken’s postseason drought has made it difficult to attract talented players.

The Kraken attempted to acquire Artemi Panarin before he was traded from the New York Rangers to the Los Angeles Kings in February. They also tried to trade for Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson. Both players blocked the trades, with Robertson re-signing a one-year deal with the Stars.

SPORTSNET: The Columbus Blue Jackets signed defenseman Carson Soucy to a professional tryout offer.

THE MERCURY NEWS: San Jose Sharks prospect forward Cam Lund’s participation in training camp is in question after suffering an upper-body injury during a rookie tournament game with the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Former Oilers owner Cal Nichols died Saturday. He was 84.

Nichols spearheaded a group of 38 investors who bought the Oilers in 1998. He served as team chairman and governor until the team was sold to current owner Darryl Katz in 2008.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers fans owe Nichols a debt of gratitude. His efforts kept the franchise in Edmonton when it was on the verge of being sold and moved to Houston in 1998.

My condolences to Nichols’ family, friends, and the Oilers’ organization.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 13, 2026

by | Sep 13, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 13, 2026

The Canadiens sign Chris Kreider, the Golden Knights extend Mark Stone’s contract, Mason McTavish hopes to reset with the Blues, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens signed left wing Chris Kreider to a one-year contract.

Montreal Canadiens sign winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

Kreider, 35, became an unrestricted free agent last week after he and the Anaheim Ducks agreed to terminate the final season of his contract. His deal with the Canadiens is a $2.15 million base salary, with performance bonuses that could take him to $5.4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m surprised Kreider signed with the Canadiens because he reportedly wanted to be closer to his family in the New York area. I expected him to sign with an American-based team, like the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, or Philadelphia Flyers.

Kreider’s ties with Canadiens hockey ops president Jeff Gorton, head coach Martin St. Louis, and director of sports medicine Jim Ramsay factored into his decision. It also suggests that Montreal could become a prime destination for stars who want to play for a potential Stanley Cup contender.

Some Canadiens fans might be uncomfortable with signing Kreider, given his accidental collision with goaltender Carey Price in the 2014 playoffs resulted in the knee injury that eventually shortened the Hall of Famer’s career. However, Price said last year that he doesn’t blame Kreider for the incident, and Canadiens fans will likely forgive him if he plays well this season.

Once again, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes’ patience has paid off. Kreider is an affordable addition that doesn’t require giving up any roster players or prospects in return. He should be a solid, short-term solution to bolster their second-line depth, bringing size, scoring experience, leadership, and physicality.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Vegas Golden Knights signed right winger and team captain Mark Stone to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $9 million. The deal also has a full no-movement clause.

Stone, 34, is in the final season of an eight-year contract with a $9.5 million AAV.

“I think it’s reflective of what we think of Mark, and how much Vegas means to Mark and his family,” general manager Kelly McCrimmon said. “It’s a peace of mind for Mark so it’s not hanging over him as the season starts. Same for the hockey club.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stone is among the longest-serving active players on the Golden Knights. He leads the club with 396 points since joining them in 2019. Despite being hampered by injuries since 2021-22, he led them to the Stanley Cup in 2023 and remains among the league’s best two-way forwards.

Given Stone’s age and injury history, that contract extension probably won’t age well. Nevertheless, the Golden Knights are comfortable taking that gamble, especially with the salary cap expected to rise rapidly in the coming years.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Lou Korac reports center Mason McTavish hopes to have a bounce-back performance with the St. Louis Blues after struggling through his final season with the Anaheim Ducks.

The Ducks traded the 24-year-old McTavish to the Blues this summer, leaving him with something to prove this season.

“Yeah, I think I have a chip on my shoulder, for sure,” McTavish said. “I’m not happy with the way things went in Anaheim. I mean I enjoyed my time there, it was awesome, guys were great, but at the same time, they traded me, and that’s something I’m passionate about and want to get better. I’m looking forward to doing that here.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish is projected to be the Blues’ second-line center. If getting traded provides additional motivation to improve, it could put his career back on track and perhaps push the Blues into playoff contention this season.

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby reports the Maple Leafs invited defenseman Nick Blankenburg to training camp on a professional tryout offer.

Blankenburg, 28, was among the few notable players remaining in what was a thin free-agent market. The 5’9”, 177-pound blueliner split last season between the Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hornby believes Blankenburg will have a difficult time earning a roster spot when the Maple Leafs already have a comparable player in Emil Andrae, whom they acquired from the Flyers earlier this summer. However, a solid performance in training camp and preseason play could earn him a contract with another club.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 12, 2026

by | Sep 12, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 12, 2026

Dylan Larkin will report to the Red Wings’ training camp, John Klingberg and Connor Ingram announce their retirements, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

MLIVE.COM: Dylan Larkin and the Detroit Red Wings released statements that he would report to training camp but is no longer the team’s captain.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

Larkin, 30, requested a trade earlier in the offseason. He has a full no-movement clause, but is willing to waive it for the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, and Vegas Golden Knights. The Dallas Stars are also rumored to be a potential destination.

However, Larkin’s request remains in limbo as the Red Wings continue to search for a new general manager after relieving Steve Yzerman of those duties two months ago.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friday’s statements end weeks of conjecture over whether Larkin would report to training camp. He had little choice given the circumstances. Missing camp and preseason play to force a trade would’ve resulted in suspension without pay and would’ve adversely affected his performance whenever he returned, either with the Red Wings or another club.

However, Larkin’s future still has to be decided.

MLive.com’s Ansar Khan wonders if reconciliation is possible once the Red Wings hire a new general manager and, if not, what it would take to make a trade possible. The teams on his trade wish list lack the cap space and tradeable assets to acquire him. Khan also pondered if Larkin would be welcomed back by his teammates and Red Wings fans.

NHL.COM: Defenseman John Klingberg announced his retirement after 12 NHL seasons. From 2014-15 to 2025-26, he had 96 goals and 351 assists for 443 points in 700 regular-season games with the Dallas Stars, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, and San Jose Sharks. He also had 43 points in 82 games, helping the Dallas Stars reach the 2020 Stanley Cup Final.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Klingberg’s best seasons were with the Stars. During his eight seasons in Dallas, the puck-moving blueliner reached or exceeded 40 points six times, including a career-high 67 points in 2017-18. Hip injuries eventually hampered his performance and derailed his playing career.

Goaltender Connor Ingram has retired after five NHL seasons. From 2021-22 to 2025-26, Ingram played with the Nashville Predators, Arizona Coyotes, Utah Mammoth, and Edmonton Oilers. He has a record of 55 wins, 54 losses, and 18 overtime losses with a 3.01 goals-against average, a .901 save percentage, and nine shutouts.

Ingram, 29, won the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2023-24 after seeking treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Elliotte Friedman reported Ingram’s goal is to return to school to study psychology and use what he learns to help others. Best wishes to Ingram in his future endeavors.

TSN: The Tampa Bay Lightning signed forward Kole Lind to a professional tryout offer.

DESERET NEWS: Utah Mammoth prospect forwards Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers will not take part in the club’s Rookie Faceoff games in San Jose this weekend. They are listed as day-to-day and are expected to report to the Mammoth’s training camp next week.

SPORTSNET: St. Louis Blues prospect forward Adam Jecho will be unavailable to the team for an indefinite period as he receives care in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report did not include the reason why Jecho is receiving assistance. Whatever it is, let’s respect his privacy and hope that he receives the help he needs.

THE TENNESSEAN: Former Nashville Predators assistant coach Brent Peterson had died at age 68 following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Peterson was an NHL forward from 1978-79 to 1988-89 with the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, and Hartford Whalers, netting 213 points in 620 regular-season games.

Peterson turned to coaching following his playing career. He spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Whalers before becoming coach of the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks, guiding them to the WHL championship in 1997-98. He was an assistant coach with the Predators from 1998-99 to 2002-03. Following his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2002, he became their associate coach from 2003-04 to 2010-11.

My condolences to Peterson’s family, friends, former teammates and colleagues, and the Predators organization.

Long-time Florida Panthers blogger Todd Little has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to cover the costs of health insurance and medical treatment for his wife, Stacey, who is undergoing treatment for Stage III cancer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link above if you’d like to contribute.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 11, 2026

by | Sep 11, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 11, 2026

Chris Kreider becomes a free agent, the Kings’ Kevin Fiala undergoes surgery, an update on Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Anaheim Ducks officially terminated Chris Kreider’s contract on Thursday after the 35-year-old winger cleared unconditional waivers. He is now an unrestricted free agent.

Anaheim Ducks winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

The Ducks terminated Kreider’s contract by mutual consent. The move frees up $6.5 million in salary-cap space, which should give the Ducks sufficient room to sign restricted free-agent winger Cutter Gauthier to a new contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kreider reportedly wanted to return to an Eastern Conference team to be closer to his family, who live in the New York City area. It sparked speculation about potential landing spots for the veteran winger, who had a bounce-back season with the Ducks, scoring 22 goals and 50 points during the regular season and seven points in 12 postseason contests.

Kreider might not have to wait long to sign with an Eastern club. His sudden appearance in the UFA market could adversely affect the efforts of currently available wingers like Vladimir Tarasenko, Patrik Laine, James van Riemsdyk, and David Perron to find contracts for the coming season.

TSN: Los Angeles Kings winger Kevin Fiala underwent a procedure related to his initial surgery to repair the season-ending leg fractures he suffered during the 2026 Winter Olympics in February.

Fiala will miss the upcoming start of the Kings’ training camp next week. No timeline has been set for his return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Losing one of their top scorers is an early setback for the Kings, especially if he’s sidelined for a significant period.

CALGARY SUN: Jonathan Huberdeau’s recovery from hip-resurfacing surgery is going well, but he’s still expected to miss the start of the regular season. He will skate on his own during training camp, but there is no timeline for his return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Patrick Kane is the only player to successfully continue his playing career following a similar procedure three years ago. Huberdeau and the Flames want to ensure that he doesn’t jeopardize his career by returning too soon.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Vegas Golden Knights signed forward Braeden Bowman to a six-year contract extension. Bowman, 23, is in the final season of his entry-level contract. His new deal is worth an average annual value of $3.4 million beginning next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bowman was called up last season to replace Mark Stone when the Golden Knights’ captain suffered a broken finger. He played so well that he earned a regular roster spot, netting 26 points in 54 games.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Carolina Hurricanes signed depth defenseman Mike Reilly to a one-year, two-way contract.

NHL.COM: Former NHL stars Phil Kessel, Ryan Suter, and T.J. Oshie are among the five inductees in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.

Phil’s sister, Amanda Kessel, is also being inducted, as is longtime USA Hockey athletic trainer Stan Wong.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to these five inductees for this well-deserved honor. It’s great to see the Kessels being inducted together. Phil and Amanda made their mark on hockey during their playing careers. They are the second brother-and-sister inducted into the US HHoF, joining Tony and Cammi Granato, but they’re the first to be inducted together.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 10, 2026

by | Sep 10, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 10, 2026

The Wild’s Quinn Hughes talks about his contract negotiations, the Ducks and Chris Kreider agree to terminate his contract, plus the latest on Leo Carlsson, Zach Werenski, Cole Caufield, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Quinn Hughes said he’s not in a rush to sign a contract extension with the Minnesota Wild. The 26-year-old defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Hughes stated that it would be done whenever he feels it needs to be done. “I don’t feel backed against a wall. I’m very thoughtful. I want to make sure I’m taking my time on everything and make sure I’m making a decision that is going to be good for everyone. That’s kind of where my head has been at,” Hughes said.

The superstar blueliner still believes in the Wild, claiming he has a strong relationship with the coaching staff and general manager Bill Guerin and that Minnesota has been a great fit for him. However, he won’t feel pressure if his negotiations carry over into the regular season. Hughes declined to publicly discuss details of his extension talks, saying it was between him and Guerin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes seems to be taking a cautious approach in his negotiations with the Wild. Understandably, he wants what’s best for his future. He could wait to see how this season unfolds before committing to the Wild beyond 2026-27. Nevertheless, the longer he goes without a contract, the more speculation about his future in Minnesota.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks placed winger Chris Kreider on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract.

Kreider, 35, is in the final season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million, but his actual salary for this season is $4 million. The Ducks acquired him from the New York Rangers in June 2025. Kreider was fourth among Ducks scorers last season with 22 goals and sixth with 50 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kreider wants to be closer to his family, who live in the New York area. By terminating his contract, he can sign with any Eastern Conference team as an unrestricted free agent. It’s rumored he could refuse to report if claimed by a team that he doesn’t wish to join, but that scenario is unlikely because he’s expected to clear waivers later today.

This move could be a precursor to the Ducks signing restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier. They currently have $9.07 million in cap space, but the 21-year winger reportedly rejected a four-year deal worth $13 million last month. Clearing Kreider’s $6.5 million for this season should free up sufficient space for Gauthier’s new contract, which could come in at around $15 million annually.

SPORTSNET: Speaking of the Ducks, center Leo Carlsson said players are thanking him for signing a five-year offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers on July 3 worth $18 million AAV. The Ducks matched the offer six days’ later.

Carlsson acknowledged that his contract was “a huge deal for the league,” which is sure to have ripple effects for young, promising stars hoping to cash in as the salary cap rises.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those ripples have already been felt around the league.

Within three weeks of Carlsson’s new contract, San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini signed a five-year extension worth $18.8 million AAV. Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard inked a five-year deal worth $15 million. Carlsson’s deal also affected the Ducks’ efforts to re-sign Cutter Gauthier.

It’s not just rising young stars who benefited from Carlsson’s contract. Colorado Avalanche superstar defenseman Cale Makar recently signed an eight-year contract with a league-record $20.4 million AAV.

TSN: Florida Panthers winger Brady Tkachuk said it wasn’t an easy decision for him to request a trade from the Ottawa Senators.

“It was a really, really hard decision, and something that was emotional. It took a lot of time to get to that,” Tkachuk said, who was shipped to the Panthers in June.

Tkachuk’s first game back in Ottawa will be on Oct. 21. He’s not sure what kind of reception he’ll get from Senators fans. Whatever the reaction, he believes it’ll demonstrate how great the fan base is in Ottawa.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As a team, the Senators are tired of talking about Tkachuk’s departure and want to move on. To his credit, Tkachuk has spoken respectfully about his time in Ottawa, but it’ll be interesting to see the fans’ reaction when he returns in October.

NHL.COM: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski insists that he wants to stay in Columbus following an offseason of trade rumors.

Werenski believes the Blue Jackets will be in a good place this season, where people won’t question his future in Columbus. However, he admits that speculation will likely persist until next summer, when he can sign a contract extension.

Offseason reports indicated Werenski asked for a trade and that the Blue Jackets were close to moving him to the Dallas Stars. Werenski vetoed the trade, and he and general manager Don Waddell issued statements about his desire to stay in Columbus.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Werenski maintains it was all a misunderstanding, insisting that he wants to stay and help Columbus become a winner. Nevertheless, he’s right about the conjecture regarding his future will continue throughout this season.

SPORTSNET: Despite the recent trend of American stars like Brady Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes, and Connor Hellebuyck requesting trades out of Canadian markets, Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield doesn’t see himself following that path.

“Only speaking for myself, I think being in Montreal, if you love hockey and have a passion for it, there’s no better place or city to teach you lessons through the good and the bad. You learn to embrace it throughout those bad times that there’s brighter days ahead,” Caufield said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It can be difficult to play in high-pressure Canadian markets, and not everyone can handle that harsh spotlight. However, it’s easier to handle when the teams play as well as the rising Canadiens did last season.

We should note that Hughes and Hellebucyk made their trade requests after their clubs declined. Tkachuk’s request followed after back-to-back first-round playoff exits by the Senators. Those may be merely coincidences, but one wonders if those players would’ve made those requests if their Canadian clubs played as well as the Habs last season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi is expected to miss training camp and the start of the regular season because of complications from offseason surgery.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers signed former Ottawa Senators winger Alex Formenton to a one-year, $850,000 contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the second controversial decision by Oilers management, having hired Mike Babcock as head coach earlier this summer. Formenton is one of five players from the 2018 Canadian world junior team found not guilty of sexual assault in London, Ontario last summer.

TORONTO SUN: NHL insider Elliotte Friedman and game analyst Kevin Bieksa have agreed to new contracts with Sportsnet.

DAILY FACEOFF: NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said expansion to Houston or Austin is not a done deal. The league is currently in the middle of a six-month review period with the Friedkin Group regarding a potential expansion franchise in Texas. It would require a $3.5 billion bid, part of which would go toward building a state-of-the-art arena.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not a done deal yet, but there’s a strong sense that it’s going to happen.

ESPN: Former NHL player, coach, and hockey analyst Barry Melrose died Wednesday at age 70.

Melrose played 480 professional games with the NHL and WHA from 1976-77 to 1985-86. He turned to coaching soon afterward, winning championships with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers (1987-88) and the AHL’s Adirondack Red Wings (1991-92). He spent three seasons as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings (1992-93 to 1994-95), guiding them to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final. He also did a brief stint as head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008-09.

For over 25 years, Melrose was a well-known NHL analyst with ESPN. He stepped down from his duties in 2023 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Former Canadiens forward Andre Pronovost passed away at the age of 90.

Pronovost played nine seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, and Detroit Red Wings from 1956-67 to 1964-65. He spent the rest of his career in the minors except for a brief stint with the Minnesota North Stars in 1967-68.

In 556 regular-season games, Pronovost had 94 goals and 104 assists for 198 points. He also scored 22 points in 70 playoff games and won four Stanley Cups with the Canadiens. He was also the grandfather of current NHL winger Anthony Mantha.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of Melrose and Pronovost.