NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 7, 2026

by | Jan 7, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 7, 2026

A record-setting performance by Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin, Oilers captain Connor McDavid extends his points streak, the Lightning extend their win streak, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF TUESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Ilya Sorokin kicked out 44 shots to set the New York Islanders’ record for most shutouts (26) as his club crushed the New Jersey Devils 9-0. Anthony Duclair tallied a hat trick in a career-high five-point performance while Mathew Barzal, Casey Cizikas, and Tony DeAngelo each collected three points for the 24-15-2 Islanders. Jacob Markstrom gave up nine goals on 24 shots for the Devils (22-19-2).

New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The struggling Devils’ tumble in the standings has raised concern among the club’s fans. That’s putting pressure on general manager Tom Fitzgerald, who has come up short in his trade attempts thus far.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid extended his points streak to 16 games with a hat trick in a 6-2 victory over the Nashville Predators. Leon Draisaitl had a goal and two assists for the Oilers, who improved to 21-16-6. Ryan O’Reilly and Nick Blakenburg replied for the 19-19-4 Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers scratched forwards Andrew Mangiapane and Trent Frederic from this game. Mangiapane has been a frequent healthy scratch since last week, becoming the subject of trade rumors. He and Frederic were signed last summer to bolster the Oilers’ forward depth, but they haven’t panned out thus far. Mangiapane is in the first year of a two-year contract, while Frederic’s is an eight-year deal.

The Tampa Bay Lightning picked up their eighth straight victory by doubling up the Colorado Avalanche 4-2. Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov had two assists to extend his points streak to eight games for the 26-13-3 Lightning, who hold first place in the Eastern Conference with 55 points. Parker Kelly and Brock Nelson were the goal scorers for the league-leading Avalanche (31-4-7, 69 points), who lost consecutive games for the first time since Oct. 26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Avalanche announced that captain Gabriel Landeskog and defenseman Devon Toews are week-to-week with upper-body injuries. Landeskog could miss a few weeks, but it’s too early to rule him out for the Winter Olympics in February.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Trevor Zegras scored twice against his former team in a 5-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Cam York and Nikita Grebenkin each had a goal and an assist for the 22-12-7 Flyers. Cutter Gauthier and Alex Killorn tallied for the Ducks (21-19-3) as they’re winless in seven games (0-6-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was Gauthier’s first goal against the club that drafted him. Flyers winger Matvei Michkov missed this game with an injured foot, while Flyers forward Bobby Brink and defenseman Jamie Drysdale left this game with injuries. As for the Ducks, they placed forward Nikita Nesterenko on waivers before this game.

The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Florida Panthers 4-1. Matthew Knies had a goal and an assist, and Auston Matthews scored his sixth goal in the last three games for the 20-15-7 Maple Leafs to extend their point streak to seven games (5-0-2). Carter Verhaeghe replied for the Panthers (22-17-3).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers winger Brad Marchand tried to stir the pot before this game, telling reporters it was between the Panthers and Maple Leafs this summer before choosing to stay in Florida. He also trolled Toronto fans, claiming they drove former Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner out of town. Marchand exited in the third period for precautionary reasons following a hit by Leafs forward Bobby McMann.

Speaking of the Maple Leafs, defenseman Brandon Carlo returned to action after being sidelined by a foot injury since Nov. 13.

An overtime goal by Tomas Hertl lifted the Vegas Golden Knights to a 4-3 win over the Winnipeg Jets, leaving the latter winless in 10 games (0-6-4). Mark Stone scored to extend his goal streak to five games for the 18-11-12 Golden Knights, who hold first place in the Pacific Division with 48 points. Cole Perfetti, Luke Schenn, and Kyle Connor replied for the 15-21-5 Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets defenseman Haydn Fleury was stretchered from this game with a broken nose in the first period after losing his balance and crashing into the end boards.

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini scored to extend his points streak to 11 games in a 5-2 victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Alexander Wennberg had a goal and two assists for the Sharks (21-18-3), as they’ve won four of their last five games. Zach Werenski and Sean Monahan scored for the Blue Jackets (18-17-7) as they’ve dropped three of their last four contests (1-2-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Monahan returned to action after missing the last four games. Earlier in the day, they signed former Pittsburgh Penguins and Flyers defenseman Egor Zamula after his contract with the Penguins was terminated.

The Buffalo Sabres held off the Vancouver Canucks by a score of 5-3. Alex Tuch had a goal and an assist, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 32 shots for the Sabres (22-15-4), who’ve won 11 of their last 12 games. Brock Boeser had two assists for the Canucks (16-21-5), leaving them winless in their last four games(0-2-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres forward Jason Zucker returned to the lineup after missing 11 games with a lower-body injury.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman K’Andre Miller tallied twice and picked up an assist in a 6-3 victory over the Dallas Stars. Andrei Svechnikov collected four assists for the 26-14-3 Hurricanes, who hold first place in the Metropolitan Division with 55 points. Jason Robertson had a goal and two assists, and Mikko Rantanen had a goal and an assist against his former club, but the Stars (25-10-8) are winless in their last six games (0-3-3).

Seattle Kraken rookie Berkly Catton scored his first two NHL goals as his club defeated the Boston Bruins 7-4. Kaapo Kakko had two goals and an assist for the Kraken (20-14-7), who have won four straight and eight of their last nine contests. David Pastrnak tallied twice for the 22-19-2 Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Bruins placed defenseman Hampus Lindholm on injured reserve and activated Henri Jokiharju off IR.

IN OTHER NEWS…

SPORTSNET: International Ice Hockey Federation president Luc Tardif remains confident that construction on the main arena for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will be ready in time for the games.

The seating capacity is set at 11,800, which is smaller than expected. Construction on parts of the arena might not be fully finished on time, but the playing surface, practice facilities, and dressing rooms will be ready.

TSN: Speaking of the Winter Olympics, the Czech Republic named 12 NHL players to their Men’s Hockey Team. They include goaltenders Lukas Dostal of the Anaheim Ducks, Karel Vejmelka of the Utah Mammoth, and Daniel Vladar of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Forwards include David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha of the Boston Bruins, Martin Necas of the Colorado Avalanche, Tomas Hertl of the Vegas Golden Knights, Ondrej Palat of the New Jersey Devils, Radek Faksa of the Dallas Stars, and sidelined Vancouver Canucks center Filip Chytil. Defensemen included Radko Gudas of the Ducks and Filip Hronek of the Vancouver Canucks.

Latvia’s roster will feature goaltenders Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Arturs Silovs of the Pittsburgh Penguins, forwards Rodrigo Abols of the Philadelphia Flyers, Zemgus Girgensons of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Teddy Blueger of the Vancouver Canucks, and defenseman Uvis Balinskis of the Florida Panthers.

Montreal Canadiens forward Alexandre Texier will be part of France’s Men’s Olympic hockey roster.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (lower body) is headed to injured reserve, and defenseman Adam Fox (lower body) was placed on long-term injury reserve.

NHL.COM: Los Angeles Kings forwards Anze Kopitar (lower body) and Joel Armia (upper body) are listed as day-to-day.

DAILY FACEOFF: Calgary Flames forward John Beecher is week-to-week with an upper-body injury.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 1, 2025

by | Dec 1, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 1, 2025

Connor Bedard leading the Blackhawks to a comeback victory highlights Sunday’s NHL action, an update on the injury status of Rangers defenseman Adam Fox, and more in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Connor Bedard scored two goals and assisted on two others to lead the Chicago Blackhawks to a 5-3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Spencer Knight stopped 23 shots as the 11-9-5 Blackhawks overcame a 3-0 deficit, snapping a five-game winless skid (0-4-1). Cutter Gauthier and Troy Terry each had two points for the Ducks (15-9-1), who hold first place in the Pacific Division with 31 points.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bedard moves into a tie for second place in the points race (37) with San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini. Ducks goaltender Petr Mrazek left the game midway through the third period with a lower-body injury.

Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston tallied a hat trick and picked up an assist in a 6-1 drubbing of the Ottawa Senators. Jason Robertson had a goal and two assists, and Mikko Rantanen collected three assists for the 17-5-4 Stars, who picked up their fourth straight win. Jake Sanderson scored for the Senators (12-9-4), who have dropped three of their last four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin returned to action after missing six games with a lower-body injury.

The Carolina Hurricanes blanked the Calgary Flames 1-0 on an overtime goal by Nikolaj Ehlers. Brandon Bussi made 15 saves for the shutout as the Hurricanes improved to 16-7-2. Devin Cooley stopped 17 shots for the 9-14-4 Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The win vaulted the Hurricanes over the New Jersey Devils into first place in the Metropolitan Division with 34 points.

Washington Capitals winger Tom Wilson scored two goals to defeat the New York Islanders 4-1. Alex Ovechkin scored his 909th career NHL regular-season goal, and Logan Thompson kicked out 30 shots for the Capitals (15-9-2), who collected their fourth straight victory. Bo Horvat scored for the 13-10-3 Islanders, who are winless in their last three games (0-2-1).

NEW YORK POST: Rangers defenseman Adam Fox was placed on long-term injury reserve with what is believed to be an injured left shoulder suffered during Saturday’s 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The injury is not considered season-threatening, and he will be reevaluated around Christmas.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fox’s absence creates a big hole in the Rangers’ blueline. He’s their top defenseman and is currently tied with winger Artemi Panarin as the club’s leading scorer with 26 points.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights recalled goaltender Carter Hart and assigned Carl Lindbom to their AHL affiliate. He’s expected to start in their Dec. 2 game against the Chicago Blackhawks.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 30, 2025

by | Nov 30, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 30, 2025

Nathan MacKinnon and Morgan Geekie are this season’s first 20-goal scorers, Macklin Celebrini reaches a scoring milestone, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

RECAPS OF SATURDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Nathan MacKinnon scored his 20th goal of the season and collected two assists as the Colorado Avalanche thumped the Montreal Canadiens 7-2. Brock Nelson scored twice and had two assists, and Gabriel Landeskog had a goal and two assists for the Avalanche (18-1-6), who hold first place in the overall standings with 42 points. Ivan Demidov and Lane Hutson replied for the 13-8-3 Canadiens, whose three-game win streak ended.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon becomes the first NHL player to score 20 goals this season, reaching that milestone for the 11th time in his career. He’s tied for the goal-scoring lead and sits atop the points race with 44.

Canadiens defenseman Jayden Struble missed this game with an upper-body injury and is listed as day-to-day. Meanwhile, player agent Philippe Lecavalier said his client, Mike Matheson, wouldn’t have signed the contract he did on Friday with any other NHL club. The 32-year-old Canadiens defenseman inked a five-year extension with an average annual value of $6 million.

Boston Bruins winger Morgan Geekie tallied two goals, and Casey Mittelstadt scored the winner in a shootout for a 3-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings. Elias Lindholm collected two assists for the 15-12-0 Bruins. Lucas Raymond and Michael Rasmussen scored for the Red Wings, who are winless in four games (0-3-1) and dropped to 13-11-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Geekie is tied with MacKinnon with 20 goals on the season. Bruins center Pavel Zacha returned to action after missing the Bruins’ previous game with an upper-body injury, while teammate Henri Jokiharju was placed on injured reserve. Meanwhile, Red Wings forward Patrick Kane is struggling to score. He had three goals and 14 points in 17 games, with the last goal being scored on Nov. 15.

The Vegas Golden Knights got two goals from Tomas Hertl to hold off the San Jose Sharks by a score of 4-3. Carl Lindbom turned aside 18 shots for his first NHL win as the Golden Knights (11-6-8) snapped a four-game winless skid (0-2-2). Will Smith tallied twice for the 12-11-3 Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks center Macklin Celebrini collected an assist for his 100th career NHL point, becoming the second-fastest player in Sharks history to reach that milestone and the eighth youngest player in league history (19 years, 169 days) to do so.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel scored two goals to extend his goal streak to five games in a 4-1 victory over the New York Rangers. Nikita Kucherov picked up three assists for the Lightning (16-7-2), who won their seventh straight game and sit in first place in the Eastern Conference with 34 points. The Rangers (13-12-1) got a goal from J.T. Miller as their three-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers defenseman Adam Fox left this game with an injured left arm. Head coach Mike Sullivan said he was being evaluated. His status remains unclear.

The Edmonton Oilers got a 26-save shutout from Stuart Skinner to blank the Seattle Kraken 4-0. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a goal and an assist in his return to action after a nine-game absence with an undisclosed injury as the Oilers improved to 11-10-5. Joey Daccord allowed four goals on 25 shots for the Kraken, who are winless in three games (0-2-1) as they slipped to 11-7-6.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers played without forwards Jack Roslovic and Kasperi Kapanen, who are expected to miss at least two weeks with injuries. On Friday, the Kraken announced that winger Jaden Schwartz will be sidelined for six weeks with a lower-body injury.

St. Louis Blues goalie Joel Hofer made 18 saves, and Dylan Holloway scored the only goal to shut out the Utah Mammoth 1-0. Mammoth netminder Karel Vejmelka stopped 18 shots as his club has lost three straight games and dropped to 12-11-3. The Blues improved to 9-10-7.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mammoth center Logan Cooley had to be helped off the ice in the third period after a knee-on-knee hit from Blues forward Alexey Toropchenko, who received a major penalty for kneeing and a game misconduct. There was no update on Cooley’s status.

The Philadelphia Flyers got two goals and an assist from Owen Tippett in a 5-3 upset of the New Jersey Devils. Matvei Michkov netted two goals, and Dan Vladar stopped 29 shots for the 14-7-3 Flyers, who picked up their third straight win. Dawson Mercer had a goal and an assist for the Devils (16-8-1), whose three-game win streak was snapped, but they remain in first place in the Metropolitan Division with 33 points.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews had a goal and an assist in a 7-2 drubbing of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Bobby McMann, and Nicolas Roy also each had a goal and an assist for the Maple Leafs, who improved to 11-11-3. Sidney Crosby had a goal and an assist for the Penguins (12-7-5).

Winnipeg Jets winger Nino Niederreiter tallied twice as his club defeated the Nashville Predators 5-2, snapping a four-game losing skid. Dylan Samberg had three assists as the Jets improved to 13-11-0. Luke Evangelista had a goal and an assist for the 8-13-4 Predators.

A shootout goal by Noah Ostlund lifted the Buffalo Sabres to a 3-2 upset of the Minnesota Wild, ending the latter’s seven-game win streak. Beck Malenstyn and Josh Doan scored in regulation for the 10-11-4 Sabres. Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy tallied for the 14-7-4 Wild.

An overtime goal by Adrian Kempe lifted the Los Angeles Kings over the Vancouver Canucks 2-1. Anze Kopitar also scored for the 12-6-7 Kings. Evander Kane replied for the Canucks, who dropped to 10-13-3.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NEW YORK POST: Islanders forward Kyle Palmieri’s season is over after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee on Friday. He will undergo surgery and is expected to be sidelined for six to eight months.

CBS SPORTS: Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot (upper body) was placed on injured reserve.

TSN: There is no backup plan if the main ice hockey arena for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics is not ready on time. Construction is behind schedule, and its completion is going down to the wire.

The women’s tournament begins on Feb. 5, while the men’s tournament starts on Feb. 11. The latter will feature NHL players for the first time since the 2014 Games.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 20, 2025

by | Sep 20, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 20, 2025

Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin reveals his fiancée underwent a heart transplant, Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl hopes to be in the Selke Trophy conversation, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin revealed that his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, underwent heart transplant surgery earlier this summer while the couple was on vacation in France.

Dahlin said Matovac suffered “major heart failure” requiring life-saving CPR. She was placed on life support “for weeks” before undergoing a heart transplant, and is currently recovering in Sweden.

Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin (NHL Images).

“I see my fiancée work hard every day, and that makes me very motivated,” Dahlin said. “I’m good right now.” He went on to thank the club and his teammates for their support, as well as the medical staff in France and Sweden who saved Matovac’s life.

Dahlin continues to train with his teammates in preparation for the upcoming 2025-26 season. He asked for privacy as Matovac continues her rehab in Sweden before joining him in Buffalo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to Dahlin and Matovac as she continues her recovery.

THE SCORE: Leon Draisaitl said he hopes to be in the running for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, which honors the NHL’s top defensive forward. The 29-year-old Edmonton Oilers center finished sixth among Selke voters last season, the highest finish of his career.

Draisaitl acknowledged there are aspects of his game that need improvement to win the Selke, but he also pointed out that there are parts of it that he does well. “Just looking to chip away at it and get even better,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl is already among the league’s elite offensive forwards. Improving the defensive side of his game will not only make him a more well-rounded forward but also improve the Oilers’ chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

Draisaitl is drawing inspiration from Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar, who announced this week that the coming season will be his last. Kopitar is considered among the NHL’s top two-way forwards, winning the Selke Trophy twice in his long career.

NEW YORK POST: Adam Fox hopes to get his game back on track after struggling through the worst season of his career.

Winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2020-21, the 27-year-old Rangers defenseman is considered to be among the league’s best blueliners. However, he seemed a step slower in 2024-25 and was prone to losing ice battles. Those issues affected his performance with Team USA during the 4 Nations Face-Off, resulting in a reduction of his playing time during the tournament.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A bounce-back effort by Fox will be crucial to the Rangers’ hopes of rebounding from last season’s disappointing effort. He’s projected to be paired with offseason acquisition Vladislav Gavrikov, who could be a steadying influence.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins forward Kevin Hayes is expected to miss the start of the upcoming season after suffering an upper-body injury during the opening day of training camp. The injury occurred after being hit by defenseman Ryan Graves, sidelining him for at least one month.

DAILY FACEOFF: Utah Mammoth forward Alex Kerfoot is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks center Macklin Celebrini missed practice during the second day of training camp due to an illness. However, it’s not considered serious and he should return soon.

TSN: Montreal Canadiens center Kirby Dach was absent from training camp on Friday, but is expected to play preseason games. The 24-year-old underwent his second knee surgery in February and is hoping to be ready for the start of the season next month.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens envisioned Dach as their second-line center when they acquired him three years ago, but knee injuries have hampered his development. Nevertheless, they intend to give him another opportunity to establish himself in that role.

OTTAWA SUN: Contract extension talks have begun between the Senators and center Shane Pinto. However, those discussions could be shelved if an agreement isn’t reached when they open their season next month. The 24-year-old Pinto is in the second season of a two-year deal with an average annual value of $3.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pinto is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next July. He’s indicated that he wants to focus on his play during the upcoming season and not have his contract situation become a distraction.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Ray Shero is the 2025 winner of the Lester Patrick Trophy. The award is given to a person based on their outstanding contributions to hockey in the United States.

Shero passed away in April at age 62. He served as an assistant GM with the Nashville Predators and Ottawa Senators. He went on to become the GM of the Penguins from 2006 to 2014, building the team that won the Stanley Cup in 2009.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A well-deserved posthumous honor for Shero, who also drafted several players (Jake Guentzel, Matt Murray, Bryan Rust, and Olli Maatta) who went on to play key roles in the Penguins’ two Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and 2017.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 31, 2025

by | Jul 31, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 31, 2025

Oilers GM Stan Bowman begins contract discussions with Connor McDavid’s camp, possible adjustments for the Maple Leafs and Rangers for 2025-26, the Jets avoid arbitration with Dylan Samberg, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said he’s “very encouraged” by the early discussions he’s had with Connor McDavid’s agent about a contract extension.

The 28-year-old Oilers captain is in the final season of his contract and can become an unrestricted free agent next July. Bowman indicated that they haven’t had detailed talks yet, but expects to have further conversations soon.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid is in the prime of his NHL career. If he and the Oilers fail to agree to a new contract, he would become the biggest name in next summer’s UFA market. However, most observers believe McDavid will sign an extension with the Oilers, making him the league’s highest-paid player starting in 2026-27.

TSN: Travis Yost recently examined the potential effect of Mitch Marner’s departure on the Toronto Maple Leafs, especially team captain Auston Matthews.

Yost believes the Maple Leafs remain a very good team despite Marner’s absence. Matthews is a superstar who should continue to produce with just about anyone as his linemates.

Matthews will have power forward Matthew Knies at left wing. Finding a suitable fit on right wing could be challenging, but Max Domi and recently acquired Matias Maccelli should get significant opportunities.

The Leafs should continue doing well at even strength. However, their power play suffered a downturn midway through last season and into the playoffs. If it persists, it could become a problem.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner’s departure will put the Maple Leafs under a brighter spotlight this season. They could attempt to address any offensive concerns via the trade market, but they have few expendable assets to use as bait.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears looked at the issues the Rangers must address before the start of the regular season.

How well players like Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, and Alexis Lafreniere rebound from their disappointing performances last season is among the crucial factors. Their depth at center could be another, especially if Zibanejad remains on the wing. Fox’s season will depend on how quickly he and recent addition Vladislav Gavrikov can establish chemistry on the top defense pairing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Leafs, the Rangers will be among the more closely scrutinized teams this season. General manager Chris Drury has been retooling his roster since December, and he could end up on the hot seat if his efforts fail to pan out.

THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: The Jets avoided salary arbitration with Dylan Samberg, as the two sides agreed to a three-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $5.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a big raise from the $1.4 million AAV of Samberg’s previous contract. It’s also much closer to the $6 million cap hit he was seeking when he filed for arbitration, and well above the $2.5 million the Jets originally sought.

The Jets, however, had little choice. Samberg emerged last season as a solid top-four defenseman. Had this gone to arbitration, he would’ve become eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July. They want to keep this roster intact as much as possible as they pursue the Stanley Cup.

This agreement leaves Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson as the only restricted free agent still scheduled for arbitration. His hearing will take place on August 3 unless he and the Leafs agree to a contract before that date.

CALGARY SUN: The Calgary Flames signed forward Martin Pospisil to a three-year contract extension beginning in 2026-27. PuckPedia indicates the 26-year-old will earn an AAV of $2.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pospisil is currently in the final season of a two-year deal with an AAV of $1 million. A versatile physical forward who can play center or left wing, his hard-hitting style has made him a fan favorite in Calgary.

RG.ORG: Jimmy Vesey is considering offers from KHL teams. SKA St. Petersburg is viewed as the front-runner for the 32-year-old forward’s services.

Vesey’s future in the NHL is uncertain after the Colorado Avalanche declined to re-sign him. He’s spent nine seasons with the New York Rangers, Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, and the Avalanche.

THE ATHLETIC: Carter Yakemchuk is hoping to crack the Ottawa Senators’ roster this season. The Senators need depth among their right-side defensemen, something the 19-year-old Yakemchuk hopes to address. A skilled puck-mover, he’s been working on improving his defensive game since last season.

KARPAT.FI: Former NHL defenseman Markus Nutivaara is staging a comeback with Finnish team Karpat, signing a one-year contract with his hometown club. The 31-year-old retired two years ago due to hip surgeries. His last game was with the Florida Panthers in 2021-22.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 27, 2025

by | Feb 27, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 27, 2025

The Jets extend their win streak to 11 games, Nathan MacKinnon regains the lead in the scoring race, and updates on Roman Josi, Miro Heiskanen, Adam Fox and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Winnipeg Jets extended their franchise-record win streak to 11 games by defeating the Ottawa Senators 4-1. Kyle Connor had a goal and an assist, Mark Scheifele tallied his team-leading 33rd of the season, and Connor Hellebucyk made 24 saves for his league-leading 36th win. The Jets opened a three-point lead over the Washington Capitals in the overall standings with 87 points. Thomas Chabot scored and Linus Ullmark made 36 saves for the Senators as their losing skid reached five games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 62 points, the Senators remain two points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. They’re feeling the absence of forwards Brady Tkachuk, Josh Norris and Shane Pinto, who remain sidelined by injuries.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images).

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon scored twice in the third period in a 5-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. MacKinnon also collected an assist to finish with three points, regaining the lead in the NHL scoring race with 90 points. Martin Necas had three assists and Cale Makar collected two as the Avalanche snapped a two-game losing skid. They hold the first Western Conference wild-card spot with 70 points. Jack Hughes replied for the Devils as they remain in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 70 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon holds a three-point lead over Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl. Necas has quickly developed a strong offensive chemistry with MacKinnon since being acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes on Jan. 24, collecting 12 points in 11 games since the trade. The Avs also welcomed back Valeri Nichushkin. He’d been sidelined with a lower-body injury since Dec. 31.

The Vancouver Canucks nipped the Los Angeles Kings 3-2. Forward Conor Garland tallied twice, including the winner in overtime. Nils Hoglander also scored, Filip Chytil had two assists and Quinn Hughes picked up an assist in his return to the Canucks lineup after missing six games with an undisclosed injury. Adrian Kempe and Warren Foegele scored as the Kings overcame a 2-0 deficit to force the extra period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The win vaulted the Canucks over the Calgary Flames into the final Western wild-card spot with 65 points, while the Kings are third in the Pacific Division with 70 points. Meanwhile, Vancouver winger Brock Boeser is frustrated over the lack of progress in contract extension talks with management, prompting speculation that he could be traded if the Canucks stumble in the playoff race.

HEADLINES

THE TENNESSEAN: Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi is listed as day-to-day as he continues to be evaluated for an upper-body injury suffered during Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to the Florida Panthers.

TSN: The Predators made a minor trade on Wednesday, acquiring forward Jesse Ylonen from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Anthony Angello. Both are playing in the American Hockey League (AHL).

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars general manager Jim Nill said his club will probably get a clearer timeline on defenseman Miro Heiskanen’s recovery from knee surgery by mid-to-late March. Heiskanen underwent surgery on Feb. 4 and was listed as month-to-month.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s assumed the Stars could place Heiskanen on long-term injury reserve, freeing up his $8.45 million cap hit to put toward adding players before the March 7 trade deadline. However, that only works if they know for certain that he’ll be sidelined for the rest of the regular season. Otherwise, they would have to free up space to be cap-compliant when he returned to action.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (upper body) was placed on injured reserve. He’ll be out for at least seven days but is expected to return before the end of the regular season.

Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson will return to action on Thursday against the Boston Bruins. He’s been out since Jan. 20 with a lower-body injury.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He will remain with the team but isn’t expected to suit up for Friday’s game against the Rangers.

TSN: The Edmonton Oilers reclaimed defenseman Travis Dermott off waivers from the Minnesota Wild, who claimed him from the Oilers on Dec. 13.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Wild acquired forward Tyler Madden from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for defenseman Joseph Cecconi. Both players will report to their new teams’ respective AHL affiliates.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins placed forward Matt Nieto on waivers.