NHL Rumor Mill – June 22, 2024

by | Jun 22, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 22, 2024

The Senators continue shopping for a goalie, Jake DeBrusk remains linked to the Leafs, the Golden Knights are getting inquiries about their goalies, and the latest on the Lightning in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SENATORS GOALIE SEARCH CONTINUES

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators revisited discussions with the Boston Bruins to find a way to bring goaltender Linus Ullmark to Ottawa.

The Senators attempted to acquire Ullmark before the March trade deadline. They offered netminder Joonas Korpisalo but the Bruins refused as they couldn’t afford to take on his $4 million average annual value over the next four seasons.

Garrioch reports the Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils were among the clubs also trying to acquire Ullmark at that time. He refused to waive his 16-team no-trade list, meaning a possible deal was scuttled, but that wasn’t with the Senators.

Ottawa Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun (NHL Images).

The Bruins have set a high price for Ullmark. They’re believed to be scouring the trade market for a center. They could be interested in Shane Pinto but the Senators have told clubs they’re not parting with him.

SPORTSNET: Wayne Scanlan noted the Senators’ rumored interest in Ullmark. He also pointed out a report claiming they have the framework of a possible deal with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Scanlan suggests Jakob Chychrun could be an asset the Senators would give up to make a move that would alter their roster. The 26-year-old defenseman is approaching his prime and entering the final year of his contract. He’d be easier to move than Thomas Chabot, who plays a similar game and carries an $8 million average annual value through 2027-28.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chychrun could be part of the Senators’ efforts to land Ullmark if he’s willing to come to Ottawa. He could also be part of this mysterious deal they have with the Flyers that could take place by the NHL Draft next weekend.

JAKE DEBRUSK HAS “MUTUAL INTEREST” IN JOINING THE MAPLE LEAFS

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Andrew Fantucchio cited Toronto Star columnist Nick Kypreos claiming the Toronto Maple Leafs could be interested in Jake DeBrusk. The 27-year-old Boston Bruins winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Nick Alberga, host of Leafs Morning Take, reported DeBrusk has some “mutual interest” in joining the Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs are reportedly attempting to re-sign pending UFA forwards Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi. They have over $19 million in cap space for 2024-25 with 15 active roster players under contract. The Leafs could turn to DeBrusk if Bertuzzi or Domi move on.

TEAMS INQUIRING ABOUT GOLDEN KNIGHTS GOALIES

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reporting multiple teams are inquiring about Vegas Golden Knights goaltenders Adin Hill and Logan Thompson. Both are on contracts that expire at the end of next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights are facing a cap crunch with just $1.19 million in cap space and 20 active players under contract. They’ll get an additional $5 million in relief with Robin Lehner on long-term injury reserve for next season. However, they must free up space to re-sign pending UFA winger Jonathan Marchessault.

Hill would be the logical one to move if the Golden Knights are trying to shed salary. He carries an AAV of $4.9 million while Thompson’s is over $766K.

LATEST ON THE LIGHTNING

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina expects the Lightning to make a cost-cutting trade in the coming days. They have just $5.335 million in cap space, which won’t be enough to re-sign pending UFA captain Steven Stamkos. The Bolts have 18 active roster players under contract for 2024-25.

Encina believes they must move an existing contract to make room for Stamkos. It’s a matter of whether it’s one like Tanner Jeannot ($2.665 million) or Erik Cernak ($5.2 million) that provides enough space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cernak would clear the most cap room but Jeannot has been mentioned more frequently as a trade candidate.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 24, 2024

by | Mar 24, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 24, 2024

The Predators set a franchise-record points streak, the Canucks and Rangers continue their push for the Presidents’ Trophy, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Nashville Predators extended their points streak to a franchise-record 17 games (15-0-2) by blanking the Detroit Red Wings 1-0. Juuse Saros turned in a 23-save shutout and Filip Forsberg scored the only goal for the Predators (42-25-4) as they hold the first Western Conference wildcard berth with 88 points. Alex Lyon stopped 31 shots for the 36-29-6 Red Wings as they cling to the final Eastern Conference wildcard spot with 78 points.

Nashville Predators winger Filip Forsberg (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Forsberg also dropped the gloves with Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider in a rare fight between NHL stars. It was Forsberg’s third career scrap and Seider’s first. Meanwhile, the Predators’ points streak is the league’s longest this season.

Vancouver Canucks forward Nils Hoglander tallied twice in a 4-2 victory over the Calgary Flames. Canucks center Elias Lindholm scored against his former club as the Canucks improved to 45-18-8 to move into first place in the overall standings with 98 points. A.J. Greer assisted on both Flames goals as his club’s record dropped to 33-31-5.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindholm has been struggling to score since the Canucks acquired him on Jan. 31. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the 29-year-old center will be meeting with a specialist this week as he and the Canucks manage his undisclosed injury on a day-to-day basis.

The New York Rangers rallied to down the Florida Panthers 4-3 on a shootout goal by Artemi Panarin, who scored twice in regulation, including the tying goal late in the third period. The Rangers improved to 47-20-4 to sit second overall with 98 points. Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe had a goal and an assist each as the Panthers (45-20-5) are winless in their last four games (0-3-1) and slipped to fifth overall with 95 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks hold first overall with 39 regulation wins over the Rangers’ 38.

Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins (41-16-15) tumbled out of first overall into third with 97 points following a 3-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. Tyson Foerster snapped a 2-2 tie late in the third period and Travis Konecny scored two goals for the 36-29-9 Flyers as they remain in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 81 points. Bruins forward Justin Brazeau scored to extend his goal streak to three games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers captain Sean Couturier returned to action after being a healthy scratch from the last two games.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann scored twice and collected an assist in a 6-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Pontus Holmberg also had two goals and Auston Matthews netted his league-leading 58th goal of the season for the 40-20-9 Maple Leafs, who sit third in the Atlantic Division with 89 points. Oilers winger Zach Hyman moved into second place in the goalscoring race with his 49th of the season as his club (42-22-4) sits second in the Pacific Division with 88 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov left this game in the third period with what appeared to be an injured left leg. After the game, head coach Sheldon Keefe said he believes Samsonov will be fine. Meanwhile, Leafs winger Tyler Bertuzzi missed this game with an illness.

An overtime goal by Vladislav Gavrikov lifted the Los Angeles Kings over the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3. Adrian Kempe and Anze Kopitar had two points each for the 37-22-11 Kings, who sit three points back of the Oilers in third place in the Pacific Division with 85 points. Steven Stamkos scored twice in the third to force overtime for the 38-25-7 Lightning as they hold the first Eastern wildcard with 83 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov collected an assist for his league-leading 123rd point of the season.

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel scored two goals to reach 500 career NHL regular-season points in a 4-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Daniil Tarasov kicked out 43 shots for the Blue Jackets. The Golden Knights hold the final Western wildcard with a record of 38-25-7 (83 points) while the Blue Jackets slipped to 23-36-12.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill left this game with an undisclosed injury in the third period. There was no update on his condition following the game.

The St. Louis Blues kept their playoff hopes alive with an overtime goal by Brandon Saad to nip the Minnesota Wild 5-4. Jordan Kyrou tallied a hat trick and Pavel Buchnevich picked up three assists for the 38-30-3 Blues as they sit four points behind the Golden Knights with 79 points. Marco Rossi scored two goals for the 34-28-9 Wild.

Speaking of keeping playoff hopes alive, the New York Islanders ended a six-game skid with a 6-3 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. Cal Clutterbuck scored twice while Mathew Barzal and Hudson Fasching had a goal and two assists each for the Islanders (30-25-15) as they’re three points back of the Red Wings with 75 points. The Jets dropped to 44-21-5 but hold third place in the Central Division with 93 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck got the hook in the second period after giving up five goals on 26 shots. However, it’s fair to say that his teammates let him down, playing terribly in front of him.

The Ottawa Senators ended a three-game skid by downing the New Jersey Devils 5-2. Brady Tkachuk, Thomas Chabot and Mathieu Joseph collected two points each for the 29-36-4 Senators. Jesper Bratt and Tomas Nosek replied for the 34-33-4 Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No disrespect to the Senators but the Devils should’ve taken this must-win game. With 72 points, they’re six points out of the final Eastern wildcard berth. Losing to one of the league’s worst teams could be the final nail in the coffin for the Devils’ postseason hopes.

A four-goal rally culminated in a 5-4 overtime victory for the Chicago Blackhawks over the San Jose Sharks. Seth Jones scored twice, including the game-winner for the 20-46-5 Blackhawks. Fabian Zetterlund and Thomas Bordeleau scored two goals each for the 16-46-8 Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is a season of suck for the Sharks but there is a glimmer of hope for their future. Top prospect Will Smith scored four goals for Boston College in a 6-2 win over Boston University to win the NCAA Hockey East Championship. Smith leads the NCAA this season with 67 points.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 18, 2023

by | Dec 18, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 18, 2023

Nathan MacKinnon extends his point streaks, Jack Eichel establishes a Golden Knights record, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon scored twice and collected two assists in a 6-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. MacKinnon extended his season-opening home points streak to 16 games and his overall points streak to 15 games as the Avalanche (19-10-2) reclaimed first place in the Central Division with 40 points. Tomas Hertl scored both goals for the 9-19-3 Sharks while Anthony Duclair was a healthy scratch from this contest.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon is having an MVP-worthy season thus far. With 47 points, he’s now five behind Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov, who leads all scorers with 52 points.

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel had a goal and an assist to lead his club over the Ottawa Senators 6-3. Mark Stone collected three assists for the Golden Knights (21-6-5), who sit atop the overall standings with 47 points. Josh Norris had a goal and an assist for the 11-15-0 Senators, who’ve dropped four straight and remain at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with 22 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eichel extended his points streak to a franchise-record 10 games. Meanwhile, Vegas goaltender Adin Hill left this game in the first period with an undisclosed injury. It was his first game since being sidelined for the last seven with a lower-body injury.

A hat trick by Adam Henrique powered the Anaheim Ducks to a 5-1 upset of the New Jersey Devils. Alex Killorn had a goal and two assists for the 11-19-1 Ducks as they snapped a five-game losing skid. Michael McLeod replied for the 16-12-1 Devils (33 points), who sit one point out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

The Vancouver Canucks netted three goals in the second period to hold off the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3. J.T. Miller picked up two assists as he leads his teammates with 45 points to sit third in the league scoring race. The Canucks (21-9-2) sit second in the Western Conference with 44 points. Nick Foligno tallied twice for the Blackhawks (9-20-1), who sit at the bottom of the overall standings with 19 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks winger Brock Boeser netted his 23rd goal of the season to move into a tie with Toronto’s Auston Matthews for the league lead in goals. Meanwhile, the ranks of injured Blackhawks is growing as winger Joey Anderson left this game with an upper-body injury. He joins Seth Jones (left shoulder), Alex Vlasic (upper body), Andreas Athanasiou (groin), Colin Blackwell (lower body), Jarred Tinordi (concussion) and Taylor Hall (season-ending ACL injury) on the sidelines.

A shootout goal by Evgeny Kuznetsov gave the Washington Capitals a 2-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Darcy Kuemper made 28 saves for the Capitals (15-9-4), who hold the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 34 points and two games in hand over the Detroit Red Wings, who also have 34 points. Sebastian Aho scored for the 16-12-3 Hurricanes, who’ve dropped six of their last eight games and cling to the first Eastern wild-card spot with 35 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals winger TJ Oshie was a late scratch from this game with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, Hurricanes goaltender Antti Raanta cleared waivers and was assigned to the AHL’s Chicago Wolves. The Canes got some good news as goalie Frederik Andersen was cleared to resume skating after being sidelined for six weeks with a blood clot issue.

IN GOALIE NEWS…

CALGARY SUN: Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom was activated off injured reserve after missing seven games with a fractured finger. Goalie Dustin Wolf has been assigned to their AHL affiliate.

LA KINGS INSIDER: The Kings placed goaltender Pheonix Copley on long-term injury reserve with an undisclosed injury. They called up David Rittich from their AHL affiliate over the weekend. Copley suffered the injury during practice on Friday.

CBS SPORTS: Detroit Red Wings goalie Alex Lyon suffered a lower-body injury during Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers. No updates were released regarding his condition.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils recalled netminder Nico Daws from their AHL affiliate as Vitek Vanecek is not feeling “physically well”, though it is not related to any illness.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 1, 2023

by | Jul 1, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 1, 2023

The free-agent market opens today, Matt Duchene and Blake Wheeler join the list of notable UFAs, the Golden Knights re-sign Adin Hill, a large number of RFAs don’t receive qualifying offers, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE TENNESSEAN: On the final day of the June buyout window, the Nashville Predators bought out the contract of forward Matt Duchene, making him an unrestricted free agent when the market opens today at noon ET.

Duchene, 32, had three years remaining on his seven-year contract with an average annual value of $8 million. The buyout counts as $2.55 million against the Predators’ salary cap payroll for 2023-24, rising to $5.55 million in 2024-25 and $6.55 million in 2025-26 before dropping to $1.55 million for each of the final three years of the buyout.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: New Predators general manager Barry Trotz continues to make an immediate impact on his roster. Duchene had been inconsistent over the previous four seasons and his play was not up to the level expected of his salary. The cap hit is significant in years two and three of the buyout but the anticipated sharp increase of the cap over the period will lessen the pain.

WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets bought out the final season of winger Blake Wheeler’s contract. The cap hit for that year was $8.25 million. The buyout will count as $2.75 million against their cap for this season (2023-24) and 2024-25.

Former Winnipeg Jets winger Blake Wheeler (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s the end of an era for the Jets. Wheeler, 36, was the last player remaining from the club’s relocation from Atlanta to Winnipeg in 2011.

Wheeler put up decent numbers this season (55 points in 72 games) but the wear and tear of his long career has caught up with him and he no longer fits into the club’s plans. Whispers of divisions within the dressing room saw him stripped of the club’s captaincy last year. The Jets tried to trade him before June 30 but couldn’t find any takers.

DAILY FACEOFF: Duchene and Wheeler join this summer’s unrestricted free-agent class, sitting among the top 10 on Frank Seravalli’s list of notable UFAs.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins bought out defenseman Mike Reilly before Friday’s buyout deadline. They’ll have a cap hit for 2023-24 of over $333K and $1.333 million for 2024-25.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: The Red Wings bought out recently-acquired Kailer Yamamoto. Because he’s under 26, the 24-year-old winger’s buyout is one-third of the remaining value over twice the remaining term. The cap hit for this season is over $433K and $533K for 2024-25.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like Duchene and Wheeler, Reilly and Yamamoto enter this summer’s UFA class. They could draw interest from clubs seeking affordable depth.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: As expected, the Golden Knights officially announced their signing of goaltender Adin Hill to a two-year contract with an AAV of $4.9 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The expectation is Hill will share the Golden Knights’ goaltending duties with Logan Thompson. However, there is some trade speculation swirling about Thompson. I’ll have more on that in today’s Rumor Mill.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Carolina Hurricanes signed winger Jesper Fast to a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $2.4 million.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers signed Mattias Janmark to a one-year, $1 million contract. The 30-year-old checking-line forward took a slight pay cut from last season’s $1.25 million cap hit, citing his desire to be part of “something special” with the Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, Janmark believes the Oilers are a Stanley Cup contender for 2023-24 and was willing to take less money to stay put.

PUCK PEDIA: 113 players did not receive qualifying offers by yesterday’s deadline, making them unrestricted free agents. Among the notables are Mackenzie Blackwood, Jesse Puljujarvi, Max Comtois, Christian Fischer, Tyson Jost, Denis Gurianov, Nolan Patrick, Daniel Sprong, Caleb Jones, Klim Kostin, Colin White and Sam Steel.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some of these players had arbitration rights this summer which might’ve resulted in them receiving more from an arbitrator than their clubs could comfortably afford. The cost of qualifying some of them would’ve also been more expensive than their actual value based on performance.

Not every player will end up signing with other teams. Kostin, for example, is reportedly close to a new contract with the Detroit Red Wings, who acquired his rights earlier this week from the Oilers.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Columbus Blue Jackets will formally introduce Mike Babcock as their new head coach at a 10 am ET press conference today.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 26, 2023

by | Jun 26, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 26, 2023

Erik Karlsson is open-minded about trade destinations, Patrick Kane already rehabbing from hip surgery, the Hurricanes-Flyers trade involving Tony DeAngelo hits a snag, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Erik Karlsson loves living and playing in San Jose. With the Sharks rebuilding, however, the 33-year-old defenseman is open to a trade.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

Karlsson noted he’s at the stage of his career where he’s running out of time to garner an opportunity to win the Stanley Cup. He said he played with too many players who had great careers but never won the Cup.

“I don’t want to be that guy, I want to win,” said Karlsson. “That’s not to say I’m going to win, right? I want an opportunity to win.”

Karlsson acknowledged the difficulties of a trade given his hefty contract. He’s signed for three more seasons with an average annual value of $11.5 million with a full no-movement clause. “I think there’s a lot of teams that want to do it, not necessarily a lot of teams that can do it.”

A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy, Karlsson is a finalist for the award this season. He indicated that he’s open-minded about potential trade destinations. He told Swedish reporters that he’s open to returning to the Ottawa Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson also praised Sharks general manager Mike Grier and believes he’s doing the right thing with the roster. However, he pointed out that he’s not at the right stage in his career to be part of a rebuilding club.

Coming off a career-high 101-point performance, Karlsson undoubtedly is drawing attention from contenders who would benefit from his puck-moving skills and experience. Finding a way to move his hefty contract, however, is the main obstacle.

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: Three weeks after undergoing hip surgery, Patrick Kane appears to be ahead of schedule with his recovery. He is already shooting pucks and skating with assistance.

Kane, 34, becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. His agent, Pat Brisson, said his client intends to continue playing “for a long time.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The release of the videos of Kane’s rehab process was likely timed to ease the concerns of potential suitors regarding his health.

THE SCORE: cited TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reporting on Twitter that a potential trade sending Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Tony DeAngelo back to the Carolina Hurricanes has hit a snag. The Flyers were reportedly set to retain half of DeAngelo’s $5 million cap hit and would’ve received a draft pick in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anthony SanFilippo of the sports blog Crossing Broad reported hearing that the snag has been ironed out. If so, the trade could be finalized later today.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights are reportedly close to signing goaltender Adin Hill to a two-year contract extension worth $9.8 million. The average annual value is $4.9 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights also have Logan Thompson and Robin Lehner under contract. Lehner, however, missed this season on long-term injury reserve recovering from hip surgeries. He’ll likely remain sidelined for next season.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Jakub Vrana believes someone in the Red Wings’ hockey operations department didn’t want him back following his return from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. “I don’t know if that came from the coach (Derek Lalonde) or the general manager (Steve Yzerman),” said Vrana. “But I felt that something was wrong.”

Vrana spent time this season with the Wings’ AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids. Traded to the St. Louis Blues, he regained his scoring touch, finishing with 10 goals in 20 games. He called the trade “a new beginning”, saying he got the chance to play again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vrana is signed for next season with a cap hit of $5.25 million. A strong performance in 2023-24 will ensure a new contract with the Blues or make him a valuable trade chip.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and his girlfriend Lauren Kyle recently announced their engagement. The couple have been together for nearly eight years.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 20, 2023

by | Jun 20, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 20, 2023

The latest on Adin Hill, Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta, some possible candidates for the 2023 Hall of Fame class, plus updates on Conor Bedard and Matvei Michkov in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Vegas Golden Knights playoff hero Adin Hill would like to remain with the club he backstopped to the Stanley Cup. The 27-year-old goaltender is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill (NHL Images).

“We’re obviously going to give it the big college try to get him signed in Vegas,” said agent Gerry Johansson. Hill is completing a two-year, $4.35 million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap Friendly shows the Golden Knights with around $3 million in projected cap space for 2023-24. They’ll get an extra $5 million in wiggle room if goalie Robin Lehner remains on long-term injury reserve for next season.

LeBrun also reports the Carolina Hurricanes are in negotiations with pending free-agent goaltenders Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon and general manager Don Waddell indicated they wanted to keep their roster intact for another shot at winning the Stanley Cup next season. They also have promising Pyotr Kochetkov but LeBrun noted he has one more season of waiver exemption.

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby believes the only shoo-in for the Hockey Hall of Fame’s class of 2023 is Henrik Lundqvist. That could open up an opportunity for long-overlooked candidates such as Alexander Mogilny and Curtis Joseph.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Other notables former NHLers who might get a shot this year include Henrik Zetterberg, Pierre Turgeon, Keith Tkachuk, Rod Brind’Amour, Sergei Gonchar, Butch Goring and Tom Barrasso.

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: Connor Bedard has been named the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Player of the Year for 2023. The 18-year-old center of the WHL’s Regina Pats is expected to be chosen first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the upcoming NHL Draft.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Intrigue continues to swirl about KHL winger Matvei Michkov. A source close to the teams selecting in the top 10 of this year’s NHL Draft said that the Washington Capitals have “seriously aimed” to choose the young Russian with the eighth overall pick if he’s still available by that point.

Michkov is under contract for the next three seasons with KHL club SKA St. Petersburg. He was told not to speak with NHL teams who have asked to meet him. That sparked speculation that he’s trying to manipulate the draft to maneuver his way down to the rankings to play for a certain team. It’s assumed that the club could be the Capitals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t know about manipulating the draft but I will commend Michkov for drawing some media attention toward himself in the lead-up to the draft.

GOPHNX.COM: Craig Morgan cites multiple sources claiming the Arizona Coyotes are mulling several sites for a new arena in the Phoenix area. The potential locations are in Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale and on Salt River-Maricopa Indian Community land.

SPORTSNET: Former NHL player Mike Peca will be joining the New York Rangers’ coaching staff. He’s spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach with the AHL’s Rochester Americans.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Former Vancouver Canucks head coach Travis Green will reportedly be hired by the New Jersey Devils as an associate coach. He’ll replace Andrew Brunette, who was recently hired as head coach by the Nashville Predators.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins signed goaltender Brandon Bussi to a one-year, two-way contract for 2023-24. The salary at the NHL level is $775K.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bussi’s new contract could stoke recent rumors suggesting the cap-strapped Bruins could trade Linus Ullmark or Jeremy Swayman to free up cap room for other signings.