NHL Rumor Mill – June 26, 2025

by | Jun 26, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 26, 2025

What’s next for the Sabres following the Peterka trade and the Oilers after the Kane trade? What’s the latest on Erik Karlsson, Jordan Kyrou, Rasmus Andersson, Aaron Ekblad and more? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE SABRES AND OILERS

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington believes the Sabres must have bigger moves in store after the “flimsy return” they received in the JJ Peterka trade. They shipped Peterka to the Utah Mammoth for defenseman Michael Kesselring and winger Josh Doan.

With defenseman Bowen Byram expected to be the next trade candidate, Harrington thinks they have to be getting back a top-six forward to replace Peterka.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ll have our answer in the next several days as trade activity picks up before the start of the unrestricted free-agent market on July 1. Byram’s been a fixture in trade rumors for months, with the expectation that he’d fetch a top-six forward.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Edmonton Oilers aren’t done making cost-cutting moves after trading Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks. They must re-sign restricted free agent (RFA) defenseman Evan Bouchard, and Leon Draisaitl’s new contract kicks in on July 1.

LeBrun believes Viktor Arvidsson will be next on the trade block. The 32-year-old winger has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4.4 million. He also has a full no-movement clause, but he met with Oilers management and both sides agree it would be best if he moved on. His agent is working with the Oilers to find a suitable trade partner, and LeBrun thinks a deal could occur within the next two to three weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moving Kane leaves the Oilers with $16.2 million in cap space with 19 active roster players under contract. That’ll go up to $20.6 million if Arvidsson is traded, leaving enough room to re-sign Bouchard and address other roster needs.

THE LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson is believed to be open to waiving his no-movement clause to go to a contender. However, the Penguins might have to retain some salary to reduce his cap hit to $7.5 million per season.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)

Karlsson, 35, is signed through 2026-27 with the Penguins carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million average annual value (AAV). He’s also entitled to a $5 million bonus on July 1. Other teams could prefer waiting until that’s paid, but the Penguins could be less inclined to trade him after that date unless they get an extra asset in the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson’s contract, coupled with his declining performance, will make it difficult for the Penguins to find a trade partner this summer. It’s not impossible, but those factors will make it difficult.

Meanwhile, LeBrun’s colleague Scott Wheeler reports the Penguins are aggressively trying to move up in the first round of the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. They spoke to the Chicago Blackhawks about the third-overall pick. He believes they really like prospect winger Porter Martone and centers James Hagens and Roger McQueen.

ARE THE BLUES PEDDLING JORDAN KYROU?

STLTODAY.COM: Matthew DeFranks was asked about the recent trade speculation involving Blues winger Jordan Kyrou. He cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli placing the 27-year-old winger at No. 2 on his latest trade targets list.

DeFranks said he hasn’t heard much on the Blues’ end, but they’re usually tight-lipped about these things. He noted that Kyrou has been the subject of trade rumors in the past. He’s a young, cost-controlled scorer who has improved his defensive deficiencies.

However, Kyrou’s trade value has never been higher. The Blues are deep in wingers and need help at center. They could also use another young defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kyrou completed the second season of his eight-year contract. His salary-cap hit is expensive ($8.125 million), and he has a no-trade clause that begins on July 1. If the Blues are shopping him, they could be eyeing a trade before next Tuesday; otherwise, they’ll need Kyrou’s approval.

UPDATE ON RASMUS ANDERSSON

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports the Calgary Flames are taking trade calls on Rasmus Andersson. The 28-year-old defenseman is a year away from UFA eligibility. Contract extension talks last week reportedly didn’t go well.

D’Amico cited a source claiming the Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins have looked into Andersson. One source believed the Blue Jackets make a lot of sense, given their $40.4 million in cap space and depth in draft picks and prospects to use as trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: D’Amico cited another source claiming the Ottawa Senators were pursuing Andersson. However, recent reports claim they’re on his six-team no-trade list.

IS AARON EKBLAD HEADED TO THE UFA MARKET?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun considers Aaron Ekblad likely headed to the UFA market next Tuesday. The long-time Florida Panthers defenseman reportedly hasn’t had any contract extension talks with management since last summer, though he expects the Panthers will make an offer before July 1.

Contract term was the issue in last summer’s discussion. LeBrun thinks that will still be a factor as the Panthers could be reluctant to invest too long in the 29-year-old Ekblad.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ekblad has repeatedly said he wants to stay with the Panthers. It’s believed he’ll take a pay cut from his current $7.5 million. If the term remains the issue, he might have to accept a three-year deal to remain in Florida. We’ll know for sure by July 1.

COULD THE KINGS PART WITH ALEX TURCOTTE?

MAYOR’S MANOR: There’s plenty of chatter suggesting the Los Angeles Kings could move Jordan Spence and/or Trevor Moore this week. However, Alex Turcotte could also be worth watching. Multiple teams are said to be interested in the 24-year-old winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Turcotte is entering the second season of his three-year contract with an AAV of $775,000. He’s battled injuries in recent years but played a career-high 65 games this season, netting 23 points. The former first-round pick (fifth overall, 2019) could be part of a bigger trade package.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2025

by | Jun 25, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2025

Could Evan Bouchard get an offer sheet? Is Tomas Hertl getting traded to the Hurricanes? What’s the latest on the Islanders, Rangers, Wild, Red Wings and Lightning? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST OILERS SPECULATION

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited NHL insider Brian Lawton suggesting defenseman Evan Bouchard could become an offer-sheet target if his negotiations with the Oilers drag on.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (NHL Images).

Bouchard, 25, is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. He completed a two-year contract and is due a significant raise over the $3.9 million average annual value (AAV) of his previous deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s worth remembering that Bouchard recently said he loves being an Oiler, admitting that the desire to win the Stanley Cup with this team is his motivation for staying. He has to be receptive to an offer sheet. If he’s not, then there’s nothing to worry about.

The other thing to keep in mind is that it will take a significant offer that the Oilers cannot hope to match. It’s rumored he could get $10 million annually on a long-term deal to remain in Edmonton. In that case, a rival club will have to pitch around $12 million annually to tempt him. Few teams can afford the cap hit and the four first-round picks in compensation. Those that can are clubs that aren’t anywhere close to Cup contention.

OILERS NATION: Zach Laing cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting Viktor Arvidsson is willing to work with the Oilers on finding a new home. The 32-year-old winger has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4 million and a full no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Things didn’t work out as both sides hoped when Arvidsson signed last summer. The Oilers could use the cap relief to free up room to re-sign Bouchard. They also reportedly have a contract in place with Trent Frederic but are believed to be waiting until July 1 to make it official.

SMOKE, BUT NO FIRE TO “HERTL TO THE HURRICANES” SPECULATION

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects claiming he’d heard the Carolina Hurricanes were pursuing a deal for Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl.

The Golden Knights have been linked to pending unrestricted free agent Mitch Marner, but they must create salary-cap space to sign him. Moving Hertl would free up their share ($6.75 million) of his $8.135 million AAV through 2029-30.

However, Robinson subsequently reported that it doesn’t appear the Hurricanes have any deals in place or closing in on anything at this time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hertl has a full no-movement clause until July 1, when it reverts to a three-team trade list. He waived the clause at the 2024 trade deadline to facilitate the trade to Vegas from the San Jose Sharks.

The Golden Knights must shed some cap space if they want to sign Marner or another notable player in this summer’s UFA market. Recent speculation suggests they could get some cap flexibility if defenseman Alex Pietrangelo goes on long-term injury reserve next season. So far, there’s no confirmation regarding his status.

ISLANDERS STILL TRYING TO RE-SIGN DOBSON

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports Islanders GM Mathieu Darche hasn’t pivoted from trying to sign Noah Dobson to trading the 25-year-old defenseman.

It’s rumored the Dobson camp seeks an AAV of $11 million on his next contract. Sears was unable to confirm that number, but it’s obvious the blueliner seeks a substantial raise, and it’s less certain if the two sides will find a number they’re both comfortable with.

Trading Dobson doesn’t sound like the Isles’ preferred path. However, Sears indicated teams have called to express interest and will likely continue to do so.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin listed six clubs that could become trade destinations if the Isles decide to move Dobson. They include the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Philadelphia Flyers. However, it’s doubtful any of them would be more receptive to paying Dobson $11 million annually on a long-term contract.

UPDATE ON THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers didn’t decide to retain their 2026 first-round pick to put toward signing a rival team’s player with an offer sheet. He pointed out that they lack the cap space to make a successful signing, and doing so will put them at risk of losing restricted free-agent forward Will Cuylle to an offer sheet.

The Rangers’ limited cap space means they’re not in any position to pursue Buffalo Sabres RFA winger JJ Peterka or Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson, who has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $7.75 million.

Brooks also shot down suggestions that the Rangers should consider trading Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin or Will Borgen before their no-trade/no-movement protection kicks in on July 1. He pointed out that each of their clauses went into effect the day they signed their contract extensions.

Brooks believes the Rangers would listen to offers for Alexis Lafreniere. However, they are not shopping the 23-year-old winger.

Teams have expressed an interest in Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller, but very few of the discussions have evolved into serious offers. The Blueshirts are interested in Columbus Blue Jackets winger Dmitri Voronkov, prompting Brooks to ponder whether there could be a framework of a deal involving Miller.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets could need a top-four, left-side defenseman if Ivan Provorov becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Trading Voronkov, however, would then leave them having to find a suitable top-six left winger to replace him.

WILD NOT PEDDLING ROSSI

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Dylan Loucks cited Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin telling a local TV network that he’s not shopping Marco Rossi.

The 23-year-old center is an RFA without arbitration rights. Negotiations with the Wild have reached a stalemate, resulting in rumors that he could be traded.

Guerin said there’s a perception the Wild are dying to trade Rossi, but that’s not the case. He considers the young center an important part of the team, but wants to sign him within a certain price range.

WILL THE RED WINGS MAKE A BIG TRADE?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan believes if Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman intends to make a big trade, this is the week to do it.

The 2025 NHL Draft is on Friday and Saturday, and this is usually the time of year when significant offseason trades are made. Yzerman has limited trade assets, with his first-round pick (13th overall) his best trade chip. The Wings have roughly $21 million in cap space and could target cap-strapped clubs looking to shed salary.

Khan believes the Wings need a top-six forward and an upgrade among their top-four defensemen.

LATEST ON THE LIGHTNING

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina suggests it might make sense for the Lightning to shop prospect Isaac Howard ahead of the upcoming draft if the two sides haven’t mended fences.

Howard is the 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner. He wants to choose the team he intends to sign with, which could limit his trade value and the number of potential trade partners.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2025

by | Jun 19, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2025

Check out the latest on the Oilers, Bruins, Islanders, Flyers, and Rangers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST OILERS SPECULATION

NEW YORK POST: Justin Tasch reports Connor McDavid’s future could hang over this NHL offseason. The 28-year-old Edmonton Oilers captain is a year away from unrestricted free-agent (UFA) eligibility.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

If McDavid remains committed to the Oilers, Tasch believes a massive contract extension awaits in the coming weeks. If he has doubts about the club’s future as a Stanley Cup contender, it could result in a potential trade because the Oilers wouldn’t want to lose him to free agency.

TSN: Darren Dreger believes McDavid will want to take some time to decompress from another disappointing Stanley Cup Final. He believes the Oilers’ superstar will stay put, but wondered if he would want a shorter-term (three or four years) instead of the maximum eight-year commitment.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Dreger that McDavid will remain an Oiler. It could take a little time for the two sides to get a deal done, perhaps stretching through the summer. Ultimately, they’ll get it done.

Dreger mentioned that McDavid is close friends with teammate Leon Draisaitl, who signed an eight-year extension last September. I doubt Draisaitl would’ve done that if he felt McDavid didn’t intend to stick around.

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell looked at what additions the Edmonton Oilers could attempt to make during this offseason.

It seems unlikely the Oilers will maintain the goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. There are no upgrades to be found via free agency. John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks could be a trade possibility. Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets is a less likely trade option.

Mitchell mentioned Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins, but he carries a no-movement clause and an $8.25 million average annual value (AAV). Finding a suitable trade package to offer up to the Bruins could also be an issue.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pickings are indeed slim for goalies in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets. Forget about Swayman; the Bruins believe he’ll have a bounce-back performance in 2025-26. Gibson might be the Oilers’ best bet, but the Ducks might have to retain some of his salary to make it work.

Daniel Nugent-Bowman considers Oilers forwards Evander Kane and Viktor Arvidsson as trade candidates. The 33-year-old Kane has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $5.125 million and a 16-team trade list. Arvidsson also has one year remaining on his deal. He carries an AAV of $4 million and a full no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane seems the easiest of the two to move, but his abrasive personality and personal baggage could adversely affect his value in the trade market.

BRUINS REPORTEDLY IN TRADE TALKS WITH THE ISLANDERS

RG.ORG: James Murphy cited a report claiming the Boston Bruins are interested in New York Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau. He also claims the two sides are discussing a larger deal that would include the Bruins’ first-round pick (seventh overall) in this year’s draft.

A source suggested to Murphy that the Islanders could be trying to get creative by keeping the first-overall pick to draft Matthew Schaefer and perhaps use the seventh pick to select Long Island native James Hagens.

The source also mused about the Bruins perhaps trying to acquire the first-overall pick from the Islanders. However, the asking price would have to include one of their current top-six forwards or top-four defensemen as part of the return.

Meanwhile, Islanders beat writer Stefen Rosner reports the Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers have inquired into the availability of Alexander Romanov. The 25-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights who could command between $5 million and $6 million annually on his next contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The last time the first-overall pick was traded occurred at the 2003 NHL Draft, when the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired it from the Florida Panthers. Looking at the Bruins’ current roster depth chart on PuckPedia, I’m not seeing any tradeable assets that would convince the Islanders to part with that pick.

COULD BROCK BOESER REUNITE WITH JT MILLER IN NEW YORK?

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma wondered if winger Brock Boeser might reunite with his former Vancouver Canucks teammate JT Miller in New York with the Rangers.

Boeser, 28, is expected to hit the open market on July 1. Kuzma noted they freed up salary-cap space last week by trading Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks, and speculated they could seek a replacement. Boeser could seek a six-year deal worth around $8.5 million annually on his next contract.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks pointed out the Rangers have around $14.5 million in cap space for 2025-26 after re-signing Matt Rempe on Wednesday. He dismissed rumors suggesting general manager Chris Drury could use some of it to go the offer-sheet route this summer.

Brooks believes Drury intends to use some of that cap space to re-sign RFAs Will Cuylle and K’Andre Miller, or Miller’s replacement if the 25-year-old defenseman is traded this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Re-signing Cuylle and Miller (or the latter’s replacement) could take up around $10 million of the Blueshirts’ cap space. That won’t leave enough for someone like Boeser unless the Rangers make another cost-cutting move this summer.










List Of Notable NHL UFA Signings and Trades – July 1, 2024

by | Jul 1, 2024

List Of Notable NHL UFA Signings and Trades – July 1, 2024

NOTE: This list will be updated throughout the day as free-agent signings become official.

Edmonton Oilers sign Jeff Skinner to a one-year, $3 million contract. 

San Jose Sharks sign Alex Wennberg to a two-year deal with an average annual value of $5 million. 

Toronto Maple Leafs sign Oliver Ekman-Larsson to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $3.5 million. 

Edmonton Oilers signed Viktor Arvidsson to a two-year contract with an AAV of $4 million. 

New Jersey Devils signed Brenden Dillon to a three-year deal with an AAV of $4 million. 

Dallas Stars sign Matt Dumba to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.75 million. 

Carolina Hurricanes sign Sean Walker to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $3.6 million. 

Nashville Predators re-sign Alexandre Carrier to a three-year deal with an average annual value of $3.75 million.

Los Angeles Kings sign Warren Foegele to a three-year deal with an AAV of $3.5 million. 

San Jose Sharks sign Tyler Toffoli to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $6 million. 

The New York Rangers acquire Reilly Smith from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-rounder. The Penguins also retain 25 percent of Smith’s $5 million cap hit for 2024-25. 

New Jersey Devils sign Brett Pesce to a six-year deal with an average annual value of $5.5 million.

New York Islanders sign Anthony Duclair to a four-year contract with an AAV of $3.5 million. 

Chicago Blackhawks sign Teuvo Teravainen to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $5.4 million.

Calgary Flames sign Anthony Mantha to a one-year contract worth $3.5 million. 

Seattle Kraken signed Chandler Stephenson to a seven-year contract worth an average annual value of $6.25 million.

Ottawa Senators sign David Perron to a two-year deal with an AAV of $4 million.  

Buffalo Sabres sign Jason Zucker to a one-year contract worth $5 million. 

Nashville Predators sign Steven Stamkos to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $8 million. 

Seattle Kraken ink Brandon Montour to a seven-year contract with an AAV of $7.14 million

Boston Bruins sign  Elias Lindholm to a seven-year contract with an AAV of $7.75 million. 

Boston Bruins sign Nikita Zadorov to a six-year deal with an average annual value of $5 million. 

Nashville Predators sign Jonathan Marchessault to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million. 

Nashville Predators sign Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract with an AAV of $7 million. 

Vancouver Canucks sign Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year deal with an AAV of $5.5 million

Columbus Blue Jackets ink Sean Monahan to a five-year contract with an AAV of $5.5 million

Washington Capitals acquire defenseman Jakob Chychrun from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for defenseman Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round pick. 

Florida Panthers re-sign Sam Reinhart to an eight-year deal with an average annual value of $8.63 million.

Tampa Bay Lightning sign Jake Guentzel to a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $9 million

Detroit Red Wings re-sign Patrick Kane to a one-year contract with a base salary of $4 million and $2.5 million in bonuses.

Chicago Blackhawks sign Tyler Bertuzzi to a four-year deal with an AAV of $5.5 million.

Toronto Maple Leafs sign Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million

Toronto Maple Leafs sign Max Domi to a four-year deal with an AAV of $3.75 million.

Dallas Stars re-sign Matt Duchene to a one-year, $3 million contract.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 21, 2024

by | Mar 21, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 21, 2024

A five-point performance by the Leafs’ Auston Matthews, Kings captain Anze Kopitar reaches a points milestone, Hall-of-Famer Lanny McDonald talks about his near-death experience, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews scored twice and collected three assists in a 7-3 victory over the Washington Capitals. Max Domi had four assists while William Nylander and John Tavares had a goal and two assists each for the 39-20-9 Maple Leafs, who sit third in the Atlantic Division with 87 points. Alex Ovechkin scored twice for the 33-26-9 Capitals (75 points), who remain one point behind the Detroit Red Wings for the final Eastern Conference wildcard berth.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews has a league-leading 57 goals, nine up on Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart. Some pundits are suggesting he could reach 70. He still has some distance to cover to reach that milestone but he’s within reach of 65, which was Ovechkin’s career high and the most scored by an NHL player in the salary-cap era.

Leafs defenseman T.J. Brodie was a healthy scratch from this game while teammate Ryan Reaves missed this contest with an eye injury. Capitals forwards T.J. Oshie (upper body) and Aliaksei Protas (lower body) missed this game and are listed as day-to-day.

Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar had a goal and an assist to reach 1,200 regular-season points as his club blanked the Minnesota Wild 6-0. Kevin Fiala, Phillip Danault and Viktor Arvidsson also had a goal and an assist each while David Rittich turned in a 31-save shutout for the 36-22-11 Kings, who sit third in the Pacific Division with 83 points. The 34-28-8 Wild (73 points) are three points behind the Vegas Golden Knights for the final Western Conference wildcard spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The third period got rough with 12 players (six from each team) receiving misconduct penalties.

Arvidsson returned to action for the Kings after being sidelined since Feb. 20. Meanwhile, Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin missed this game with a lower-body injury.

The Dallas Stars rolled to a 5-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes. Jason Robertson had a goal and an assist and Tyler Seguin scored in his return to the Stars lineup after missing 11 games with a lower-body injury. With a record of 42-19-9, the Stars sit third in the Central Division with 93 points. Clayton Keller tallied his 28th goal of the season for the 28-36-5 Coyotes.

HEADLINES

SPORTSNET: Hall-of-Famer Lanny McDonald revealed he was near death after suffering a heart attack at the Calgary airport six weeks ago. Doctors told the 71-year-old that he would’ve died if the episode had taken place minutes earlier on the plane or minutes later in the parking lot.

The quick response from two passing nurses and a policeman saved McDonald’s life. The policeman worked so hard administering CPR that he fractured McDonald’s sternum and several of his ribs.

McDonald underwent quadruple bypass surgery four days later and had a pacemaker installed eight days later.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to McDonald and his family in his recovery.

DAILY FACEOFF: NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly insists the science is still lacking regarding the link to CTE and repeated blows to the head.

The question was raised following the suicide of Chris Simon earlier this week. Simon’s family issued a statement expressing their strong belief that the former NHL enforcer suffered from CTE attributed to his playing career.

CTE can only be diagnosed posthumously. In a document submitted to an Ottawa court in 2017, Simon claimed he suffered from symptoms including depression, anxiety and PTSD.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Mayo Clinic, Columbia University, the US National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, the NHS in the United Kingdom, Boston University and the Alzheimer’s Association are among those that would disagree with Daly.

THE SCORE: Speaking of Daly, he said the league probably wouldn’t have enough time to relocate the Arizona Coyotes if their owner fails to win June’s land auction. The Coyotes have been playing in Arizona State University’s 5,000-seat Mullett Arena while their ownership attempts to find a location to build a new arena.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been reported that relocation would be “on the table” if the Coyotes owner doesn’t win that land auction.

MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens forward Joshua Roy has been sidelined indefinitely with an injured right hand. He suffered the injury blocking a shot during Tuesday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers.

TSN: Boston University center Macklin Celebrini was named the NCAA’s Hockey East Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year. The 17-year-old Celebrini is projected as the top prospect in this year’s draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The San Jose Sharks could land Celebrini. They’re currently last in the overall standings and would have the best odds of winning the draft lottery.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 25, 2024

by | Feb 25, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 25, 2024

The Rangers match their franchise record win streak, the Canucks regain first overall, the Leafs’ Tyler Bertuzzi nets a birthday hat trick, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The New York Rangers tied a franchise record with their 10th straight win by downing the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1. Rookie forward Matt Rempe’s first career NHL goal was the game-winner as he snapped a 1-1 tie in the third period while Igor Shesterkin made 39 saves for the Rangers (39-16-3). With 81 points, they lead the Metropolitan Division and sit in second place in the overall standings. Tyson Foerster scored for the 30-21-7 Flyers as they remain in third place in the Metro with 67 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers winger Travis Konecny missed this game as he’s day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He’s not expected to be sidelined for long.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser tallied two goals, including the winner in overtime, to defeat the Boston Bruins 3-2 and reclaim first place in the overall standings with 82 points. The Bruins (34-12-13) jumped to a 2-0 lead on goals by Jesper Boqvist and Danton Heinen before the Canucks (38-16-6) staged their rally. The Bruins lead the Atlantic Division with 81 points and sit third in the overall standings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins and Rangers have the same number of points but the latter holds a game in hand plus they’ve got more regulation wins.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Tyler Bertuzzi (NHL Images).

The Toronto Maple Leafs picked up their seventh straight win by nipping the Colorado Avalanche 4-3. Tyler Bertuzzi celebrated his 29th birthday with a hat trick while William Nylander collected three assists for the 33-16-8 Leafs as they sit third in the Atlantic Division with 74 points. Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon had three assists for the 35-19-5 Avalanche, who sit third in the Central Division with 75 points but have won only three of their last 10 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon sits second in the NHL scoring race with 96 points, two back of Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov.

Speaking of Kucherov, he had a goal and two assists for the Lightning in a 4-2 victory over the New York Islanders. Victor Hedman picked up three assists while Andrei Vasilevskiy made 32 saves for the Lightning (31-23-5), who hold the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 67 points. Anders Lee and Brock Nelson replied for the 23-20-14 Islanders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield missed this contest with a lower-body injury and is considered day-to-day.

The Dallas Stars downed the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1 on goals by Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston. Joel Oettinger turned aside 20 shots as the Stars improved to 35-16-8 and sit atop the Central Division with 78 points. Sebastian Aho scored for the Hurricanes (34-18-5) as they’re perched in second place in the Metropolitan Division with 73 points.

An overtime goal by Gustav Forsling gave the Florida Panthers a 3-2 win over the Washington Capitals. Aleksander Barkov scored the tying goal late in the third period for the Panthers (38-16-4) as they sit second in the Atlantic Division and fourth in the overall standings with 80 points. Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin played his 1,400th career NHL game but saw his 10-game points streak come to an end as his club’s record dropped to 26-21-9.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk missed this game with an undisclosed injury. Capitals forward Anthony Mantha left this game in the third period with an undisclosed injury.

A four-goal first period carried the Detroit Red Wings over the St. Louis Blues by a score of 6-1. Alex DeBrincat led the way with two goals and an assist while Patrick Kane and Michael Rasmussen each had a goal and an assist for the 31-20-6 Red Wings, who sit one point above the Lightning in the first Eastern wild-card spot with 68 points. Blues rookie Zachary Bolduc scored his first career NHL goal as his club dropped to 30-25-2 (62 points) and sit two points out of the final Western Conference wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings are on a roll of late, winning four straight and seven of their last 10 games. They’re looking like a playoff contender for the first time since 2015-16.

Speaking of the final Western wild-card spot, the Nashville Predators took over that spot with a 4-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. Kiefer Sherwood tallied twice while Juuse Saros made 23 stops for the 31-25-2 Predators (64 points) as they picked up their fourth straight victory. Mikael Granlund and Filip Zadina replied for the 15-36-5 Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic suffered an upper-body injury during practice on Friday and missed this game as a result.

The Calgary Flames kept their playoff hopes alive by dropping the Edmonton Oilers 6-3 in their ongoing Battle of Alberta. Noah Hanifin scored twice and collected an assist while Jonathan Huberdeau and Connor Zary each had two assists for the 28-25-5 Flames (61 points) as they’ve won three straight and sit three points behind the Predators. Zach Hyman scored two goals for the Oilers (33-20-2) as they sit third in the Pacific Division with 68 points but have won just four of their last 10 contests.

A shootout goal by Trevor Moore gave the Los Angeles Kings a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Drew Doughty and Kevin Fiala each had a goal and an assist for the Kings (29-17-10) as they hold the first Western wild-card spot with 68 points and have won seven of their last 10 games. Goaltender John Gibson kicked out 48 shots for the 20-34-3 Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Kings placed winger Viktor Arvidsson (lower body) on long-term injury reserve and announced that defenseman Mikey Anderson is week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

Another team keeping their postseason chances alive is the Minnesota Wild as they defeated the Seattle Kraken by a score of 5-2. Kirill Kaprizov has two goals and an assist while Mats Zuccarello collected four assists for the 28-24-6 Wild (62 points) as they sit two points behind the Predators. Vince Dunn and Jordan Eberle replied for the Kraken (24-22-11), who are five points back of the Predators.

The Ottawa Senators upset the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 on a shootout goal by Tim Stutzle. Josh Norris and Thomas Chabot each had a goal and an assist for the 25-27-3 Senators, who are 7-1-2 in their last 10 games. Chandler Stephenson scored two goals for the Golden Knights (32-19-7) as they sit second in the Pacific Division with 71 points.

New Jersey Devils winger Timo Meier had a goal and an assist in a 4-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens. Tyler Toffoli collected two assists for the 29-24-4 Devils (62 points), who sit five points behind the Lightning for that final Eastern wild-card berth. Nick Suzuki scored twice for the 22-28-8 Canadiens as their losing streak reached a season-high five games.