NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 15, 2026

by | Sep 15, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 15, 2026

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

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

Ottawa Senators winger Drake Batherson (NHL Images)

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

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

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

**UPDATE** 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 13, 2026

by | Sep 13, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 13, 2026

Check out the latest on Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin and Senators winger Drake Batherson in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SPORTSNET: During Thursday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said the Nashville Predators were “kicking around” Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin (NHL Images).

Friedman noted the Predators traded winger Luke Evangelista to the New Jersey Devils earlier this month for two draft picks. He believes they could have the tradeable assets necessary to make a pitch to the Hurricanes.

Nikishin is a restricted free agent after completing his entry-level contract. The 24-year-old defenseman is ineligible to sign an offer sheet because he lacks the required number of games played to qualify. He had a promising rookie campaign, with 11 goals and 33 points in 82 games last season.

Friedman believes Zeev Buium’s new contract with the Vancouver Canucks could factor into Nikishin’s new deal. The 20-year-old Buium signed an eight-year extension with an average annual value of $9.38 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Following the Stanley Cup Final, it was reported that the Hurricanes were mulling over whether to sign or trade Nikishin. It’s been three months since then with no sign of a resolution to his situation.

That’s likely to change with training camp opening later this week. Nikishin reportedly sought an average annual value of $8 million before Buium signed his deal, which could reinforce his asking price or perhaps push it higher, which could ensure that he ends up playing elsewhere this season.

The Predators aren’t the only club linked to Nikishin. For weeks, it’s been rumored that the St. Louis Blues were interested. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic recently speculated that Nikishin would likely be part of the return to the Winnipeg Jets if the Hurricanes attempt to acquire goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reported Thursday that the Senators and Drake Batherson still have a gap to bridge before the Sept. 15 deadline for re-signing players to eight-year contracts. After that date, the maximum contract length for re-signings drops to seven years.

Batherson reportedly seeks an eight-year contract, adding that he wants to finish his career with the Senators. However, the two sides aren’t close to a deal yet, though general manager Steve Staios remains confident that a deal will get done.

Garrioch has reported that Adrian Kempe of the Los Angeles Kings and Alex Tuch of the Washington Capitals are comparables for Batherson’s next contract. Kempe is in the first season of an eight-year contract with a $10.625 million AAV, while Tuch’s is an eight-year deal with a $10.5 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ll know for certain how long Batherson’s next deal will be by 5 pm ET on Sept. 15.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 8, 2026

by | Sep 8, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 8, 2026

Check out the latest on Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, Senators winger Drake Batherson, and Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE SHEET WITH JEFF MAREK: ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski weighed in on Sidney Crosby’s future with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Wyshynski said he’s been in the “Sid’s gonna play somewhere else business for a long time.” He’d love to see Crosby join his friend Nathan MacKinnon with the Colorado Avalanche, or become the elder statesman for his childhood team, the Montreal Canadiens.

However, the more Crosby is in Pittsburgh, the more Wyshynski feels that the future Hall of Famer will stay there and finish his career as a “one-team guy.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wyshynski wasn’t the only pundit wondering about Crosby’s future in Pittsburgh over the past couple of years.

The Penguins exceeded expectations last season by reaching the playoffs, silencing calls for Crosby to move on. That chatter could resume if the Penguins struggle this season, but it will probably be half-hearted.

Every indication is that Crosby intends to finish his career with the Penguins. Barring a significant change in his relationship with the club, he’s there to stay.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports we’ll learn by next week whether Drake Batherson and the Senators can agree to an eight-year contract extension.

Batherson, 28, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Garrioch reports the winger wants to stay in Ottawa and the Senators want to keep him. However, they have until Sept. 15 to get a deal done for the current maximum of eight years.

After that date, the maximum term drops to seven years for re-signing players, and from seven years to six for unrestricted free agents.

Garrioch reports a gap remains between the two sides. Batherson’s current average annual value is $4.95 million. Garrioch cited sources claiming the winger’s camp could seek a deal comparable to Los Angeles Kings winger Adrian Kempe ($10.625 million AAV) or Washington Capitals winger Alex Tuch ($10.5 million AAV).

The Senators don’t want to lose Batherson, especially after trading Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers in June. However, Garrioch believes there’s a sense that Batherson could head to free agency next July if a new deal isn’t in place when the Senators open their season against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Basically, no change in the Batherson situation. However, talks could pick up now that he’s back in Ottawa for training camp, which opens later this week.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports multiple league sources claim that Mason Lohrei is drawing trade interest around the league again.

Murphy indicated that the 25-year-old Boston Bruins defenseman was in play last season when the club looked into acquiring Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames before he was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley noted Murphy’s report, adding that Lohrei popped up on Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos’ trade board earlier this summer. Studley noted that Lohrei told NHL.com’s Belle Fraser that his goal this season is to play all 84 games with the Bruins and improve his game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins have a crowded blueline, which could result in one of their defensemen getting traded, perhaps in a deal to address another roster need.

Lohrei’s youth, affordable contract, and potential as a puck-moving defenseman could make him an enticing trade target.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 1, 2026

by | Sep 1, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 1, 2026

Check out the latest on Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko and Senators winger Drake Batherson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

Join me and Jim Biringer of Full Press Hockey as we discuss Cale Makar’s record contract with the Avalanche, Quinn Hughes’ contract talks with the Wild, and the latest notable rumors.

THE LATEST KIRILL MARCHENKO RUMORS

THE SICK PODCAST: James Murphy reported one of his sources believes that the Columbus Blue Jackets don’t intend to trade Kirill Marchenko. However, another source isn’t ruling out the possibility

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko (NHL Images).

The 25-year-old right wing entered the rumor mill in June after an ESPN report claimed he was reluctant to sign a contract extension.

Speculation grew in July following a report from Russia claiming the Blue Jackets were discussing a trade involving Kirill Marchenko, sparking rumors linking him to the Montreal Canadiens. However, Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell dismissed those reports.

Murphy’s second source claimed that if the Blue Jackets were willing to “really consider” trading Marchenko, the Canadiens would be at the front of the line of trade suitors. He suggested that he might sacrifice Marchenko to free up salary cap room to re-sign restricted free-agent center Adam Fantilli.

Asked what it would cost the Canadiens to acquire Marchenko, Murphy’s source said they won’t part with prospect center Michael Hage.

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell recently suggested Marchenko as a trade target for the Edmonton Oilers.

Mitchell argued that the Oilers need to pursue an impact player, someone who can deliver guaranteed production for at least the next five seasons. He believes Marchenko could address that need, and suggested that they could sign him to a long-term deal if he flourishes in Edmonton.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets have over $12.6 million in cap space for this season. They’d have no reason to move Marchenko and his $3.85 million cap hit in a cost-cutting move unless Fantilli is seeking well over $13 million annually.

However, the Blue Jackets might not have to take that step right away. They could place goaltender Elvis Merzlikins on long-term injury reserve to start the season if his recent shoulder surgery sidelines him for a long period of time. Of course, they’ll have to become cap-compliant once Merzlikins is ready to return later in the season.

The Canadiens could be among the suitors for Marchenko if he becomes available. It’s no secret they’re in the market for a top-six forward (preferably a center) to play alongside budding superstar Ivan Demidov on their second line. They also have the depth in draft picks, prospects, promising young players, and long-term salary-cap space to make a tempting offer.

However, that’s not the same case for the Oilers. They would likely lose a bidding war for Marchenko.

UPDATE ON DRAKE BATHERSON’S CONTRACT TALKS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch believes the Senators must move quickly to sign Drake Batherson to a new contract before uncertainty over his future sets in.

Batherson, 28, is UFA-eligible next July. He’s in the final season of a six-year contract worth $4.95 million annually.

Senators GM Steve Staios has indicated he wants to re-sign Batherson, who wants to remain with the Senators. Garrioch cited sources claiming the winger seeks an eight-year contract but it would have to be signed before Sept. 15, after which the league maximum contract term drops to seven years for re-signings and from seven to six years for unrestricted free agents.

It’s believed Batherson could command between $10 million and $11 million annually on the open market next summer. Garrioch cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting there is a pathway to a deal, but it involves compromise on both sides. That means closing the AAV gap on an eight-year deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Garrioch points out, if they don’t get a deal signed by Sept. 15, the Senators might not be willing to go with a higher AAV on a seven-year contract. The longer the term, the lower the AAV could be.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 23, 2026

by | Aug 23, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 23, 2026

Why hasn’t Connor Hellebuyck been traded yet? Will we see more eight-year contract signings before the Sept. 15 deadline? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SPORTSNET: The status of trade talks for Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck topped Emily Sadler’s recent list of lingering offseason questions.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Sadler pointed out that a Hellebuyck trade seemed imminent two months ago. Since then, the chatter regarding the 33-year-old netminder has grown quiet. However, she noted that her colleague, Elliotte Friedman, recently suggested that it could pick up around training camp next month.

Hellebuyck’s teammate, defenseman Josh Morrissey, hopes that the three-time Vezina Trophy winner will stay put. “You can’t believe everything you might see or hear out there,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets captain Adam Lowry also hopes Hellebuyck stays. “Until something happens, he’s a Jet, he’s a good friend, and we’re excited to get him back”, Lowry said.

DAILY FACEOFF: Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton recently discussed why Hellebuyck hasn’t been traded yet.

Hutton doubted that there’s any “buyer beware” attached to Hellebuyck. He thinks the Jets should move him at some point because of his age, pointing out that he won’t have much value left if they wait two or three years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets were reportedly working on a trade before the draft in late June that would’ve sent Hellebuyck to the Buffalo Sabres, but the deal fell through. There’s been no indication that the two sides have revisited those discussions, and nary a peep from the vacationing insiders (such as Friedman) that they’re having any trade talks with other clubs.

That doesn’t mean a trade won’t happen once the calendar flips to September when training camps approach. It seems like the Jets prefer to hang onto Hellebucyk, hoping he’ll backstop them to a bounce-back performance following a disappointing 2025-26 campaign, but that could change if a rival club steps up with an acceptable offer, whatever that might be.

TSN: With the maximum term for re-signing players to eight-year contracts dropping to seven years for deals signed after Sept. 15, some observers wonder if we’ll see any further eight-year deals signed before then.

The last eight-year contract signed was Ville Koivunen’s recent deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins for an average annual value of $4 million. It could be the last one ever signed. 

Cutter Gauthier of the Anaheim Ducks is the top player still unsigned among this summer’s restricted free agents. Others include Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Simon Edvinsson of the Detroit Red Wings, and Alexander Nikishin of the Carolina Hurricanes.

Gauthier and Fantilli could be considered the most worthy of inking eight-year contracts, but they could follow the recent trend of short-term deals for higher average annual salaries.

Next summer’s unrestricted free-agent class includes defensemen Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche and Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild. Both are in their late-twenties and prime candidates for eight-year contract extensions before Sept 15. While Makar may be open to that deal, Hughes reportedly prefers a three-year extension.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov is the top forward in that UFA class, but at 33, he’s unlikely to get an eight-year extension offer.

Others include Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat, Ottawa Senators winger Drake Batherson, Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha, and Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrincat’s status remains in limbo until the Wings find a new general manager, who might not be hired until sometime in September. Batherson reportedly wants an eight-year deal, but the Senators seem cool to that possibility. The Bruins are believed to be interested in re-signing Zacha, but nothing suggests the two sides are close.

Robertson recently signed a one-year contract. Given how contentious those negotiations were, which included his rejection of a trade to the Seattle Kraken because he wouldn’t sign an eight-year deal with them, it’s unlikely he’ll be inking an eight-year contract with the Stars before Sept. 15.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 18, 2026

by | Aug 18, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 18, 2026

The big questions facing the Devils, plus the latest on Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, Senators winger Drake Batherson, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The health of Jack Hughes and the state of the goaltending are among the big questions facing the New Jersey Devils this season.

Hughes, 25, had 77 points in 61 games last season, but the Devils won only eight of 21 games without him. Durability has been an issue for the talented center throughout his seven NHL seasons.

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (NHL Images).

The Devils’ goaltending depth is in question after trading Jacob Markstrom to the Florida Panthers. They’ll go into this season with Jake Allen, Nico Daws, and David Rittich.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Hughes stays healthy and one of those three goalies adequately fills the starter’s role, the Devils should be a playoff team. Otherwise, it will be another disappointing campaign resulting in more changes to their roster.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Alex Ovechkin is looking forward to his 22nd NHL season, but he’s not committing to anything beyond that for now.

Ovechkin signed a one-year extension with the Capitals for this season. He turns 41 in September and will see how the season unfolds. He also intends to consult with his family before making any decisions beyond this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin’s status among the greatest players in NHL history is assured, as is his place as the greatest player in Capitals history. Nevertheless, age is catching up with him. Ovechkin could take on a lesser role with the Capitals this season, most likely as a power play specialist.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports league sources don’t believe that the Senators and winger Drake Batherson are getting close to a new contract. The 28-year-old winger is in the final season of a six-year deal worth an average annual value of $4.975 million.

Batherson seeks an eight-year deal, but he and the Senators have until Sept. 15 to negotiate an agreement. After that, the maximum length of NHL contracts will drop from eight years to seven for teams signing their own players, and from seven years to six for unrestricted free agents.

According to Garrioch, Batherson could command between $10 million and $11 million annually on the open market. That would be comparable to the contracts of Los Angeles Kings winger Adrian Kempe (eight years, $10.625 million) and Washington Capitals winger Alex Tuch (eight years, $10.5 million).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given the rise of the salary cap, Batherson could get over $12 million annually as a UFA if he has a strong performance this season.

Garrioch noted that Batherson wants to stay in Ottawa, and believes there’s no reason the two sides can’t work out a deal. However, he also speculated that the winger could go into this season without an extension if they haven’t reached an agreement by Sept. 15.

The two sides still have plenty of time to get an eight-year deal done, but we can expect more speculation about Batherson’s future in Ottawa if he’s still unsigned as Sept. 15 approaches.

NHL.COM: Hall of Fame defenseman Zdeno Chara is staging a farewell game in his hometown of Trencin, Slovakia. It will serve as a thank you to those who supported him during his playing career while raising money for several schools in Slovakia.

Chara, 49, will be joined by former Boston Bruins teammates David Pastrnak and Patrice Bergeron. Hall of Famers Ray Bourque, Mark Recchi, and Marian Hossa will also be there, along with future Hall of Famers Jaromir Jagr and Anze Kopitar.

Long-time Bruins teammate Brad Marchand was also scheduled to play, but will miss the event due to surgery.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: A long, bitter legal dispute between the Stars and the NBA’s Mavericks has been settled. In a joint statement, the two clubs announced they’ve reached an agreement that resolves the outstanding matters between them.

A yearlong breakdown in the teams’ relationship came to a head last October when the Mavericks filed suit against the Stars over control of the American Airlines Center.