NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 12, 2024

by | Jul 12, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 12, 2024

Kyle Dubas talks about his biggest mistake as Leafs GM, Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour talks about the recent departure of several key players, the latest notable contract signings, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TORONTO SUN: In a new book by The Athletic’s Craig Custance, Kyle Dubas talked about his biggest mistake while general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The book is entitled “The Franchise: The Business Of Building Winning Teams.”

“The biggest mistake I think I’ve made in my whole time there has been not taking care of the three incumbent contracts,” said Dubas, referring to Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander coming off their entry-level deals. He felt they should’ve been signed to contract extensions on July 1 as they entered the final year of those ELCs.

Dubas also lamented not getting those contracts done before signing John Tavares as an unrestricted free agent in 2018.

Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas (NHL.com).

The article noted complications arose getting those three under contract. An unnamed team threatened to sign Nylander to an offer sheet, driving up his price and resulting in his two-month absence early in 2018-19. Marner, meanwhile, staged a brief training camp holdout in September 2019 before signing his deal. Matthews signed his contract midway through the 2018-19 campaign.

Dubas was criticized for his handling of those negotiations, and for signing Tavares to a seven-year deal in 2018 with an annual cap hit of $11 million. However, Darryl Belfry, who worked in the Leafs’ front office at that time, defended the former Leafs GM by pointing out how COVID-19 resulted in several years with a flattened salary cap.

“Kyle would never say it, but I will,” said Belfry. “You have a world shut down, it’s a flat cap for multiple years and you’re stuck holding the bag on a projection. You didn’t miscalculate, it was an act of nature that beat you.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I credit Dubas for admitting his mistake with his handling of those contracts for Matthews, Marner and Nylander. Belfry is also correct for pointing out how the flattened cap adversely affected the Leafs following those signings. No one could have predicted a global pandemic and its effects on the salary cap.

Nevertheless, I maintain that the Tavares signing was Dubas’ biggest mistake as Leafs GM. I said it when the rumors emerged leading up to the signing and I maintained that position afterward. They invested $11 million on a player they didn’t need.

Even if COVID hadn’t happened and the salary cap kept rising, the Tavares contract still would’ve been a drag on the Leafs’ cap payroll, hampering efforts to address the important roster needs.

The Leafs were the third-highest-scoring team in 2017-18 but needed to shore up their goaltending and defense, especially the right side of their blueline. The investment in Tavares should’ve been used to address those issues.

If no immediate solutions were available, they could’ve invested some of that $11 million in affordable short-term fixes while keeping the rest to use when better long-term options became available through trades or free agency.

THE SCORE: Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour said it was difficult watching several key players depart as free agents earlier this month. Trade deadline acquisition Jake Guentzel, defensemen Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce, and forwards Teuvo Teravainen and Stefan Noesen were among the notables who signed elsewhere.

Brind’Amour signed a contract extension in May. Since then, general manager Don Waddell stepped down and was replaced by Eric Tulsky. Meanwhile, trade rumors swirl about winger Martin Necas.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes replaced those departed players with blueliners Shayne Gostisbehere and Sean Walker and forwards such as Jack Roslovic and William Carrier. Still, the effects of that roster turnover will be felt next season, especially on the blueline where Skjei and Pesce were their second pairing.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: The Lightning avoided arbitration with recently acquired defenseman J.J. Moser, signing him to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.38 million.

NHL.COM: The San Jose Sharks signed defenseman Ty Emberson to a one-year, $950K contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moser and Emberson were among 14 players who filed for salary arbitration on July 5. That number shrank to 11 with blueliner Jake Christiansen inking a one-year, $775K deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday.

The arbitration period begins on July 20 and ends on Aug. 4.

TSN: The Utah Hockey Club signed Tij Iginla to an entry-level contract. Iginla was their first-round pick (sixth overall) in the 2024 draft. Tij is the son of Hall-of-Famer Jarome Iginla.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: The Red Wings signed Michael Brandsegg-Nygard to a three-year ELC. He was their first-round pick (15th overall) in this year’s draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Iginla, Brandsegg-Nygard and San Jose Sharks defenseman Sam Dickinson (11th overall) signed their ELCs this week, bringing the total thus far to 14.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Andrey Tarasenko, father of NHL winger Vladimir Tarasenko, died suddenly in Russia at age 56. Andrey was the developmental coach and trainer for KHL club HC Siber.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to the Tarasenko family and HC Siber.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 19, 2024

by | May 19, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 19, 2024

The Oilers force Game 7 with the Canucks, Aleksander Barkov wins the Selke Trophy, and the Hurricanes re-sign coach Rod Brind’Amour. Get the details on these and other stories in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAP

NHL.COM: There will be a seventh and deciding game in the second-round series between the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks as the Oilers rolled to a 5-1 victory in Game 6.

Evan Bouchard and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins each had a goal and two assists, Connor McDavid had three assists and Leon Draisaitl had two assists for Edmonton. Dylan Holloway opened the scoring for the Oilers with a brilliant individual rush. Nils Hoglander replied for the Canucks.

Game 7 will be in Vancouver on Monday, May 20, at 9 pm EDT.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a dominating performance by the Oilers, who entered this game facing elimination. McDavid silenced his critics after being held to just one assist in the previous three games. So did Zach Hyman, scoring his first goal since Game 1 of this series.

The last game saw Vancouver shut down Edmonton’s scorers. This time, the Canucks struggled to generate offense, finishing with 15 shots on goal. The pressure has shifted to them as the Oilers will enter Game 7 riding the high of their convincing win in the previous game.

Stuart Skinner returned in goal for the Oilers and played well, helped by his teammates’ solid defensive play. Speaking of goaltenders, the Canucks confirmed that sidelined starter Thatcher Demko won’t be playing in Game 7. They’ll stick with Arturs Silovs, who has carried them since Game 4 of their first-round series with the Nashville Predators.

Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl became the third-fastest player in NHL history to reach 100 career playoff points, accomplishing the feat in 60 games. Wayne Gretzky was the fastest (46 games) followed by Mario Lemieux (50).

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as this season’s top defensive forward. Barkov previously won this award in 2020-21.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The voting wasn’t even close. Barkov got 165 of the 194 first-place votes.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: cited ESPN’s Kevin Weekes’ report that the Carolina Hurricanes signed head coach Rod Brind’Amour and his staff to multi-year contract extensions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored earlier this month that the Hurricanes had pulled their offer, leading to Brind’Amour questioning his future in Carolina. All sides quickly denied it, insisting they were closing in on a deal.

The Hurricanes’ second-round elimination by the Rangers did nothing to affect those negotiations. If there are to be any changes during the offseason it will be to their roster.

NHL.COM: The Western Conference Final schedule was announced on Saturday. Game 1 will begin on Thursday, May 23, at 8:30 pm EDT.

DAILY FACEOFF: Buffalo Sabres defensemen Rasmus Dahlin and Bowen Byram had early exits during preliminary round action on Saturday at the 2024 IIHF World Championships.

Playing for Sweden, Dahlin was ejected for a dangerous hit against Latvian defenseman Harald Egle. Byram, skating for Canada, was booted from his team’s game against Finland for slashing winger Jesse Puljujarvi.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan was named the head coach for Team USA at the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off and the 2026 Winter Olympics.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 17, 2024

by | May 17, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 17, 2024

Offseason changes could be coming for the Hurricanes plus the latest Golden Knights speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE HURRICANES?

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Luke DeCock believes changes are coming for the Carolina Hurricanes following another disappointing postseason. He pointed out that they have several pending unrestricted free agents and head coach Rod Brind’Amour remains unsigned for next season.

“It’s the end of this group, the one that was on the ice Thursday night,” wrote DeCock. “Change is coming. The Hurricanes will almost certainly still be contenders, but not these contenders. That’s over.”

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus predicts a stormy future for the Hurricanes. He anticipates “a roster reckoning” could be coming with or without Brind’Amour behind the bench.

Unrestricted free agents include forwards Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, Jordan Martinook and Stefan Noesen and defensemen Brady Skjei, Brett Pesce, Tony DeAngelo and Jalen Chatfield. Goaltenders Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov remain under contract for next season.

Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour (NHL Images).

Lazerus believes Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell will have sufficient salary-cap space, trade bait and roster flexibility to pursue a No. 1 goaltender, re-sign Guentzel, and/or pursue another top forward if he chooses.

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton believes the Hurricanes’ priority should be re-signing Guentzel. He had 25 points in 17 games for them following his trade from Pittsburgh and was a point-per-game performer in the playoffs. She also believes they should invest in a starting goaltender.

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby believes teams that need a new coach will want to know Brind’Amour’s plans. He thinks the Toronto Maple Leafs are among them.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Glenn Dreyfuss thinks the Seattle Kraken would be among Brind’Amour’s suitors if he doesn’t re-sign with the Hurricanes.

BLEACHER REPORT: The Leafs and Kraken are on Lyle Fitzsimmons’ list of landing spots for Brind’Amour. He also sees him staying in Carolina.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brind’Amour’s future was a hot topic of speculation earlier this month following a report claiming the Hurricanes had pulled their recent contract offer. All sides downplayed the matter, insisting negotiations were ongoing and a deal was close.

Following another disappointing postseason, Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon could feel the need for a change behind the bench. GM Don Waddell could share that view. We’ll find out soon enough.

One of those pending UFAs may have played his last for the Hurricanes. Shortly after last night’s game, Pesce’s father shared a now-deleted post on “X” thanking Hurricanes’ fans for their support over the years.

LATEST GOLDEN KNIGHTS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Jesse Granger recently looked at who stays and who goes among the Vegas Golden Knights this summer.

Jonathan Marchessault is slated to become a UFA on July 1. He and GM Kelly McCrimmon were publicly optimistic that an agreement on a new contract could be reached. However, there is limited cap space for him and the remainder of the roster.

A cap-clearing trade will be necessary if Marchessault is re-signed.

Granger speculated Zach Whitecloud could be a trade candidate if McCrimmon needs to make a minor subtraction. The 27-year-old defenseman has four years left on his contract with an average annual value of $2.75 million.

Shea Theodore could be shopped if McCrimmon needs to make a bigger change. He’s signed through next season with an AAV of $5.2 million and will be eligible for UFA status next summer. Recently acquired Noah Hanifin plays a similar style to Theodore and carries a $7.35 million cap hit on his new contract.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen believes freeing up cap space will be a priority for McCrimmon if he intends to re-sign Marchessault and other UFAs. Theodore or goaltender Adin Hill ($4.9 million AAV) could become trade options. He could also try to move a couple of lower-salaried players like Brayden McNabb ($2.85 million) or Nicolas Hague ($2.29 million million

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I was initially dismissive of the Golden Knights using Theodore as a cost-cutting candidate. Giving it more thought, however, it seems the best course of action given his UFA status next summer and the addition of Hanifin.

Theodore would draw considerable interest if McCrimmon put him on the trade block. The puck-moving blueliner has a five-team no-trade list but he should still attract a lot of suitors. He could fetch an affordable return that would help to replenish the Golden Knights’ prospect pipeline or add a promising youngster to their lineup.

McCrimmon could have other plans to clear cap space for Marchessault that don’t involve moving Theodore. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 12, 2024

by | May 12, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 12, 2024

A look at three possible offer-sheet candidates plus the latest on the Kraken’s search for a new head coach in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

COULD PERFETTI, LUNDELL, OR SWAYMAN BECOME OFFER-SHEET TARGETS?

THE SCORE: John Matisz recently looked at three possible offer-sheet targets this summer.

One is Winnipeg Jets forward Cole Perfetti. He’s completing his entry-level contract and was a frequent healthy scratch near the end of the regular season and in four playoff games. He might get a clean slate now that Rick Bowness has retired as head coach.

However, the Jets only have $13 million in cap space for next season. A rival general manager could try to make life miserable for Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff by pitching a bridge deal with an average annual value of $5.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matisz acknowledged the rarity of offer sheets in the salary cap era. The last one occurred in 2021 when the Carolina Hurricanes successfully signed away Jesperi Kotkaniemi from the Montreal Canadiens. Considering how that’s turned out for the Hurricanes, it’s a prime example of why an offer sheet can be a risky move.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images).

A player has to be willing to sign an offer sheet. Perfetti and the other two on this list could receive offers from rival clubs but they’re meaningless if those players prefer signing with their current teams.

The Jets’ limited cap space could make Perfetti a tempting target but I don’t see anyone making a pitch. While the 22-year-old has potential as a scoring forward, his inconsistent production thus far doesn’t make him an enticing candidate.

Florida Panthers forward Anton Lundell is another possibility given his untapped potential. The Panthers have 11 players slated to become unrestricted free agents this summer, including Sam Reinhart and Brandon Montour. Matisz suggested a similar pitch for Lundell as he did for Perfetti.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given his solid two-way play and offensive ability, Lundell is a more attractive offer-sheet target than Perfetti. The Panthers would be more vulnerable cap-wise than the Jets. While there’s a greater possibility of Lundell getting an offer sheet, it’s unlikely he’ll get one. I believe he’d prefer to stick with the Panthers.

Matisz mentioned Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman, suggesting perhaps he’d entertain a “Godfather offer” like a yearly salary 50 percent greater than his actual market value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matisz admits it’s a wild scenario. He also acknowledged Swayman’s value to the Bruins and he’ll likely be their starter for the next several years. Anything’s possible but it’s the least likely of these three.

LATEST ON THE KRAKEN’S SEARCH FOR A NEW COACH

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Geoff Baker recently reported Kraken GM Ron Francis isn’t wasting time interviewing potential candidates for his club’s vacant head coach position. He met with former Los Angeles Kings bench boss Todd McLellan earlier this month.

Baker speculates Francis could also be waiting until the end of the playoffs when he might have an opportunity to pursue Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour. There’s speculation the Hurricanes could part with him if they fail to advance past the second round. While a recent report claimed management pulled its contract offer from the table, both sides subsequently claimed talks were back on with each believing a deal could be done.

One rumor making the rounds claimed Brind’Amour was resentful of Francis for not promoting him to head coach during the latter’s tenure as Hurricanes GM. That was based on a Feb. 2023 interview with the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast, but Brind’Amour never said anything negative about Francis. Brind’Amour gave Francis a glowing recommendation to Seattle executives in 2019 that likely sealed their decision to hire him as GM.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Baker noted that Francis is still interviewing coaching candidates. He could be keeping an eye on Brind’Amour but there’s no certainty he’ll be available. If the Hurricanes do let him go, Francis will have plenty of competition trying to hire him.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 10, 2024

by | May 10, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 10, 2024

A look at potential coaching candidates for the Leafs, possible coaching destinations for Sheldon Keefe and the latest on the Capitals in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COACHING CANDIDATES FOR THE LEAFS

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan looked at potential coaching candidates for the Maple Leafs after they fired bench boss Sheldon Keefe on Thursday.

Former St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube topped Koshan’s list, followed by former Los Angeles Kings coach Todd McLellan, former New York Rangers coach Gerard Gallant, and former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft.

Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour and Pittsburgh Penguins bench boss Mike Sullivan also made the list, along with former NHL coach Bruce Boudreau and Leafs assistant coach Guy Boucher.

TORONTO STAR: Brind’Amour is Kevin McGran’s top choice, followed by Berube, Gallant, former Minnesota Wild coach Dean Evason, former Seattle Kraken coach Dave Hakstol, and McLellan.

Former St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Berube is the betting favorite for the role. He was reportedly “intrigued” in the Ottawa Senators job but was weighing his options, prompting the Senators to hire Travis Green instead.

Berube, McLellan, Woodcroft, Evason and Hakstol were fired during or following this season in an unusually high turnover for coaches in recent months.

Brind’Amour’s name is out there due to recent rumors of difficulties in his contract extension talks with the Hurricanes. Both sides downplayed the speculation, claiming there’s close to a new deal. However, it’ll be interesting to see what happens if the Hurricanes end up swept from the second round by the Rangers.

There’s speculation suggesting Sullivan will quit the Penguins to join the New Jersey Devils because their general manager, Tom Fitzgerald, is an old friend. Pens GM Kyle Dubas recently issued a statement claiming the Devils haven’t sought permission to speak with Sullivan.

Berube is the front-runner to become the Maple Leafs’ new coach, but that could change if Brind’Amour becomes available.

POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS FOR SHELDON KEEFE

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie looked at some landing spots for Sheldon Keefe following his dismissal as head coach of the Maple Leafs.

The New Jersey Devils are McKenzie’s top destination for Keefe, followed by the Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Winnipeg Jets, the Kraken and the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keefe is under contract with the Leafs for two more years. Any club interested in hiring him must seek permission to do so. That will be our tip-off as to which teams are interested in Keefe.

The Devils are reportedly interested in interviewing Keefe for their vacant head coaching position. They’re also believed to have spoken to Berube.

Keefe is linked to the Penguins because Dubas hired him during his tenure as Leafs GM. It’s part of the “Sullivan-to-New Jersey” theory making the rounds. The Devils’ interest in Keefe would drive a stake through that rumor.

LATEST ON THE CAPITALS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reports Washington Capitals GM Brian MacLellan isn’t commenting much on the future of Darcy Kuemper. The 34-year-old netminder struggled this season, losing his starter’s job to Charlie Lindgren.

MacLellan still believes Kuemper is a good goaltender and acknowledged his difficulties this season. The Capitals GM rejected the idea of buying out the remaining three years of Kuemper’s contract.

Despite recent trade rumors about Kuemper, MacLellan anticipates he’ll bounce back next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacLellan will listen if a team calls about Kuemper. However, that seems unlikely given his performance this season and his $5.25 million cap hit

Silber also reported that MacLellan intends to investigate this summer’s trade and free-agent markets in search of more scoring punch for the Capitals. He’s hoping to find a young top-six forward to take some of the pressure off aging captain Alex Ovechkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Silber mentioned Florida’s Sam Reinhart, Carolina’s Teuvo Teravainen and Vegas center (and former Capital) Chandler Stephenson could become available in this summer’s UFA market. Reinhart will likely be re-signed by the Panthers but Teravainen and Stephenson could be free-agent options.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 3, 2024

by | May 3, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 3, 2024

The Maple Leafs force Game 7 with the Bruins in their opening-round series. Get the details plus the latest playoff news and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAP

NHL.COM: The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Boston Bruins 2-1 in Game 6 of their best-of-seven opening-round series. William Nylander scored both goals and Joseph Woll made 22 saves for the Leafs, who overcame a 3-1 series deficit to force a seventh and deciding game in Boston on Saturday. Morgan Geekie scored for the Bruins with one second remaining in the third period and teammate Jeremy Swayman stopped 24 shots. The start time for Game 7 is 8 pm EDT.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given up for dead after their listless loss in Game 4, the Leafs have flipped the script in this series. The pressure is now on the Bruins, who return home facing the prospect of blowing a 3-1 series lead and being eliminated from the opening round for the second straight year.

Like their win in Game 5, the Leafs played a solid defensive game to contain the Bruins’ offense. Woll has been solid between the pipes. His teammates are drawing strength and confidence from his steady performance.

Leafs star Auston Matthews remained sidelined by an illness for the second straight game but has returned to skating with his teammate in practice. Nylander, meanwhile, stepped up in this game to fill the void.

After the game, Bruins coach Jim Montgomery called out his club’s leading scorer David Pastrnak. “’Pasta’ needs to step up”, he said. “He needs to be a dominant player like he used to. He’s doing it in flurries, but not consistently.” Pastrnak has two goals and two assists in this series but was held scoreless in the last two games.

Don’t expect a goaltending change for the Bruins in Game 7. Swayman wasn’t to blame for his club’s two losses, giving up only two goals in Game 5 with a .939 save percentage and two in Game 6 (.923). That’s especially true in the first period of both games with the Leafs outshooting the Bruins 11-2 in the fifth game and 12-1 in the sixth.

PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK

NHL.COM: The second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs starts Sunday with Game 1 between the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We could learn the start times for other second-round series depending on the outcome of Friday night’s games. The Vancouver Canucks hold a 3-2 series lead as they face the Predators in Nashville while the Dallas Stars are up 3-2 over the Golden Knights as the two clubs face off in Las Vegas.

TSN’s Darren Dreger took to social media on Thursday reporting the Carolina Hurricanes aren’t interested in allowing head coach Rod Brind’Amour to test the open market this summer. He indicated the two sides have recently come together and it “looks encouraging an extension will get done.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brind’Amour’s contract situation drew considerable buzz earlier this week following reports claiming he was uncertain about his future in Carolina after the club pulled their offer from the table.

Brind’Amour responded saying he wanted to stay in Carolina. Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon and general manager Don Waddell maintained their confidence that an agreement would be reached soon.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars are using the Golden Knights’ physical play against them by making them pay on the power play. Two undisciplined penalties by the Golden Knights in the last two games led to the Stars cashing in with the man advantage.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights need a more disciplined game from top defenseman Alex Pietrangelo if they hope to stave off elimination in Friday’s game against the Stars. He was called out by head coach Bruce Cassidy after his penalty against Dallas winger Tyler Seguin in Game 5 led to the Stars’ game-winning goal.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller brought some levity to his teammates by wearing teammate Arturs Silovs’ flashy pink and paisley dress shirt during practice on Thursday. Silovs took Miller’s prank in strike. “It looks good on him,” he laughed.

THE TENNESSEAN: Nashville Predators defenseman Luke Schenn hopes to return to the lineup for Game 6 after an illness sidelined him in Game 5.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers defenseman Adam Fox missed practice on Thursday for the second straight day for a maintenance day. That’s raised concern about the condition of his right knee following a collision with the Washington Capitals’ Nick Jensen on Sunday.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Goaltender Spencer Knight is back with the Panthers after spending the regular season with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers. Knight left the Panthers in February 2023 after being admitted into the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program seeking treatment for OCD.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen, Arizona Coyotes goaltender Connor Ingram, and Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington are this year’s finalists for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the three finalists for being recognized for their perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey this season.

TSN: Seattle Kraken general manager Ron Francis denied a report by ESPN’s Emily Kaplan claiming he received an ultimatum from several players demanding the replacement of Dave Hakstol as head coach. Hakstol was fired on Tuesday after three seasons behind the Kraken bench.

“Zero players issued any ultimatums of any kind regarding the coach – that I can assure you,” said Francis. Kraken winger Jordan Eberle also denied the report.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Hurricanes signed a three-year affiliate agreement with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves.

THE ATHLETIC: Former NHL player Cody Hodgson has retired for the second time. His original retirement was in 2017 after a condition known as malignant hypothermia ended his six-year NHL career.

The 34-year-old center staged a comeback this season, earning an AHL contract with the Milwaukee Admirals. In 13 games, he had six goals and eight points but soon found the symptoms of his condition had returned.

Hodgson said he was at peace with his decision to retire again. His comeback effort brought him a sense of closure that he could still perform at a professional level. “I answered the question that I could play again. Maybe someone else would look at it objectively and conclude something different, but I thought I could keep up with the kids,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to Hodgson in his future endeavours.