NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 22, 2025

by | Jun 22, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 22, 2025

Check out the latest on Matthew Tkachuk, Aaron Ekblad and Zach Werenski, the Kraken trade Andre Burakovsky to the Blackhawks, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk said he will decide over the next several weeks if he’ll require surgery to repair the injuries that sidelined him for the final 25 games of the regular season.

Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk (NHL Images).

Following the Stanley Cup Final, Tkachuk admitted he suffered a torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia. Surgery could sideline him for the entire training camp period in September and the start of the regular season in October.

“It’s going to take a few weeks to determine if I need it or not,” said Tkachuk. “It’s probably 50-50 right now. I don’t know if I’ll have a normal summer or not. I hope so. I’m not just going to jump into surgery without talking to everybody and going through everything. I have a few weeks here when I can figure it out.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers would miss Tkachuk’s offense and agitating style if he’s sidelined to start next season. They were 13-11-1 during his absence down the stretch in 2024-25.

TSN: Speaking of the Panthers, Aaron Ekblad said contract extension talks with the club have begun. “Conversations have been had,” he said. “Obviously, nothing material yet, but they’ll be working on it. Things seem to come down to the last minute here.”

The 29-year-old defenseman is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) on July 1. He has spent his entire 11-season NHL career with the Panthers. “It’s home and I expect it to be home,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ekblad is coming off an eight-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $7.5 million. His performance has declined over the past couple of seasons.

The Panthers have $19 million in cap space, with Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sam Bennett, winger Brad Marchand, and blueliner Nate Schmidt also UFA-eligible on July 1. Ekblad might have to accept a pay cut on a shorter-term deal to stay in Florida.

THE ATHLETIC: Coming off a career-best performance, Zach Werenski is hoping to lead the Columbus Blue Jackets to bigger and better things.

The 29-year-old joined the league’s elite defensemen this season with an 82-point performance. He was runner-up for the James Norris Memorial Trophy and named to this season’s Second All-Star Team.

Werenski’s efforts helped the Blue Jackets overcome the tragic death of winger Johnny Gaudreau. They exceeded expectations this season, narrowly missing the playoffs. He wants to be part of a winning culture in Columbus and is optimistic about their future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets have a core of rising young forwards like Adam Fantilli, Kirill Marchenko, Dmitry Voronkov, and Kent Johnson. They also have up-and-coming defenseman Denton Mateychuk and a promising goaltender in Jet Greaves. With Werenski now at an elite level, his skills and leadership will be invaluable in helping this club take the next step.

The Jackets also have over $40 million in salary-cap space for 2025-26. Management has the room to make a couple of significant additions that could pay long-term dividends.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW/THE SEATTLE TIMES: The Chicago Blackhawks acquired winger Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for center Joe Veleno.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a salary dump by the Kraken, exchanging Burakovsky’s $5.5 million AAV through 2026-27 for Veleno’s $2.75 million for 2025-26. They have $18.6 million of cap space for 2025-26 with 17 active roster players under contract.

The rebuilding Blackhawks continue to add experienced short-term depth to take pressure off their promising young players.

Injuries hampered Burakovsky during his first two seasons with the Kraken. He played in 79 games this season but managed 39 points, which was a far cry from the career-best 61 points he had with the Colorado Avalanche in 2021-22, which earned him his current contract.

The Kraken now have sufficient room to re-sign restricted free agents (RFAs) Kaapo Kakko and Tye Kartye. They acquired winger Mason Marchment last week from the Dallas Stars and should still have enough cap space to make another substantial addition to their roster.

This is the second time this season that Veleno’s been traded. The Blackhawks acquired him from the Detroit Red Wings at the trade deadline. He could provide the Kraken with short-term depth at center for the coming season.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: The Blackhawks placed defenseman TJ Brodie on unconditional waivers to buy out his contract.

They signed the 35-year-old defenseman last summer to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.75 million. However, Brodie’s performance noticeably declined and he was a healthy scratch during the final 22 games of the regular season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks won’t get much cap relief for 2025-26. This buyout counts as $3.233 million against their cap next season, dropping to $258,333 for the 2026-27 season.

THE ATHLETIC’s Michael Russo reports the Minnesota Wild are closing in on hiring former Anaheim Ducks head coach Greg Cronin as the new bench boss of their AHL affiliate in Iowa.

RDS: Jesse Puljujarvi scored the overtime winner for the Charlotte Checkers to defeat the Abbotsford Canucks 4-3 in Game 5 of the AHL’s Calder Cup Final. This was the third game in this series that required overtime. Abbotsford holds a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 9, 2025

by | Jun 9, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 9, 2025

Big changes could be coming for the Rangers, the latest on the Penguins, and a list of potential buyout candidates in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RUMBLINGS OF BIG CHANGES FOR THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC’s Arthur Staple reported that the word at the NHL Draft Combine was that the New York Rangers are among the teams looking to shake up their rosters this summer. The others include the Buffalo Sabres, Utah Mammoth, and Seattle Kraken.

Igor Shesterkin, Adam Fox, and Artemi Panarin are considered the only untouchables on the Rangers roster. Staple believes general manager Chris Drury could attempt to sign Vladislav Gavrikov if the Los Angeles Kings’ defenseman becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks considers it inevitable that the Rangers will trade K’Andre Miller. The 25-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights and is coming off a disappointing 2024-25 performance.

New York Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller (NHL Images).

Several sources told Brooks that they believe Miller will be targeted with an offer sheet if he isn’t moved by July 1. He believes the offer would be around five years with an average annual value between $6 million and $7.012 million, which the Rangers “all but certainly would not match.” They would receive a first and third-round pick as compensation.

Parting with Miller would leave the Rangers without a left-shot defenseman who can skate alongside Fox on their top defenseman pairing. Unless such a blueliner is part of the return in a trade involving Miller, Brooks believes they’ll have to overpay for a UFA like Gavrikov if he’s available.

Brooks also indicated that Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere is “surely available” and was the topic of several conversations at the draft combine, “though it is unclear whether the majority of inquiries were outgoing or incoming.”

If the Rangers can’t move Miller for a defenseman and instead move him for a forward, Brooks believes Drury could use Lafreniere as a trade chip to add a left-shot blueliner.

Brooks pointed out that Vincent Trocheck’s no-trade clause becomes a 12-team no-trade list on July 1. If next season goes sideways, he believes Trocheck could become one of the Rangers’ most attractive trade chips.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drury was among the busiest general managers in this season’s trade market. He began tinkering with his roster in December, hoping to stage what would be a quick turnaround in their fortunes within a season or two.

If he’s peddling Miller and Lafreniere, he’ll want good NHL players in their prime in return, not draft picks and prospects, unless he intends to use those as trade bait as well.

PENGUINS COULD SPURN FREE AGENCY FOR THE TRADE MARKET

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reported Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas said he’s probably not going to be as aggressive in the free-agent market, unless it’s for a younger player “who maybe deserves a little more term.”

Dubas said he’s been getting trade inquiries from other clubs, indicating that some of them are rebuilding clubs looking to take the next step in their development.

Yohe stated the Penguins have “a bushel of draft picks and several veterans they’re willing to trade.” In return, Dubas wants young, talented players who no longer fit with their current teams. He’ll also be watching cap-strapped clubs looking to offload some salary.

Penguins fans could want Dubas to target restricted free agents with offer sheets, like the St. Louis Blues did last summer when they signed Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway from the Edmonton Oilers. However, he doesn’t think that’s going to happen much this summer because of the rising salary cap.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins could have two first-rounders in this year’s draft if the Rangers agree to send them their 2025 pick as part of the terms of the J.T. Miller trade with the Vancouver Canucks, who included that pick as part of the return to the Penguins for Marcus Pettersson.

They also have three third-rounders and two fifth-rounders in this year’s draft, three second-rounders and two third-rounders in 2026, and two second-rounders, three third-rounders and two fourth-rounders in 2027.

The veterans who they are willing to move could include defensemen Erik Karlsson and Ryan Graves, goaltender Tristan Jarry, and forward Kevin Hayes. However, rival clubs are likely more interested in top-six forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell.

POTENTIAL BUYOUT CANDIDATES

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli recently published his list of seven players he believes could be bought out of their contracts this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The first buyout window opens the later of June 15 or 48 hours following the completion of the Stanley Cup Final and closes at 5 pm ET on June 30. A team can get a second, 48-hour buyout window if a player files for arbitration and is settled or awarded, beginning three days following the settlement or award.

Defenseman T.J. Brodie of the Chicago Blackhawks tops Seravalli’s list, with forward Pierre Engvall of the New York Islanders and blueliner Matt Dumba of the Dallas Stars sitting second and third, respectively.

Chicago forward Joe Veleno, St. Louis Blues winger Mathieu Joseph, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Justin Holl, and San Jose Sharks blueliner Marc-Edouard Vlasic round out the list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All but Veleno are over the age of 26, meaning their buyouts are calculated at two-thirds of the remaining value over twice the remaining term. The 25-year-old Veleno’s buyout would be calculated at one-third of the remaining value over twice the remaining term.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 24, 2025

by | Mar 24, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 24, 2025

A look at possible offseason moves for the Blackhawks and Red Wings in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE BLACKHAWKS RE-SIGN DONATO & BUY OUT BERTUZZI AND BRODIE?

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus recently reported there’s a good chance the Chicago Blackhawks will re-sign Ryan Donato. The 28-year-old two-way forward is enjoying a career-best performance with 25 goals and 53 points in 69 games.

Scott Powers subsequently reported that Donato’s had an offer on the table from the Blackhawks since the March 7 trade deadline. It’s believed to be a three-year extension worth an average annual value of $4 million. However, it doesn’t sound like contract discussions are ongoing but that could change between now and the start of free agency on July 1.

The Blackhawks want to keep Donato but don’t want to be tied to any veteran for too long. For his part, Donato is seeking stability.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Donato is finishing a two-year contract with an AAV of $2 million. His performance this season could draw plenty of interest in the free-agent market, though his value will be tempered by the fact that he’s never before had the kind of production he’s enjoying this season.

The Blackhawks’ offer doubles his salary and would allow him to go into free agency in three years when he would still have value on the open market, especially if he continues playing well.

Chicago Blackhawks winger Tyler Bertuzzi (NHL Images).

Lazerus also speculated about buying out winger Tyler Bertuzzi and defenseman T.J. Brodie. Both players have been disappointments this season for the Blackhawks. Bertuzzi has three years left on his contract ($5.5 million AAV) while Brodie carries an annual cap hit of $3.75 million.

Bertuzzi’s buyout would count as $3.7 million against the Blackhawks cap for 2025-26, $2.9 million for 2026-27, and $2.5 million for 2027-28, dropping to $1.22 million annually for each of the remaining three seasons. Brodie’s cap hit would be $3.2 million next season, dropping to $258K in 2026-27.

With the salary cap expected to rise significantly, the Blackhawks could afford to absorb those buyout costs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks have a projected cap space of $31.9 million for 2025-26 with 19 roster players under contract. They don’t have to worry about buying out players if they spend to the cap. They’ll have more than enough to re-sign a key player like Donato and have enough room to add to their roster in the offseason.

Nevertheless, buyouts are a possibility. Brodie seems the most likely candidate. Lazerus noted he’s been a frequent healthy scratch this season. He’s been benched for their last dozen games.

They can afford to hang onto Bertuzzi for at least another season. He’s got 19 goals and 40 points in 71 games with the Blackhawks.

WHAT COULD THE RED WINGS DO IN THE OFFSEASON?

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman looked at what the Detroit Red Wings’ recent losing skid says about their offseason needs.

The Red Wings could use a difference-maker among their top-six scorers. Some could be available in this summer’s free-agent market. They include Toronto’s Mitch Marner, Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers, Vancouver’s Brock Boeser and Florida’s Brad Marchand. They could also go shopping for one via the trade market.

Bultman also believes the Wings need stability in goal and depth on defense. Possible UFA options include Washington’s Jakob Chychrun and Los Angeles’ Vladislav Gavrikov. He also suggested restricted free agents like Vegas’ Nicolas Hague and the New York Rangers’ K’Andre Miller.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings are poised to extend their postseason drought to nine seasons, with the last six under general manager Steve Yzerman. He could start feeling the pressure to make moves to improve the roster.

This summer could be the most crucial of Yzerman’s tenure as GM. The Wings have a projected cap space of $21 million next season with 18 roster players under contract. He can draw on his prospect pool and draft picks as trade bait.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 2, 2024

by | Jul 2, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 2, 2024

Contract extensions for Jaccob Slavin, Juuse Saros and Juraj Slafkovsky, analysis of the Jakob Chycrhun and Reilly Smith trades, reaction to some of the notable UFA signings from the opening day of free agency, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

**UPDATE**

The Tampa Bay Lightning signed defenseman Victor Hedman to a four-year contract extension with an average annual value of $8 million. He has a year remaining on his current contract with a cap hit of $7.875 million.

EXTENSIONS FOR SLAVIN, SAROS, AND SLAFKOVSKY

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Carolina Hurricanes signed defenseman Jaccob Slavin to an eight-year, $51.69 million contract extension. The average annual value is $6.46 million and comes with a no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carolina re-signed their top defenseman at a bargain price. He could’ve gotten a much bigger cap hit in next summer’s free-agent market but opted for the security of an eight-year deal with his long-time NHL club.

The Hurricanes also moved quickly to address the departures of Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce via free agency. They signed Shayne Gostisbehere to a three-year deal with an AAV of $3.2 million and Sean Walker to a five-year contract with a $3.6 million AAV. They’re more affordable but won’t fully replace the skills of Skjei and Pesce.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators officially announced Juuse Saros’ contract extension. It’s an eight-year, $61.92 million deal with an AAV of $7.74 million.

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators general manager Barry Trotz indicated last week that Saros was also entitled to some trade protection toward the end of the contract. There’s currently no indication on PuckPedia and CapFriendly what that is but it’s safe to assume Saros will have some sort of no-trade clause in this contract.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens signed winger Juraj Slafkovsky to an eight-year contract extension with an average annual value of $7.6 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens are betting on the promising Slafkovsky blossoming into a scoring star based on his 20-goal, 50-point sophomore season. He will be the third-highest-paid skater on the Canadiens behind captain Nick Suzuki ($7.875 million) and winger Cole Caufield ($7.85 million). Those contracts will look like bargains if this trio reaches their expected potential.

JAKOB CHYCHRUN TRADED TO THE CAPITALS, REILLY SMITH TO THE RANGERS

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators traded Jakob Chychrun yesterday to the Washington Capitals for defenseman Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round pick. They had to lower their asking price from a first and second-round pick or a high-end prospect before the 2024 NHL Draft.

Jensen, 33, is a right-shot defenseman carrying an AAV of $4.05 million through 2025-26.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reports Chychrun could earn a contract extension with the Capitals if he plays well for them this season. He’ll bolster their defense corps and provide some additional offense from the blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators had to move Chychrun because he’s slated to become a UFA next summer and they weren’t re-signing him. Still, this is a disappointing return. Jensen is approaching his mid-thirties when a player’s skills begin to deteriorate.

Adding Chychrun and signing former Los Angeles Kings defenseman Matt Roy to a six-year contract should significantly boost the Capitals’ defense.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers acquired “a proven playoff performer” in Reilly Smith, acquiring the 33-year-old winger yesterday from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a conditional 2025 fifth-rounder pick and a 2027 second-rounder. Smith has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $5 million but the Penguins retained $1.25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Smith was a reliable scoring winger during his six seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2023. Traded to the Penguins last summer, he struggled in Pittsburgh amid rumors he wasn’t happy with his new club.

Smith gets a chance for a reset with the Rangers as they attempt once again to boost their depth at right wing. The Penguins, meanwhile, cut ties with a player who didn’t fit with their roster.

PREDATORS MAKE THE BIGGEST MOVES TO OPEN THE UFA MARKET

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators were the big spenders from the opening day of free agency, investing more than $111 million on Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei and Scott Wedgewood.

Trotz claimed this was a statement to the rest of the league that these players wanted to come to Nashville. “These players see what we’re doing with the franchise. We have lots to offer, and we’re very determined to win.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: These moves, especially the additions of Stamkos, Marchessault and Skjei, could turn the Predators into a Stanley Cup contender again. However, it’s risky because of the ages of Stamkos (34) and Marchessault (33). If those players decline quicker than expected their contracts will become burdensome for the Predators even if the salary cap continues to rise significantly in the foreseeable future.

STAMKOS DEPARTURE MARKS THE END OF AN ERA IN TAMPA BAY

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning fans and pundits, meanwhile, are mourning the departure of Stamkos as the end of an era. Chosen first overall by the Bolts in 2008, Stamkos became the franchise’s greatest star. He’s their all-time leader in games played (1,082), goals (555) and points (1,137), leading them through the franchise’s greatest era, winning two Stanley Cups and a Presidents’ Trophy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning GM Julien BriseBois cut ties with Stamkos and opted to sign the younger Jake Guentzel because he felt his captain was past his prime and on the decline. It could prove to be the right decision but BriseBois’ handling of the situation hasn’t sat well with many of the Lightning faithful.

ROUNDUP OF NOTABLE UFA SIGNINGS WE MAY HAVE MISSED

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I compiled a quick list of the noteworthy signings from the opening day of the 2024 free-agent market. NHL.com has a complete breakdown by team. Here are a handful of some other notable signings of Day 1.

The Edmonton Oilers brought back forward Adam Henrique on a two-year contract with an AAV of $3 million.

The Vegas Golden Knights signed goaltender Ilya Samsonov to a one-year, $1.8 million contract.

The Chicago Blackhawks signed defenseman T.J. Brodie to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.75 million.

The Tampa Bay Lightning signed forward Zemgus Girgensons to a three-year deal with an AAV of $850K.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That one’s notable because Girgensons is moving on from the Buffalo Sabres after 10 seasons.

IN OTHER NEWS…

PHILLY.COM: The Flyers officially announced Matvei Michkov signed his entry-level contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Expectations are high for Michkov. The 19-year-old winger is expected to be a key piece of the retooling Flyers. He could make his NHL debut this season.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Alex Burrows has stepped down as an assistant coach with the Canadiens for family reasons. He will remain with the club as a consultant and could assist in their search for a new head coach for their AHL affiliate in Laval.

NHL.COM: The league has reinstated Joel Quenneville, Stan Bowman and Al MacIsaac. They had been suspended since Oct. 2021 due to what the league called an inadequate response upon being informed in 2010 of allegations that Chicago Blackhawks player Kyle Beach had been sexually assaulted by video coach Bradley Aldrich.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Typical of the NHL to try and sneak this in during one of the busiest days on their calendar. There’s greasy and then there’s NHL greasy.

This decision means Quenneville, Bowman and MacIsaac can now seek employment with NHL teams. The old boys’ network remains alive and well.

I’ll leave the final word on this with The Athletic’s Scott Powers:

 










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 17, 2023

by | Dec 17, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 17, 2023

The Devils’ Jack Hughes reaches a scoring milestone, the Rangers overtake the Bruins atop the Eastern Conference standings, the Leafs thump the Penguins and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes tallied a hat trick, including his 100th career NHL goal, in a 6-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Jesper Bratt collected three assists for the 16-11-1 Devils (33 points), who’ve won eight of their last 10 games and sit one point behind the Carolina Hurricanes for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot. Kirill Marchenko netted his 10th goal of the season for the 10-17-5 Blue Jackets.

New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes (NHL Images).

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck scored both goals (including the winner in overtime) to lead his club over the Boston Bruins 2-1. Igor Shesterkin stopped 21 shots for the win as the Rangers (21-7-1) took over first place in the Eastern Conference from the Bruins. Trent Frederic scored for the Bruins (19-5-5) while teammate David Pastrnak was ejected in the second period for boarding Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both teams have 43 points but the Rangers hold the top spot in the East with the most wins. Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller returned to action after missing two games for personal reasons.

The Toronto Maple Leafs crushed the Pittsburgh Penguins 7-0. Martin Jones kicked out 38 shots for the shutout while Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi each picked up three points while Matthew Knies had a Gordie Howe hat trick. The Leafs (16-6-6) extended their points streak to nine games and sit second in the Atlantic Division with 38 points. Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry got the hook after giving up four goals on 14 shots as the Penguins slipped to 13-13-3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This humbling wasn’t Jarry’s fault. This was the Penguins’ worst performance as a team this season. Speaking of the Penguins, they put winger Bryan Rust on injured yesterday yesterday. Meanwhile, Leafs center Auston Matthews and defenseman T.J. Brodie missed this game due to illness and activated defenseman Timothy Liljegren off injured reserve.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson stopped 35 shots in a 2-1 shootout win over the Vancouver Canucks. Mats Zuccarello had the game-winner as the Wild improved to 12-12-4, going 7-2-0 since John Hynes took over as head coach. Teddy Blueger scored for the 20-9-2 Canucks (42 points), who sit three points behind the first-place Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference standings.

The Winnipeg Jets took over first place in the Central Division with 38 points (18-9-2) by dropping the Colorado Avalanche 6-2. Gabriel Vilardi tallied two goals while Connor Hellebuyck made 30 saves for the wins. Nathan MacKinnon collected two assists to extend his points streak to 14 games as the Avalanche dropped to 18-10-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets, Avs and Dallas Stars each have 38 points but Winnipeg takes over first place in the Central having won more games than the Stars while holding a game in hand over the Avs. Speaking of the Avalanche, defenseman Cale Makar missed this game with a lower-body injury.

As for the Stars, they dropped a 4-3 decision to the St. Louis Blues on an overtime goal by Colton Parayko. Jordan Kyrou had a goal and two assists as the Blues (15-14-1) overcame a 2-0 deficit. With 31 points, they sit one back of the Arizona Coyotes, who hold the final Western Conference wild-card spot. Mason Marchment potted his 10th goal of the season for the 17-8-4 Stars.

Speaking of the Coyotes, they got a 28-save shutout from Karel Vejmelka to blank the Buffalo Sabres 2-0. Clayton Keller and Liam O’Brien were the goal scorers for the 15-13-2 Coyotes. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 20 shots for the Sabres as they fell to 13-16-3.

Philadelphia Flyers goalie Samuel Ersson made 33 saves in a 1-0 shutout of the Detroit Red Wings. Cam York tallied the only goal as the Flyers (17-10-3) moved ahead of the New York Islanders into second place in the Metropolitan Division with 37 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim missed this game due to an illness.

The Islanders, meanwhile, fell to the Montreal Canadiens by a score of 5-3. Josh Anderson scored twice in a four-goal second period for the Canadiens, who improved to 13-13-4. Brock Nelson netted two goals as the 14-8-8 Islanders (36 points) cut the lead to 4-3 before Christian Dvorak put the game away with an empty-netter late in the period.

Nashville Predators netminder Juuse Saros stopped 21 shots in a 3-1 victory over the Washington Capitals. Colton Sissons, Philip Tomasino and Yakov Trenin scored for the 18-13-0 Predators, who’ve won four straight and seven of their last 10 to hold the first Western Conference wild-card berth with 36 points. T.J. Oshie replied for the Capitals as they dropped to 14-9-4.

The Florida Panthers spanked the Edmonton Oilers 5-1. Carter Verhaeghe scored twice and set up another, Sam Bennett had a goal and two assists while Sergei Bobrovsky kicked out 38 shots for the Panthers (18-10-2), who sit third in the Atlantic Division with 38 points. Zach Hyman scored for the Oilers as they slipped to 13-14-1 while Connor McDavid collected an assist to extend his points streak to 12 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers and Leafs have the same number of points but the latter hold two games in hand. Florida played without defenseman Aaron Ekblad (lower-body injury) while Anton Lundell and Jonah Gadjovich remain sidelined with an undisclosed illness.

Calgary Flames forward Yegor Sharangovich tied a franchise record by scoring in his fifth straight game during his first season with the club as they doubled up the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2. Dan Vladar picked up the win by stopping 31 shots for the 12-14-5 Flames. Nikita Kucherov collected two assists as he remains atop the NHL scoring race with 52 points while his Lightning dropped to 14-13-5.

A shootout goal by Carl Grundstrom lifted the Los Angeles Kings to a 3-2 win over the Seattle Kraken. Trevor Moore and Anze Kopitar scored for the Kings (17-6-4) as they hold third place in the Pacific Division with 38 points. Adam Larsson and Oliver Bjorkstrand replied for the Kraken as they dropped to 10-14-8.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken played without winger Jordan Eberle as he was sidelined by a lower-body injury.

IN OTHER NEWS…

SPORTSNET: The Carolina Hurricanes placed goaltender Antti Raanta on waivers Saturday. He’s struggled this season with a 3.61 goals-against average and a .854 save percentage.

TSN: Free-agent winger Phil Kessel is looking into the possibility of playing some games in Switzerland while still hoping for an opportunity to sign with an NHL club this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Kessel plays well overseas it could make him more enticing for NHL clubs seeking an experienced winger before the March 8 trade deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 4, 2023

by | Oct 4, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – October 4, 2023

Check out the latest on Alexis Lafreniere, the Oilers’ goaltending, Patrick Kane, Marc-Andre Fleury, a couple of Leafs’ trade candidates and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stan Fischler and Stefen Rosner with a roundup of trade and free agent rumors this week. Among the notables:

Alexis Lafreniere’s struggles with the New York Rangers don’t seem to be letting up and it might be best for both sides to part ways soon. The 21-year-old former first-overall pick should still fetch plenty in a trade and he could be a good fit with the Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers have tried playing Lafreniere on right wing during this preseason (and in previous seasons) but the results have been underwhelming. It’s still too early to hit the panic button as general manager Chris Drury could prefer seeing how he performs in the upcoming regular season.

New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere (NHL Images).

Nevertheless, Drury’s patience could run out if Lafreniere doesn’t improve as the coming campaign progresses. The Canadiens could be among the interested clubs though they’re going to give 2022 first-overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky as well as Rafael Harvey-Pinard plenty of looks as their middle-six left wingers. Still, Habs president of hockey ops Jeff Gorton could contact Drury if Lafreniere became available. Gorton drafted Lafreniere while serving as Rangers GM in 2020.

There will be clubs willing to bet on Lafreniere benefitting from a change of scenery and an opportunity to earn full-time second-line minutes in his natural position at left wing. However, his trade value for the Rangers will suffer if his play shows no sign of real improvement.

The onus is going to be on Stuart Skinner to backstop the Edmonton Oilers into the Stanley Cup Final. If he struggles this season, however, Oilers GM Ken Holland could be forced into the trade market. Jack Campbell cannot do the job full-time despite his $20 million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner played well enough last season to become a finalist for the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year but he wilted under the heat of playoff pressure. Meanwhile, Campbell struggled through his first season with the Oilers but played well spelling off Skinner in the postseason.

Campbell has solid stats in previous playoff competitions with a career 2.28 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage. If he can wrest back the starter’s job this season, maybe he can carry them to the Final.

For now, the Oilers’ goalie situation remains a question mark. If Campbell and Skinner both struggle this season, Holland could have a difficult time finding a suitable short-term starter by the March trade deadline.

It’s possible Patrick Kane could end up with the Rangers this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I wouldn’t rule it out but their limited cap space will make it difficult to outbid other clubs.

Maybe Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois is thinking about Marc-Andre Fleury now that Andrei Vasilevskiy is sidelined.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fleury isn’t going anywhere. Even if he agreed to waive his no-movement clause, his $3.5 million cap hit is too expensive for the cap-strapped Lightning to absorb. The Wild have no reason to peddle Fleury. He’ll serve as Filip Gustavsson’s backup and mentor for the coming season.

The Athletic reportedly has Calle Jarnkrok or T.J. Brodie getting traded this season by the Toronto Maple Leafs to relieve their cap issues. The Anaheim Ducks are one reported destination.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brodie currently skates alongside Morgan Rielly on their top defense pairing so I doubt he gets shopped. Jarnkrok is their utility forward on their checking lines. He’d be the more likely trade option but the Leafs could consider other cost-cutting choices.

The Ottawa Senators and San Jose Sharks are supposedly talking.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I wonder if Shane Pinto or Mathieu Joseph are the subjects of their conversations. The Senators are believed to be peddling Joseph to free up cap room to sign Pinto.