NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 27, 2026

by | Feb 27, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 27, 2026

Oilers captain Connor McDavid reaches another scoring milestone, Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer sets a league record, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

NHL.COM: Connor McDavid had a goal and an assist to reach the 100-point plateau for the ninth time as his Edmonton Oilers ended a four-game losing skid by crushing the Los Angeles Kings 8-1. Leon Draisaitl had a goal and three assists, Zach Hyman had a goal and two assists, and Jake Walman tallied twice for the 29-23-8 Oilers. Warren Foegele replied for the Kings (23-21-14), who are winless in their last five games (0-4-1).

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid moved past Marcel Dionne into third place for the most 100-point seasons. Wayne Gretzky is the leader with 15, followed by Mario Lemieux with 10. He currently sits atop this season’s scoring race with 100 points, five points ahead of Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov and Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon.

Kings defenseman Drew Doughty suffered a lower-body injury, and winger Joel Armia suffered an upper-body injury in this game. Meanwhile, the Oilers were without forward Mattias Janmark, who is sidelined long-term with a chronic injury that requires rest.

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer scored twice to set an NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman (18) as his club nipped the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 on an overtime goal by Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Noah Dobson scored twice, and Cole Caufield netted his 33rd goal of the season as the Canadiens (32-17-9) took 2-0 and 3-2 leads, but the Islanders (33-21-5) battled back with Anders Lee scoring late in the third period to force overtime.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens continue to struggle holding leads. It’s something they must improve as they try to clinch a playoff berth.

The Minnesota Wild collected their sixth straight win by defeating the Colorado Avalanche 5-2. Matt Boldy had two goals and two assists, Joel Eriksson Ek scored twice, and goaltender Filip Gustavsson kicked out 44 shots for the 35-14-10 Wild. Martin Necas tallied both goals for the Avalanche (38-10-9), who sit first overall with 85 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was a gutty effort by Gustavsson, who is battling an illness. He left this game with a minute left in the third period after throwing up in his crease.

A power-play goal by Sebastian Aho gave the Carolina Hurricanes a 5-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Logan Stankoven, Taylor Hall, and Seth Jarvis each had a goal and an assist for the Metropolitan Division-leading Hurricanes (37-15-6), who extended their points streak to 11 games. Jake Guentzel had three assists and Brayden Point collected a goal and an assist for the Eastern Conference-leading Lightning (38-15-4) as their six-game win streak ended.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin scored the tying goal and the overtime winner to lift his team over the Ottawa Senators by a score of 2-1. Lucas Raymond picked up two assists, and John Gibson stopped 26 shots for the Red Wings (34-19-6). Brady Tkachuk scored, and Tim Stutzle had an assist to extend his points streak to eight games for the 28-22-8 Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, the NHL announced it had cleared Ottawa forward Arthur Kaliyev of gambling allegations. He was called up from the Senators’ AHL affiliate for precautionary reasons, as Tim Stutzle was a game-time decision to play against the Red Wings.

Boston Bruins goaltender Joonas Korpisalo made 37 saves to backstop his club to a 4-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, snapping the latter’s seven-game win streak. Viktor Arvidsson scored two goals for the Bruins (33-20-5) as they extended their points streak to eight games. Adam Fantilli and Mason Marchment each had two points for the 29-21-7 Blue Jackets.

First-period goals by Brad Marchand, Carter Verhaeghe, and Evan Rodrigues powered the Florida Panthers to a 5-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Marchand finished with two goals for the 30-25-3 Panthers. John Tavares replied for the 27-23-9 Maple Leafs, who sit last in the Atlantic Division with 63 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier this week, it was reported that Maple Leafs management would take three or four games to decide on their plans for the March 6 trade deadline. After watching their last two games, it’s obvious they should be sellers by next Friday.

The Pittsburgh Penguins got three unanswered third-period goals by Connor Clifton, Egor Chinakhov, and Blake Lizotte to down the New Jersey Devils 4-1. Evgeni Malkin collected two assists, and Arturs Silovs made 28 saves for the 30-15-12 Penguins. Paul Cotter scored for the Devils, who have lost five straight games and dropped to 28-29-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of potential sellers, the Devils could be joining that club as they continue to flounder in the standings.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov scored twice, including the winner in overtime, to lift his club to a 3-2 win over the New York Rangers. Alexis Lafreniere and Sam Carrick replied for the Rangers. The Flyers improved to 26-21-11, while the Rangers (22-29-7) sit last in the Eastern Conference with 51 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers welcomed back goaltender Igor Shesterkin and defenseman Adam Fox. Both players had been sidelined since Jan. 5.

St. Louis Blues winger Dylan Holloway had a hat trick and picked up an assist to beat the Seattle Kraken 5-1. Pius Suter had a goal and two assists for the 21-28-9 Blues, who sit last in the Central Division with 51 points. Kaapo Kakko replied for the 27-22-9 Kraken.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, Blues forward Mathieu Joseph and Kraken forward Tye Kartye were placed on waivers.

Third-period goals by Matthew Wood, Ryan O’Reilly, and Steven Stamkos gave the Nashville Predators (27-24-7) a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Connor Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi scored for the 22-27-9 Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators have 61 points, putting them two points behind the Kraken for the final Western wild-card spot.

The Calgary Flames defeated the San Jose Sharks 4-1. Dustin Wolf turned aside 34 shots, and Nazem Kadri tallied twice for the 24-27-6 Flames. Tyler Toffoli scored for the Sharks (27-25-4), who are 0-4-1 in their last five games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks remain five points out of the final Western Conference wild-card spot with 58 points.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 24, 2026

by | Feb 24, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 24, 2026

Check out the latest on the Flames’ Nazem Kadri, the Rangers’ Vincent Trocheck, the Predators’ Steven Stamkos, the Canucks’ Evander Kane, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

A NAZEM KADRI TRADE SEEMS INEVITABLE

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis believes it’s not a question of if the Calgary Flames trade Nazem Kadri, but when.

Kadri remains focused on helping the Flames, insisting he doesn’t have one foot out the door. However, the 34-year-old center acknowledged that his future remains in the hands of the club’s management. He admitted having discussions about his future with general manager Craig Conroy, but declined to elaborate.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

What complicates things is Kadri’s contract. He’s signed through 2028-29 with an average annual value of $7 million and a 13-team no-trade list. Francis believes plenty of contenders would love to have him as a second-line center, but the Flames would have to retain a healthy portion of his salary cap hit.

Francis pointed out that the Flames only have one salary retention spot left for this season. He speculated they could use that to maximize the return if they trade winger Blake Coleman. That would leave Conroy waiting until the summer to move Kadri, when two more retention spots open up.

TSN: Darren Dreger reported the Flames have received strong offers for Kadri, who has 10 goals and 39 points in 56 games this season. He believes they could hang onto the veteran center until other centers, such as Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers, come off the market, hoping that it will increase Kadri’s value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Flames retain part of Kadri’s cap hit, they could insist on a sweetener in the deal. Hanging onto him to wait for other centers to be moved could be risky if those centers don’t move until the final hours before the trade deadline.

Nevertheless, Kadri being under contract beyond this season works to the Flames’ advantage. If they don’t receive suitable proposals from other clubs by the trade deadline, they can afford to wait for the offseason for better offers, especially from teams with plentiful cap room trying to improve their depth at center.

THE WILD AND RED WINGS ARE AMONG THE CLUBS INTERESTED IN VINCENT TROCHECK

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports sources believe Vincent Trocheck will be moved by the March 6 trade deadline if he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause. Like Kadri, the 32-year-old center is signed through 2028-29. He carries an AAV of $5.625 million and a 12-team no-trade list.

The Minnesota Wild are considered the front-runners for Trocheck. One source told Murphy that the Rangers’ asking price is prospect Charlie Stramel and maybe the Wild’s first or second-round pick in 2027.

Sources also said the Detroit Red Wings are interested in Trocheck. Murphy wondered if they’d be willing to part with rookie defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka and a prospect goaltender such as Sebastian Cossa or Trey Augustine.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Murphy pointed out, the Rangers are seeking young players who can either immediately join their roster or those on the cusp.

The Wild traded three of their top prospects to the Vancouver Canucks in the Quinn Hughes trade. That’s why young goaltender Jesper Wallstedt has been frequently mentioned as a trade chip to bring in a center.

Comparing the respective prospect pools for the Wild and Red Wings, the latter has the advantage in tradeable assets. Whether the Wings will part with any of them for Trocheck remains to be seen. They might be willing to move Cossa or Augustine, but it seems unlikely that they’ll part with the promising Sandin-Pellikka.

STEVEN STAMKOS SHOOTS DOWN TRADE SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith reports Steven Stamkos isn’t sweating the upcoming NHL trade deadline. The 34-year-old Nashville Predators forward has been the subject of trade rumors this season.

Stamkos acknowledged that those rumors come with the territory for a playoff bubble team like the Predators. However, he said he’s not worried about it because he’s got a full no-movement clause on his contract, which runs through 2027-28. Stamkos said he hasn’t had any discussions about it with management.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos isn’t going anywhere unless he wants to move. By the sound of things, he’s happy in Nashville.

FLYERS DEFENSEMAN RASMUS RISTOLAINEN GARNERING INTEREST

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reports there’s been growing interest in Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen in recent weeks. He claimed five or six teams have checked in on the 31-year-old right-shot blueliner.

Ristolainen is signed through next season with an AAV of $5.1 million. He lacks no-trade protection. Di Marco claims the Flyers seek a return comparable to what the Boston Bruins received in last year’s Brandon Carlo trade or what the Montreal Canadiens got for Ben Chiarot four years ago.

Di Marco indicated that Ristolainen doesn’t seem particularly fond of the idea of getting traded. Nevertheless, the Flyers are believed to be willing to retain part of his cap hit to facilitate a deal for the right price. Di Marco claimed the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers are among the interested teams, but neither club has stepped up as a serious landing spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen has popped up often in the rumor mill near the past two trade deadlines. His value in this year’s trade market could be hampered by his injury history.

For those who might be wondering, the Bruins received forward Fraser Minten, a conditional first-round pick in 2026, and a 2025 fourth-rounder from the Toronto Maple Leafs for Carlo. The Canadiens received a prospect, a 2023 first-round pick, and a 2022 fourth-rounder from the Florida Panthers for Chiarot.

THE LATEST CANUCKS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance reports the Vancouver Canucks are willing to listen to offers for just about everybody on the roster. However, they aren’t actively shopping their half-dozen expensive veterans with several years remaining on their contracts and some form of no-trade protection.

The Canucks are in the market for draft picks and prospects, but they’re also open to players with term left on their deals who can provide short and medium-term help.

Evander Kane is drawing some interest in the trade market. He’s eligible for unrestricted free-agent status and carries a $5.15 million cap hit this season. The Canucks are willing to retain half of it to facilitate a deal. Drance believes the 34-year-old winger could be a fallback option for the Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings, Tampa Bay Lightning, or Colorado Avalanche.

CANUCKS ARMY: TSN’s Darren Dreger believes there’s enough interest in Kane to make a trade plausible. He suggested a deal might likely get done sometime this week.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane’s recent postseason history will make him enticing as a depth addition for a contender, especially if the Canucks are willing to retain salary. He could cost at most a third-round pick.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes the Canucks will attempt to peddle their UFA-eligible players such as Kane, Teddy Blueger, and David Kampf.

Kuzma claims Canucks high-priced center Elias Pettersson is still drawing interest in the trade market. He said he was told to check out the Detroit Red Wings, who need a second-line center.

The Red Wings have the cap space to take on Pettersson’s $11.6 million AAV, but he does hold the hammer with his full no-movement clause. Kuzma wonders if they’ll part with center Marco Kasper and prospect Nate Danielson, plus a 2026 first-rounder and a conditional 2027 first-round pick.

Kuzma also wondered if wingers Conor Garland and Jake DeBrusk could be trade candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Never say never when it comes to an expensive, struggling player such as Pettersson getting traded. He could waive his NMC for an opportunity to join a rising young team in Detroit. However, I don’t think Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman would offer up that much to get him. Maybe Kasper or Danielson with one of those picks.

WILL THE OILERS FIND A TAKER FOR ANDREW MANGIAPANE?

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson reports Oilers GM Stan Bowman will have to work some salary-cap gymnastics to free up salary for his cap-strapped club to bolster their defense and add a third-line center.

Bowman has attempted to move little-used winger Andrew Mangiapane and his $3.6 million cap hit through next season, but hasn’t drummed up much interest. They’ll likely have to add a draft pick or prospect as a sweetener.

Meanwhile, Matheson’s colleague David Staples reports NHL insider Frank Seravalli has said he expects the Oilers will move Mangiapane within the next three or four days. Seravalli believes they’ll use the cap space freed up by moving him to bring in a winger with size who can score.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see if Mangiapane will be moved by the deadline. There are conflicting views here on what the Oilers are seeking, but the consensus among Edmonton pundits has them looking for a right-side top-four defenseman to play alongside Darnell Nurse.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2026

by | Feb 21, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2026

What could the Bruins do at the trade deadline? Could the Islanders try to boost their offense? Will the Sharks go after a defenseman? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BRUINS COULD BE BUSY AT THE TRADE DEADLINE

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa wondered if the Boston Bruins will be buyers, sellers, or both at the March 6 trade deadline.

General manager Don Sweeney’s attempt to acquire Rasmus Andersson last month indicates his intent to bolster the right side of his defense corps.

The Bruins have two first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, but they might not part with the first-rounder they received from the Toronto Maple Leafs in last year’s acquisition of Fraser Minten. Shinzawa believes that rival general managers could be interested in the offensive potential of Mason Lohrei and Matt Poitras.

Boston Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei (NHL Images).

Sweeney will likely want to add players in their late-twenties who will be around to help David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Jeremy Swayman. Shinzawa also believes the Bruins could use help at center and on the wing. They’d also like to add to their prospect pipeline.

Bruins on expiring contracts, such as forward Viktor Arvidsson and defenseman Andrew Peeke, could become trade candidates. They could also see if there’s any interest in goaltender Joonas Korpisalo.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley noted a recent report by RG. Org’s James Murphy indicated the Bruins are interested in St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk. However, the latter’s age (he turns 34) and the Blues’ high asking price would make this an unnecessary move unless the asking price is dropped.

Studley also examined what the Bruins might receive in return for their trade chips. He thinks Peeke could fetch at least a third-round pick. Given his status as a right-shot defenseman, his value could increase.

Shinzawa indicated the Bruins won’t part with Arvidsson for a mid-round pick. As for Lohrei, the Bruins would likely move him only for a more established defenseman. He was reportedly part of the package Sweeney offered the Calgary Flames for Andersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins currently hold a wild-card berth and will attempt to solidify a playoff spot down the stretch. Sweeney wants to address the club’s weaknesses, but not with aging quick-fixes. He’s looking for returns that will benefit this team beyond this season, provided he doesn’t have to overpay to do so.

Lohrei and Poitras should draw lots of attention if Sweeney dangles them in the trade market. Peeke could also be an enticing trade option if the Bruins GM finds another right-shot defenseman.

WILL THE ISLANDERS PURSUE A SCORING FORWARD?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Russell Macias believes the New York Islanders need scoring depth as they attempt to secure a playoff spot. He indicated they have the third-fewest goals per game and fourth-fewest actual goals in the Eastern Conference.

Macias suggested Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues if Islanders GM Mathieu Darche wants to make a major move. Nashville Predators forwards Steven Stamkos and Michael Bunting have popped up in the rumor mill. Oft-injured sniper Patrik Laine of the Montreal Canadiens could be available on the cheap.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Darche recently acquired Ondrej Palat from the New Jersey Devils. He’s put up three points in six games before the Olympic break, but his best seasons remain behind him. The Isles GM could keep his eye on the trade market for a scoring forward, but it’s doubtful he’ll pay the high asking price for Kyrou.

WILL THE SHARKS TRADE FOR A DEFENSEMAN?

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: Sheng Peng recently looked at potential trade targets for the San Jose Sharks to bolster their blueline.

Options include Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils, Justin Faulk of the Blues, Mason Lohrei of the Bruins, Zach Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames, Logan Stanley of the Winnipeg Jets, and Braden Schneider of the New York Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton reportedly rejected a trade to San Jose last summer. Unless he’s changed his mind, the Sharks will have to look elsewhere. Hamilton would also be an expensive pickup as the Devils won’t just give him away. They might retain salary, but they’ll want a significant sweetener in the deal.

Faulk is another who would be expensive. Given his age, the Sharks might prefer someone a little younger and more cost-effective who would fit into their long-range plans, such as Lohrei, Whitecloud, Stanley, or Schneider.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 18, 2026

by | Feb 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 18, 2026

Which teams are interested in Blues defenseman Justin Faulk? Could the Canadiens trade blueliner Arber Xhekaj? Check out the latest speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a source claiming the Boston Bruins are among multiple teams interested in St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk.

According to Murphy, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney remains aggressive in his pursuit of a top-four, right-shot defenseman after losing out to the Vegas Golden Knights in the Rasmus Andersson sweepstakes.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk (NHL Images)

Other clubs believed to be pursuing Faulk include the Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars, and Utah Mammoth. However, the Blues have set a high asking price for the 33-year-old puck-moving defenseman. They seek a return comparable to what the Flames received from the Golden Knights in the Andersson deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames received defenseman Zach Whitecloud, defense prospect Abram Wiebe, a conditional first-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft (top-10 protected, and a conditional 2028 second-rounder, which would upgrade to a 2028 first-rounder if the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup this year.

Faulk has a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million, but he’ll be paid $4.5 million in actual salary next year. He also has a 15-team no-trade list.

Both factors could limit the number of potential trade destinations for Faulk, especially if the Blues aren’t willing to retain salary. Convincing them to do so would mean giving up an additional asset in the deal.

The Sabres, Red Wings, Stars, and Mammoth could use Faulk, but he wouldn’t be a fit with the Canadiens. They have limited cap space ($1.7 million) at the trade deadline. The Habs also have Noah Dobson, Kaiden Guhle, and Alexandre Carrier as their right-side defensemen, with Lane Hutson capable of shifting from left to right if necessary. Guhle is a left-shot defenseman playing on the right side, but they’re not going to demote him or Carrier. 

The Canadiens have a right-side need, but it’s for a scoring winger on their top line.

Speaking of the Canadiens’ blueline…

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: In a recent mailbag segment, Stu Cowan was asked if this season could be the last for Arber Xhekaj with the Canadiens.

The 6’4”, 240-pound defenseman has averaged just over 11 minutes this season playing on their third pairing. Meanwhile, Jayden Struble has averaged over 14 minutes as he jockeys with Xhekaj for that sixth spot on the Canadiens’ blueline.

Xhekaj, 25, is eligible to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Struble, 24, has one more year left on his contract with an AAV of $1.412 million.

As competition for blueline spots gets tougher, Cowan believes it might be best for Xhekaj if he were traded to a club where he’ll get more playing time. He doesn’t see the Canadiens trading the big blueliner to a division rival, but noted that Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer is a big fan of Xhekaj’s from their time together with the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2022.

Cowan wondered if the Senators or another club might attempt to sign Xhekaj to an offer sheet this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Cowan observed, Xhekaj could become expendable after this season, with David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom likely to push for roster spots this fall.

That will upset Canadiens fans who love Xhekaj’s physical style. However, that could be offset if they get a decent trade return or if Engstrom and Reinbacher blossom into quality NHL defensemen.

The Canadiens aren’t likely to peddle Xhekaj before the trade deadline because they need his size and toughness for the playoffs. However, they could trade him before July 1 if they feel they no longer have room for him. They could also re-sign him to an affordable short-term deal and then attempt to move him during the preseason.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 12, 2026

by | Feb 12, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 12, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest speculation on Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, and a look at possible trade targets for the Penguins.

WHERE COULD THE RANGERS SEND VINCENT TROCHECK AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano recently listed potential trade destinations for Vincent Trocheck.

The 32-year-old New York Rangers winger is under contract for three more years, with an average annual value of $5.625 million. He also has a 12-team no-trade list.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Several of the teams listed (Minnesota, Carolina, Detroit, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Colorado) have been previously mentioned and analyzed. Baugh and Mercogliano also listed the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Utah Mammoth, and New York Islanders.

The Penguins are more interested in acquiring younger talent to fit into their long-range plans. They’re unlikely to go after Trocheck. Sending him to the Islanders would be an entertaining swerve, but given the rivalry between the two clubs, don’t hold your breath waiting for that one to occur.

The Mammoth have the cap space and plentiful trade assets (draft picks, prospects, young players) to make a competitive bid for Trocheck. However, they might not be among his preferred destinations, and they could prefer adding a player who isn’t closing in on his mid-thirties.

Trocheck might not fit into the Bruins’ retooling plans as they appear to favor younger talent.

WHAT WILL THE PENGUINS DO AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski recently reported “multiple reports and confirmations” indicating Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is attempting to acquire more young NHL players.

Kingerski also pointed out that the Penguins could use a right-handed defenseman and a scoring top-nine winger if they hope to clinch a berth in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Luke Schenn of the Winnipeg Jets or Erik Gudbranson of the Columbus Blue Jackets could be options on the blueline if those teams remain out of playoff contention. Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner or Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine could be available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets surged in the standings in the weeks leading up to the Olympic break. If they pick up where they left off, they could be buyers instead of sellers.

Schenn could be an option, but he will also draw interest from other clubs. The Canadiens are expected to peddle Laine and are reportedly willing to retain half of his $8.7 million cap hit. He has a 10-team no-trade list, but the Penguins might not be on it.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 11, 2026

by | Feb 11, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 11, 2026

The latest on Alex Ovechkin, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Martin Necas, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Men’s Olympic hockey schedule begins on Wednesday with Slovakia playing Finland (10:30 AM ET) and Sweden taking on Italy (3 PM ET).

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reports KHL president Alexei Morozov intends to touch base with Alex Ovechkin this summer regarding the Washington Capitals captain’s plans.

Ovechkin’s contract with the Capitals expires at the end of this season. However, the 40-year-old left winger hasn’t made any decisions regarding his future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin has indicated that he’d like to finish his playing career back home in Russia with Moscow Dynamo. The NHL’s all-time goal-scoring leader, his production is down from last season’s 44-goal pace, but he’s second among Capitals scorers with 22 goals and 48 points in 59 games.

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons wonders if Auston Matthews can lead the United States to Olympic gold in the 2026 Olympics despite a lack of big-game history. The 28-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs center was named captain of Team USA.

Team USA captain Auston Matthews (NHL.com).

Since Matthews made his NHL debut in 2016-17, he has led all scorers with 427 regular-season goals, but his production dries up in the playoffs. Simmons also noted he had the opportunity to win last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off for Team USA, but failed to score in overtime.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leading the Americans to Olympic gold won’t fully silence Matthews’ critics, but it would turn down the volume.

TSN: William Nylander missed Sweden’s practice on Tuesday and is questionable for their game against Italy on Wednesday. Head coach Sam Hallam said it was a “maintenance thing,” adding that Nylander already participated in two practices with the team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nylander missed some time last month with a groin injury before returning to the Maple Leafs on Jan. 31.

THE DENVER POST: Colorado Avalanche winger Martin Necas hopes he can be part of a new golden era for Czechia. The country has medaled in each of the last four World Junior Championships and won gold at the 2024 World Championships.

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus reports that the 2026 Olympics are an opportunity for some former NHL players to earn one more chance to return to the big league.

Those former NHLers include Dominik Kahun (Germany), Dominik Kubalik and Ondrej Kase (Czechia), Tomas Tatar (Slovakia), and Rudolfs Balcers (Latvia).

DAILY FACEOFF: Steven Ellis reports sources indicating that 2026 NHL prospect Gavin McKenna is expected to play for Penn State when they face off against the University of Michigan on Saturday.

McKenna, 18, was allegedly involved in an off-ice incident in State College on Jan. 31. He was charged with felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct. However, the felony assault charge was withdrawn by prosecutors.

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa believes James Hagens could be the best Boston Bruins prospect since Tyler Seguin. The 19-year-old center was named tournament MVP as he led Boston College to victory in the 2026 Beanpot Tournament. The Bruins chose Hagens seventh overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seguin won a Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011, but they traded him to Dallas two years later as he was poised to become a scoring star. Hopefully, the current management will handle Hagens differently. 

THE PROVINCE: Long-time Vancouver Canucks broadcaster Jim Robson passed away on Monday at age 91. Robson was the Canucks first play-by-play man from their first game in 1970 until his retirement in 1999.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robson was the voice of the Canucks through the 1970s, 80s, and 90s on radio and television. He belongs among the greatest hockey broadcasters of all time. My condolences to Robson’s family, friends, and the Canucks organization.