NHL Rumor Mill – February 23, 2024

by | Feb 23, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 23, 2024

Teams are expressing interest in Blues winger Pavel Buchnevich, the Canadiens inquired about Ducks forward Trevor Zegras, the Golden Knights could get busy in the trade market if Mark Stone is sidelined long-term, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BLUES ARE GETTING CALLS ABOUT BUCHNEVICH

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford reports a league source claims the St. Louis Blues are getting calls about Pavel Buchnevich. General manager Doug Armstrong is listening but he’s not shopping the 28-year-old winger, who has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $5.8 million. Buchnevich also carries a 12-team no-trade clause.

St. Louis Blues winger Pavel Buchnevich (NHL Images)

Rutherford’s source believes it would take a substantial offer for Armstrong to consider moving Buchnevich. Still, teams are operating on the premise that it’s possible to acquire him. With so little high-quality talent in this year’s trade market, Buchnevich could have a much higher value.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson indicates the Oilers have been scouting the Blues. He believes they’re looking at Buchnevich as a second-line winger option. Matheson believes the cost to acquire him could be comparable to what the Oilers gave up in last year’s Mattias Ekholm trade (a first-round pick, a fourth-rounder and a prospect).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues are currently battling for a wild-card spot. Armstrong could be reluctant to part with one of his best forwards while his club remains in the playoff chase.

Buchnevich has another year left on his contract which means Armstrong is under no pressure to move him at the deadline. If he doesn’t get any suitable offers, he’ll wait until the offseason.

I think it’ll take more than a couple of draft picks and a prospect to get Buchnevich. The Blues are retooling rather than rebuilding their roster. They’ll want something that helps them now and in the future, and that likely means a good young NHL player as the centerpiece of the return.

CANADIENS CALLED ABOUT ZEGRAS

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont cited TSN’s Pierre LeBrun recently reporting that the Anaheim Ducks were casually taking calls about Trevor Zegras. LeBrun also confirmed the Montreal Canadiens were among the callers. He indicated the Ducks haven’t been calling around mentioning Zegras but rather it’s other teams making inquiries.

Dumont doubted that a Zegras trade would come to fruition by the March 8 deadline. However, the young Ducks forward could be a name worth keeping in mind for the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Based on this report, the Ducks aren’t shopping Zegras and no one’s made an offer for him. Like Dumont, I don’t expect the 22-year-old forward to be on the move by March 8 but this could be something that carries over into the offseason.

Canadiens GM Kent Hughes has mentioned he’d like to add more scoring to his roster. He has the depth in draft picks, prospects and promising youngsters to make a competitive bid for Zegras if he becomes available. The youngster’s dazzling offensive abilities would be a big boost to the Canadiens scoring lines while his age makes him a good fit alongside their other young players.

However, there would be some concerns here. One is Zegras’ poor defensive play, though that can be improved with time and maturity on his part.

Another is whether he can handle the intense pressure of playing in a major hockey market. Zegras hasn’t faced the kind of media and fan scrutiny in Anaheim that he would have to endure in Montreal playing for a storied franchise like the Canadiens. Some players have handled it well while others have wilted under that harsh spotlight.

Finally, there’s the asking price. You’re not getting Zegras for a bunch of mid-range picks, second-tier prospects, and veterans or castoffs. The Ducks will want a significant return such as a first-round pick (Montreal’s 2024 without any top-10 protection), a top prospect (hello there, Lane Hutson) and a good young NHL player. Hughes has a reputation as a tough negotiator but so is Ducks GM Pat Verbeek.

STONE INJURY COULD SEND VEGAS INTO THE TRADE MARKET

TSN: Darren Dreger speculates the Vegas Golden Knights could go shopping for help if captain Mark Stone ends up on long-term injury reserve for the rest of this season. Stone is currently listed as week-to-week with an upper-body injury and they’ll reevaluate him near the March 8 trade deadline.

Dreger said losing a heart-and-soul player like Stone hurts the Golden Knights. However, they’ll do everything they can to backfill on the trade front.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights did the same thing last season when Stone went on long-term injury reserve following back surgery. He carries an average annual value of $9.5 million, so placing him on LTIR will give them considerable cap relief. It could make them a major player in the trade market leading up to March 8.

DEVILS REJECTED OFFERS FOR MERCER

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman saying some teams that have been speaking with the Devils have asked about the availability of Dawson Mercer. However, they told those clubs that the 22-year-old forward is not available.

CAPITALS COULD BECOME TRADE-DEADLINE SELLERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Washington Capitals could become sellers if they haven’t made any progress in the standings by the trade deadline. Trade candidates would include pending free agents such as Anthony Mantha, Max Pacioretty and Joel Edmundson.

FLYERS IN CONTRACT EXTENSION TALKS WITH SEELER

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Philadelphia Flyers are engaged in contract extension talks with Nick Seeler. The 30-year-old defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and was a frequent fixture in trade rumors this season involving the Flyers.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 22, 2024

by | Feb 22, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 22, 2024

Check out the latest on the Penguins, Panthers and Avalanche plus updates on Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, Juuse Saros, Pavel Buchnevich and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reports Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said his club’s performance over the next couple of weeks would determine his plans for the March 8 trade deadline.

Dubas made it sound as though Jake Guentzel might not be with the Penguins for much longer. The 29-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, sparking speculation he could be moved at the trade deadline if the Penguins remain out of playoff contention.

The Penguins GM said he understands how valuable Guentzel is as a teammate and to the community. However, he also pointed out that the Penguins need to get younger, noting they have several players over 30 on long-term contracts.

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman reports there are teams that believe the Penguins will take another run at re-signing Guentzel, suggesting perhaps team captain Sidney Crosby might use his influence in this situation.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images)

Friedman also noted that there are teams interested in Guentzel who want to know if they can talk to him about a contract extension before agreeing to a trade. That would hurt a team like the Edmonton Oilers, who’ve been linked to Guentzel but have limited salary-cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Guentzel situation remains the same: Dubas could retain him for the rest of the season if they’re in a playoff spot by the trade deadline but could move him if they’re not. Looking at where the Penguins are now in the standings, it’s getting to the point where Guentzel could be moved by March 8 if a club makes a solid offer.

As for attempting to re-sign Guentzel, Kingerski noted that the Penguins GM didn’t mention contract extension talks during his press conference yesterday.

Kingerski and Friedman also noted that Dubas said he attempted to shake up his roster with a trade several weeks ago. However, the opportunities to do so weren’t there. He also indicated that he didn’t want to move his draft capital to bolster the roster, though he would consider doing so if it brought in young NHL-ready players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN yesterday reported Dubas was willing to entertain offers for anyone except Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. Kingerski pointed out that the Penguins have 13 players carrying no-movement or no-trade clauses. Those clauses likely hampered Dubas’ efforts to make a trade to shake up his roster.

Friedman also mused about whether the Ottawa Senators might consider bringing back Erik Karlsson from the Penguins and reuniting him with former teammate turned assistant coach Daniel Alfredsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman indicated that isn’t based on anything he’s heard but is something he’s just musing over. I don’t see it happening. Karlsson loved Ottawa and still maintains a residence there but I think the new ownership and management have plans that don’t include the former Senators defenseman.

Friedman also wondered about Penguins winger Reilly Smith returning to the Florida Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Smith spent two seasons with the Panthers before joining the Vegas Golden Knights. Panthers GM Bill Zito would like to add a top-nine forward but he noted that they don’t come cheap.

The Panthers lack a first-round pick in the 2024 and 2025 drafts and they don’t have a second-rounder in this year’s draft. Unless Zito is willing to part with some prospects, Smith probably won’t be returning to Florida.

MORE “32 THOUGHTS” RUMOR TIDBITS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman indicated that there’s no official confirmation yet that Calgary Flames defenseman Hanifin is going to the free-agent market but that’s where it’s headed.

He doubted the Tampa Bay Lightning could put together a suitable package to entice the Flames into parting with Hanifin. He also noted that the Toronto Maple Leafs made a pitch and would like to know if they can sign him but he appears headed to an American club on a long-term contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs would also be hard-pressed to put together an enticing offer for Hanifin. They could pitch their 2024 first-round pick but if they’re not willing to part with a top prospect they’re unlikely to outbid other clubs.

Speaking of Hanifin, Friedman recently speculated the Panthers could be among the suitors. Based on Zito’s comments regarding the expense of landing a top-nine forward, I don’t like their chances of getting the Flames defenseman.

The Dallas Stars, Oilers, Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and Colorado Avalanche have an interest or have had an interest in Flames blueliner Chris Tanev. The Flames seek a first-rounder or something comparable.

Some folks believe there’s a 50-50 chance that Juuse Saros stays with the Nashville Predators. Speaking of the Predators, center Tommy Novak is a UFA this summer and he could draw interest if they can’t re-sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros is signed through next season so there’s no rush to move him by the trade deadline, especially when the Predators are jockeying for a wild-card berth. A summer move seems more likely if they can’t work out a contract extension.

The St. Louis Blues have set an asking price of “two firsts or something like it” for winger Pavel Buchnevich, who has a year remaining on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Predators with Saros, the Blues could be reluctant to move Buchnevich while they’re still battling for a wild-card spot.

Canadiens defenseman David Savard doesn’t wish to leave Montreal. Meanwhile, teams have asked Buffalo about Alex Tuch but the Sabres value him.

The Colorado Avalanche’s search for a center could have them eyeing Arizona Coyotes’ Nick Bjugstad, former Av Alex Kerfoot or Michael Carcone.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 30, 2024

by | Jan 30, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 30, 2024

Updates on the Flames, Penguins, Blues, Flyers and Blue Jackets plus the latest on Adam Henrique, Jakob Chychrun, Andrei Kuzmenko, and Arthur Kaliyev in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATE ON THE FLAMES

NHL NETWORK: Elliotte Friedman provided an update on Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm, defensemen Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev, and goaltender Jacob Markstrom.

Friedman believes there’s “a ton of interest” in Lindholm, listing the Vancouver Canucks and Colorado Avalanche as possible destinations. He thinks the 28-year-old center will get traded.

Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal also interviewed Friedman, who told him Lindholm is high on the Canucks’ radar but it could cost them a little more because they’re dealing with the Flames.

The Athletic’s Corey Pronman and Julian McKenzie had the Avalanche and Canucks on their list of proposed trade destinations for Lindholm. They also included the Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights and Winnipeg Jets.

Hanifin will have to decide over the All-Star break as to whether he sees his future in Calgary or somewhere else. At one point, the two sides seemed close to a contract extension but Hanifin changed his mind as the club struggled early in the season. They have reportedly resumed discussions.

There’s a big market for Tanev. The Ottawa Senators have an interest in him but he might not accept a trade this season to a non-contender. Maybe they’ll have a better chance of signing him as a free agent this summer.

As for Markstrom, Friedman said he doesn’t like the trade speculation. He believes that there’s an unwritten agreement between the goalie and Flames management that they won’t ask him about waiving his no-movement clause unless they’ve got an offer too good to pass up or he tells them that he wants to go somewhere. Neither scenario has happened yet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Either scenario seems more likely to happen in the offseason given Markstrom’s $6 million AAV. I’m not saying either one will, just pointing out that it’s easier to move expensive contracts during the offseason when clubs have more cap space.

WHAT WILL THE PENGUINS DO?

NHL NETWORK: Friedman was asked if the Pittsburgh Penguins might make some big moves to retool their roster for next season. He doesn’t believe they’ll be buyers and that may be playing a role in the contract talks with pending UFA winger Jake Guentzel. They won’t trade their first and second-round picks and top prospects for playoff rentals. The Penguins could attempt to do a “soft rebuild” over the next couple of years.

LATEST ON HENRIQUE

NHL NETWORK: Friedman cited the New York Post’s Larry Brooks saying the Rangers might not want to pay a big price for a center to replace Filip Chytil because they haven’t played well lately.

Friedman acknowledged how well-connected Brooks is regarding the Rangers but he wonders if that’s a bit of a smokescreen. They have the eighth-best winning percentage in the NHL and if goaltender Igor Shesterkin regains his form there’s no reason that they can’t win their division in the playoffs.

The Rangers were seeking a fourth-line center before Chytil was sidelined for the season. Now they could be seeking another center. He believes the Anaheim Ducks’ Adam Henrique makes a lot of sense for them and he thinks that could be determined over the next month.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Friedman on his latest “32 Thoughts” podcast speculating that the Devils may have checked into Henrique’s availability. The 33-year-old center began his career with the Devils and spent over seven years with them before being traded to Anaheim during the 2017-18 season.

Nichols noted the Devils need to improve their goaltender and defensive depth and have sufficient centers to offset the indefinite absence of Michael McLeod. However, Henrique would generate more offense and would be stronger in the faceoff circle than anyone the Devils have beyond Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Rangers want Henrique they might have to ask the Ducks to retain part of his cap hit, and that’s going to raise their asking price. The Devils have more cap space than the Rangers and could easily absorb Henrique’s $5.85 million cap hit.

I wouldn’t be surprised if general manager Tom Fitzgerald has looked in his availability. However, I think his focus remains on improving his goaltending and blueline depth.

UPDATE ON THE BLUES

SPORTSNET: During his latest “32 Thoughts” episode, Friedman indicated that St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong had a lot of his players in the trade market but there wasn’t a lot of interest.

One player who would’ve drawn interest was winger Pavel Buchnevich. However, he doesn’t think Armstrong wants to move the 28-year-old winger, who’s second in team scoring with 39 points in 48 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the Blues having climbed into a wild-card spot in the Western Conference, perhaps Armstrong will stand pat and see how the season unfolds.

SHOULD THE BLACKHAWKS KICK TIRES ON KUZMENKO?

SPORTSNET: During the latest “32 Thoughts” podcast, Friedman suggested the Chicago Blackhawks should look into acquiring Vancouver Canucks winger Andrei Kuzmenko. He felt the Nashville Predators could’ve been a destination but the Blackhawks are struggling to score.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuzmenko continues to struggle this season following his 74-point campaign in 2022-23. He’s signed through next season with a $5.5 million annual cap hit.

The Blackhawks can easily afford Kuzmenko’s contract. However, he also has a 12-team no-trade clause and might not be keen to join a rebuilding team.

CHYCRUN’S FUTURE IN OTTAWA

NHL NETWORK: Friedman believes Jakob Chychrun’s future with the Senators will come down to what he seeks on his next contract. He has one year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $4.6 million and will seek a big raise. That will force management to make some decisions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That decision could be moving Chychrun but that might not take place until the offseason.

KINGS OPEN TO MOVING KALIYEV

SPORTSNET: During the latest episode of his “32 Thoughts” podcast, Friedman believes the Los Angeles Kings are willing to trade winger Arthur Kaliyev. He believes they would swap him for a depth forward who plays with a bit of an edge to his game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaliyev is only 22 and in the final season of his entry-level contract. He could make be an affordable reclamation project for an aging team or a rebuilding club.

WHAT’S UP WITH THE FLYERS?

NHL NETWORK: Friedman thinks the Philadelphia Flyers will attempt to sign pending UFA defenseman Nick Seeler to a contract extension and they could take a run at re-signing Travis Konecny, who has a year remaining on his contract.

It seems less likely that they’ll re-sign Sean Walker since their recent addition of Jamie Drysdale. The 30-year-old defenseman has been linked to the Edmonton Oilers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs.

CHANGES COMING FOR THE BLUE JACKETS?

NHL NETWORK: Friedman noted rookie defenseman David Jiricek’s public frustration with his usage by the Columbus Blue Jackets. This comes at the worst time with the Jackets poised to miss the playoffs again but he thinks Jiricek handled it well by reporting to their AHL affiliate in Cleveland.

Friedman believes there could be big changes coming for the club and wondered how high up they could go.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It starts with a new president of hockey operations, a new general manager and a new head coach. This franchise has been mired in mediocrity for years. The fans and players deserve better.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 20, 2024

by | Jan 20, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 20, 2024

Could the Canucks pursue Jake Guentzel? Will the Kings attempt to land Jake Allen? Which players could become Blues trade candidates? Find out in the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE CANUCKS PURSUE GUENTZEL?

SPORTSNET: During his latest “32 Thoughts” podcast episode, Elliotte Friedman expressed his belief that the Vancouver Canucks would be interested in acquiring Jake Guentzel if the Pittsburgh Penguins winger becomes available before the March 8 trade deadline.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images)

Friedman noted that Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford knows Guentzel from his days as Penguins general manager. However, he also said a lot of other clubs would be interested in the 29-year-old winger, who’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins GM Kyle Dubas earlier this week dismissed recent trade speculation about Guentzel, saying he hasn’t had discussions about him with other clubs. Dubas also said at some point they’ll evaluate what’s best for Guentzel and the Penguins going forward.

With the Penguins jockeying for a wild-card berth Dubas could hang onto Guentzel as an own rental for the remainder of this season. Perhaps he’s already decided that he’s keeping the winger in the fold and has no plans to move him regardless of where his club sits in the standings.

Rutherford has said he’d like to add a top-six forward before the trade deadline. He’ll probably look into the cost of acquiring Guentzel if he’s available. Whether he’d be willing to pay what could be a steep asking price or can outbid other clubs is another matter.

JAKE ALLEN TO THE KINGS?

TVA SPORTS: cited Friedman also talking about where Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jake Allen might end up. He believes the Canadiens’ asking price is a draft pick but that could go higher if an interested club wants the Habs to retain part of his $3.85 million average annual value through 2024-25.

Friedman said at one point earlier in this season he thought the 33-year-old Allen would be headed to the Edmonton Oilers but he’s not convinced of that now. Instead, he suggested the Canadiens goalie could be a trade target for the Los Angeles Kings.

“I think they’re going to acquire a goalie,” said Friedman. “Whether it’s Allen or whoever, I think they will add a goalie.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings were getting good goaltending from aging starter Cam Talbot but he’s had his difficulties in recent games. With Pheonix Copley sidelined for the season by a knee injury, call-up David Rittich has performed well in limited action.

It remains to be seen if Kings management is willing to stick with Rittich as a backup for the rest of the season. They could look for someone with a more reliable record.

WHICH BLUES COULD BECOME TRADE CANDIDATES?

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford recently looked at which players the St. Louis Blues could attempt to move if they become sellers before the March 8 trade deadline.

Sammy Blais, Oskar Sundqvist, Kasperi Kapanen, Jakub Vrana and Marco Scandella are their notable pending unrestricted free agents. Of these, Rutherford expects Sundqvist might the the only one with a chance of re-signing with the Blues.

Other trade candidates could include Pavel Buchnevich, Jordan Binnington, Justin Faulk, Brandon Saad, Nick Leddy and Torey Krug. They all have term remaining on their respective contracts, making them more likely to be off-season trade candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Krug used his no-trade clause to nix a move to Philadelphia last summer. Unless he has a change of mind or a preferable trade destination, I don’t see him going anywhere. The same goes for Binnington, Saad, Faulk and Leddy as they also possess full no-trade protection.

Buchnevich, meanwhile, has a 12-team no-trade clause while Scandella’s is a seven-team NTC. That makes them easier to move than the others but still limits the number of potential trade partners.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 12, 2023

by | Nov 12, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 12, 2023

Hat-trick performances by the Oilers’ Zach Hyman and the Blues’ Brayden Schenn and Pavel Buchnevich highlight the recaps of Saturday’s action in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: A natural hat trick in the first period by Zach Hyman carried the Edmonton Oilers over the Seattle Kraken 4-1 to snap their four-game losing skid. Stuart Skinner made 17 saves for the 3-9-1 Oilers while Jaden Schwartz replied for the 5-7-3 Kraken.

Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were held scoreless in this contest. Kraken netminder Philipp Grubauer got the hook after giving up four goals on 17 shots.

Speaking of hat tricks, Brayden Schenn and Pavel Buchnevich each tallied three goals as the St. Louis Blues crushed the Colorado Avalanche 8-2. Robert Thomas collected four assists while Jordan Binnington stopped 36 shots as the Blues improved to 7-5-1. Mikko Rantanen and Jack Johnson replied for the Avalanche as they slipped to 8-5-0.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche were without forward Artturi Lehkonen as he’ll be sidelined for weeks with an upper-body injury suffered on Thursday against the Kraken.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander scored to extend his season-opening points streak to 15 games in a 5-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi each picked up two assists while Ilya Samsonov turned aside 31 shots as they improved their record to 8-5-2. J.T. Miller and Pius Suter scored for the 10-3-1 Canucks.

An overtime goal by Kaiden Guhle lifted the Montreal Canadiens to a 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins, ending a 10-team losing streak against the Bruins. Brendan Gallagher and Nick Suzuki also scored for the 7-5-2 Canadiens. Pavel Zacha and Brad Marchand scored for the 11-1-2 Bruins, who remain on top of the Eastern Conference with 24 points.

The Carolina Hurricanes got a 22-save shutout performance from Pyotr Kochetkov to blank the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-0. Sebastian Aho and Brent Burns each had a goal and an assist for the Hurricanes as they rose to 9-6-0 in the standings. Nikita Kucherov missed this game due to illness as his club dropped to 6-5-4 in his absence.

Speaking of 4-0 shutouts, the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Buffalo Sabres by the same score as Tristan Jarry returned to action by kicking out 35 shots after missing one game with a facial injury. Erik Karlsson scored twice while Evgeni Malkin and Ryan Graves each had two points for the Penguins (7-6-0) as they picked up their fourth straight win. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 36 stops for the 7-7-1 Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres also returned forward Matthew Savoie to his WHL club in Wenatchee after he made his NHL debut on Friday against the Minnesota Wild.

Arizona Coyotes forwards Clayton Keller and Logan Cooley each picked up three points as their club overcame two 2-goal deficits to beat the Nashville Predators 7-5. Michael Carcone scored twice for the Coyotes, who boosted their record to 7-6-1. Filip Forsberg scored twice and collected an assist for the 5-9-0 Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Coyotes played without center Jack McBain, who is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

Alex Ovechkin scored twice as his Washington Capital (7-4-2) rolled to a 4-1 win over the New York Islanders (5-5-3), handing the latter their third straight loss. Call-up goalie Hunter Shepard turned in a 37-save performance for the Capitals. Alexander Romanov got the Islanders’ only goal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders fans aren’t pleased with their club’s performance this season, calling for head coach Lane Lambert to be fired during this game. Earlier in the week, they were chanting for general manager Lou Lamoriello to lose his job. Meanwhile, the Capitals placed sidelined defenseman Martin Fehervary (foot) on injured reserve.

The Detroit Red Wings held off the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4, handing the latter their fourth straight defeat. Jake Walman scored what proved to be the game-winner while Jeff Petry and Christian Fischer each had two assists for the 8-5-2 Red Wings. Patrik Laine scored in his first game back with the Blue Jackets (4-7-3) since suffering a concussion on Oct. 20.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: To make room for Laine’s return, the Jackets assigned defenseman David Jiricek to their AHL affiliate in Cleveland.

Dallas Stars goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 31 saves while Wyatt Johnston had a goal and an assist in a 3-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Cole Perfetti and Brenden Dillon tallied for the Jets (7-5-2) while the Stars (9-3-1) sit atop the Central Division with 19 points.

The Ottawa Senators ended a five-game losing skid on home ice by dousing the Calgary Flames 4-1. Joonas Korpisalo made 24 saves while Drake Batherson had a goal and an assist for the 6-7-0 Senators. Blake Coleman replied for the Flames as they fell to 4-8-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The trade request made by Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov remains a hot topic among the pundits. I’ll have more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

Former Los Angeles Kings netminder Cal Petersen made 35 saves to help the Philadelphia Flyers defeat his old team by a score of 4-2. Morgan Frost scored twice as the Flyers improved to 7-7-1 on the season. Carl Grundstrom and Adrian Kempe replied for the 8-3-3 Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, the Kings reclaimed forward Samuel Fagemo off waivers from the Predators.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 15, 2023

by | Oct 15, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 15, 2023

The Leafs’ Auston Matthews starts the season with consecutive hat tricks, Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner tallies a hat trick in his club’s home-opener, Mackenzie Blackwood turns in a 51-save debut with the Sharks, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews collected his second straight hat trick in as many games to lead his club over the Minnesota Wild 7-4. William Nylander scored twice and collected an assist while Mitch Marner and Morgan Rielly each had two helpers. Wild rookie Marco Rossi scored his first-ever NHL goal.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matt Boldy also scored for the Wild but he left the game in the third period with an upper-body injury following a hit by Rielly. He will be reevaluated on Sunday.

A natural hat trick by team captain Boone Jenner powered the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 5-3 victory over the New York Rangers. Johnny Gaudreau picked up two assists and rookie David Jiricek scored to collect his first-ever NHL point as Jackets head coach Pascal Vincent picked up his first win as an NHL bench boss. Adam Fox and Erik Gustafsson each had two points for the Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins left the game in the second period due to illness after making 24 saves. He was replaced by Spencer Martin for the remainder of the game. Earlier in the day, the Jackets placed winger Eric Robinson on waivers.

San Jose Sharks goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood made 51 saves to steal a point as his club dropped a 2-1 shootout decision to the Colorado Avalanche. Cale Makar scored the tying goal in the third period, setting the stage for Mikko Rantanen’s shootout winner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackwood’s 51 saves were the most by a goaltender in their debut with a team since 1955-56.

The Vancouver Canucks defeated the Edmonton Oilers for the second straight game with a 4-3 win as Sam Lafferty snapped a 3-3 tie in the third period. Casey DeSmith made 37 saves while Nils Hoglander had a goal and an assist for the Canucks. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a goal and two assists while Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl each had a goal and an assist for the Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A better effort by the Oilers in this one compared to the 8-1 shellacking they received from the Canucks in their season opener. They outshot the Canucks 40-17 but costly defensive breakdowns and shaky goaltending from Stuart Skinner proved to be their undoing.

The Ottawa Senators got two goals and an assist from Jakob Chychrun to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2. Brady Tkachuk also scored twice for the Senators and Claude Giroux picked up two assists. Travis Konecny had a goal and an assist for the Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In a pregame ceremony, the Senators honored Giroux for reaching his 1,000th career point on Oct. 10 against the Carolina Hurricanes. He netted most of those points during his tenure with the Flyers and was touched that the Senators chose this game against his former club to honor his achievement.

Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor scored twice and picked up an assist as his club held off the Florida Panthers 6-4. Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey each picked up two points for the Jets while Evan Rodrigues had two goals and two assists for the Panthers.

A two-goal performance by James van Riemsdyk carried the Boston Bruins to a 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators. David Pastrnak had a goal and an assist while Jeremy Swayman stopped 33 shots for the Bruins. Colton Sissons scored both times for the Predators.

The Detroit Red Wings upset the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-4. Alex DeBrincat scored two goals and added an assist while Moritz Seider and J.T. Compher each collected two points for the Wings. Steven Stamkos netted two goals and collected a helper for the Lightning.

Montreal Canadiens forward Sean Monahan scored what proved to be the game-winner as his club held on for a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Monahan finished with a goal and an assist, Tanner Pearson netted his first goal with the Canadiens and Samuel Montembeault turned aside 28 shots for the win. Tyler Johnson tallied both goals for the Blackhawks with rookie Connor Bedard picking up an assist, giving him points in his first three NHL games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens center Kirby Dach left the game in the first period after suffering a lower-body injury following a hit by Blackhawks defenseman Jarred Tinordi. He will be reevaluated on Sunday.

A five-goal third period carried the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 5-2 victory over the Calgary Flames. Jake Guentzel had a goal and two assists, Bryan Rust tallied twice and Alex Nedeljkovic kicked out 34 shots for the Penguins. Matt Coronato and Jonathan Huberdeau replied for the Flames.

The New York Islanders nipped the Buffalo Sabres by a score of 3-2. Brock Nelson had a goal and an assist while Ilya Sorokin got the win with a 26-save performance. Casey Mittelstadt and Zach Benson each had two points for the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres felt that Casey Cizikas’ game-winner in the third period was knocked in by a high stick. When the video review confirmed the goal they launched a coach’s challenge claiming the Isles were offside but the officials disagreed after reviewing the play.

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington stopped 30 shots and Robert Thomas scored in the shootout in a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken. Jordan Kyrou scored in regulation for the Blues as did Jaden Schwartz for the Kraken, who got a 24-save effort from goalie Joey Daccord.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was a costly win for the Blues as winger Pavel Buchnevich left the game late in the first period with an upper-body injury. Blues coach Craig Berube said he didn’t know the extent of Buchnevich’s injury but he didn’t rule out a concussion. He will be reevaluated on Sunday.

Vegas Golden Knights center Chandler Stephenson had a goal and two assists as his club rolled to a 4-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore each had a goal and an assist for the Golden Knights. Mason McTavish replied for the Ducks while John Gibson stopped 34 shots.

A goal by Jordan Martinook in the ninth round of the shootout lifted the Carolina Hurricanes over the Los Angeles Kings 6-5. Sebastian Aho scored shorthanded and picked up an assist for the Hurricanes while Anze Kopitar had two goals and Kevin Fiala picked up three assists for the Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, Kings general manager Rob Blake told Bally Sports West that Viktor Arvidsson could require back surgery. The 30-year-old winger suffered the injury during practice on Monday and was placed on long-term injury reserve on Thursday.