NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 4, 2025

by | Aug 4, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 4, 2025

Why Conor Garland will be an important player for the Canucks this season, Predators defenseman Spencer Stastney reveals his mental health challenges, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE PROVINCE: Conor Garland’s tenacity drove him from being an undersized NHL depth player to a top-six winger with a six-year contract. It has made him a key player for the Vancouver Canucks as they attempt to rebound from a disappointing 2024-25 campaign.

The 29-year-old Garland is in the final season of his current contract. He signed his $36 million extension on July 1. He cited his versatility and willingness to improve as being among the reasons why the Canucks opted to re-sign him.

Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland (NHL Images).

Garland also proved his worth playing for Team USA’s gold-medal team at the 2025 World Championships, meshing well on a line with Utah Mammoth forwards Clayton Keller and Logan Cooley.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garland’s performance was among the few bright spots for the Canucks last season, finishing third among their scorers with 50 points. His character, work ethic, and leadership have made him an invaluable part of their roster core.

THE TENNESSEAN: Spencer Stastney revealed his lifelong battle with anxiety and depression during his appearance on the “32 Thoughts: The Podcast” on Sunday.

The 25-year-old Nashville Predators defenseman revealed his mental health issues stemmed from family issues, including his parents’ divorce and guilt over pursuing a hockey career while his family struggled.

Stastney said he was on the verge of retirement last year. He credited the support and therapy he received from the Predators and the NHL Players’ Association for helping him continue his career, but admits he has more work to do as he attempts to figure out his relationship with hockey.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Here’s hoping Stastney finds the best path for a happy and productive life, even if it leads him outside of hockey.

EXPRESSEN.SE: Former NHL forward Jakub Vrana is expected to sign a contract this week with Linköping HC in the Swedish Hockey League. The 29-year-old Czech winger spent his formative years with Linköping before he was drafted by the Washington Capitals in 2014.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vrana’s best seasons were with the Capitals from 2016-17 to 2020-21, winning the Stanley Cup in 2018 and tallying a career-best 25 goals and 52 points in 69 games in 2019-20.

In nine NHL seasons with the Capitals, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, and Nashville Predators, Vrana had 119 goals and 223 points in 406 regular-season games, and 8 points in 38 playoff contests.

NESN: Former Boston Bruins center Jakub Lauko signed last week with HC Dynamo Pardubice in the Czech Extraliga. The 25-year-old spent three seasons with the Bruins and Minnesota Wild (2022-23 to 2024-25), netting 11 goals and 28 points in 139 regular-season games, and two points in eight postseason games.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Columbus Blue Jackets have brought back Barry Brennan as their strength and conditioning coach. He held the role from 2005 to 2010, and spent the past 12 years working in the Kontinental Hockey League, including a six-year stint with CSKA Moscow.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 1, 2025

by | Aug 1, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 1, 2025

The Bruins could play without a captain this season, Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk hopes to build on his career-best goal performance, the latest on the Flames contract talks with Connor Zary, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy doesn’t expect his club will have a team captain for 2025-26.

In an interview with Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald, McAvoy said he and winger David Pastrnak will be alternate captains for this season, adding that they’re fine with that arrangement.

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (NHL Images).

New Bruins head coach Marco Sturm hinted back in June that the club could play this season without a captain. He wants to get to know the players as people before he and management decide which player should have the captaincy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A wise decision by Sturm. The Bruins are retooling the roster for this season. It’s best to identify the leaders in the room and on the ice before naming a captain.

THE PROVINCE: Jake DeBrusk had a career-high 28 goals in his first season with the Vancouver Canucks. However, he needs to be more consistent with his scoring, especially on home ice, where he scored only nine times last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk, 28, has been a streaky scorer through his eight NHL seasons. The Canucks are hoping to rebound from this disappointing performance last season. If they are to reach the playoffs, DeBrusk must find a way to beat the inconsistency that has dogged him throughout his career.

CALGARY SUN: Flames general manager Craig Conroy remains confident he’ll get a deal done this summer with restricted free agent forward Connor Zary.

Zary is coming off his entry-level contract. The Flames reportedly prefer signing him to a short-term contract, while the 23-year-old center seeks something longer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 13 goals and 27 points in 54 games, Zary was on track to exceed his 34-point rookie performance in 2023-24. However, a knee injury in January sidelined him for six weeks, and another in March ended his season.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres signed goaltender Devon Levi to a two-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $812,500. It’s reportedly a one-way deal for both seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Levi, 23, is expected to spend this season with the Sabres’ AHL affiliate in Rochester. They will continue to work on his game, hoping to develop him into a starting goalie.

THE SCORE: Speaking of the Sabres, their home arena will continue to be called the KeyBank Center after the two sides agreed to a 10-year extension of the naming rights on Wednesday.

The deal begins next season and runs through 2035-36.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Mike Brophy received a kidney donation on Thursday. He was the senior writer at The Hockey News for 17 years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to Brophy for a full recovery.

MLIVE.COM: Former NHL defenseman John Miszuk died this week at age 84.

Miszuk spent six seasons in the NHL, from 1963-64 to 1969-70, with the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, and Minnesota North Stars, netting 46 points in 237 games. He also spent three seasons in the World Hockey Association.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Miszuk’s family, friends, and former teammates.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 30, 2025

by | Jul 30, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 30, 2025

The effect of Kyle Connor’s next contract on the Jets, the latest on Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy, the wild cards on the Canadiens’ roster, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau observed that the Winnipeg Jets have had little difficulty getting core players like Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele, and Josh Morrissey to accept less money to stay in Winnipeg. However, Kyle Connor could become an exception.

Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor (NHL Images).

Connor is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. The 28-year-old winger currently earns an average annual value (AAV) of $7.14 million. Over five of the NHL’s last five full seasons, he’s never had less than 31 goals. Last season, he netted 41 goals and set career highs with 56 assists and 97 points.

If Connor is willing to accept between $9 million and $9.5 million on his next contract, it would be a significant win for the Jets. However, there’s no guarantee he will accept such a deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Connor has been a bargain for the Jets on his current contract. He’ll be seeking a substantial raise that will exceed $10 million, especially if he has another 40-goal campaign.

The salary cap will rise to $104 million for 2025-26, the first season of Connor’s next contract. Winnipeg has a projected $47.8 million in cap space, though that could shrink by around $5 million if they manage to re-sign Dylan Samberg to a contract. Nevertheless, they’ll have enough to re-sign Connor to a substantial raise if they want to.

Winnipeg lost Nikolaj Ehlers to free agency this summer. They’ll do what they can to avoid the same fate with Connor, but that depends on his asking price.

BOSTON HERALD: Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is eager to return to action after his 2024-25 campaign was cut short by a shoulder injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off in February.

McAvoy said he’s focused his offseason training on getting healthy and regaining his form. He indicated that he has accomplished a lot with his off-ice training and is starting to ramp things up on the ice.

The 27-year-old defenseman anticipates he’ll be ready for training camp in September. It’s expected he’ll be taking on a larger leadership role with the Bruins, along with teammate David Pastrnak.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins hope for a bounce-back performance in 2025-26 after an injury-ravaged season knocked them out of playoff contention last season. A healthy McAvoy will be crucial to their postseason hopes.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Brendan Kelly believes questions surround Canadiens forwards Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, and Patrik Laine for 2025-26.

The oft-injured Dach is trying to get his career back on track as he’ll again try to nail down the second-line center position. Newhook must bring more than speed to his game to improve the dynamic of the Canadiens’ forward group. As for Laine, Kelly believes the Habs will be almost guaranteed to become a playoff contender if the big Finnish winger can regain his high-scoring ways.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens’ core of young talent should be a contender if they continue improving and stay healthy. Nevertheless, getting better performances from Dach, Newhook ,and Laine will also be crucial to nailing down another postseason berth.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes promising Canucks prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki would benefit from another season with their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

The 21-year-old right winger had 29 points in 36 AHL regular-season games and seven points in 16 Calder Cup playoff games. At times, however, the 5’11”, 172-pounder struggled and looked tired down the stretch as he adjusted to the North American pace.

Kuzma pointed out the Canucks are currently well-stocked on the right wing this season with Brock Boeser, Conor Garland, and Kiefer Sherwood. He believes it wouldn’t do Lekkerimaki any good to be skating on their fourth line.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lekkerimaki could force the issue if he has a strong training camp. Still, it wouldn’t hurt him to spend another season in Abbotsford. He’s waiver-exempt so there’s no fear of losing him to waivers this season.

CALGARY SUN: Flames prospect Zayne Parekh will skip the rest of Team Canada’s mid-summer camp for precautionary reasons related to a lower-body injury.

The 19-year-old defenseman has returned to Calgary to follow up with the Flames’ medical staff. He’s expected to be a full participant at their training camp in September.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Former Sabres head coach Ted Nolan is being recognized for his work in hockey and with Canada’s Indigenous communities. On Oct. 29, Nolan will receive Canada’s Order of Sport Award, marking his induction into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Nolan coached the Sabres from 1995 to 1997, winning the Jack Adams Award in 1996-97 as NHL Coach of the Year. He coached them again from 2013 to 2015.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2025

by | Jul 24, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2025

The latest on the Oilers and updates on Jack Roslovic and Yegor Chinakhov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST OILERS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell wondered if the Edmonton Oilers could pull off a surprise late-summer contract signing.

Mitchell suggested pursuing former Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. There are currently few suitable options to upgrade the Oilers’ goaltending in the trade or free-agent markets.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (NHL Images).

Fleury has retired, and attempts to change his mind have been fruitless. Nevertheless, Mitchell felt the Oilers should revisit that possibility as training camp approaches in September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fleury agent, Allan Walsh, recently said five teams contacted him on July 1 asking if his client would reconsider retirement. Walsh didn’t say which teams they were, but the Oilers could’ve been among them.

Fleury might get the itch to suit up again as training camp draws near. However, he’s now 40, spent 21 years in the NHL and his best seasons are well behind him. He knows it’s time to move on to the next chapter in his life.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples suggested the Oilers consider signing Max Pacioretty as a replacement for departed veteran winger Corey Perry.

Staples acknowledged the 36-year-old Pacioretty has slowed down and is no longer the reliable scorer he once was. Nevertheless, he could be effective as a power forward in small doses, as he was for the Toronto Maple Leafs during this year’s playoffs, netting eight points in 11 postseason games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs left the door open for Pacioretty’s return, but he could opt to move on in search of better opportunities. He’d be an affordable signing, but the cap-strapped Oilers would have to shed some salary to make room for him.

Staples cited Oilers insider Bob Stauffer predicting the club will re-sign Connor McDavid this offseason. Stauffer also anticipates new contracts for defensemen Jake Walman and Mattias Ekholm.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid’s status is the main concern for Oilers fans. The longer he goes without an extension, the more speculation will suggest that he’ll depart next summer for his hometown Maple Leafs or hit the Wayne Gretzky trail and head to the Los Angeles Kings or New York Rangers.

UPDATES ON ROSLOVIC AND CHINAKHOV

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston cited a report by CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal claiming the Vancouver Canucks are still talking with former Carolina Hurricanes forward Jack Roslovic.

The 28-year-old Roslovic is an unrestricted free agent (UFA) after completing a one-year contract with the Hurricanes.

Dhaliwal reported that Roslovic isn’t a lock to join the Canucks. However, the club continues to talk with the winger’s representatives.

Johnston stated that the Canucks seek a second-line center, hence their discussions with the Roslovic camp. They’re also reportedly interested in Anaheim Ducks restricted free agent Mason McTavish. However, the cost of acquiring McTavish in terms of salary and trade return could be more than the Canucks could afford.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Roslovic would be much more affordable than McTavish, whom the Ducks have shown no indication of any willingness to trade.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes disgruntled Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov could be a great fit with the Devils.

Chinakhov, 24, requested a trade citing “misunderstandings” with Blue Jackets coach Dean Evanson. He’s under contract for this season with a cap hit of $2.1 million.

Nichols thinks Chinakhov would be a perfect “buy-low” trade candidate to address their ongoing need for a scoring winger to replace Tyler Toffoli.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Toffoli was, and still is, a reliable, durable two-way scoring winger. Chinakhov has potential, but also an injury history that has limited him to 175 games.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 23, 2025

by | Jul 23, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 23, 2025

The latest on Stars winger Jason Robertson, Ducks center Mason McTavish and Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NHL.COM: Dan Rosen reports trade speculation persists about Jason Robertson.

The 26-year-old Dallas Stars winger has a year left on his contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $7.5 million and will become a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights next July. He also lacks no-trade protection.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

Rosen considers it a 50-50 possibility that Robertson gets traded, indicating it depends on if the two sides can or want to try to get an extension done sooner rather than later. He believes the Stars have enough cap space to make it work. However, they must ensure they have sufficient space to re-sign defenseman Thomas Harley, who is also RFA-eligible next summer with arbitration rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars have $27.9 million in projected cap space for 2026-27 with 15 active roster players under contract. They have enough room to re-sign Robertson and Harley to lucrative long-term deals, but it could cost a combined $18 million, with Robertson getting $10 million annually. That wouldn’t leave much to fill out the remaining depth of their roster.

SPORTSNET: If the Stars decide to trade Robertson, Ryan Dixon has a list of seven potential destinations.

The Los Angeles Kings top that list, partly because they’re Robertson’s hometown team. The Carolina Hurricanes are in “go-for-it mode”, while the Washington Capitals need a scorer for when Alex Ovechkin eventually retires.

Bubble teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings could use a scorer like Robertson. So could the struggling Seattle Kraken. The Utah Mammoth needs a premier young player as they establish themselves in their new market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars aren’t under pressure to move Robertson this summer. They’re cap-compliant after shipping Matt Dumba to the Pittsburgh Penguins. They also hold Robertson’s rights until July 1, 2027, when he’ll be UFA-eligible if he hasn’t signed an extension before then.

Robertson has been the Stars’ top scorer since his full-time NHL debut in 2020-21. Moving him would be a significant move on their part, and they won’t want just draft picks and prospects in return.

Given Robertson’s on-ice value to the Stars, they could hang onto him for this season and see how things pan out. Unless they get a comparable player back in a trade, their chances of winning the Stanley Cup this season are better with him in the lineup.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes the Vancouver Canucks could be among the suitors if the Anaheim Ducks put Mason McTavish on the trade block. The 22-year-old center has the potential to become a prime playoff performer.

McTavish is an RFA without arbitration rights this summer. He’s yet to sign a new contract with the Ducks, which has made him the subject of considerable trade and offer-sheet speculation.

Kuzma believes it would cost the Canucks a roster player, a prime prospect, and a pair of high draft picks to pry McTavish from the Ducks. He cited AFP Analytics projecting the young center receiving a six-year contract with an AAV of $6.67 million. However, Kuzma claimed his camp is pushing for between $7 million and $8 million annually, hence the impasse.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the first report I’ve seen explaining the lack of progress in McTavish’s contract negotiations. Others have merely speculated about his availability and what it might cost to get him.

Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has a reputation as a tough negotiator, as former Duck Trevor Zegras learned the hard way. He’s also warned rival GMs that he’ll match any offer for McTavish, assuming the latter is open to signing with another team.

This standoff might not be resolved until training camp opens in September. The longer this goes on this summer, the more we’ll hear McTavish mentioned in the rumor mill.

NHL.COM: Dan Rosen believes Evan Rodrigues could become a trade candidate for the Florida Panthers to become cap-compliant when their regular season begins in October.

Rosen anticipates they’ll start the season with winger Matthew Tkachuk on long-term injury reserve (LTIR). However, that’ll only be a short-term fix as they must be under the cap when he returns to action later in the season.

Rodrigues is a versatile forward with an affordable $3 million AAV who the Panthers value, but they could have no choice but to move him once Tkachuk returns. Rosen does not doubt that teams have already inquired about his availability.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tkachuk is expected to undergo surgery in the coming weeks to repair injuries he suffered last season. Those procedures were likely delayed given his recent nuptials.

Rodrigues will probably still be with the Panthers when they begin their regular season. However, his days in Florida could be numbered if he becomes their likely cost-cutting candidate.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 19, 2025

by | Jul 19, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 19, 2025

Updates on Bowen Byram and Yegor Chinakhov plus the latest on the Canucks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Following the Sabres’ signing Bowen Byram to a two-year bridge contract earlier this week, Mike Harrington looked at whether the 24-year-old defenseman remains a trade candidate.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

Byram will become eligible for unrestricted free-agent status when the deal expires in 2027.

Harrington suggested Byram could still have plenty of value at the March 2026 trade deadline because he’ll have another year remaining on his contract. That would provide the Sabres with the opportunity to move him in a “hockey trade” for another player, rather than for draft picks and prospects.

However, Harrington cited three NHL sources who confirmed that Byram never requested a trade before signing his contract and the Sabres aren’t shopping him. General manager Kevyn Adams could listen to calls about the defenseman now that he’s signed through 2027, but he’s not initiating those discussions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byram’s new contract immediately ended all the trade speculation that swirled around him for months. Nevertheless, his name will likely resurface in the rumor mill if the Sabres get off to a poor start this season, or if they’re out of playoff contention as the trade deadline approaches.

THE PROVINCE: Steve Ewen wondered if the Vancouver Canucks will use the salary-cap space created by trading Dakota Joshua to Toronto to pursue UFA forward Jack Roslovic.

The Canucks now have $3.27 million in cap room and must boost their depth among their top-six forwards. They’ve been linked to the 28-year-old Roslovic in the rumor mill.

Roslovic earned $2.8 million on a one-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes last season. The Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs are also rumored to have an interest in him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Canucks can’t land Roslovic, they could turn to the trade market. They were recently suggested as a potential suitor for Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann if he becomes available.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Yegor Chinakhov’s agent, Shumi Babaev, doubts there’s any way his client can stay with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Earlier this week, Chinakhov requested a trade. Babaev said the 24-year-old winger is comfortable with the team and the city but not with head coach Dean Evason. Babaev isn’t confident that the relationship between the two can be repaired.

Portzline indicated that Evason had conversations last season with Chinakhov, and there were conversations between the player and the assistant coaches. Through a spokesman, Evanson stated that the lines of communication were open and would remain so.

Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell is open to trading Chinakhov, but only if he gets the right offer. The expectation is that the winger will report to training camp in September, which Babaev confirmed his client will do.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see if Chinakhov gets traded before training camp. Several teams still have forward depth issues to address.

NESN’s Jay Pritchard believes Chinakhov could be a “smart gamble” for the Boston Bruins. Pittsburgh Hockey Now’s Dan Kingerski suggested the winger’s youth and potential could be a good fit with the rebuilding Penguins.