NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 18, 2024

by | Oct 18, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 18, 2024

In today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines, a hat-trick performance by Rangers winger Artemi Panarin, the Stars re-sign goaltender Jake Oettinger, Nikita Kucherov lifts the Lightning over the Golden Knights, and more.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin tallied a hat trick and collected an assist in a 5-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings. Vincent Trocheck had a goal and three assists and Adam Fox collected three helpers for the Rangers. J.T. Compher had a goal and an assist for the Red Wings.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 11 points, Panarin is tied with Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin for the league scoring lead.

Washington Capitals winger Taylor Raddysh snapped a 2-2 tie as his club upset the Dallas Stars 3-2. Tom Wilson scored for the third straight game and Charlie Lindgren made 22 saves for the win. Colin Blackwell and Jason Robertson replied for the Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, the Stars announced they signed goaltender Jake Oettinger to an eight-year contract extension with an average annual value of $8.25 million. If those numbers sound familiar, it’s because the Boston Bruins inked goalie Jeremy Swayman to a similar deal, though his deal began this season while Oettinger’s starts next season.

Oettinger, 25, will be the league’s fifth-highest-paid goalie. In a statement, Stars general manager Jim Nill said Oettinger “has established himself as one of the elite goaltenders in the NHL.” He’s backstopped the Stars to three straight playoff appearances and back-to-back trips to the Western Conference Final.

The Tampa Bay Lightning nipped the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3. Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov scored twice, including the game-winner with 55 seconds remaining in the third period. Janis Moser had a goal and two assists for the Lightning. Jack Eichel collected two assists for the Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eichel is second among all NHL scorers with 10 points.

An overtime goal by J.T. Miller lifted the Vancouver Canucks to a 3-2 victory over the Florida Panthers. Teddy Blueger and Quinn Hughes also scored for the Canucks while Jesper Boqvist and Anton Lundell scored for the Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers were without center Aleksander Barkov (lower body) and winger Matthew Tkachuk (illness) for the third straight game. Both forwards are expected to return to the lineup next week.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid tallied his first goal of the season as his club doubled up the Nashville Predators 4-2. Brett Kulak scored two goals and Calvin Pickard stopped 25 shots as the Oilers picked up their second straight win. Filip Forsberg and Jonathan Marchessault scored for the Predators, who have lost their first four games of the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Following the game, Marchessault acknowledged this season hasn’t started the way they wanted, admitting the roster is feeling a little fragile right now. The Predators began this season with heightened expectations after signing Marchessault, forward Steven Stamkos and defenseman Brady Skjei.

Predators defenseman Luke Schenn reached a personal milestone, appearing in his 1,000th NHL regular-season game.

The St. Louis Blues got a 34-save shutout from netminder Joel Hofer to blank the New York Islanders 1-0. Jake Neighbours tallied the only goal. Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin turned aside 29 shots.

Los Angeles Kings goalie David Rittich made 26 saves as his club ended a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens. Adrian Kempe had a goal and an assist for the Kings. Justin Barron replied for the Canadiens, who also lost defenseman Mike Matheson in the first period with an upper-body injury, though he’s expected to be ready to play in Saturday’s game against the New York Islanders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis and team captain Nick Suzuki weren’t pleased with their club’s performance against the Kings, with Suzuki calling it “an immature effort.” St. Louis promised to be proactive in addressing the issue after his club’s record sank to 2-3-0.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom kicked out 30 shots in a 3-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Paul Cotter scored his fifth goal of the season for the Devils while Senators captain Brady Tkachuk netted his first of the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cotter is tied with the Rangers Artemi Panarin and Utah’s Dylan Guenther for second among the league’s goal scorers. Senators backup Anton Forsberg got the start for this game as Linus Ullmark is still recovering from a lower-body strain. He could return for Saturday’s game against the Lightning.

The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the struggling Buffalo Sabres 6-4. Kirill Marchenko and Mathieu Olivier each had a goal and an assist for the Blue Jackets while Sabres rookie Juri Kulich potted his first career NHL goal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The battered Blue Jackets suffered another injury as forward Kent Johnson left the game grasping his left hand and wrist. They did have some news as forward Justin Danforth made his season debut after recovering from wrist surgery.

Meanwhile, Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin said the Blue Jackets “came out hungrier than us.” He believes he and his teammates must be better after opening the season with a 1-4-1 record.

Seattle Kraken winger Jared McCann had a goal and two assists to lead his club to a 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Kraken forwards Jordan Eberle and Shane Wright each had a goal and an assist. Scott Laughton tallied twice for the Flyers.

The Chicago Blackhawks beat the San Jose Sharks 4-2. Connor Bedard and Teuvo Teravainen each picked up two assists and Tyler Bertuzzi scored his first of the season for the Blackhawks. Tyler Toffoli and Fabian Zetterlund replied for the Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks announced defenseman Alex Martinez (groin strain) was placed on injured reserve before this game.

IN OTHER NEWS…

DAILY FACEOFF: Utah Hockey Club defenseman Sean Durzi (upper-body injury) will undergo surgery and is expected to miss four to five months.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Durzi is one of Utah’s top defensemen. His absence will be a big blow to their blueline depth.

TRIBLIVE.COM: The Pittsburgh Penguins activated goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic off injured reserve and have sent him to their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for conditioning.

CALGARY SUN: Flames rookie forward Samuel Honzek is week-to-week with an upper-body injury.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 16, 2024

by | Oct 16, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 16, 2024

In today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines, the Blue Jackets honor Johnny Gaudreau in their home opener, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin reaches an assist milestone, the struggling Oilers picked up their first win of the season, and more.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Columbus Blue Jackets honored Johnny Gaudreau before their home opener against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday.

With Gaudreau’s family on the ice, the Jackets raised a banner with his number 13 in a pregame ceremony. During the opening faceoff, the Jackets started without a left winger, which was Gaudreau’s position. Both teams didn’t move following the puck drop, letting the puck come to rest where Gaudreau would’ve stood, and remained in place for 13 seconds.

Once the game resumed, the Panthers held off the Blue Jackets 4-3. Sam Reinhart had a goal and two assists and Spencer Knight made 35 saves for his first win in 21 months. Sean Monahan scored for the Blue Jackets and pointed to Gaudreau’s banner to honor his long-time friend and former Calgary Flames teammate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson left the game with an upper-body injury after accidentally colliding with Monahan during the second period. Jackets coach Dean Evason described the injury as “not looking good”. That suggests Gudbranson could be sidelined for some time.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin had two assists, including the 700th of his NHL career, as his club doubled up the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2. Logan Thompson made 24 saves for the win over his former team and Jakub Vrana scored on his first shot in his return with the Capitals. Victor Olofsson and Jack Eichel replied for the Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin becomes the sixth player in NHL history to score 700 goals and collect 700 assists. He joins Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Jaromir Jagr, Marcel Dionne, and Phil Esposito. He’s also the 60th player to reach the 700-assist plateau.

Ovechkin has three assists in two games but still seeks his first goal of the season and remains at 853 career goals. He remains 41 goals behind Gretzky’s record of 894.

The Golden Knights also lost Olofsson late in the third period when he injured his left leg. Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said it didn’t look good but hopes it’s not severe. Olofsson was seen on crutches after the game.

An overtime goal by Leon Draisaitl lifted the Edmonton Oilers to a 4-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, snapping their season-opening three-game losing skid. Draisaitl finished with a goal and an assist and Connor McDavid collected two assists as they were put on the same line for the first time this season. The Flyers opened the scoring with a 2-0 lead as rookie Matvei Michkov tallied the first two goals of his NHL career.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A big comeback win by the Oilers, perhaps signaling that the slumbering Stanley Cup finalist is finally awakening from its season-opening slumber. It was a disappointing finish for the Flyers but their promising rookie Michkov finally breaks through after being limited to an assist in his first two games.

The Dallas Stars extended their season-opening win streak to 4-0-0 by nipping the San Jose Sharks 3-2 on a shootout goal by Wyatt Johnston. Matt Duchene and Roope Hintz scored for the Stars while Tyler Toffoli and former Star Ty Dellandrea replied for the Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars played without forward Tyler Seguin and defenseman Matt Dumba. Seguin is day-to-day with a lower-body injury while Dumba (lower body) is week-to-week.

Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames are also 4-0-0 after beating the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1. Matt Coronato had two goals and goaltender Dustin Wolf turned aside 31 shots. Nick Foligno had the only goal for the Blackhawks.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson made 27 saves and tallied an empty-net goal in a 4-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Kirill Kaprizov collected two assists while Jakub Lauko scored the game-winner. Mathieu Joseph replied for the Blues.

The Tampa Bay Lightning won their home opener by beating the Vancouver Canucks 4-1. Brayden Point, Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli each had a goal and an assist for the Lightning. Conor Garland had the lone goal for the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This game was the first professional sports event in Tampa Bay since the second of back-to-back hurricanes in the region.

Four unanswered third-period goals lifted the Seattle Kraken to a 7-3 win over the Nashville Predators. Jaden Schwartz, Jared McCann, Oliver Bjorkstrand and Adam Larsson each had a goal and an assist for the Kraken. Michael McCarron, Tommy Novak and Brady Skjei scored for the Predators, who’ve dropped their first three games of the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators may have “won” free agency by signing Skjei, Steven Stamkos, and Jonathan Marchessault but that hasn’t resulted in significant improvement thus far.

Head coach Andrew Brunette said his team deserves to be where it is right now, claiming they’re playing firewagon hockey. “We’re trying to be cute. We’re trying to show how talented we are to everybody. But we’re not really playing with a purpose,” he said.

The Carolina Hurricanes got a 23-save performance from goalie Pyotr Kochetkov in his season debut to double up the New Jersey Devils 4-2. Hurricanes rookie Jackson Blake tallied his first career NHL goal. Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier replied for the Devils.

IN OTHER NEWS…

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said he doesn’t see any reason for concern regarding the next round of collective bargaining with the NHL Players’ Association. Those talks are expected to begin in 2025.

Daly also admitted he’s surprised by the league’s strong and fast comeback from the COVID-19 pandemic. He believes the COVID period created a stronger demand and appreciation from fans for the live product, and feels the game is in better shape than ever before.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daly also discussed the Utah Hockey Club and the league’s 4 Nations Face-Off in February. Follow the link above for the full interview.

TORONTO STAR: The good news for the Maple Leafs is John Tavares is out of sick bay. The bad news is William Nylander has caught the flu bug and is questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Buffalo Sabres hope to have JJ Peterka in the lineup when they face the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday. He’s been sidelined for the last two games after suffering a concussion in Czechia. Peterka was a full participant in practice on Tuesday.

DAILY FACEOFF: Utah Hockey Club defenseman Sean Durzi is out for the foreseeable future with an upper-body injury.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Devils goaltender Jake Allen set an NHL record with his 3-0 win over Utah on Monday. He’s the first goaltender to secure a win against 33 NHL clubs in his career.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 30, 2024

by | Sep 30, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 30, 2024

Recapping Sunday’s preseason action, Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj was fined, an update on Oilers goalie Calvin Pickard, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SUNDAY’S PRESEASON RESULTS

NHL.COM: Evgeni Malkin had a hat trick and an assist and Sidney Crosby tallied twice to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Ottawa Senators 5-2 in the Kraft Hockeyville game on Sunday in Sudbury, Ontario. Nick Cousins and Tim Stutzle replied for the Senators.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins forward Blake Lizotte was struck in the face by an errant puck while sitting on the bench during the first shift. He missed the remainder of the game. No update was provided regarding his condition.

The Utah Hockey Club rolled to a 6-3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Dylan Guenther scored two goals and picked up an assist while Clayton Keller scored and set up two others. Justus Annunen made 32 saves for the Avalanche.

Dallas Stars rookie forward Logan Stankoven netted two goals as his club doubled up the Minnesota Wild 4-2. Jesper Wallstedt stopped 25 shots for the Wild.

IN OTHER NEWS…

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The NHL department of player safety fined Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj $3,385.42 for unsportsmanlike conduct on Toronto Maple Leafs forward Cedric Pare on Saturday. Xhekaj pummeled Pare in retaliation for the latter’s knee-on-knee hit on Canadiens winger Patrik Laine.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard suffered a sore neck from a goal-mouth collision that forced him to leave Saturday’s game against the Seattle Kraken. However, the injury isn’t serious and he’s expected to return to the ice in a few days.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey left practice on Sunday with a lower-body injury.

NHL.COM: Tom Gulitti reports Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said forward Sonny Milano’s preseason performance was “just OK”. He’s given the 28-year-old veteran the benefit of the doubt but expects him to ramp up his effort for the regular season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some veterans don’t put forth a full effort in training camp and preseason because they’re already assured of a roster spot but they step it up when the regular season begins. That could explain Milano’s effort thus far He is skating on the Capitals’ third line alongside Hendrix Lapierre and Aliaksei Protas.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Top prospect Fabian Lysell was a surprise roster cut by the Bruins yesterday. The 21-year-old was a candidate for the right wing spot on their second line. He had a slow start to training camp but improved as the preseason rolled on.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 27, 2024

by | Aug 27, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 27, 2024

The players prepare to protect their contracts from future labor strife, the Blue Jackets take protective measures with 2024 first-rounder Cayden Lindstrom, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Travis Yost believes there are “early signs” that the NHL and NHL Players Association could be preparing for a labor fight when the current collective bargaining agreement expires in September 2026.

Yost cites the slowdown in year-over-year revenue growth from several factors (“Canadian macroeconomics, increased competition in the North American sports landscape, challenges with broadcast rights holders in the United States, and even a de facto forced relocations) following the pandemic created fiscal headwinds that slowed the growth of the salary cap year-over-year.

He believes there will be “a fight of some kind of the apportionment and sharing of hockey-related revenues between the parties.” One way the players are preparing themselves is through contracts containing signing bonuses.

Such contracts can be “lockout proof” because signing bonuses are paid during the offseason. Those bonuses ensure the players receive most of their salary upfront before the regular season begins, preceding any potential labor strife if there isn’t a CBA extension by September 2026.

Yost anticipates more contracts with signing bonuses that carry through the 2026-27 season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The signing bonus tactic as lockout protection started several years ago as players and their agents prepared themselves for the possibility of a disruption to the 2022-23 season when the CBA was projected to expire on Sept. 15, 2022. However, the CBA was extended (with some modifiers) in 2020 because of the pandemic to Sept. 15, 2026.

I agree with Yost’s belief that we’ll see more contracts over the next two years with signing bonuses running through 2026-27. Whether there’s another lockout, however, remains to be seen.

The rise in the salary cap from 2020-21 to 2023-24 was slowed by mutual agreement between the league and the PA. That was because league revenue dropped in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic, creating an imbalance in the division of hockey-related revenue resulting in the players paying higher escrow to offset the owners’ losses.

Once the owners were finally “made whole” last season, the salary cap jumped from $83.5 million in 2023-24 to $88 million this season. I’ve heard projections suggesting it could reach $92 million for 2025-26 and $100 million by 2027-28.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently reported NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the relationship between the league and the PA has “never been better than it is.” Friedman noted CBA talks between the two sides haven’t started yet but believes that’s something “not to be concerned about, plenty of time, and there’s zero credible reason for any stoppage.”

A lot can happen over the next two years to derail negotiations and spark another lockout or a player’s strike. Even if the relationship between the league and the PA is currently rosy, it’s still understandable why the players will want some form of lockout insurance for 2026-27 in the form of signing bonuses.

However, it’ll be the star players who’ll benefit the most from signing bonuses. Few in the rank and file will likely get to have that luxury because they’ll lack the leverage to negotiate for them.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Columbus Blue Jackets are being patient with 2024 first-rounder Cayden Lindstrom. The 18-year-old center suffered a back injury (disc herniation) last season and is still working back to full health.

The Blue Jackets expected Lindstrom’s recovery would take time when they drafted him. As a result, they’ve ruled him out of participating in next month’s NHL Prospects Challenge in Buffalo.

“Before we drafted him, we had all the MRIs, all the tests, and everything else from his agents and his doctors,” said Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell. “This is something he’s going to get better from, but we want to be really careful with it. I’ve said all along, we’re going to slow-play this one.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets can afford to be patient with Lindstrom. He’s projected to become a power-forward center, which is why he was considered a top-10 prospect entering this year’s draft and why the Jackets selected him with the fourth-overall pick. There’s no reason to rush his recovery or his development.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Former Oilers forward Sam Gagner has received some professional tryout offers and hopes to turn one into an NHL contract for the coming season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Washington Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary is dealing with a minor injury that could prevent him from participating in Slovakia’s upcoming Olympic qualifier.

FLAMES NATION: Former Calgary Flames forward Sven Baertschi has joined the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks as an assistant coach. Baertschi spent 10 seasons in the NHL with the Flames, Vancouver Canucks and Vegas Golden Knights from 2011-12 to 2021-22.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 18, 2024

by | Aug 18, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 18, 2024

Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog remains focused on returning for the start of this season, Alex Nedeljkovic looks forward to another season with the Penguins, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: In an interview with NHL.com, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said team captain Gabriel Landeskog is trying to return near the start of this season.

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog (NHL Images).

Landeskog, 31, hasn’t played since Game 6 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final. He’s been sidelined by two knee surgeries.

Bednar also indicated that forward Artturi Lehkonen could miss the start of the season following offseason shoulder surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bednar said Landeskog’s potential return would boost the Avalanche roster. How effective he’ll be after missing two seasons recovering from knee surgeries remains to be seen.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Alex Nedeljkovic is happy to return with the Pittsburgh Penguins and looks forward to sharing the goaltending duties again with Tristan Jarry.

Nedeljkovic, 28, took over from a slumping Jarry as the Penguins’ starting goalie late in the season, keeping his club in the playoff race with a record of 8-1-3, a 3.05 goals-against average, and a .898 save percentage. He finished the season with a record of 18-7-7, a 2.97 GAA, and a .902 save percentage.

Eligible for unrestricted free agent status on July 1, Nedeljkovic instead signed a two-year contract extension in June.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins need consistency between the pipes to reach the playoffs this season. They’re putting their faith in two goalies with reputations as streaky performers.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly signed free-agent defenseman Jani Hakanpaa to a two-year contract but have not officially announced it.

Hakanpaa, 32, is reportedly dealing with a career-threatening knee injury. He believes he can still play but not everyone involved agrees.

Last week, Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said they were “working through that” and hope to get to it “sooner rather than later.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I mentioned last week, the definitive answer could come when the Leafs players undergo training camp medicals in mid-September.

BOSTON HERALD: Bruins forward John Beecher enters his sophomore season hoping to build on his rookie campaign.

Beecher, 23 had an up-and-down 2023-24, at one point spending almost two months with the Bruins AHL affiliate in Providence. However, he returned to the Bruins in March and played well down the stretch and in the postseason.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Washington Capitals could bring back their black Screaming Eagle jersey for their 50th anniversary this season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 16, 2024

by | Aug 16, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 16, 2024

Jeremy Swayman updates his contract negotiations with the Bruins, Milan Lucic hopes to continue his playing career, Tony DeAngelo talks about his fight with former Rangers teammate Alexandar Georgiev, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

WEEI.COM: Jeremy Swayman has yet to re-sign with the Boston Bruins. However, he believes they will get a deal done.

“There’s a lot of confidence,” said Swayman. “And I say that because I’ve treated it like a business as usual this year.” He said he’s been working out with his Bruins teammates and staff, adding that he felt they’re building something special for this year and he’s excited about that.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images).

“I know that it will take care of itself with time, and all I can do is control how I’m going to be a better goalie for the Boston Bruins this year. So, that’s all I’m focused on. And I know, again, it will work out, and I couldn’t be happier to be a Bruin.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The St. Louis Blues signing of two Edmonton Oilers players to offer sheets earlier this week has some Bruins observers nervous that another club will attempt to do the same with Swayman.

Anything’s possible but it’s unlikely. Swayman doesn’t sound interested in an offer from another club plus the Bruins have over $8.6 million in cap space this season. They can afford to match an offer for Swayman.

Assuming Swayman would sign an offer sheet, it would have to be an expensive pitch to tempt him and must be unmatchable for Boston.

Anything between $8.7 million and $9.16 million would entitle the Bruins to receive a first, a second and a third-round pick in compensation. Anything between $9.16 million to $11.45 million is two firsts, a second and a third rounder.

Given those high costs, it’s doubtful that a rival team will sign Swayman to an offer sheet.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Former Bruins winger Milan Lucic hopes to resume his playing career this season. The 36-year-old is currently suspended from the NHL after being arrested for assault and battery against a family member last November.

Lucic pled not guilty and the charges were eventually dropped after his wife, Brittany Lucic, invoked marital privilege and refused to testify. He was placed on indefinite leave following his arrest and the Bruins let his contract expire.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lucic would require the approval of commissioner Gary Bettman to resume his NHL career.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former New York Rangers defenseman Tony DeAngelo told his side of the story about his infamous fight with teammate Alexandar Georgiev during a January 2021 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

DeAngelo said he and Georgiev weren’t playing well in that game. As they left the ice, he yelled at the goaltender to “make a f**kin’ save!” Georgiev turned and headbutted the defenseman with his mask, prompting the blueliner to retaliate by swinging his stick at Georgiev’s head.

The altercation spilled over into the dressing room and was quickly broken up by their teammates. DeAngelo said he knew the fight in the tunnel shouldn’t have happened and took responsibility for the incident, saying his remark to Georgiev sparked the fight.

DeAngelo wound up placed on waivers and released by the Rangers. He felt the club could’ve handled it differently but acknowledged most of his difficulties that season were his fault. He also said he and Georgiev patched up their differences and there is no bad blood between them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeAngelo played for the Carolina Hurricanes in 2021-22 and 2023-24 and the PhiladelphiaFlyers in 2022-23. It’s rumored he could be signing with a KHL club for this season.

TSN: The Washington Capitals brought back winger Jakub Vrana on a professional tryout offer. Vrana, 28, spent nearly five seasons with the Capitals from 2016-17 to 2020-21 until shipped to the Detroit Red Wings at the 2021 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vrana has struggled since leaving the Capitals. He was limited to 26 games in 2021-22 and had a stint in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program the following season, which included a trade to the St. Louis Blues. This could be his last chance to get his NHL career on track.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Former Canadiens forward Steve Begin announced Thursday that he’s declaring bankruptcy. The 46-year-old confirmed the news on Facebook, saying the civil engineering company he’s invested in since 2013 went bankrupt.

“I could have tried to avoid the subject, but I chose to talk openly about it, because I believe there are lessons to be learned,” wrote Begin. He indicated it’s been a trying and hurtful experience for himself and his family, but he intends to push forward “to carry out great projects despite this ordeal.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some folks saw the headline on social media and felt Begin’s situation was being exploited by the press. That’s not the case at all. He’s going public about the ordeal and wants to explain what’s happened and what he’s learned from it.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The St. Louis Blues and the club’s alumni have each donated $5,000.00 to help pay for medical expenses for the brother and nephew of former Blues player Kyle Brodziak.

Ryan Brodziak and his young son Ozzy were walking their dog in their Sherwood Park, Alberta neighbourhood when they were struck by an out-of-control vehicle. Ryan suffered a spinal core injury and multiple fractures to his spine while Ozzy suffered a fractured skull and a fractured left arm. Their dog was taken to an emergency vet for care and is now home with the family.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist the Brodziaks.