NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 6, 2025

by | Dec 6, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 6, 2025

Stars winger Mikko Rantanen reaches a scoring milestone, Ducks forward Beckett Sennecke takes over the lead in the rookie scoring race, the Kings aren’t considering a coach change, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF FRIDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen had a goal and two assists as the Dallas Stars defeated the San Jose Sharks 4-1, extending their points streak to nine games. Wyatt Johnston collected two assists as the Stars have won six of their last seven games, improving to 19-5-5. Collin Graf replied for the 13-13-3 Sharks.

Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rantanen recorded his 200th career regular-season multipoint game. He’s the fourth Finnish player in NHL history to do so, joining Jari Kurri (385), Teemu Selanne (382), and Aleksander Barkov (209).

The Anaheim Ducks nipped the Washington Capitals 4-3 on a shootout goal by Mason McTavish, snapping the latter’s six-game winning streak. Beckett Sennecke and Ross Johnston each had a goal and an assist as the Ducks (17-10-1) remain perched atop the Pacific Division with 35 points. Logan Thompson made 35 saves for the Capitals (17-9-3), who remain in first place in the Eastern Conference with 37 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sennecke took over the lead in the NHL rookie scoring race with 22 points. His teammate, Mikael Granlund, returned to action following a 10-game absence with a lower-body injury.

Capitals rookie Ryan Leonard left this game in the first period following a high hit by Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba, who was initially assessed a five-minute major penalty but that was overturned upon review.

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Akira Schmid made 24 saves to shut out the New Jersey Devils 3-0. Shea Theodore, Tomas Hertl, and Ivan Barbashev were the goal scorers, while Jack Eichel picked up two assists for the 13-6-8 Golden Knights, who picked up their third straight victory. Jacob Markstrom made 22 saves for the Devils, who have lost four straight and dropped to 16-11-1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart missed this game as he’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury. They also placed center William Karlsson (lower body) on long-term injury reserve.

The Winnipeg Jets got a goal and an assist from Kyle Connor in a 4-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Connor extended his goal streak to four games, Gabriel Vilardi and Cole Koepke also had a goal and an assist each, and Eric Comrie made 34 saves for the 14-12-1 Jets. Jason Zucker scored for the Sabres, who dropped to 11-13-4.

Utah Mammoth goalie Karel Vejmelka stopped 31 shots as his club beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-1. Mikhail Sergachev and Kevin Stenlund each had a goal and an assist for the 14-12-3 Mammoth. Arshdeep Bains scored for the Canucks (10-15-3) as their losing skid extended for four games.

IN OTHER NEWS…

TSN: Pierre LeBrun contacted Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland regarding rumors that head coach Jim Hiller might be replaced. Holland said there was “zero truth” to the speculation, which arose because the Kings are mired in an extended slump.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings have won twice in their last eight games (2-3-3). They are 29th in scoring, averaging 2.56 goals per game.

THE ATHLETIC: Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy said he’s dropped almost 20 pounds since suffering a fractured jaw when he was struck in the face on Nov. 15 by a slapshot by Montreal Canadiens blueliner Noah Dobson.

McAvoy underwent surgery and is on a liquid diet during his recovery. It will take six weeks from the date of his surgery until his jaw is healed. He cannot eat solid food until then. Head coach Marco Sturm said they won’t rush McAvoy back into the lineup, preferring to wait until he’s fully recovered physically and mentally.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No date has been set yet for McAvoy’s return, but it wouldn’t be surprising if it is sometime in early January.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators center Shane Pinto (lower-body injury) will miss Saturday’s game with the St. Louis Blues. It remains unknown as to how much longer he’ll be out of the lineup.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Nashville Predators placed forward Ozzy Wiesblatt and defenseman Justin Barron on injured reserve with upper-body injuries.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 1, 2025

by | Dec 1, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 1, 2025

Connor Bedard leading the Blackhawks to a comeback victory highlights Sunday’s NHL action, an update on the injury status of Rangers defenseman Adam Fox, and more in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Connor Bedard scored two goals and assisted on two others to lead the Chicago Blackhawks to a 5-3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Spencer Knight stopped 23 shots as the 11-9-5 Blackhawks overcame a 3-0 deficit, snapping a five-game winless skid (0-4-1). Cutter Gauthier and Troy Terry each had two points for the Ducks (15-9-1), who hold first place in the Pacific Division with 31 points.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bedard moves into a tie for second place in the points race (37) with San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini. Ducks goaltender Petr Mrazek left the game midway through the third period with a lower-body injury.

Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston tallied a hat trick and picked up an assist in a 6-1 drubbing of the Ottawa Senators. Jason Robertson had a goal and two assists, and Mikko Rantanen collected three assists for the 17-5-4 Stars, who picked up their fourth straight win. Jake Sanderson scored for the Senators (12-9-4), who have dropped three of their last four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin returned to action after missing six games with a lower-body injury.

The Carolina Hurricanes blanked the Calgary Flames 1-0 on an overtime goal by Nikolaj Ehlers. Brandon Bussi made 15 saves for the shutout as the Hurricanes improved to 16-7-2. Devin Cooley stopped 17 shots for the 9-14-4 Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The win vaulted the Hurricanes over the New Jersey Devils into first place in the Metropolitan Division with 34 points.

Washington Capitals winger Tom Wilson scored two goals to defeat the New York Islanders 4-1. Alex Ovechkin scored his 909th career NHL regular-season goal, and Logan Thompson kicked out 30 shots for the Capitals (15-9-2), who collected their fourth straight victory. Bo Horvat scored for the 13-10-3 Islanders, who are winless in their last three games (0-2-1).

NEW YORK POST: Rangers defenseman Adam Fox was placed on long-term injury reserve with what is believed to be an injured left shoulder suffered during Saturday’s 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The injury is not considered season-threatening, and he will be reevaluated around Christmas.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fox’s absence creates a big hole in the Rangers’ blueline. He’s their top defenseman and is currently tied with winger Artemi Panarin as the club’s leading scorer with 26 points.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights recalled goaltender Carter Hart and assigned Carl Lindbom to their AHL affiliate. He’s expected to start in their Dec. 2 game against the Chicago Blackhawks.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 17, 2025

by | Oct 17, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 17, 2025

Jets center Mark Scheifele, Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, and Canadiens winger Cole Caufield tie franchise records. Get the details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF THURSDAY’S NHL GAMES

NHL.COM: Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele scored two goals in a 5-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, tying former teammate Blake Wheeler for the Jets 2.0 franchise points record with 812. Kyle Connor collected two assists for the Jets, who extended their win streak to three games. Flyers winger Matvei Michkov scored his first of the season as his club has dropped three of its first four games (1-2-1).

Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (NHL Images).

An overtime goal by Auston Matthews lifted the Toronto Maple Leafs over the New York Rangers 2-1. Matthews tied Mats Sundin for the most regular-season overtime goals (14) in Leafs history. William Nylander also scored for the Leafs, who’ve won three of their first five games. Juuso Parssinen replied for the Rangers, who dropped their third straight contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Luke Fox reports Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz believes there should be a rule change when a goalie loses his mask during play.

Under NHL rules, play can continue against a goalie who is not wearing a mask if a scoring chance is imminent. Stolarz’s mask was knocked off by a shot from Rangers forward Matt Rempe, but the Rangers still controlled the play, forcing the Leafs’ goalie to make a save without his mask before a stoppage in play.

Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield scored the tying goal with 20 seconds remaining in the third period and the winning goal in the final seconds of overtime for a 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators. Caufield tied Howie Morenz for the most regular-season overtime goals in franchise history with 10. Oliver Kapanen also scored for the Canadiens, who have won four of their last five to sit in first place in the Atlantic Division. Steven Stamkos and Nick Perbix scored for the Predators, who are 2-2-1 to open the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Caufield’s tying goal came after teammate Lane Hutson blocked an attempt at an empty-net goal by Jonathan Marchessault. Hutson quickly fired a long pass to Caufield, and the rest is history.

The Vegas Golden Knights held off the Boston Bruins 6-5, extending their season-opening points streak to five games (3-0-2). William Karlsson scored twice, Mark Stone had three assists, and Jack Eichel and Pavel Dorofeyev picked up two points for the Golden Knights. Michael Eyssimont and Sean Kuraly each had two points for the Bruins, who’ve dropped two straight after winning their first three games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dorofeyev is tied with Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto for the most goals this season with six. Stone leads all skaters with nine assists, and Eichel is the points leader with 11. Golden Knights forward Brett Howden and defenseman Noah Hanifin missed this game due to injuries.

Earlier in the day, the Golden Knights announced the signing of free-agent goaltender Carter Hart to a professional tryout offer.

A hat trick by Bo Horvat powered the New York Islanders to their first win of the season (1-3-0) by doubling up the Edmonton Oilers 4-2. Mathew Bazal had a goal and an assist, and David Rittich stopped 31 shots for the Islanders. Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored for the Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was a horrible game for Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard. His defensive mistakes led to breakaway goals by Barzal and Horvat.

Shootout goals by Tim Stutzle and Shane Pinto lifted the Ottawa Senators over the Seattle Kraken 4-3. Pinto also scored in regulation to tie Pavel Dorofeyev with his league-leading sixth goal, while Dylan Cozens tied the game late in regulation. Chandler Stephenson tallied twice for the Kraken, who are 2-0-2 in their first four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, the Senators announced team captain Brady Tkachuk underwent surgery on his injured hand. He is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

Kraken forward Frederick Gaudreau left the game after the second period with an undisclosed injury.

The New Jersey Devils defeated the Florida Panthers 3-1, handing the defending Stanley Cup champions their third straight loss after they opened the season with three straight wins. Timo Meier had a goal and an assist while Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier also scored for the Devils, who have won three straight. Evan Rodrigues scored for the Panthers.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes and winger Conor Garland each had a goal and an assist as they overcame a 2-0 deficit for a 5-3 upset of the Dallas Stars. Thatcher Demko made 28 saves for the Canucks, who are 2-2-0 to start the season. Jason Robertson had two assists for the Stars, who suffered their first loss after opening the season with three straight wins.

The Colorado Avalanche extended their season-opening points streak to five games (4-0-1) by dropping the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1, leaving them with one win in their first four games. Valeri Nichushkin tallied twice, and Cale Makar had a goal and an assist. Elvis Merzlikins turned aside 32 shots for the Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, Cam Atkinson signed a one-day contract with the Blue Jackets and officially announced his retirement. The 36-year-old forward spent 10 of his 13-season NHL career with the Blue Jackets. In 809 regular-season games with Columbus, Philadelphia Flyers, and Tampa Bay Lightning from 2011-12 to 2024-25, Atkinson had 253 goals and 236 assists for 489 points. He also had 26 points in 35 playoff games.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis scored two goals and set up another in a 4-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Shayne Gostisbehere had three assists, and Frederik Andersen stopped 23 shots for the Hurricanes, who remain undefeated to start the season (4-0-0). Leo Carlsson replied for the Ducks (2-2-0).

The Pittsburgh Penguins overcame a 2-0 deficit to upset the Los Angeles Kings 4-2. Filip Hallander’s first NHL goal was the game-winner, and Erik Karlsson collected two assists for the 3-2-0 Penguins. Warren Foegele and Kevin Fiala scored for the Kings, who’ve dropped four of their last five contests (1-3-1).










NHL Rumor Mill – October 3, 2025

by | Oct 3, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 3, 2025

How much could it cost the Canadiens to re-sign Lane Hutson? What’s the latest on Lukas Reichel, Carter Hart, and Michael McLeod? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT WILL LANE HUTSON’S NEXT CONTRACT LOOK LIKE?

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu and Pierre LeBrun examined what effect Luke Hughes’ new contract with the New Jersey Devils could have on the Montreal Canadiens’ efforts to re-sign Lane Hutson.

Hughes, 22, signed a seven-year deal with an average annual value of $9 million with the Devils.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (NHL Images).

Basu noted that Hutson will have little leverage because he’s coming off his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights. As a 10.2.c restricted free agent, he’ll be ineligible to receive an offer sheet from a rival club. Like Hughes, the only leverage Hutson will have is when training camp starts next fall.

LeBrun believes Hughes’ contract sets the bar for young defensemen coming out of their entry-level deals. He also thinks the Canadiens, like the Florida Panthers, are trying to build a salary-cap culture that fosters a better ability to contend long term.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes Hutson is worthy of a salary higher than the $9 million AAV being earned by Hughes and what Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe will earn on his new eight-year extension starting in 2026-27.

Proteau pointed to Hutson’s 60 assists last season, his ice time, his ability to get in front of the puck (123 blocked shots), and his Calder Trophy win could put him in line for $10 million annually.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico suggested that Hutson’s limited leverage could keep the AAV on his next contract closer to $9 million annually than $10 million. The Canadiens could also offer up hefty signing bonuses and retirement compensation agreements that could boost Hutson’s after-tax earnings. Even if the AAV matches that of Hughes and LaCombe on paper, Hutson could net more in real dollars.

TVA SPORTS: Nicolas Cloutier doesn’t consider LaCombe as a good comparable for Hutson, suggesting Hughes is the better one. He also believes another dominant performance by the young Canadiens defenseman this season will give the youngster more negotiating power.

Cloutier wondered if the Canadiens could find a way to get Hutson extended as quickly as possible and integrate him into their salary structure for under $10 million annually.

Meanwhile, Renaud Lavoie reported further on how Hutson could use a tax break called the retirement compensation agreement, allowing a market like Montreal to offer financial gain to foreign-born players like Hutson.

For example, he would save up to $1.14 million on a contract with an AAV of $8 million. However, he would have to place 50 percent of his salary in trust to obtain the tax relief.

Lavoie cited sources who claim the Canadiens intend to use this leverage with the Hutson camp. It would enable the American-born blueliner to earn more money than Hughes with the Devils or LaCombe with the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: These reports make interesting reading on what Huston’s next contract could look like, and its potential effects on other young defensemen coming out of their entry-level deals. D’Amico’s goes into great detail on what the Canadiens could do to keep the cap hit closer to $9 million.

Canadiens management has done a good job in signing their rising young stars to reasonable contracts with little difficulty. They possess most of the leverage in negotiations with the Hutson camp, but it could still be their biggest challenge given his uniqueness. It will take a significant sell job on their part to convince Hutson’s representatives to accept less than $10 million annually.

How the Canadiens handle Hutson’s contract negotiations could set the template for talks with promising winger Ivan Demidov when he becomes eligible to sign a contract extension next July.

COULD THE OILERS PURSUE LUKAS REICHEL?

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson reports Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is “kicking tires” on Chicago Blackhawks winger Lukas Reichel. Where the struggling youngster would fit within the Oilers is a thorny issue.

When Bowman was GM of the Blackhawks, he selected Reichel 17th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. However, the 23-year-old winger has spun his wheels the last two seasons, and the Blackhawks no longer see him as a top-nine winger.

Bowman has done well thus far with reclamation projects such as Ty Emberson and Vasily Podkolzin. He also acquired Jake Walman and Connor Ingram. However, trying to fit Reichel’s $1.2 million AAV within their limited cap payroll could be challenging, as well as finding a suitable role for him within their current roster.

THE LATEST ON CARTER HART AND MICHAEL MCLEOD

THE ATHLETIC: Citing sources, Chris Johnston reports the Carolina Hurricanes will not sign goaltender Carter Hart or forward Michael McLeod.

Both were among the five former Hockey Canada players acquitted of sexual assault stemming from an incident in 2018 in London, Ontario. The Hurricanes were interested in Hart and McLeod, but they couldn’t reach agreements that both sides would be comfortable with.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hart is reportedly close to signing a two-year contract with the Vegas Golden Knights. The deal would be made official on Oct. 15, and the earliest he can play for them is Dec. 1, when his NHL suspension is lifted.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 2, 2025

by | Oct 2, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 2, 2025

The latest Penguins speculation, possible moves by the Devils after re-signing Luke Hughes, and the latest on Carter Hart in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST PENGUINS SPECULATION

BLEACHER REPORT: Frank Seravalli suggested the Florida Panthers as a trade destination for Evgeni Malkin if the long-time Pittsburgh Penguins center is willing to move by the March trade deadline.

Malkin, 39, is in the final season of his contract and has a full no-movement clause. Seravalli noted that the Panthers are among the league’s most successful teams, and Malkin makes his offseason home in the Miami area.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said he intends to wait until the Olympic break in February before talking with Malkin about his future. That will depend on his performance this season.

The Panthers are taking a wait-and-see approach regarding how they’ll replace sidelined captain Aleksander Barkov. They could have younger trade options in mind.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe believes Dubas isn’t against moving veterans like Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and Erik Karlsson.

Some observers felt that may have changed based on recent comments made by Sidney Crosby’s agent, suggesting his client wouldn’t be happy if Rust and Rakell were moved. However, Yohe felt that Dubas would pull the trigger if he received a significant offer that made sense for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So far, the Penguins haven’t received any offers that would tempt Dubas to move any of those players. That could change over the course of the upcoming regular season.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE DEVILS AFTER RE-SIGNING LUKE HUGHES?

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols looked at the short and long-term questions facing the Devils in the wake of their re-signing defenseman Luke Hughes on Wednesday.

Hughes, 22, inked a seven-year contract worth an average annual value of $9 million. That AAV ties him with fellow blueliner Dougie Hamilton as the highest on the team this season.

The Devils are nearly $4 million over the $95.5 million salary cap ($3.983 million) and must become cap-compliant when their regular-season schedule begins next week.

One option is placing sidelined defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic and his $4 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve (LTIR). They could also put forward Stefan Noesen ($2.75 million) on LTIR for additional cap flexibility. However, the Devils will have to free up cap room when they’re ready to return to action.

Nichols also wondered about Hamilton’s future, pointing to trade speculation that surfaced during the offseason. He recently said that he loves being with the Devils and wants to help them win the Stanley Cup. However, his full no-trade protection has been downgraded to a 10-team trade list.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Chris Johnston also wondered about Hamilton’s future with the Devils in the aftermath of Hughes signing his new contract. They don’t need to trade him now, but could reach the point where they no longer need to carry two $9 million AAV defensemen, especially when only one can run the power play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton is signed through 2027-28, and his cap hit could be difficult to move despite the rising salary cap. Having a 10-team trade list significantly narrows the number of potential trade partners. His age (32), performance, and injury history are other factors that could hurt his trade value.

CARTER HART COULD JOIN THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston reports it is “almost certain” that Carter Hart will be signing with the Vegas Golden Knights. He believes the former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender is close to signing a contract with them.

Hart is among the five former Hockey Canada players acquitted of sexual assault charges stemming from an incident in London, Ontario, in 2018. They are now eligible to sign NHL contracts, effective Oct. 15, and can participate in games once their league suspensions expire on Dec. 1.

Johnston also noted recent reports suggesting forward Michael McLeod could sign with the Carolina Hurricanes. However, a league source claimed that’s no longer certain given the pushback the organization has received since word of their interest leaked to the media.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 26, 2025

by | Sep 26, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 26, 2025

Stars captain Jamie Benn undergoes surgery, Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov injured at practice, Mitch Marner makes his preseason debut with the Golden Knights, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn will undergo surgery for a collapsed lung suffered during Tuesday’s preseason game against the Minnesota Wild.

Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn (NHL Images).

Stars general manager Jim Nill said Benn didn’t feel well after taking a hit late in the third period. The 36-year-old forward was x-rayed at the arena, where a hole was found in his lung. He went to Parkland Hospital for observation, where the decision was made that he should undergo surgery.

Benn is expected to make a full recovery and will be reevaluated in four weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Benn was initially listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury following that game against the Wild. The earliest he could return to action is in late October.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov had to be helped from the ice during the club’s first main preseason practice with their regular squad on Thursday.

Barkov appeared to be favoring his right leg. Head coach Paul Maurice didn’t provide much of an update on the 30-year-old center, saying he’ll give an update on Friday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barkov won the Frank J. Selke Trophy last season as the league’s top defensive forward for the second straight year and the third time since 2020-21. It will be a big loss for the Panthers if he misses significant time, especially with winger Matthew Tkachuk out until January recovering from offseason surgeries and center Tomas Nosek sidelined by a knee injury.

RDS.CA: Mitch Marner made his preseason debut with the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday. He collected an assist on one of Jack Eichel’s two goals in a 3-2 overtime victory over the Utah Mammoth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner was the biggest name to be moved during the offseason. He was shipped to the Golden Knights by the Toronto Maple Leafs in a sign-and-trade deal.

DAILY FACEOFF: Montreal Canadiens defensemen Noah Dobson, Kaiden Guhle, and David Reinbacher left Thursday’s 7-2 preseason loss to the Maple Leafs.

Dobson and Guhle are listed as day-to-day with groin injuries, while Reinbacher was still being evaluated following the game. Dobson and Reinbacher suffered their injuries during the game, while Guhle was withheld from the contest for maintenance reasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said he didn’t think that the injuries were serious and wasn’t too worried about it.

NEW YORK POST: An upper-body injury kept Islanders winger Anthony Duclair out of the lineup as his club defeated the New York Rangers 5-4 in preseason action on Thursday. He’s listed as day-to-day.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Duclair rushed back too soon from a groin injury last season, which affected his performance. They’re taking a more cautious approach this season.

SPORTSNET: The Utah Mammoth placed goaltender Connor Ingram on waivers Thursday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Followers of the Edmonton Oilers are stumping for their club to claim Ingram to bolster their goaltending depth. However, David Staples of the Edmonton Journal pointed out that one of the clubs ahead of the Oilers in the waiver claim order will likely get him first. Staples also pointed out that the Oilers lack the cap space to pick up Ingram’s $1.95 million cap hit.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins have brought back former captain Zdeno Chara in a front office role. They announced on Thursday that he will serve as their Hockey Operations Advisor and Mentor.

NEW YORK POST: The Islanders will induct former forward Pat LaFontaine into their Hall of Fame during a pregame ceremony on Dec. 13. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report indicates that this will end a long-standing rift between LaFontaine and the organization, dating back to a contract dispute in 1991-92. In 2006, he was brought in as an advisor to then-owner Charles Wang, but resigned six weeks later after Neil Smith was fired as general manager.

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus reports the return of Carter Hart and Michael McLeod to the NHL seems imminent. Both were among five former Hockey Canada members who were acquitted of sexual assault charges earlier this month.

Both players have been linked to the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights. Lazerus reports the two teams handled questions about them differently.

According to Lazerus, the Hurricanes “acknowledged the gravity of the situation and were open to talking about it, even in somewhat awkward hypotheticals.” However, the Golden Knights declined to let head coach Bruce Cassidy speak to The Athletic one-on-one after learning of the topic. Before Cassidy’s press conference, a spokesperson pulled the reporter from the room, told them to leave the facility immediately, and revoked their press pass for that night’s game.

The spokesperson claimed the reporter “ambushed” Golden Knights defenseman Noah Hanifin during routine locker-room media interviews that morning, and the team wasn’t comfortable allowing the reporter to cover the game. Lazerus claimed that Hanifin showed no irritation about the questions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Golden Knights aren’t comfortable with a reporter asking questions about rumors linking them to a controversial player, how will they react if they sign that player?