NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 17, 2023

by | Sep 17, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 17, 2023

The Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard and the Blue Jackets’Adam Fantilli shine in their rookie tournament performances, Panthers goalie Spencer Knight talks about enrolling in the player assistance program last season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

DAILY FACEOFF: Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard and Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli made impressive debuts with their clubs during the NHL rookie tournaments.

Chicago Blackhawks prospect Connor Bedard (NHL.com).

The first-overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Bedard scored a hat trick in a 5-0 win over the Minnesota Wild at the Tom Kurvers Prospects Showcase on Saturday. Fantilli, chosen third overall in the draft, also netted a hat trick and collected two assists as the Blue Jackets rookies overcame a 4-1 deficit to down the Detroit Red Wings 10-7.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A splendid effort by Bedard and Fantilli suiting up for the first time with their respective NHL clubs. However, they’ll soon face stiffer competition in preseason play later this month.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Florida Panthers goaltender Spencer Knight talked to Ken Campbell about why he enrolled in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in February. An ongoing case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) made it impossible for him to continue playing.

Knight revealed that his condition began during his freshman year at Boston College in 2019 with excessive hand washing. However, it worsened after giving up three goals in a December game against the Winnipeg Jets. He was plagued by thoughts of contracting diseases, reaching the point where he had trouble sleeping and couldn’t function.

The 22-year-old goaltender has been working directly with an OCD expert and talking to others who are dealing with the condition on a daily basis. As Knight rejoins his teammates for training camp, he’s focused on regaining his form and getting his NHL career back on track.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rumors were rampant that Knight was dealing with a drug or alcohol problem when he went into the player assistance program. This goes to show that we shouldn’t make assumptions about the reasons behind a player seeking help from the league and the PA.

It’s good to see that this program helps those with mental health issues get the treatment and support that they need. Best wishes to Knight as he goes forward with his life and his playing career.

THE ATHLETIC: Tony DeAngelo shouldered the blame for his disappointing one-season tenure with the Philadelphia Flyers. The 27-year-old defenseman acknowledged the club started last season behind the eight-ball losing Sean Couturier and Cam Atkinson sidelined by injuries. However, he said that his inconsistent performance was his own fault.

“So that was on me, that wasn’t on them,” said DeAngelo. “But it was something I’ll never trade in.” He felt that playing for the Flyers was a childhood dream come true. “It’s something I can’t say I regret.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers acquired DeAngelo from the Carolina Hurricanes last summer. After efforts to trade him back to Carolina fell through, they bought out the final season of his contract. The Hurricanes subsequently signed him to a one-year, $1.675 million contract.

MAYOR’S MANOR: Promising defenseman Brandt Clarke will not be traveling with the Los Angeles Kings to Australia as the club begins training camp and plays a series of preseason games with the Arizona Coyotes.

Clarke, 20, suffered an injury that isn’t considered serious. However, he requires seven-to-10 days without on-ice contact. It was determined it would be best if he remained in Los Angeles and received treatment.

THE ATHLETIC’s Michael Russo cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting that the Minnesota Wild could be working on something for free-agent center Jujhar Khaira. Russo speculates it could be a professional tryout offer or a contract.

ROTO BALLER: Josh Leivo has signed with KHL club Salavat Yulaev Ufa. The 30-year-old winger played 51 games last season with the St. Louis Blues. He’s totaled 265 games over 10 NHL seasons since 2013-14 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes and the Blues, scoring a total of 42 goals and 93 points.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins confirmed and revealed their Centennial jerseys for this season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines and Rumors – July 25, 2023

by | Jul 25, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines and Rumors – July 25, 2023

The Stars sign GM Jim Nill to a contract extension, the Hurricanes sign Tony DeAngelo plus the latest speculation on the Leafs, Rangers and Coyotes in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines and Rumors

MORNING COFFEE HEADLINES

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars signed general manager Jim Nill to a two-year contract extension. He is entering his 11th season with the Stars and became the first general manager in franchise history to win the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year award last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nill did a fine job rebuilding the Stars in his early years, weathering some difficult times and bringing in young talent such as Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz and Jake Oettinger. They reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2020 and the Western Conference Final last season.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Carolina Hurricanes have brought back Tony DeAngelo, signing the puck-moving defenseman to a one-year, $1.675 million contract.

DeAngelo, 27, played for the Hurricanes in 2021-22 and was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers last summer, who signed him to a two-year contract worth an average annual value of $5 million. However, the Flyers bought out the final year of his contract earlier this month, making him an unrestricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeAngelo played a better-disciplined game during his first tenure with the Hurricanes which explains why the Hurricanes brought him back. They had a trade in place with the Flyers earlier this month to acquire him with the latter retaining half of his cap hit but the deal was rejected on a CBA technicality.

The Hurricanes were reportedly among the teams interested in acquiring San Jose Sharks blueliner Erik Karlsson. Signing DeAngelo likely takes them out of the Karlsson sweepstakes.

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith reports the Minnesota Wild and goaltender Filip Gustavsson could be headed to arbitration to resolve his contract situation. Gustavsson, 25, is coming off a two-year contract with an AAV of $787,500. He filed for arbitration and his hearing date is Aug. 4.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gustavsson and the Wild will make their respective contract submissions to the arbitrator 48 hours prior to his scheduled hearing.

CAP FRIENDLY: Speaking of arbitration, Gustavsson is among eight players with hearings scheduled from July 30 (Arizona’s Jack McBain and Boston’s Jeremy Swayman) to Aug. 4 (Gustavsson, Edmonton’s Ryan McLeod, Pittsburgh’s Drew O’Connor and the New York Rangers’ Brandon Scanlin).

Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander (NHL Images).

Others include Boston’s Trent Frederic (Aug. 1) and Anaheim’s Troy Terry.

RUMOR MILL

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons believes the Maple Leafs cannot afford to pay William Nylander the $9 million to $10 million annual cap hit that he’s seeking on his next contract. It’s still less than what John Tavares, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner are currently making.

Simmons doubts the Leafs will get anything close to equal value for Nylander in a trade. He recommends letting the 27-year-old winger play out the final year of his contract and then let him walk via free agency. Simmons argues the Leafs could use the money they would’ve paid Nylander to put toward “all kinds of possibilities for roster movement” between now and next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The latest reports on Nylander’s contract negotiations claim they’re not going well with the two sides far apart.

General manager Brad Treliving went through a similar situation in 2021-22 with winger Johnny Gaudreau while GM of the Calgary Flames. He hoped to re-sign Gaudreau but wound up watching the winger depart for Columbus as a free agent last summer.

That’s sparked speculation that Treliving won’t go through the same thing with Nylander. Others, meanwhile, share Simmons’ belief that they should retain him this season as the Leafs chase the Stanley Cup, let him walk next summer and use the cap room to bolster their depth elsewhere.

It’ll be interesting to see how Treliving addresses this. While he won’t get equal value for Nylander in the trade market, he could get a couple of promising young players in return who could blossom into future stars. However, if the “Shanaplan” remains pursuing the Stanley Cup this season, they’ll likely keep Nylander and watch him depart as a free agent next July.

TSN: Travis Yost considers the contract buyout possibilities for the Maple Leafs in the wake of Ilya Samsonov’s contract award via arbitration on Sunday.

With the Leafs now well over the $83.5 million salary cap, Yost believes a buyout is coming before their second buyout window closes barring a cost-cutting trade. He suggests oft-injured goaltender Matt Murray or defenseman T.J. Brodie as candidates, though buying out the latter could hurt their efforts to be a Cup contender this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yost also points out that the Leafs could place Murray on long-term injury reserve. However, they would have to be salary-cap compliant once he’s ready to return to the lineup. Of course, if injuries have ended his playing career they can place him on LTIR and buy out Brodie or someone else.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks recently noted an unusually large number of free agents remain unsigned. He wondered how many of them would accept one-year contracts or tryout offers and if the Rangers might be able to tap into that low-cost pool to fill out their roster.

Among the notables that Brooks listed were Max Comtois, Jesse Puljujarvi, Zack Kassian, Anders Bjork, Colin White, Danton Heinen, Austin Watson, Cal Foote and Ethan Bear.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Puljujarvi might not be able to play until much later in the coming season. He underwent double hip surgery and faces a long recovery period.

GOPHNX.COM: In his latest mailbag segment, Craig Morgan was asked about why the Arizona Coyotes didn’t trade Nick Schmaltz this summer given how backloaded his contract was. Morgan believes they’re willing to absorb that cost given their shift to improving year over year as well as Schmaltz’s chemistry with high-scoring winger Clayton Keller.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Morgan believes Keller wouldn’t have been very happy if Schmaltz was traded. He tied the franchise single-season points record (86) in 2022-23 with Schmaltz as his linemate.

Morgan was also asked about the trade rumors that swirled about Coyotes goaltender Karel Vejmelka. While they’re always willing to listen to offers, management hasn’t put Vejmelka on the trade block.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines and Rumors – July 23, 2023

by | Jul 23, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines and Rumors – July 23, 2023

Evgeny Kuznetsov eligible to return to international competition, Bruins reportedly cut ties with Mitchell Miller in February, plus the latest on Erik Karlsson, Matt Dumba, and Tony DeAngelo in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines and Rumors.

MORNING COFFEE HEADLINES

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Evgeny Kuznetsov is now eligible to return to participate in international hockey events. The 31-year-old Washington Capitals center received a four-year ban for cocaine use in June 2019 which officially ended on June 12 of this year.

Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuznetsov won’t be participating in international competition with his native Russia anytime soon. That country is currently not allowed to take part in such events due to its ongoing war with Ukraine.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Boston Bruins have parted ways with defenseman Mitchell Miller.

The Bruins signed Miller on Nov. 4 but soon disassociated themselves from the 21-year-old defenseman following backlash over the signing. At age 14, Miller pled guilty to one count of assault and one count of violating the Ohio Safe Schools Act for a series of racially-motivated acts against a developmentally challenged classmate over a series of months.

The Bruins terminated Miller’s contract and the NHL Players Association filed a grievance on his behalf. A source tells Brooks that a settlement was reached back in February in lieu of a hearing releasing the Bruins from their obligation while paying Miller an undisclosed amount of money and granting him free agency. He’s expected to seek employment in Europe.

SUNDAY NHL RUMOR ROUNDUP

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski cited Erik Karlsson telling the Swedish publication Expressen that he’s not okay with returning to the San Jose Sharks. While he likes living and playing in San Jose, he’s at the stage in his career where he risks running out of chances to win the Stanley Cup.

Karlsson said Sharks general manager Mike Grier knows his position and is trying to accommodate him. Still, Kingerski believes this will put additional pressure on Grier to get a deal done this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Based on recent reports it appears that the Karlsson sweepstakes is down to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes with the Penguins considered the front-runners. The offers and counter-offers have been made and now everyone waits to see if the Penguins, Hurricanes or Sharks blink first.

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby took note of Karlsson’s admission in the same interview that he’s spoken with the Maple Leafs as well as several other clubs regarding a trade.

Hornby, however, isn’t getting too excited about this. He pointed out that the Pittsburgh Penguins seem much closer to landing Karlsson. He also noted that Leafs general manager Brad Treliving likes to get into trade discussions involving elite players, “if only to wave his team’s flag.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, Treliving looked into it but it’s doubtful he has a legitimate show at landing Karlsson.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey recently cited Sportsnet’s Luke Fox reporting the Arizona Coyotes have emerged as the leading candidates to sign Matt Dumba. The Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres and Dallas Stars also reportedly had interest along with the Sharks. Dumba, 28, is the top defenseman remaining in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see what type of contract Dumba signed regardless of which team gets him. He could bet on himself with a one-year deal in the hope of landing a more lucrative deal next summer when the salary cap is projected to rise by $4 million for 2024-25.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Chuck Bausman wondered if the Carolina Hurricanes might consider bringing back Tony DeAngelo as “Plan B” if their efforts to acquire Erik Karlsson fall through.

The Hurricanes had a deal in place with the Flyers to bring back DeAngelo earlier this month. However, the deal was held up on a CBA technicality and eventually fell through. The Flyers subsequently bought out the final year of his contract, making the 27-year-old defenseman an unrestricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I daresay Karlsson’s availability changed things for the Hurricanes. We can’t rule out the possibility of them circling back to DeAngelo but recent reports indicate they haven’t spoken with his camp since he was bought out earlier this month.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 17, 2023

by | Jul 17, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 17, 2023

A roundup of the weekend’s notable headlines including the latest on Evander Kane, Tony DeAngelo and Alex Galchenyuk plus the recent contract signings and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

DAILY FACEOFF: Evander Kane is leaving the Hockey Diversity Alliance, an organization he helped to create. In a statement, the Edmonton Oilers winger indicated that he believes the HDA is being led and influenced by members with individual agendas along with a combative approach with other organizations pursuing similar goals.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers placed Tony DeAngelo on waivers on Friday for the purpose of buying out the final season of his contract, which they did on Saturday.

Philadelphia Flyers bought out defenseman Tony DeAngelo (NHL Images).

The club believed they had a trade in place earlier this month that would send DeAngelo back to the Carolina Hurricanes. After it fell through due to a CBA clause, general manager Daniel Briere opted to buy out the final year of the 27-year-old defenseman’s contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The trade with the Hurricanes would’ve seen the Flyer retain 50 percent of DeAngelo’s $5 million average annual value. The buyout counts as $1.666 million against their cap for 2023-24 and 2024-25. He is now an unrestricted free agent.

SPORTSNET: The Arizona Coyotes terminated the contract of Alex Galchenyuk over a material breach of his deal following a report of the 29-year-old winger being arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona, on a number of different charges, including private property hit and run, disorderly conduct, failure to obey, resisting arrest and threatening or intimidating.

ARIZONA SPORTS: Details were released on Friday on what led the Coyotes to terminate Galchenyuk’s contract. The winger was heavily intoxicated when apprehended and made a series of threats and racial slurs toward the arresting officer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL Players’ Association is reportedly reviewing the matter. Galchenyuk could receive treatment and counseling via the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Whatever the outcome, this is likely the end of Galchenyuk’s playing career.

DAILY FACEOFF: Speaking of the Coyotes, they have signed winger Matias Maccelli to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $3.425 million. When it expires, he’ll be 25 years old, eligible for arbitration and two years away from UFA eligibility.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maccelli had a solid rookie performance in 2022-23, netting 49 points in 64 games to finish fourth in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year.

ARIZONA SPORTS: The Coyotes signed forward Zach Sanford to a one-year, two-way contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sanford replaces Galchenyuk on the Coyotes roster.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: The Lightning avoided arbitration with winger Tanner Jeannot, signing him to a two-year contract with an annual average value of $2.665 million.

SPORTSNET: The St. Louis Blues avoided arbitration with Alexey Toropchenko by reaching an agreement on a two-year, $2.5 million contract. They also signed 2023 first-round pick (10th overall) Dalibor Dvorsky to a three-year entry-level contract.

TWINCITIES.COM: The Minnesota Wild avoided arbitration with winger Brandon Duhaime by signing him to a one-year, $1.1 million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The signings of Jeannot, Toropchenko and Duhaime bring the number of players who re-signed with their clubs before their scheduled arbitration hearings to eight.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: New York Islanders winger Oliver Wahlstrom and goaltender Jakub Skarek elected not to accept the club’s qualifying offers. They both have until Dec. 1 to sign contracts with the Isles or face missing the remainder of the 2023-24 season.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils signed forward Chris Tierney to a one-year, two-way contract.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins re-signed defenseman Ty Smith to a one-year, one-way contract worth $775K.

SEATTLE HOCKEY INSIDER: The Kraken signed 2023 first-round pick (20th overall) Eduard Sale to a three-year entry-level deal.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Anaheim Ducks re-signed goaltender Lukas Dostal to a two-year contract. It’s a two-way deal for 2023-24 with an AAV of $775K at the NHL level, becoming a one-way agreement for 2024-25 with an AAV of $850K.

CBC NEWS: Former NHL player and coach Billy MacMillan passed away on Friday at age 80. The Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island native had 151 points in 446 NHL games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Atlanta Flames and New York Islanders from 1970-71 to 1976-77. He also won a Memorial Cup in 1961 and was a bronze medalist for Canada in 1968.

MacMillan won a Stanley Cup with the New York Islanders as an assistant coach in 1979-80. He was also coach of the Colorado Rockies in 1980-81 and was the first head coach in New Jersey Devils history from 1982 to 1984. He also coached the Fort Worth Texans to a CHL championship in 1977-78.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacMillan had a successful, well-rounded career as a player and coach. Inducted into the PEI Sports Hall of Fame in 1985, he was an inspiration for young Islanders pursuing their hockey dreams. My condolences to MacMillan’s family, friends, former teammates, and those who played for him during his coaching days.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 14, 2023

by | Jul 14, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – July 14, 2023

More speculation tying the Penguins to Erik Karlsson plus the latest on Evgeny Kuznetsov and Tony DeAngelo in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE PENGUINS AND KARLSSON

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng cited The Athletic’s Rob Rossi reporting the Pittsburgh Penguins are confident that they’re the preferred destination of San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson. “They have multiple plans for how to acquire him if/when the Sharks decide to make a move.”

Peng also cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli telling Sportsnet 590 Toronto that “a number of teams” have spoken to Karlsson directly. He also didn’t mention any specific teams other than the Carolina Hurricanes.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

The Penguins were reportedly very close to acquiring Karlsson on July 1. Whatever happened, that deal died later in the day.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dave Molinari finds the interest in Karlsson by Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas to be “more than a little perplexing.”

Molinari points out the Penguins are already “reasonably solid” on the right side of their defense plus they’re already pressed for salary-cap space next season without taking on part of Karlsson’s $11.5 million salary-cap hit. Acquiring the Sharks defenseman would also sacrifice more of the Penguins’ organizational depth by draining an already shallow prospect pool.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s clear the Penguins intend to shore up the depth around aging stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang in the hope of staging one final run for the Stanley Cup with that group.

If Dubas can pull it off without sacrificing too much of his limited prospect depth it might work out for them. Nevertheless, I don’t see how the addition of Karlsson would provide this club with the type of depth necessary to stage another run for the Cup based on the current makeup of the Penguins roster.

Moving one or two current roster players as part of the return for Karlsson will still leave them with limited cap space and fewer tradeable assets to address other depth areas over the course of 2023-24.

LATEST ON KUZNETSOV

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber cited Capitals.com’s Mike Vogel seeming to hint that Evgeny Kuznetsov did request a trade last season. “Kuznetsov could hasten his exit with a strong start if he still desires a departure from the District,” wrote Vogel.

Reports of a trade request surfaced toward the end of last season. Kuznetsov didn’t comment directly about the rumors but did seem to deny them.

Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan attempted to move Kuznetsov at the 2023 NHL Draft but nothing materialized. There were talks with the Nashville Predators that would’ve reunited the winger with Barry Trotz but those discussions fell through. MacLellan indicated on July 2 that he would continue to monitor the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Kuznetsov’s performance last season combined with his $7.8 million average annual value through 2024-25 and 10-team no-trade list makes him a tough sell in a summer with a flattened salary cap.

WHAT’S THE HOLDUP IN THE DEANGELO TRADE?

THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: Gustav Elvin explored why an agreed-upon trade between the Flyers and Hurricanes that would send defenseman Tony DeAngelo back to the Canes has not yet occurred.

It’s been nearly three weeks since reports emerged the two clubs had a trade in place with the Flyers retaining 50 percent of DeAngelo’s $5 million cap hit for 2023-24. However, it may have been held up because the CBA states that a team cannot reacquire a player whom they have retained salary from for a minimum of one year after the date of the transaction.

That prompted speculation the deal would be finalized on July 9, one year and a day after the Flyers had acquired DeAngelo from the Hurricanes.

Elvin wonders if the holdup might be tied to the Hurricanes’ rumored interest in San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson. He speculates that might mean trading Brett Pesce to free up cap room to acquire Karlsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This could drag on for a while if the Hurricanes are jockeying with the Penguins to land Karlsson. DeAngelo would complete the final year of his contract with the Flyers if their deal with the Hurricanes falls through. They could also attempt to find another club willing to take him off their hands for 50 percent of his salary.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 27, 2023

by | Jun 27, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 27, 2023

Connor McDavid tops the list of winners at the 2023 NHL Awards, the First and Second All-Star Teams and All-Rookie Teams are announced, the Bruins trade Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno to the Blackhawks and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

2023 NHL AWARDS, ALL-STAR AND ALL-ROOKIE TEAMS

NHL.COM: Connor McDavid was the big winner at the 2023 NHL Awards. The Edmonton Oilers captain took home the Hart Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player to his team and the Ted Lindsay Award as the league’s most outstanding player as voted by fellow members of the NHL Players Association.

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

McDavid had already won the Art Ross Trophy as this season’s leading scorer and the Maurice Richard Trophy as the top goal scorer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid is just the third player to win the Lindsay Award four times, joining Wayne Gretzky (five times) and Mario Lemieux (four times). He also joins Washington’s Alex Ovechkin (2007-08) as the only two players to win the Hart, Lindsay, Ross and Richard trophies in the same season.

The Boston Bruins had three trophy winners. Captain Patrice Bergeron won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the top defensive forward for the second straight season and a record sixth time. Linus Ullmark won the Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender and Jim Montgomery was the winner of the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year.

Erik Karlsson of the San Jose Sharks won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the top defenseman. It’s the third time he’s been honored with this award.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson joins Paul Coffey as the only two blueliners to go eight-plus years between Norris Trophy wins. Frequently mentioned in trade rumors, this could further boost his stock in the trade market. He led the Sharks and all defensemen with 101 points, becoming the first blueliner since Brian Leetch in 1991-92 to reach the 100-point plateau.

Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers took home the Calder Memorial Trophy as the rookie of the year. He’s the first player in the club’s two-year history to win an NHL award. He led all rookies this season with 57 points in 80 games.

Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy as the league’s most gentlemanly player. It’s the second time he’s been honored with this award.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some folks denigrate this award but I think it’s worthwhile to honor players such as Kopitar who play with a high level of skill while taking few penalties. They should be singled out for their disciplined play in a physical sport like hockey.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang was the winner of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy honoring his perseverance and dedication to the game. He endure a stroke (the second of his career) and the death of his father yet finished the season with 41 points in 64 games.

Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his charity work.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Backlund’s future with the Flames remains uncertain after he was noncommital in April about signing a contract extension. He told reporters that he’s since spoken with new Flames general manager Craig Conroy as well as his agent but said the situation is out of his hands. “We’ll see what happens,” he said.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos took home the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award.

McDavid, Karlsson and Ullmark also joined Dallas Stars left winger Jason Robertson, Boston Bruins right winger David Pastrnak and New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox as this season’s First All-Star Team.

McDavid’s teammate Leon Draisaitl, Rangers left winger Artemi Panarin, Florida Panthers right wing Matthew Tkachuk, Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm and Colorado Avalanche blueliner Cale Makar and New York Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin are this season’s Second All-Star Team.

Beniers joins Stars forward Wyatt Johnston and Arizona Coyotes winger Mattias Macelli, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power and Ottawa Senators blueliner Jake Sanderson and Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner as the NHL’s 2022-23 All-Rookie Team.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW/NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: Prior to the NHL Awards, the Bruins traded left wing Taylor Hall and the rights to forward Nick Foligno to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defensemen Alec Regula and Ian Mitchell.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a salary dump by the cap-strapped Bruins, shipping out Hall’s $6 million average annual value through 2024-25 to the rebuilding Blackhawks. Reports indicate the Hawks were not on Hall’s 16-team no-trade list.

The move gives the Bruins over $10 million in cap room for 2023-24. That’s prompted speculation they’ll use some of it to re-sign winger Tyler Bertuzzi, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Adding Hall should provide the Blackhawks with an experienced linemate and mentor for Connor Bedard, who is expected to be their selection with the first-overall pick during the opening round of this year’s draft on Wednesday. Hall was chosen first overall by the Oilers in the 2010 draft. His cap hit also helps them reach the salary-cap minimum ($61.7 million) for 2023-24.

Foligno is slated to become a UFA on July 1. This move gives the Blackhawks a few days before that date to negotiate a potential contract with him.

THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: The Flyers attempt to trade defenseman Tony DeAngelo back to the Carolina Hurricanes has been held up because of a rule in the collective bargaining agreement regarding trades and salary retention.

The rule states that a team cannot reacquire a player whom they have retained salary from for a minimum of one year after the date of the transaction. The Hurricanes traded DeAngelo to the Flyers on July 8, 2022, meaning they’ll have to wait until July 8 of this year before the trade will be finalized.

The league is to meet with both clubs about this issue during the upcoming draft before reaching a decision.

TSN: Former St. Louis Blues forward Alex Steen has rejoined the club in their hockey operations department working with the club’s prospects. He spent 12 of his 15 NHL seasons with the Blues.

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: The Predators announced they’ve hired former goaltender Pekka Rinne as their European development coach and scout.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Anaheim Ducks goalie coach Sudarshan “Sudsie” Maharaj has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He has been undergoing treatment and is scheduled for surgery. He anticipates returning to his role with the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to Maharaj for a quick and full recovery.