NHL Rumor Mill – May 20, 2026

by | May 20, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 20, 2026

Check out the latest on the Sabres, Flyers, and Golden Knights in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST SABRES SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn believes the Buffalo Sabres have a big summer ahead if they want to build on this season’s success.

Re-signing Alex Tuch will be the biggest roster issue facing the Sabres. Meeting his asking price could require making some moves to free up some salary-cap space.

Forward Beck Malenstyn is also an unrestricted free agent, while Zach Benson and Peyton Krebs are restricted free agents.

Defenseman Bowen Byram is a year away from UFA status and eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

Fairburn noted that Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen showed his willingness to attempt to make big moves with his pursuit of St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko and center Robert Thomas.

Kekalainen could pursue a goaltending upgrade if an opportunity arises this summer. He could also try to bring in another center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I noted yesterday, it’s rumored that Tuch’s camp seeks a deal comparable to the eight-year, $85 million contract ($10.625 million annual average value) that Adrian Kempe signed with the Los Angeles Kings last fall.

Fairburn noted that the Sabres enter the offseason with $12.9 million in salary cap space for 2026-27. A new contract for Tuch will eat up most of that and would result in a couple of cost-cutting moves.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jonathan Bailey noted that Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek recently claimed that the Sabres could part ways with young goaltender Devon Levi. Bailey suggested the Philadelphia Flyers should look into acquiring the 24-year-old netminder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Levi was a college star who made a promising debut with the Sabres in 2022-23, but struggled to crack their roster full-time. Maybe Kekalainen would include him in a trade package for a center.

UPDATE ON THE FLYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz looked at who could stay or go for the Philadelphia Flyers during the offseason.

Sophomore winger Matvei Michkov and winger Owen Tippett are among the players Kurz believes won’t be moved unless it’s in a blockbuster trade. Others in the category include Jamie Drysdale, Noah Cates, and Tyson Foerster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Michkov and Tippett surfaced in trade rumors this season. I expect they (and the others on that list) will be back in the Flyers’ lineup this fall.

Defensemen Rasmus Ristolainen and forward Garnet Hathaway are among those who could be pushed out if the Flyers make additions via trades or free agency this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen was a fixture in the rumor mill for the past three seasons, but the Flyers held onto him. Barring a significant addition that would an upgrade on the blueline, it’s doubtful he’ll be moved this summer.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco looked at what it could cost the Flyers to sign goaltender Dan Vladar to a contract extension.

Team sources claim the club is comfortable with a five-year deal worth slightly south of $6 million annually. If Vladar seeks closer to $7 million annually, a three-year deal might make sense for both sides.

Di Marco also claimed that the Flyers remain uncertain about what direction they’ll go with backup Samuel Ersson. If they decide to move on, Joseph Woll of the Toronto Maple Leafs is a goalie they like.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vladar finally got the chance to be a full-time starting goalie when the Flyers signed him to his current two-year contract. He played a major role in the club exceeding expectations and reaching the playoffs. Both sides will get something done to their mutual satisfaction that ensures he sticks around for at least another three years after next season.

COULD GOLDEN KNIGHTS WINGER PAVEL DOROFEYEV RECEIVE AN OFFER SHEET?

THE ATHLETIC: Shayna Goldman and Jesse Granger suggested that Pavel Dorofeyev’s scoring exploits in this postseason could make him the target for an offer sheet this summer.

The 25-year-old winger is completing a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.835 million. He has arbitration rights this summer. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights’ limited salary cap space could make Dorofeyev an enticing offer-sheet target for clubs seeking scoring depth.

A two-time 35-plus goal scorer, Dorofeyev could get a two-year deal with an AAV of $6.75 million. A six-year extension could reach $8.99 million annually, and an eight-year deal around $9.14.

The Golden Knights have about $11.7 million in projected salary-cap space. They must also re-sign pending UFA defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who was acquired from the Calgary Flames in January. It could cost a combined $16 million to retain Dorofeyev and Andersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Goldman and Granger are taking into account the $8.8 million that will be available with Alex Pietrangelo on LTIR. The Golden Knights could find themselves having to shed salary to re-sign Dorofeyev and Andersson or risk losing the former to an offer sheet and the latter to free agency.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 19, 2026

by | May 19, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 19, 2026

Check out the latest on the Sabres, Wild, Blackhawks, and Jets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE SABRES?

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton looked at what’s in store for the Buffalo Sabres in the offseason following their elimination from the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The first task for general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is to nail down a contract extension for Alex Tuch. The 29-year-old power forward is completing a seven-year deal with an average annual value of $4.75 million and is in line for a significant raise.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

Given the limited depth in this summer’s UFA market, Tuch will be highly coveted by other clubs if he becomes available on July 1.

Meanwhile, forwards Peyton Krebs and Zach Benson are restricted free agents. Krebs has arbitration rights, while Benson is coming off his entry-level contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored earlier this season that the Tuch camp could seek a deal comparable to the eight-year contract ($10.625 million AAV) that Adrian Kempe signed with the Los Angeles Kings last fall. The Sabres could prefer signing him for between $8.5 million and $9.5 million. It’ll be interesting to see if they can meet in the middle.

Shilton believes Kekalainen must find “suitable scoring depth, a little extra physicality, and some defensive help.” She noted that there could be some “intriguing names” in this summer’s free-agent market that could help them, such as Rasmus Andersson of the Vegas Golden Knights, Anthony Mantha of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Viktor Arvidsson of the Boston Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored that the Golden Knights have an agreement with Andersson on a new contract, but they must wait until July 1 to make it official once they place sidelined defenseman Alex Pietrangelo on offseason LTIR.

THE LATEST ON THE WILD

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report that Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin believes his club is in a window now where they could win the Stanley Cup. “If there’s a chance for us to get better, we will,” Guerin said.

Russo and Smith believe Guerin’s objective is to find a No. 1 center. Given how weak this year’s free-agent class is, the Wild GM must find that player in the trade market.

Doing so will mean giving up more of their future after parting with three young assets and a first-round pick last December for superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes. Speaking of Hughes, Guerin said signing the 26-year-old blueliner to an extension is his top priority.

The Wild have about $15 million in cap space, and that doesn’t include re-signing some of their pending UFAs and re-signing restricted free agents such as Bobby Brink and Daemon Hunt.

TWINCITIES.COM: Dane Mizutani believes Guerin must find that first-line center regardless of the cost. He recommends packaging young goaltender Jesper Wallstedt in a trade package, depending on the outcome of Filip Gustavsson’s offseason hip surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s well known that Guerin attempted to acquire a center before the March trade deadline. Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers was thought to be the target, but the 33-year-old center prefers to remain on the East Coast or as close as possible.

A recent report claimed Guerin made a trade offer to the St. Louis Blues for center Robert Thomas, but the Blues rejected it. Thomas joins Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils as potential trade targets for the Wild. However, those players carry various forms of no-trade protection, and their teams could be unwilling to move them.

Wallstedt was floated as a trade candidate before the deadline, so it’s unsurprising that he’s come up again. If Gustavsson makes a full recovery and is good to go for the start of next season, Wallstedt could get packaged with draft picks and prospects for a first-line center at some point.

WILL THE BLACKHAWKS BE AGGRESSIVE IN THIS SUMMER’S TRADE MARKET?

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Ben Pope believes Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson must be more aggressive in this summer’s trade market to acquire high-end players who will accelerate his rebuilding plans.

Pope noted this summer’s shallow free-agent pool could result in a busy summer trade market. He wondered if notables such as winger Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, forward Thomas and Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues, or goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would be available this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks have the cap space and the trade assets in draft picks and prospects to use as trade bait if any of those players become available. Thomas, Kyrou, and Hellebuyck all have full no-trade or no-move protection. Robertson doesn’t, but Davidson would have to ensure that he’s willing to sign an extension before pursuing him. 

DAILY FACEOFF: cited a report from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicating the Blackhawks are willing to trade the signing rights for pending UFA forward Ilya Mikheyev. He’s in the final season of a four-year contract with an AAV of $4.75 million

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks offered Mikheyev a contract extension before the March trade deadline, but he rejected it. His signing rights won’t fetch much of a return, but Davidson could bundle him into a trade package in his pursuit of a high-end player.

COULD THE JETS GO THE OFFER SHEET ROUTE?

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates suggested the Winnipeg Jets should target players with offer sheets this summer. He believes it will be difficult to upgrade their roster this summer through free agency, trades, or with the eighth-overall pick in this year’s draft.

Ates observed that some exciting young players will be restricted free agents this summer. He proposed that the Jets should target teams facing a salary-cap crunch this summer. Pavel Dorofeyev of the Vegas Golden Knights would be the best target.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Mike McIntyre suggested the Jets consider bringing back Patrik Laine on an affordable short-term contract. The 28-year-old winger is UFA-eligible this summer and won’t be re-signed by the Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both scenarios seem unlikely, but the Jets targeting Dorofeyev with an offer sheet is more plausible than bringing back Laine.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 28, 2026

by | Mar 28, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 28, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we look at some of this summer’s notable restricted free agents.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently listed the latest rumors and reports regarding this summer’s notable NHL restricted free agents.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The limited talent in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market has some observers suggesting some teams could attempt to poach away a top restricted free agent with an offer sheet. Some of the players on this list could also become trade targets if their contract negotiations stall.

Fox also pointed out that eight-year contract extensions will be nonexistent starting on July 1, which could provide an incentive to get these players under contract before then.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. He’ll also be a year away from UFA eligibility if he and the Stars settle on a one-year contract.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

Fox indicated that Stars general manager Jim Nill reportedly explored Robertson’s value in last summer’s trade market, but he prefers to retain the 26-year-old winger. Nill also claimed the trade rumors were overblown. Robertson leads the Stars in scoring this season, which ensures his value will rise. A maximum eight-year extension could match teammate Mikko Rantanen’s average annual value of $12 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson’s situation will draw the most attention among this summer’s RFA class. The Stars have a projected $14.9 million in salary-cap space for 2026-27 with 18 active roster players under contract.

A $12 million extension would leave little room for Nill to fill out the remainder of his roster for next season. If he intends to re-sign Robertson to that much, he’ll have to shed salary to free up more cap room.

It will be interesting to see how Leo Carlsson’s contract talks progress this summer. The 21-year-old center has played a pivotal role in the Anaheim Ducks’ improvement this season, with 61 points in 60 games. He could be poised to become the Ducks’ highest-paid player, but he’s also coming off his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights.

Carlsson’s teammate, Cutter Gauthier, is in the same boat. The 22-year-old winger is the Ducks’ leading scorer with 36 goals and 63 points in 71 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks GM Pat Verbeek usually plays hardball with players completing their ELCs, as Mason McTavish found out last summer, and former Duck Trevor Zegras in 2023. If Verbeek does the same with Carlsson and Gauthier, their negotiations could carry over into training camp before they’re resolved, which could also tempt some rival clubs to check their availability via trade or offer sheet.

Salary-cap constraints could affect the Vegas Golden Knights’ efforts to re-sign Pavel Dorofeyev. The versatile 25-year-old winger has arbitration rights this summer. Fox speculates he could get a two-year extension, taking him up to UFA eligibility at $5.6 million AAV, while an eight-year deal could cost around $8 million annually.

However, the Golden Knights already have five forwards earning between $5 million and $13.5 million. They must also re-sign UFA-eligible defenseman Rasmus Andersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights usually find some creative way to retain their best player whilst staying within the boundaries of the CBA. They could get $8.8 million in cap relief if Alex Pietrangelo remains on long-term injury reserve, which could create sufficient wiggle room to retain Dorofeyev or Andersson. However, they must free up more room to keep both.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec surfaced in the rumor mill before the March 6 trade deadline. Fox believes he’ll either be traded for a nice return or sign a nice bridge deal. He noted that the Devils were rumored to have turned down an offer of winger William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks at the deadline.

After the trade deadline, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald hinted that he might draw from his blueline depth to bring in some help for his forward lines, like a top-six winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils could try to trade veteran Dougie Hamilton, but his inconsistent play, hefty salary, and 10-team trade list have made him difficult to move. Nemec seems the more likely trade candidate. Some have suggested sending him to the Toronto Maple Leafs as part of a package deal for power forward Matthew Knies.

Other notable players among this summer’s RFA class include Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli and goaltender Jet Greaves, Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke, Philadelphia Flyers forward Trevor Zegras and defenseman Jamie Drysdale, and Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I didn’t bother breaking down their individual situations because I don’t expect their teams to have any difficulty re-signing them. It’s unlikely those players will sign offer sheets, and if they did, their teams have the cap space to match such offers.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 23, 2025

by | May 23, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 23, 2025

Potential free-agent destinations for Mitch Marner, plus the latest on the Mammoth, Flyers, and Devils in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PROPOSED DESTINATIONS FOR MARNER

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon listed what he believes are the top landing spots for Mitch Marner in free agency this summer. The 28-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs winger will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Dixon suggested the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Utah Mammoth, Vegas Golden Knights, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals as destinations for Marner.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some teams on this list (Ducks, Mammoth, Blackhawks) are rebuilding teams with plenty of cap space to sign Marner to a lucrative long-term contract. That won’t be enough to entice him if he wants to play for a contender.

Some (Kings, Islanders) are under new management and might make a big splash in the free-agent pool. The Kings have the cap space but new GM Ken Holland could prefer more affordable options. The Isles can’t afford Marner unless they shed a lot of salary, especially with restricted free agents like Noah Dobson, Alexander Romanov, Maxim Tsyplakov and Simon Holmstrom to re-sign.

The Penguins are rebuilding, but general manager Kyle Dubas has a connection with Marner from his days as the Leafs GM. They have the cap room to pull it off, but Dubas seems unwilling to pursue a big-ticket free agent this summer.

Golden Knights management is renowned for making bold moves, but their limited cap room would hamper efforts to land Marner. Cap space is also an issue for the Avalanche, whose most pressing need is a second-line center if Brock Nelson departs as a UFA. The Capitals have all their core players under contract but lack enough cap dollars to win a bidding war for Marner.

The Hurricanes seem the more likely destination. They’re a perennial playoff team with over $29 million in cap space and 19 active roster players under contract for next season. In March, GM Eric Tulsky said he’d have around $20 million available even if he re-signed all his free agents. If Marner wants a hefty long-term contract and to play for a contender, the Hurricanes are his best option.

THE SCORE: Sean O’Leary also looked at potential destinations for Marner.

If the winger is only interested in the money, Chicago and Pittsburgh would be the best destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: See my previous comments about Chicago and Pittsburgh.

O’Leary listed the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings and the Mammoth among the suitors for teams looking to take the next step.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Buffalo and Detroit could be intriguing options for Marner if he wants to stay close to home. Signing with the Sabres would provide extra spice to their long-time rivalry with the Maple Leafs.

O’Leary thinks the Hurricanes, Avalanche and the Florida Panthers are contenders who could make it work.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes have the cap room to make it work. The Avalanche and Panthers don’t. The latter will likely try to keep pending UFAs Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad and perhaps Brad Marchand in the fold. The Panthers have $19 million available with 16 active roster players under contract. Signing Marner would hinder their efforts to restock their roster depth if Bennett, Ekblad and Marchand depart.

THE MAMMOTH COULD LAND A NOTABLE FREE AGENT

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Quentin Carney wondered if the Utah Mammoth would pursue Mitch Marner if the Toronto Maple Leafs winger tests the open market on July 1.

The Mammoth would offer Marner a change of scenery and expectations away from the harsh spotlight in Toronto. They also have the cap space to add a major talent this summer.

Spencer Lazary suggested Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser as an UFA option for the Mammoth. He could thrive away from the Vancouver spotlight. Given the good word of mouth about the franchise, Lazary thinks they have good odds of landing Boeser.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mammoth GM Bill Armstrong patiently stockpiled draft picks and prospects during his early years on the job. He made a significant move by acquiring defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning last summer. With over $22 million in cap room and 19 active roster players under contract, Armstrong has the room to land one of this summer’s top free agents.

LATEST ON THE DEVILS

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols proposed three offseason trade targets for the Devils to improve their offense. They were Drake Batherson of the Ottawa Senators, Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres, and Pavel Dorofeyev of the Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch recently mentioned Batherson as a trade candidate. However, The Athletic’s Julian McKenzie doesn’t see them moving the affordable winger unless it’s for a better forward.

Tuch might be available if he and the Sabres can’t agree to an extension. Dorofeyev is coming into his own as a scoring forward, so the Golden Knights won’t move him unless they get a more established scorer in return.

Nichols also recently noted that there will be changes in the trade protection for Devils forwards Erik Haula and Ondrej Palat. Haula’s shifts from a full no-trade clause to a six-team no-trade list, while Palat moves from a full no-movement clause to a 10-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Haula and Palat could be peddled to free up cap space for other moves. Haula would be the easiest to move, carrying a $3.125 million AAV through next season. Palat has two more seasons left on his contract with an AAV of $6 million.

UPDATE ON THE FLYERS

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James listed three possible trade candidates if the Philadelphia Flyers wish to free up some cap space this summer.

Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has two years left on his contract with an AAV of $5.1 million. Goaltender Ivan Fedotov has a year remaining with a cap hit of $3.275 million. Winger Owen Tippett has seven years left with an AAV of $6.25 million.

James believes trading Tippett would be the hardest decision of the three, citing his youth, potential and leadership after Scott Laughton was traded to Toronto. However, the Flyers have a surplus of wingers and need depth at center. Tippett could be an enticing trade chip to address that need.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NJ Hockey Now’s James Nichols thinks Tippett would be a worthwhile trade target for the Devils. He suggested they offer up center Dawson Mercer. However, it remains to be seen if Tippett would be available and if the Devils would be interested.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 11, 2025

by | May 11, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 11, 2025

The Hurricanes regain the series lead over the Capitals, the Golden Knights get their first win in their second-round series with the Oilers, six more skaters are named to the Quarter-Century Team, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF SATURDAY’S PLAYOFF ACTION

NHL.COM: Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen had a 21-save shutout to blank the Washington Capitals 4-0 in Game 3 of their best-of-seven second-round series.

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen (NHL Images).

Andrei Svechnikov’s first goal of this series was the game-winner, while Jack Roslovic had a goal and an assist. Capitals goalie Logan Thompson stopped 24 shots.

The Hurricanes lead this series two games to one. Game 4 is in Raleigh on Monday, May 12, at 7 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals had a solid first period, but the Hurricanes seized control of this game in the second period. Their special teams made the difference, scoring on both power-play opportunities and killing off two penalties.

A last-second goal by Reilly Smith lifted the Vegas Golden Knights to a 4-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of their second-round series.

Smith finished with two goals for Vegas, who overcame an early 2-0 deficit as Oilers winger Corey Perry tallied twice to open the scoring. William Karlsson gave the Golden Knights the lead in the second period, but Oilers captain Connor McDavid tied it late in the third. This game seemed headed to overtime until Smith put it away with 0.4 seconds left.

The Oilers hold a 2-1 lead in this series. Game 4 is in Edmonton on Monday at 9:30 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vegas winger Pavel Dorofeyev made his series debut after being sidelined since Game 6 of their first-round series with Minnesota. However, Golden Knights captain Mark Stone left this game with an upper-body injury following a collision with Perry in the first period.

A lower-body injury to Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard (day-to-day) led to Stuart Skinner’s first start since Game 2 of their first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings. Skinner finished with 20 saves.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Six skaters who made their NHL debuts after 2010 were named to the league’s Quarter-Century team.

Edmonton Oilers forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are among the six, along with Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews, Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon and defenseman Cale Makar, and former Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau.

Six goaltenders will be revealed on Sunday, May 11.

TSN: Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said goaltender Anthony Stolarz is “progressing in the right direction” in his recovery from an upper-body injury. However, he has not yet resumed skating.

Stolarz was injured in Game 1 after taking a shot off his mask and a forearm to the head by Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett. He was replaced by Joseph Woll as the Leafs hold a 2-1 series lead, with Game 4 on Sunday.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks parted ways with assistant coaches Brent Thompson and Rich Clune. New head coach Joel Quenneville is expected to name his own coaching staff.

THE ATHLETIC: Columbus Blue Jackets prospect center Cayden Lindstrom returned to action after missing 13 months with a back injury, collecting an assist for the Medicine Hat Tigers in a 4-1 win over the Spokane Chiefs in Game 1 of their WHL Championship series.

Lindstrom, 19, was chosen fourth overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2024 NHL Draft. He underwent surgery on Nov. 20.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 6, 2024

by | Oct 6, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 6, 2024

The Bruins sign Jeremy Swayman, the Devils sweep the Sabres in the Global Series, recapping the final games of the preseason, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

**BREAKING NEWS**

The Boston Bruins have signed goaltender Jeremy Swayman to an eight-year, $66 million contract. The average annual value is $8.25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both sides took it almost to Monday’s deadline for clubs to submit their opening-night rosters. As Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli explained on Saturday, the longer this standoff continued once the regular season began, the less money Swayman would make this season. The Bruins also would’ve faced a higher cap hit for Year One because his salary would’ve been prorated.

Swayman is getting a significant raise and long-term security with this deal. If the 25-year-old plays up to expectations, it could even become a reasonable deal for the Bruins as the contract value of goaltenders increases over time.  

It’ll be interesting to see how this affects Swayman’s play in the early going of this season. He missed training camp and preseason play because of this standoff and won’t be in their opening-night lineup later this week. It could take a week or two for him to get fully up to speed.

DEVILS SWEEP SABRES IN GLOBAL SERIES

NHL.COM: The New Jersey Devils defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-1 at O2 Arena in Prague, Czechia to sweep the two-game 2024 NHL Global Series. Seamus Casey scored his first NHL goal and Jack Hughes collected two assists for the Devils. Tage Thompson scored for the Sabres and Devon Levi stopped 34 shots in his season debut.

New Jersey Devils forward Seamus Casey (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres forward JJ Peterka left this game with a concussion after being hit in the head by Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon. He joined teammates Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Zach Benson (lower-body injuries) on the sidelines.

RECAPS OF SATURDAY’S PRESEASON ACTION

NHL.COM: Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto had a hat trick and an assist in a 4-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Linus Ullmark made 23 saves for the win. Christian Dvorak and Arber Xhekaj replied for the Canadiens.

The Toronto Maple Leafs nipped the Detroit Red Wings 3-2. John Tavares snapped a 2-2 tie in the third period, Auston Matthews had a goal and an assist, and Mitch Marner collected two assists. Ville Husso stopped 30 saves for the Red Wings.

Utah Hockey Club winger Dylan Guenther had a goal and an assist in a 2-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche. Ivan Ivan replied for the Avalanche

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad collected three assists and Jonah Gadjovich tallied twice to beat the Los Angeles Kings 4-2. Sergei Bobrovsky turned aside 26 shots for the Panthers.

The Washington Capitals got a 17-save shutout performance by Charlie Lindgren in a 2-0 victory over the Boston Bruins. Aliaksei Protas and Trevor van Riemsdyk scored for the Capitals.

The Carolina Hurricanes downed the Nashville Predators 5-3 with Eric Robinson scoring the go-ahead goal with 2:29 remaining in the third period. Tommy Novak had a goal and two assists for the Predators.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard picked up three assists in a 6-2 win over the St. Louis Blues. Mathieu Joseph had two assists for the Blues.

The San Jose Sharks beat the Vegas Golden Knights 6-5 on Ethan Cardwell’s game-winner with 12 seconds remaining in the third period. Luke Kunin tallied two goals for the Sharks while Pavel Dorofeyev scored a hat trick for the Golden Knights.

HEADLINES

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras hopes to rebound from a difficult 2023-24 season in which he was sidelined for 51 games by injuries. He acknowledged he wasn’t at 100 percent physically and mentally to start last season after missing training camp due to contract negotiations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zegras’ struggles in ’23-’24 made him a frequent subject of trade speculation. The 23-year-old forward is entering a crucial season that could determine his future with the Ducks. He’s entering the second season of a three-year contract. A sub-par campaign could turn the trade chatter into reality.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Erik Karlsson is on track to be in the lineup for the Penguins’ season opener on Wednesday against the New York Rangers. The 34-year-old defenseman was sidelined by an upper-body injury at the start of training camp. He couldn’t play in any preseason games but doesn’t expect it’ll take long for him to get up to speed.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets signed free-agent winger Kevin Labanc to a one-year, $775K contract. He played with the New Jersey Devils on a professional tryout offer, scoring six goals in four preseason games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jackets made this move because forwards Boone Jenner and Dmitri Voronkov were recently sidelined by upper-body injuries. Labanc received a contract offer from the Devils but has a better opportunity to see top-six minutes with the Blue Jackets.

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo cited a Minnesota Wild source who said rookie forward Liam Ohgren and rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt have made their opening-night roster.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche claimed defenseman John Ludvig off waivers from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Carolina Hurricanes signed center Skyler Brind’Amour to a one-year, two-way contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: He is the son of Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour. General manager Eric Tulsky said his organization was impressed with the 25-year-old center’s defensive play last season in the AHL and his strong showing during this preseason.