NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 17, 2025

by | Dec 17, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 17, 2025

Oilers star Leon Draisaitl reaches 1,000 points, Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon continues his high-scoring ways, Sharks center Macklin Celebrini moves up in the scoring race, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF TUESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Leon Draisaitl collected four assists to surpass 1,000 career NHL regular-season points as his Edmonton Oilers defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-4. Connor McDavid scored two goals and set up two others for the 16-12-6 Oilers. Erik Karlsson had a goal and an assist for the 14-9-9 Penguins, who are winless in their last six games (0-2-4).

Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers are the only team in NHL history to have five players reach the 1,000-point plateau as Draisaitl joined McDavid, Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Jari Kurri. Meanwhile, McDavid continues his surge in this season’s scoring race, sitting second with 56 points.

This was the first game between the two clubs since they swapped starting goaltenders last Friday. The Oilers’ Tristan Jarry made 26 saves for the win, while the Penguins’ Stuart Skinner turned aside 17 shots.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon tallied twice and collected an assist in a 5-3 victory over the Seattle Kraken. Cale Makar, Martin Necas, and Valeri Nichushkin each had two assists, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 34 saves as the league-leading Avalanche (24-2-7) picked up their third straight win. Shane Wright, Jordan Eberle, and Chandler Stephenson replied for the Kraken (12-13-6) as they’ve dropped nine of their last 10 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon leads all NHL scorers with 28 goals and 58 points. He’s on pace to reach 70 goals. The last players to reach that milestone were Hall of Famers Teemu Selanne and Alexander Mogilny, who each had 76 goals in 1992-93.

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini had two goals and two assists to lead his club over the Calgary Flames by a score of 6-3. Barclay Goodrow scored twice and had an assist, and winger Tyler Toffoli the 300th regular-season NHL goal for the 17-14-3 Sharks, who’ve won three straight contests. Blake Coleman, Ryan Lomberg, and Nazem Kadri scored for the 13-17-4 Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Celebrini is third in this season’s scoring race with 51 points. Earlier in the day, the Sharks deemed forward Philipp Kurashev as week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

The Minnesota Wild got a 25-save performance from Filip Gustavsson to shut out the Washington Capitals 5-0. Vladimir Tarasenko and Danila Yurov each had three points, and Quinn Hughes collected an assist in his second game with the Wild, who picked up their fifth straight win and improved to 20-9-5. Charlie Lindgren stopped 27 of 32 shots for the 18-11-4 Capitals, who drop to 1-3-2 in their last five contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild forward Marcus Foligno returned to action after being sidelined since Nov. 26 with a lower-body injury.

Boston Bruins winger Morgan Geekie scored twice in a 4-1 win over the Utah Mammoth. David Pastrnak had two assists for the 20-14-0 Bruins, who’ve won five of their last six games. Barrett Hayton replied for the Mammoth, who dropped to 16-16-3 on the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Geekie sits second among league scorers this season with 24 goals. Before this game, the Bruins placed defenseman Jonathan Aspirot (upper body) on injured reserve, and claimed blueliner Vladislav Kolyachonok off waivers from the Dallas Stars.

The Philadelphia Flyers downed the Montreal Canadiens 4-1. Trevor Zegras scored to extend his goal streak to four games, and Travis Konecny had a goal and an assist for the 17-9-6 Flyers, who extended their points streak to five games (2-3-0). Alexandre Texier scored for the Canadiens, who dropped to 17-12-4.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson missed this game with an upper-body injury and is listed as day-to-day. They also sent goaltender Sam Montembeault to their AHL affiliate on a two-week conditioning stint. Meanwhile, Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen made his season debut after recovering from triceps surgery in March

Two goals in eight seconds by Auston Matthews and Dakota Joshua late in the third period rallied the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Matthews and William Nylander finished with two points each, and Joseph Woll stopped 23 shots for the 15-12-5 Maple Leafs. Wyatt Kaiser and Jason Dickinson scored for the Blackhawks, who’ve lost three straight games and slipped to 13-14-6.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks defenseman Artyom Levshunov was scratched from this game after being late for practice on Monday.

Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat netted two goals in the third period as his club nipped the New York Islanders 3-2. Lucas Raymond collected three assists for the Red Wings (19-12-4). Emil Heineman and Scott Mayfield replied for the Islanders (19-12-3) as their three-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the win, the Red Wings regained first place in the Atlantic Division with 41 points.

An overtime goal by Adam Fantilli gave the Columbus Blue Jackets a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Zach Werenski had two goals and an assist as the 14-13-6 Blue Jackets snapped a five-game losing skid. Mikael Granlund and Ryan Poehling each had two points for the Ducks (20-12-2), who have dropped three of their last four games (1-2-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 42 points, the Ducks cling to first place in the Pacific Division, one point ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Vancouver Canucks blanked the New York Rangers 3-0. Thatcher Demko kicked out 23 shots for the shutout while Evander Kane, Liam Ohgren, and Conor Garland scored for the 13-17-3 Canucks. The Rangers (16-15-4) have one win in their last six games (1-3-2).

IN OTHER NEWS…

TSN: The Los Angeles Kings placed goaltender Darcy Kuemper on injured reserve and recalled netminder Pheonix Copley.

The St. Louis Blues claimed winger Jonatan Berggren off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings.

THE TENNESSEAN: Former US college football coach Nick Saban purchased a minority stake in the Nashville Predators.

TORONTO SUN: Former NHL forward Paul Gagne passed away at age 63 after battling cancer. Gagne spent eight seasons 1980-81 to 1989-90) with the Colorado Rockies, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Islanders. He had 110 goals and 101 assists for 211 points in 390 games.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Veteran TSN broadcaster Michael Whalen passed away earlier this week at age 82. Whalen was TSN’s bureau reporter for Montreal and Quebec from 1986 to 2007.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to the family and friends of Gagne and Whalen.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 20, 2025

by | Sep 20, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 20, 2025

Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin reveals his fiancée underwent a heart transplant, Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl hopes to be in the Selke Trophy conversation, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin revealed that his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, underwent heart transplant surgery earlier this summer while the couple was on vacation in France.

Dahlin said Matovac suffered “major heart failure” requiring life-saving CPR. She was placed on life support “for weeks” before undergoing a heart transplant, and is currently recovering in Sweden.

Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin (NHL Images).

“I see my fiancée work hard every day, and that makes me very motivated,” Dahlin said. “I’m good right now.” He went on to thank the club and his teammates for their support, as well as the medical staff in France and Sweden who saved Matovac’s life.

Dahlin continues to train with his teammates in preparation for the upcoming 2025-26 season. He asked for privacy as Matovac continues her rehab in Sweden before joining him in Buffalo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to Dahlin and Matovac as she continues her recovery.

THE SCORE: Leon Draisaitl said he hopes to be in the running for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, which honors the NHL’s top defensive forward. The 29-year-old Edmonton Oilers center finished sixth among Selke voters last season, the highest finish of his career.

Draisaitl acknowledged there are aspects of his game that need improvement to win the Selke, but he also pointed out that there are parts of it that he does well. “Just looking to chip away at it and get even better,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl is already among the league’s elite offensive forwards. Improving the defensive side of his game will not only make him a more well-rounded forward but also improve the Oilers’ chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

Draisaitl is drawing inspiration from Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar, who announced this week that the coming season will be his last. Kopitar is considered among the NHL’s top two-way forwards, winning the Selke Trophy twice in his long career.

NEW YORK POST: Adam Fox hopes to get his game back on track after struggling through the worst season of his career.

Winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2020-21, the 27-year-old Rangers defenseman is considered to be among the league’s best blueliners. However, he seemed a step slower in 2024-25 and was prone to losing ice battles. Those issues affected his performance with Team USA during the 4 Nations Face-Off, resulting in a reduction of his playing time during the tournament.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A bounce-back effort by Fox will be crucial to the Rangers’ hopes of rebounding from last season’s disappointing effort. He’s projected to be paired with offseason acquisition Vladislav Gavrikov, who could be a steadying influence.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins forward Kevin Hayes is expected to miss the start of the upcoming season after suffering an upper-body injury during the opening day of training camp. The injury occurred after being hit by defenseman Ryan Graves, sidelining him for at least one month.

DAILY FACEOFF: Utah Mammoth forward Alex Kerfoot is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks center Macklin Celebrini missed practice during the second day of training camp due to an illness. However, it’s not considered serious and he should return soon.

TSN: Montreal Canadiens center Kirby Dach was absent from training camp on Friday, but is expected to play preseason games. The 24-year-old underwent his second knee surgery in February and is hoping to be ready for the start of the season next month.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens envisioned Dach as their second-line center when they acquired him three years ago, but knee injuries have hampered his development. Nevertheless, they intend to give him another opportunity to establish himself in that role.

OTTAWA SUN: Contract extension talks have begun between the Senators and center Shane Pinto. However, those discussions could be shelved if an agreement isn’t reached when they open their season next month. The 24-year-old Pinto is in the second season of a two-year deal with an average annual value of $3.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pinto is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next July. He’s indicated that he wants to focus on his play during the upcoming season and not have his contract situation become a distraction.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Ray Shero is the 2025 winner of the Lester Patrick Trophy. The award is given to a person based on their outstanding contributions to hockey in the United States.

Shero passed away in April at age 62. He served as an assistant GM with the Nashville Predators and Ottawa Senators. He went on to become the GM of the Penguins from 2006 to 2014, building the team that won the Stanley Cup in 2009.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A well-deserved posthumous honor for Shero, who also drafted several players (Jake Guentzel, Matt Murray, Bryan Rust, and Olli Maatta) who went on to play key roles in the Penguins’ two Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and 2017.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 5, 2025

by | Sep 5, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 5, 2025

Check out the latest on Oilers captain Connor McDavid, Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, Maple Leafs forward Scott Laughton, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Connor McDavid told Ryan Rishaug that there is nothing new to report regarding his contract extension negotiations with the Edmonton Oilers. The 28-year-old superstar center is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

McDavid said that everything is currently status quo. He’s in no rush, as he’s working through it with his family and his agent. He explained that this is a well-thought-out process for both sides to get a deal done that makes sense for him and the organization.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

The Oilers captain dismissed the notion that his negotiations might be a distraction for his teammates. “We’re all professional hockey players. We’re all adults; this is a mature group. If guys can’t play with Ryan Rishaug talking about a contract, then we’re probably in the wrong line of work here, we’re probably in the wrong business.”

McDavid also indicated that he’s focused on the upcoming season. He said he’s excited about it, adding that he felt he and his teammates have something to prove.

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector reported McDavid will focus on shooting the puck more this season after tallying only 26 goals last season. He wants to prove that his career-high 64-goal performance in 2022-23 wasn’t a one-off.

“Ultimately, I want to help this team win, and I’m happy to play the passer role. I’m always going to be that player,” McDavid said. “But I’d like to be a little bit more – not necessarily selfish – but assertive with my chances.”

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson reports Leon Draisaitl is eager to see his friend and teammate sign an extension.

“Of course I want him here as long as possible, and I want to do it (win) with him,” said Draisaitl, who is entering the first season of his eight-year contract. Nevertheless, he understands that McDavid’s decision comes down to what’s best for him and his family.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid’s contract situation might not be a distraction for his teammates, but it will become a regular subject of conjecture for fans and media for as long as he remains unsigned.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jeremy Swayman said he’s a changed man going into this season. The 26-year-old Bruins goaltender is hoping to rebound from a disappointing performance in 2024-25.

Swayman’s contract negotiations with management led to him missing training camp and preseason before an agreement was finally reached before the start of last season. He struggled to regain his form, and his inconsistency contributed to the Bruins missing the playoffs last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Swayman’s performance will be a key factor in whether the Bruins can bounce back and contend for a postseason berth this season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Scott Laughton is looking forward to his first full season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 31-year-old forward was acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers before the March trade deadline.

Laughton spent the offseason focusing on improving the small details of his game. He’s hoping that an improved performance will lead to a contract extension. The veteran forward is in the final season of his current deal with an annual cap hit of $3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton could seek over $5 million annually on his next deal, especially if he performs well in his contract year.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Former Red Wings forward Klim Kostin remains an unrestricted free agent. He blames his inability to land a new contract on his role with the Wings last season. The 26-year-old winger claims he was instructed by the team brass to act as an on-ice enforcer. He believes that has hurt his reputation as a player.

RG.ORG: Former NHL defenseman Josh Gorges is looking forward to his new role as head coach of his former junior team, the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets. Among the young players he’ll be working with is Montreal Canadiens prospect center Hayden Paupanekis, who stands out for his size and skillset.

Gorges spent over seven of his 13-season NHL career with the Canadiens from 2006-07 to 2013-14. He reflected on his time with the Habs and with goaltender Carey Price. “You don’t really appreciate what he did and who he is until you don’t have him around anymore,” Gorges said, going on to praise Price’s puckhandling abilities. “Half the time, he made better breakout plays than I did.”

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Former Lightning forward Pat Maroon has rejoined the club as an alumni brand ambassador and television analyst. Maroon spent four seasons with the Lightning from 2019-20 to 2022-23, helping them win two Stanley Cups.

SPORTSNET: Marco Scandella announced his retirement from the NHL after 14 seasons. The 35-year-old defenseman played with the Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, and St. Louis Blues from 2010-11 to 2023-24. He had 170 points in 784 regular-season games and nine points in 56 playoff contests.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 18, 2025

by | Jul 18, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 18, 2025

The Ducks avoid arbitration with Lukas Dostal, the Canucks trade Dakota Joshua to the Maple Leafs, Yegor Chinakhov requests a trade from the Blue Jackets, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Anaheim Ducks avoided salary arbitration with Lukas Dostal, signing the 25-year-old goaltender to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a significant increase for Dostal, who earned an annual cap hit of $812,500 on his previous deal. It raised some eyebrows on social media, but he earned it by outplaying John Gibson for the starter’s job, resulting in the latter’s recent trade to the Detroit Red Wings.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal (NHL Images).

Dostal is a good goalie on a rebuilding team. Eric Stephens of The Athletic pointed out that his analytics are better than his traditional stats, with 14.3 goals saved above expectation. He backstopped the Ducks to their first 80-point season since 2018-19.

Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek considers Dostal to be a proven No. 1 goaltender. “He is just entering the prime of his career, with his best hockey ahead of him.”

THE PROVINCE/TORONTO SUN: The Vancouver Canucks traded forward Dakota Joshua to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Joshua was popular among Canucks fans for his physical, energetic style. Diagnosed last summer with testicular cancer, he missed most of his offseason training, training camp, and the first 14 games of the 2024-25 season. He admitted that he spent most of the season playing catch-up.

When healthy, Joshua is a solid checking-line forward with a decent scoring touch, netting a career-best 18 goals and 32 points in 63 games during the 2023-24 season. That earned him a three-year contract with an AAV of $3.25 million.

Joshua won’t replace the offense the Leafs lost when they traded Mitch Marner to Vegas on the eve of free agency, but the hardworking 29-year-old will bring a solid physical presence to their third line.

By clearing Joshua’s cap hit from their books, the Canucks have $3.27 million in cap space with 22 active roster players under contract for this season. It’s expected they will add another player via trade or free agency. I’ll have more about that in today’s Rumor Mill.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov has requested a trade. In a post on social media by his agent, the 24-year-old winger cited “misunderstandings” with head coach Dean Evason last season.

Chinakhov, 24, was chosen 21st overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2020 NHL Draft. He missed nearly half of last season with a back injury.

TSN: Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell expressed surprise that the Chinakhov camp took the trade request public. He said he had spoken with Chinakhov previously about it, indicating the winger didn’t play well upon his return from injury, leading to him and Evanson falling out of favor.

Waddell indicated that he told Chinakhov’s agent that his client has value in the trade market. “I will talk to teams. I have talked to teams. But I’m not going to trade him because you said to trade him.” He added that the winger couldn’t handle being a healthy scratch near the end of the season.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline cited Waddell saying if the trade market isn’t good for Chinakhov, he’ll remain a Blue Jacket. In that case, he’ll be in training camp because he’s under contract for 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Waddell also indicated that he’s not worried about this situation. He believes it won’t be an issue if Chinakhov shows up with the right attitude in training camp. That will also be the best way for the winger to improve his value in the trade market.

RG.ORG: Dmitry Orlov said his reduced role last season with the Carolina Hurricanes left him feeling isolated and mentally drained. The 33-year-old defenseman admitted the hardest part was knowing he no longer fit into their long-term plans.

A free agent on July 1, Orlov signed a two-year contract with the San Jose Sharks. He’s hoping to find stability in a leadership role with the rebuilding club.

TSN: Former NHL head coach Gerard Gallant is heading to Russia to coach a team in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). An official announcement is expected soon.

Winner of the Jack Adams Trophy in 2017-18 with the Vegas Golden Knights, Gallant’s last NHL coaching gig was with the New York Rangers until 2023. He also previously coached the Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl took to the ice in Newmarket, Ontario, on Wednesday as they took part in a beer-league game. The pair stood out with their speed and skill, but made sure not to show up their teammates or opponents.

Their team lost 6-2, which sparked some ribbing toward the two on social media. However, the on-ice officials credited the goaltender’s performance for blanking McDavid and Draisaitl.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid and Draisaitl got to get in some summer on-ice work while having some fun at the same time.

They’re not the only notable players to take part in a beer-league game as part of their offseason training this summer.

Evgeny Kuznetsov made a recent appearance at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia. The former Washington Capitals center hopes to stage an NHL comeback after spending last season in the KHL.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 17, 2025

by | Jul 17, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 17, 2025

Some recent speculation about Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SDPN: On Monday, TSN insider Chris Johnston was a guest on the Steve Dangle Podcast Network. Among the topics discussed was possible landing spots for Connor McDavid if he tests the open market next summer.

Johnston believes Connor McDavid will most likely re-sign with the Edmonton Oilers. Nevertheless, he thinks that there could be 10 teams in the running to sign the 28-year-old superstar if he becomes an unrestricted free agent (UFA).

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

“I’m sure it has occurred to the Kings, I’m sure it has occurred to the Rangers, you don’t think Julien BriseBois down in Tampa Bay is looking at his long-term roster?” said Johnston.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If McDavid goes to market next July, he will likely want to become the highest-paid player in the league.

The salary cap for 2026-27 will be $104 million. A team can invest no more than 20 percent of its salary-cap payroll on one player. McDavid could seek between $18 million and $20 million per season on his next contract.

PuckPedia indicates that the Rangers have a projected $29.6 million in cap space for 2026-27. The Kings have $37.8 million, and the Lightning $27.7 million. All have the cap space to sign McDavid.

However, the Rangers would be bidding farewell to Artemi Panarin as they can’t afford to retain him and still sign McDavid. The Kings could afford to retain aging captain Anze Kopitar on a cheaper contract, but could have a difficult time keeping a UFA-eligible Adrian Kempe and defenseman Brandt Clarke, who will be a restricted free agent (RFA).

The Lightning could be the most enticing. All their core players are under contract for 2026-27, with defenseman JJ Moser an RFA with arbitration rights and winger Oliver Bjorkstrand and defenseman Ryan McDonagh as their notable UFAs. However, signing McDavid to even a reduced rate of, say, $17 million (because the Lightning are in a no-tax state), could make it difficult to re-sign Moser and re-sign or replace Bjorkstrand and McDonagh.

McDavid also stressed that winning the Stanley Cup means the most to him. Given their recent records, those three clubs might not be the best options to answer that need.

Johnston also joined the pundits who believe Sidney Crosby probably won’t finish his playing career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He acknowledged that no one knows Crosby’s intentions, but claimed that the possibility of his availability is a topic of discussion around the league.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NHL analyst Pierre McGuire recently talked about the speculation linking Crosby to the Montreal Canadiens. He believes it would take a first-round pick, a top prospect, and an NHL player (“and a great one at that”) to land him. So, Habs fans, Suzuki for Crosby? Maybe Demidov? Lane Hutson? How bad do you want to see Sid in a Canadiens jersey?

A Crosby trade is possible. As the old saying goes, if Wayne Gretzky could be traded, anyone could be traded. Whenever I mention his two-year extension, some believe that it enhances his trade value because any playoff club acquiring him before the March 2026 trade deadline would have him for two postseason runs.

Nevertheless, I remain skeptical. There’s nothing to suggest Crosby wants out, and most of the trade talk thus far sounds like wishful thinking. Unless something changes, he seems intent on finishing his playing career with the Penguins.

Turning to the Minnesota Wild, Johnston wouldn’t be surprised if they re-sign Kirill Kaprizov this summer. He thinks the winger’s new AAV could be higher than that of Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl. “It wouldn’t surprise me if he gets something like $15 million”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild owner Craig Leipold last year indicated that his club intends to open the vault for Kaprizov. Draisaitl currently has the NHL’s highest annual average value at $14 million.

Johnston noted that Carey Price will receive $5.5 million of the $7.5 million in actual salary that he’s owed for this season as a signing bonus on September 1. Once that’s paid out, Johnston thinks there’s a high probability that the Canadiens will trade Price’s contract.

TVA SPORTS: explained why the Canadiens would do that. With Price permanently sidelined, the Canadiens could put him on long-term injury reserve (LTIR) to become cap-compliant when the season begins. However, they won’t be able to accrue cap space throughout the season.

Trading Price’s contract ($10.5 million AAV) before the season begins makes them cap-compliant and allows them to accrue cap space. It would also allow a rebuilding team to remain above the salary-cap minimum if they shed salary leading up to the March trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TVA Sports listed clubs like the San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks and the Pittsburgh Penguins as possible trade partners. Hey, maybe Price’s contract can be part of the return when the Canadiens acquire Sidney Crosby (insert wink here).










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 18, 2025

by | Apr 18, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 18, 2025

Recaps of the final night of this regular season, Nikita Kucherov wins the Art Ross Trophy while Leon Draisaitl takes home the Maurice Richard Trophy, the full schedule for the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is revealed, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins winger Bryan Rust scored twice to reach the 30-goal plateau for the first time in a 5-2 victory over the Washington Capitals. Penguins captain Sidney Crosby had two points to reach the 90-point plateau (91) for the third straight season. Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin potted his 897th regular-season NHL goal as his club finished in first place in the Eastern Conference standings with 111 points.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: What’s impressive about Crosby reaching 90 points for the third straight season is that he did it at an age (37) when a normal player would be in decline or retired. The same can be said for the 39-year-old Ovechkin, who finished this season with 44 goals.

Ovechkin was honored by the Penguins for breaking the goal-scoring record, receiving a standing ovation from the Pittsburgh crowd. The club also gifted him a Rolex watch, with Crosby and teammate Evgeni Malkin presenting it to him following the game.

The Capitals’ captain also silenced rumors that he might retire at the end of this season. “I’m not retiring yet,” he said. Ovechkin has a year remaining on his contract and intends to honor it.

Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff got the 900th regular-season win of his career as his club held off the Philadelphia Flyers 5-4. JJ Peterka and Alex Tuch each had a goal and an assist for the Sabres, while Flyers rookie winger Matvei Michkov scored twice.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ruff is the fifth coach in NHL history to reach 900 wins, joining Scotty Bowman (1,244 wins), Joel Quenneville (969), Paul Maurice (916) and Barry Trotz (914).

The Toronto Maple Leafs overcame a 3-1 deficit to beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 on an overtime goal by Scott Laughton. Mitch Marner and Matthew Knies each had two assists for the Leafs, who finished atop the Atlantic Division with 108 points. Alex DeBrincat netted his 39th goal of the season for the Red Wings.

Four unanswered third-period goals lifted the Ottawa Senators over the Carolina Hurricanes 7-5. Drake Batherson had two goals and an assist, Adam Gaudette scored twice, while Tim Stutzle and Dylan Cozens each had a goal and two assists for the Senators. Hurricanes rookie Skyler Brind’Amour (son of head coach Rod Brind’Amour) scored his first NHL goal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators captain Brady Tkachuk returned to action after missing eight games with an upper-body injury but left in the second period after taking a stick to the face. Tkachuk later said it was for precautionary reasons and he’ll be ready to face the Maple Leafs when their series begins on Sunday evening.

The Columbus Blue Jackets ended their season with their sixth straight win by downing the New York Islanders 6-1. Jet Greaves made 36 saves in his fifth straight start while Adam Fantilli scored his 31st of the season for the Jackets, who finished two points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Hudson Fasching scored for the Islanders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets could’ve gone through the motions after their playoff hopes were dashed the night before. Instead, they were determined to end this season on a high note.

This team persevered through offseason tragedy and could be a playoff club next season if management addresses its roster weaknesses.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin ended his club’s season with a 27-save shutout performance in a 4-0 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mika Zibanejad scored two goals for the Rangers. The Lightning finished second in the Atlantic Division with 102 points.

The Calgary Flames finished their season with a 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Dan Vladar stopped 30 shots, Nazem Kadri scored twice to reach a career-high 35 goals, and Sam Morton and Zayne Parekh each scored in their NHL debuts for the Flames. Taylor Ward also scored in his first NHL game as his Kings finished second in the Pacific Division with 105 points.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: The league released the full schedule for the upcoming first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. It begins on Saturday with the Winnipeg Jets facing off against the St. Louis and the Dallas Stars meeting the Colorado Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link provided for the full schedule.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov is this season’s winner of the Art Ross Trophy with a league-leading 121 points. It’s the second straight season he’s won the award and the third time since 2018-19. Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers won the Maurice Richard Trophy for the first time as the league’s leading goal-scorer with 52.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl was the only player to crack the 50-goal plateau this season. Seven others finished with over 40 goals.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Connor Bedard addressed rumors he wasn’t happy playing for the rebuilding Blackhawks.

“I’m a pretty mild-mannered guy and if I look a little sad on the bench or something, maybe people can take it out of context,” said Bedard. “I’ve said it so many times, I love being here and the city, the people.”

Bedard acknowledged that the club is rebuilding and it is sometimes frustrating as the losses pile up. However, he also cited the positivity around the team, especially with promising players like Frank Nazar, Oliver Moore, Sam Rinzel and Artyom Levshunov joining the roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks management will attempt to bolster the roster this summer around Bedard through trades and free agency. Nevertheless, their future lies with their youngsters.

Bedard had 67 points in 82 games despite the sometimes frustrating stretches of the season. Nazar steadily improved throughout this season. Moore, Rinzel and Levshunov showed potential in their brief appearances down the stretch.

BLACK N’ GOLD HOCKEY: cited The Boston Herald’s Steve Conroy reporting Bruins center Elias Lindholm said he suffered a back injury during training camp which contributed to his disappointing performance this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindholm played all 82 games for the Bruins but finished with 47 points.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets signed defenseman Neal Pionk to a six-year, $42 million contract extension. Pionk, 29, was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The average annual value of the contract is $7 million.

TSN: San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini has committed to playing for Canada at the IIHF World Championships in May.

NHL.COM: Florida Panthers winger Jesse Puljujarvi received a two-game suspension by the department of player safety for an illegal hit to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning forward Mitchell Chaffee.

KSL SPORTS: Utah Hockey Club winger Michael Carcone expects to head to free agency on July 1. After meeting with management and coaching staff, he doesn’t expect to reach an agreement on a new contract.