Condolences pour in honoring Ken Dryden, plus the latest on Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, Oilers winger Zach Hyman and defenseman Mattias Ekholm, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Condolences from across Canada poured in Saturday as Canadians remembered the life and legacy of Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Ken Dryden, who died of cancer on Friday at age 78.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney cited Dryden’s career as a player, author, and public servant, saying he was the reason he became a goaltender in his youth. Former PM Justin Trudeau expressed his admiration for Dryden, citing his commitment to social justice and his early work on a national daycare program while serving as a member of the Canadian parliament from 2004 to 2011.

Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Ken Dryden.

Montreal mayor Valeri Plante, Quebec premier Francois Legault, and Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre were among other Canadian and Quebec politicians who honored Dryden’s life and legacy.

Fellow players took to social media to express their condolences.

Former Canadiens goaltender Carey Price thanked Dryden for his support during his early career. Hall-of-Famers Martin Brodeur and Chris Pronger praised Dryden for revolutionizing the goaltending position and showing how a player can make an impact following their playing careers.

Hall of Fame defenseman Larry Robinson expressed shock and sadness over his friend and teammate’s passing, saying he had no idea Dryden was ill. Speaking about their playing days, Robinson praised Dryden’s goaltending, reliability, and intellect.

RDS: Hall of Fame blueliner and former Canadiens captain Serge Savard also remembered Dryden’s career and impact on the sport, calling him “ahead of his time.” He considers Dryden’s book, “The Game”, to be the best book ever written about sports.

Savard said Dryden knew two years ago that he had cancer and had been informed for several months that it was incurable. He said Dryden wanted to keep the news of his health within his family circle.

TSN: Former Canadiens forwards Vincent Damphousse and Guy Carbonneau praised Dryden as a great role model and a true Canadian.

RG.ORG: Russian legend and Hall of Fame goaltender Vladislav Tretiak called Dryden a remarkable person, calling him one of Canada’s greatest goalies and a man of integrity, kindness, and intelligence. “Ken Dryden was more than a rival. He was my friend,” Tretiak said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The reaction to Dryden’s passing is a testament to his remarkable life. He was an inspirational, modern-day Renaissance man. As I wrote on Saturday, the hockey world never saw anyone like Dryden before, and we haven’t seen another like him since. He will be missed by those who love this sport and strive to make it better.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported Friday that Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said re-signing Jack Eichel remains a priority. The 28-year-old center is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

“He’s been a great player for our organization. I think our organization has been great for him,” McCrimmon said. “So, lots of interest, obviously, I think from both sides to make something work.”

LeBrun indicated that there have been a few discussions between the two sides, but the negotiations are still in the early stages. While he doesn’t believe a deal is imminent, he wouldn’t be surprised if they get it done.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s the consensus among the hockey punditry. Some believe Eichel will get between $13 million and $14 million annually on a long-term extension before July 1.

SPORTSNET: Zach Hyman remains uncertain if he’ll be ready to return to action at the start of this season.

The 33-year-old Edmonton Oilers winger is still fully engaged in rehab after surgery to repair the dislocated wrist and damaged ligament suffered during the 2025 Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars. He admitted he hasn’t reached the stage yet where he can shoot the puck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hyman pointed out that there’s still another month to go before the season begins. Nevertheless, it doesn’t sound like he’ll be fully recovered in time.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Speaking of the Oilers, Mattias Ekholm said he’d love to stay in Edmonton. The 35-year-old defenseman said he’s recovered from the lower-body injuries that hampered him during the final months of their season.

Ekholm is in the final year of his contract and UFA-eligible next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal praised Ekholm’s steadiness and reliability as a top-pairing defenseman when healthy. However, he’s concerned that the veteran blueliner is now at an age when his career is on a “steep, slippery slope.”

RG.ORG: Lane Hutson being passed over from the Team USA Olympic orientation camp didn’t sit well with his father, Rob. He made a tongue-in-cheek comment suggesting his son could find a taker with Team Canada because he has dual citizenship.

However, Lane’s agent indicated that his client remains committed to the United States. The Canadiens blueliner last week stated he’d be honored to play for Team USA at the Olympics.

TSN: Former Ottawa Senators forward Alex Formenton signed a contract with HC Ambri-Piotta in Switzerland. He is among the five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team who were recently found not guilty of sexual assault following a 2018 incident in London, Ontario. However, the five remain ineligible to play in the NHL.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports this season’s NHL trade deadline will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026.

DAILY FACEOFF: Derek Ryan announced his retirement after 10 NHL seasons. The 38-year-old center had 82 goals and 127 assists for 209 points in 606 regular-season games with the Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames, and the Oilers from 2015-16 to 2024-25. He also had 10 points in 60 playoff games.