NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 29, 2026

by | Sep 29, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 29, 2026

The 2026-27 NHL season begins on Tuesday, plus the latest on Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson, Penguins center Evgeni Malkin, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The 2026-27 regular season begins Tuesday with five games on tap.

The Carolina Hurricanes will raise their 2025-26 Stanley Cup banner before hosting the Florida Panthers at 5 PM EDT. The Montreal Canadiens visit the Toronto Maple Leafs (7 PM EDT), the New York Rangers face off against the Boston Bruins (8 PM EDT), the Vancouver Canucks meet the Edmonton Oilers (10 PM EDT), and the Chicago Blackhawks square off against the Vegas Golden Knights (10:30 PM EDT).

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson is no longer practicing with the team and will remain off the ice until he signs a new contract. Edvinsson, 22, remains a restricted free agent as his representatives continue to negotiate with Red Wings management.

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson (NHL Images)

Edvinsson skated with his teammates in practice during training camp but couldn’t participate in scrimmages or preseason games. Now that the regular season has begun, he cannot take part in any team activities until he’s signed.

It’s rumored the two sides are working on a long-term deal worth an average annual value of $10 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings had the entire summer to sign Edvinsson. It was assumed a deal would happen quickly once assistant general manager Shawn Horcoff was named interim GM.

Edvinsson has been loyal to the Red Wings, rejecting offers from other clubs and taking part in training camp when he could’ve sat out. So far, he’s got nothing to show for it.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas raised eyebrows during his press conference yesterday when he gave a curt response to a question about the future of Evgeni Malkin, who’s on a one-year contract.

“I’m not gonna do this day-to-day, year-by-year thing with (Malkin) again this year,” Dubas said.

A team spokesman later said Dubas was referencing media questions about Malkin, and not any future years for the veteran center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Dan Kingerski observed, Malkin’s contract status last season became the subject of intense speculation as he publicly needled Dubas for a new deal, and the Penguins GM sidestepped those questions. The two sides eventually agreed to a one-year extension, but Dubas doesn’t want any future talks with Malkin playing out in the press.

TWINCITIES.COM: The Minnesota Wild placed defenseman Brock Faber (upper body) and goaltender Filip Gustavsson (hip surgery) on injured reserve.

TSN: St. Louis Blues defensemen Tyler Tucker (lower body) and Logan Mailloux (surgery, right hand) were placed on IR.

Montreal Canadiens center Oliver Kapanen will miss his club’s season opener because he’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: Utah Mammoth defense prospect Maveric Lamoureux will be sidelined for four to six months after undergoing shoulder surgery.

NHL.COM: The Nashville Predators signed forward Tyson Jost to a one-year, two-way contract. He had attended their training camp on a professional tryout offer.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets claimed goaltender Clay Stevenson off waivers from the Washington Capitals. Stevenson, 27, will serve as Stuart Skinner’s backup. He backstopped the Capitals’ AHL affiliate in Hershey to the Calder Cup in 2023-24.

CBS SPORTS: The Vancouver Canucks released goalie Chris Driedger from his PTO contract.

DAILY FACEOFF: NHL forward Matt Nieto has announced his retirement. In 12 NHL seasons (2013-14 to 2024-25), he has 87 goals and 119 assists for 206 points in 705 NHL regular-season games with the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, and Pittsburgh Penguins, and 21 points in 62 playoff contests.

NEW YORK POST: The Islanders sold roughly 15 percent of its shares at a $3 billion valuation. The identities of the new investors are not known, and the sale is subject to NHL approval.

CTV NEWS: A report by the Montreal Economic Institute found Canada’s higher tax rates are hurting some of the country’s NHL teams, making it harder to attract and keep top players from Canada and the United States.

The report also mentioned the NHL’s salary cap is based on gross salary rather than net salary, meaning a team from a no-tax state can offer the exact same contract and the player will take home more money.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stick tap to “Chris” for the link.

Players on Canadian teams are paid in US dollars, meaning their money goes further in Canada. As of Sept. 29, one American dollar is worth $1.42 Canadian.

It could make it difficult for smaller market Canadian teams, who earn revenue in Canadian dollars, to keep pace with the rising salary cap.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That was an issue 25 years ago, when the Canadian dollar was ever lower. Small market teams in Quebec City and Winnipeg relocated to the United States in the mid-1990s, and Edmonton and Ottawa were on the verge of following suit.

Today, all seven Canadian teams have stable ownership, and the league has a robust revenue-sharing program. Winnipeg is the NHL’s smallest market and the only Canadian team facing a genuine problem attracting and retaining players. The Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames are closer to the salary-cap floor, but that’s because they’re rebuilding their rosters.

Another factor putting Canadian teams on an unequal footing is a handful of US-born players who’ve pushed to leave Canadian markets, especially after the American men’s hockey team winning gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Quinn Hughes forced the Vancouver Canucks to trade him to the Minnesota Wild, Brady Tkachuk’s trade request sent him from the Ottawa Senators to the Florida Panthers, and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck requested a trade and remains suspended without pay for not reporting to training camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those moves were made for reasons that had nothing to do with higher taxes or playing in Canada.

Hughes’ trade happened two months before the Olympics, and was largely because the Canucks had become a dysfunctional mess, which Hughes (as team captain) seemed powerless to address.

Tkachuk’s trade to the Panthers in June was for family reasons. It was no secret he and his brother, Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk, wanted to play together. Hellebuyck’s situation is based on his desire to play for a Stanley Cup contender while he’s still in his prime.

TSN’s Gino Reda said Hellebuyck didn’t have any Canadian teams on his list of trade destinations. “That tells you an awful lot. It’s not a trend just yet, but it’s a concern for the Canadian teams to watch their star players going south of the border.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It could become a problem given the current economic tensions between Canada and the United States. However, the performance of the teams remains the prime factor. Contenders, even those in Canada, usually have little difficulty attracting and retaining talent.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 13, 2026

by | May 13, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 13, 2026

The latest on Auston Matthews and Morgan Rielly of the Maple Leafs, Evgeni Malkin of the Penguins, and Matvei Michkov of the Flyers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE MAPLE LEAFS TRADE OR RETAIN MATTHEWS AND RIELLY?

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos recently examined what’s next for the Toronto Maple Leafs and team captain Auston Matthews.

Matthews has surfaced in the rumor mill amid reports claiming the 28-year-old superstar center isn’t sure if he’ll return to the Maple Leafs this fall. He’s under contract for two more seasons, and Kypreos noted that Matthew’s agent, Judd Moldaver, hasn’t spoken out against the rumors.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Kypreos noted the Maple Leafs have yet to confirm if head coach Craig Berube will be back. He believes they’ll conduct due diligence on Matthews before committing to a coach. He also believes the Leafs must act quickly to confirm Matthews’ status. The longer Matthews remains silent on this matter, the louder the speculation becomes.

**UPDATE** The Maple Leafs fired Berube this morning. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews likely wants to find out first what the Leafs’ plans are under their management. John Chayka, the Leafs’ new general manager, is expected to meet with his team captain soon.

If Matthews is on board with Chayka’s vision, he won’t be going anywhere. If he’s not, that could lead to a blockbuster trade this summer. For now, we have to wait.

TSN: During a May 11 appearance on “First Up with Korolnek and Colaiacovo”, NHL insider Darren Dreger said that Maple Leafs management is expected to meet with Morgan Rielly to discuss the possibility of the 32-year-old defenseman waiving his no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rielly said that he wanted to stay with the Maple Leafs and be part of their retooling process, but he also acknowledged the possibility of a new Leafs general manager asking him to waive his clause.

However, it might not be easy to move Rielly. He’s signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $7.5 million and has a full NMC through 2027-28. His production has declined, and he seems to have lost a step over the past couple of seasons.

PENGUINS COULD BRING BACK MALKIN, BUT MIGHT NOT SPEND TO THE CAP MAXIMUM

THE SCORE: Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said his club would love to bring back Evgeni Malkin next season. The 39-year-old forward completed his 20th season with the club and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Dubas cited Malkin’s resilience and ability to bounce back after a down year. He also indicated that the Penguins currently have no one in their prospect pipeline who can step up and replace the future Hall of Famer in their lineup for next season.

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: Tim Benz reported Dubas hinted he might not spend to next season’s salary cap of $104 million.

The Penguins have over $42 million in cap space for next season, the highest among all NHL clubs. However, Dubas cautioned that he might not be spending as much as people think come July. He said that he didn’t want to burn through all that cap space and have nothing left in a year or two when better trade and free-agent options might become available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The lack of quality talent in this summer’s UFA market could partly explain why Malkin might be back next season, and why Dubas is cautioning Penguins followers not to get their hopes up for some major additions this summer.

That doesn’t mean Dubas won’t be eyeing the trade market to see who’s available who might improve the Penguins. Instead of acquiring established NHL stars, it could be more affordable to acquire short-term options or younger players with potential. That might not be a bad thing, as he brought in Egor Chinakhov, Samuel Girard, Elmer Soderblom, and Arturs Silovs that way.

If Dubas goes the trade route, Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now suggested the Penguins’ best trade chips are winger Rickard Rakell, prospects such as Tristan Broz, Owen Pickering, and Rutger McGroarty, and their 19 picks in the first three rounds of the next four NHL drafts.

FLYERS WON’T GIVE UP ON MICHKOV

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco weighed in on the speculation about Matvei Michkov’s future with the Philadelphia Flyers.

The 21-year-old winger had a difficult sophomore campaign, reporting to training camp out of shape, and at times having his playing time reduced or being benched by new head coach Rick Tocchet for his inconsistent play.

The Flyers aren’t in a hurry to run Michkov out of town. He remains a valuable part of their rebuild. Besides, trading him during a down year wouldn’t be the best asset management. Nevertheless, he’s no longer considered “untouchable”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: William James of Philly Hockey Now noted that Michkov was in a positive mood while talking to reporters during his end-of-season media availability. He cited the youngster’s appreciation of the Flyers fans and his determination to improve.

We can’t fully dismiss the possibility of Michkov getting traded this summer if the Flyers receive an irresistible offer, such as an established first-line center. However, it’s more likely that he’ll return to the club next season in better shape and motivated to silence his critics.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 9, 2026

by | Apr 9, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 9, 2026

What does Rangers GM Chris Drury have in store for the offseason? Which player could the Penguins target this summer? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano wondered which path New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury will take during the offseason. Will he preach patience and focus on rebuilding for the future, or aim for a quicker turnaround by trying to add to his roster?

Mercogliano stated that two league sources claimed Drury prefers to acquire young, NHL-ready players in any trade involving Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, defenseman Braden Schneider, or others.

The Rangers had planned to use their cap space this summer to pursue a premium unrestricted free agent, but the depth in that talent pool has drained. They could instead turn to this summer’s trade market if any big-name players hit the block.

New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad (NHL Images).

Mercogliano said it’s no secret the Rangers have long coveted Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, and Auston Matthews’ situation with the Toronto Maple Leafs has grown murkier. However, he’s doubtful they have sufficient trade capital to pull off a trade of that magnitude.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of Drury’s actions have been to stage a quick turnaround rather than a full-fledged roster rebuild.

Drury is following the example of Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas, whose trades usually involve a return of promising NHL-ready players. Dubas has also found some bargain signings via free agency (Anthony Mantha, Justin Brazeau, Parker Wotherspoon) that have worked out well for the Penguins.

The Rangers GM held firm on his asking prices for Trocheck and Schneider at the trade deadline. With this summer’s UFA market depleted, teams will be turning to the trade market to address their needs. By then, some of those clubs could be more willing to meet Drury’s price than they were in March.

NEW YORK POST: Andrew Crane recalled the trade rumors that swirled around Rangers center Mika Zibanejad at this time last season.

The Rangers were in the middle of dismantling their roster. Meanwhile, Zibanejad was coming off a disappointing performance. Nevertheless, he reminded everyone that he had a full no-movement clause and that he still believed in this team.

A year later, Zibanejad has had a bounce-back performance with 33 goals and 75 points. He’s played a significant role in the blossoming of rookie Gabe Perreault and winger Alexis Lafreniere. No longer considered a trade candidate, he’s become a bridge to the future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers’ plummet to the bottom of this season’s Eastern Conference standings prompted some observers to wonder if Zibanejad might reconsider staying in New York. Based on Crane’s report, don’t hold your breath waiting for him to waive his no-movement clause.

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, Josh Yohe was asked which star players the Pittsburgh Penguins might target in this summer’s trade market.

He believes Penguins GM Kyle Dubas could take a swing at Jason Robertson if the Dallas Stars put him on the trade block. The Penguins have the trade capital and the salary cap space necessary to acquire him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson is a restricted free agent on July 1 with arbitration rights who will also be UFA eligible next summer if he and the Stars agree to a one-year deal. Dubas may love Robertson’s game, but he will want assurances that the 26-year-old winger will sign a long-term contract before agreeing to acquire him.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 1, 2026

by | Jan 1, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 1, 2026

Check out the latest on the Rangers and Penguins in the first NHL Rumor Mill of 2026.

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano believes the biggest midseason question facing the New York Rangers is whether to buy, sell, or thread the needle.

They feel the Rangers are at a crossroads. They have a “win-now” core with four players (Artemi Panarin, J.T. Miller, Mika Zibanejad, and Vincent Trocheck) at 32 or older, and made Mike Sullivan the league’s highest-paid coach. However, this is a club that must get younger, faster, and more skilled, and they have a chance to accelerate that process by the March 6 trade deadline.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Panarin is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and this season could be his last with the Rangers. If so, they should approach him about waiving his no-movement clause.

They should also consider having conversations with other veterans who still have trade value. The same applies to struggling young players such as Alexis Lafreniere and Brennan Othmann.

Mercogliano believes general manager Chris Drury will take the same “thread the needle” approach as last season. He’ll try to peddle players who no longer fit into the Rangers’ plans while trying to add those who can provide immediate help.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers will be worth monitoring between now and the trade deadline. Drury’s plans will depend on where they are in the standings in the coming weeks. Failure to rise into playoff positioning will make it easier for Drury to justify attempting to move Panarin or other players who aren’t part of their long-range plans.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe believes Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is gearing up to make a massive move in 2026, likely during the offseason.

The Penguins have their own first-round pick, two second-round picks, and two third-rounders in the talent-rich 2026 NHL Draft. However, Yohe speculates that not all those picks will be used by the Penguins in that draft. He also pointed out that they have 16 picks in the top three rounds of the next three drafts.

Some of those picks could be used as part of a massive trade similar to the Minnesota Wild’s recent acquisition of Quinn Hughes.

The Penguins will also have over $50 million in cap space, giving them plenty of room to land some impactful free agents or swing a blockbuster trade for a star.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas has set the table to become a major buyer in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets. The question is, which players could they pry away via trades, and which free agents could be enticed into signing with the Penguins?

Most of the big-name players in this summer’s UFA market re-signed with their respective clubs. The best UFA-eligible talent includes 34-year-old Rangers winger Artemi Panarin, power forward Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres, and Utah Mammoth center Nick Schmaltz.

Landing talent via trade could prove difficult if the players that Dubas targets aren’t interested in joining a rebuilding club. However, the Penguins could reach the playoffs, and the ageless Sidney Crosby could insist on staying in Pittsburgh. Those factors could be solid selling points.

Dubas could also surprise us by signing a restricted free-agent star to an offer sheet. Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson would be the most attractive target if he and the Stars can’t agree to a long-term extension.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 9, 2025

by | Jun 9, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 9, 2025

Big changes could be coming for the Rangers, the latest on the Penguins, and a list of potential buyout candidates in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RUMBLINGS OF BIG CHANGES FOR THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC’s Arthur Staple reported that the word at the NHL Draft Combine was that the New York Rangers are among the teams looking to shake up their rosters this summer. The others include the Buffalo Sabres, Utah Mammoth, and Seattle Kraken.

Igor Shesterkin, Adam Fox, and Artemi Panarin are considered the only untouchables on the Rangers roster. Staple believes general manager Chris Drury could attempt to sign Vladislav Gavrikov if the Los Angeles Kings’ defenseman becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks considers it inevitable that the Rangers will trade K’Andre Miller. The 25-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights and is coming off a disappointing 2024-25 performance.

New York Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller (NHL Images).

Several sources told Brooks that they believe Miller will be targeted with an offer sheet if he isn’t moved by July 1. He believes the offer would be around five years with an average annual value between $6 million and $7.012 million, which the Rangers “all but certainly would not match.” They would receive a first and third-round pick as compensation.

Parting with Miller would leave the Rangers without a left-shot defenseman who can skate alongside Fox on their top defenseman pairing. Unless such a blueliner is part of the return in a trade involving Miller, Brooks believes they’ll have to overpay for a UFA like Gavrikov if he’s available.

Brooks also indicated that Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere is “surely available” and was the topic of several conversations at the draft combine, “though it is unclear whether the majority of inquiries were outgoing or incoming.”

If the Rangers can’t move Miller for a defenseman and instead move him for a forward, Brooks believes Drury could use Lafreniere as a trade chip to add a left-shot blueliner.

Brooks pointed out that Vincent Trocheck’s no-trade clause becomes a 12-team no-trade list on July 1. If next season goes sideways, he believes Trocheck could become one of the Rangers’ most attractive trade chips.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drury was among the busiest general managers in this season’s trade market. He began tinkering with his roster in December, hoping to stage what would be a quick turnaround in their fortunes within a season or two.

If he’s peddling Miller and Lafreniere, he’ll want good NHL players in their prime in return, not draft picks and prospects, unless he intends to use those as trade bait as well.

PENGUINS COULD SPURN FREE AGENCY FOR THE TRADE MARKET

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reported Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas said he’s probably not going to be as aggressive in the free-agent market, unless it’s for a younger player “who maybe deserves a little more term.”

Dubas said he’s been getting trade inquiries from other clubs, indicating that some of them are rebuilding clubs looking to take the next step in their development.

Yohe stated the Penguins have “a bushel of draft picks and several veterans they’re willing to trade.” In return, Dubas wants young, talented players who no longer fit with their current teams. He’ll also be watching cap-strapped clubs looking to offload some salary.

Penguins fans could want Dubas to target restricted free agents with offer sheets, like the St. Louis Blues did last summer when they signed Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway from the Edmonton Oilers. However, he doesn’t think that’s going to happen much this summer because of the rising salary cap.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins could have two first-rounders in this year’s draft if the Rangers agree to send them their 2025 pick as part of the terms of the J.T. Miller trade with the Vancouver Canucks, who included that pick as part of the return to the Penguins for Marcus Pettersson.

They also have three third-rounders and two fifth-rounders in this year’s draft, three second-rounders and two third-rounders in 2026, and two second-rounders, three third-rounders and two fourth-rounders in 2027.

The veterans who they are willing to move could include defensemen Erik Karlsson and Ryan Graves, goaltender Tristan Jarry, and forward Kevin Hayes. However, rival clubs are likely more interested in top-six forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell.

POTENTIAL BUYOUT CANDIDATES

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli recently published his list of seven players he believes could be bought out of their contracts this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The first buyout window opens the later of June 15 or 48 hours following the completion of the Stanley Cup Final and closes at 5 pm ET on June 30. A team can get a second, 48-hour buyout window if a player files for arbitration and is settled or awarded, beginning three days following the settlement or award.

Defenseman T.J. Brodie of the Chicago Blackhawks tops Seravalli’s list, with forward Pierre Engvall of the New York Islanders and blueliner Matt Dumba of the Dallas Stars sitting second and third, respectively.

Chicago forward Joe Veleno, St. Louis Blues winger Mathieu Joseph, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Justin Holl, and San Jose Sharks blueliner Marc-Edouard Vlasic round out the list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All but Veleno are over the age of 26, meaning their buyouts are calculated at two-thirds of the remaining value over twice the remaining term. The 25-year-old Veleno’s buyout would be calculated at one-third of the remaining value over twice the remaining term.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 10, 2025

by | Apr 10, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 10, 2025

Could the Penguins attempt to accelerate their rebuild? Will Dmitry Orlov head to the KHL next summer? Are the Lightning having trouble signing top prospect Isaac Howard? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe wonders if Sidney Crosby’s ongoing excellence at age 37 could alter general manager Kyle Dubas’ rebuilding plans for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Since last season, Dubas has shipped out veterans like Jake Guentzel for promising young players and other untapped assets. However, Crosby’s performance remains unaffected.

Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas (NHL.com).

Yohe wonders if Dubas will continue his methodical rebuilding knowing that Crosby will be gone once the process is completed, or if he’ll attempt to accelerate things while his captain remains among the league’s elite stars.

The Penguins have $25 million in cap space for next season and double that amount in 2026-27. Dubas could create more space this summer by moving out some bad contracts. Yohe believes being aggressive and spending money is a smart move as long as they also have a system that consistently generates young players like they currently have.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been ongoing speculation that Dubas could attempt to move out Erik Karlsson, Rickard Rakell and perhaps even Kris Letang this summer to free up cap room and create roster space for younger talent. The intent would be to build a playoff contender around Crosby before his new contract expires two years from now.

Dubas has shown a willingness to make bold moves though sometimes they didn’t pan out as expected, like the acquisition of Karlsson two years ago. Nevertheless, he could search for a deal that speeds up his rebuilding plans.

ORLOV NOT GOING TO THE KHL NEXT SEASON

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman reported a rumor making the rounds had Dmitry Orlov heading to the KHL next season. The 33-year-old Carolina Hurricanes defenseman is UFA-eligible on July 1.

Friedman said he was told that there was no truth to that rumor. Orlov intends to stay in the NHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whether Orlov returns with Carolina or signs with another NHL team remains to be seen. The Hurricanes have the cap room to re-sign him but he might have to accept a lesser annual average value than his current $7.75 million.

COULD OTHER TEAMS HAVE INTEREST IN THE LIGHTNING’S TOP PROSPECT?

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina cited multiple reports indicating Isaac Howard, the Lightning’s top prospect, is returning to Michigan State for his junior year. The decision comes after two weeks of contract talks between the Lightning and Howard’s representatives.

Howard led the NCAA Division 1 with a 1.41 points per game average and is a finalist for the 2025 Hobey Baker Memorial Award. If he goes unsigned and returns to Michigan State, he could become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Encina suggests this could be posturing by Howard’s camp. If he plays a single NHL game this season, it would burn off the first year of his entry-level contract, enabling him to garner a more lucrative second contract much sooner as a restricted free agent.

The Lightning can continue negotiating with Howard until he becomes a UFA on Aug, 15, 2026. They could also trade his rights if they don’t expect to sign him before then.

Encina noted that the Lightning lacks the cap space to add Howard to their roster for the remainder of the regular season. He cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman cited sources “in NCAA circles” saying the Bolts and the Howard camp “weren’t sympatico on where everything stood at this time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman is interested in how things proceed from here, “especially if other teams are interested” in Howard.

We saw a similar situation last summer with Rutger McGroarty and the Winnipeg Jets resulting in him getting traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. McGroarty wanted to join the Jets right away but they preferred he start the season with their AHL affiliate.