NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 11, 2026

by | May 11, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 11, 2026

The Canadiens take a 2-1 series lead over the Sabres, the Ducks tie their series with the Golden Knights, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

RECAPS OF SUNDAY’S PLAYOFF ACTION

NHL.COM: The Montreal Canadiens took a 2-1 lead over the Buffalo Sabres in their second-round series with a convincing 6-2 victory in Game 3. Alex Newhook tallied two goals for the second straight game, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky ended their goal-scoring droughts with assists from Lane Hutson, and Jakub Dobes stopped 26 shots for the Canadiens.

Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Newhook (NHL Images)

Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin replied for the Sabres. Game 4 is Tuesday in Montreal at 7 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Since the third period of Game 1, Montreal has dominated Buffalo. While they’ve outscored the Sabres 11-3 during that stretch, it’s been their defensive game that has made the difference.

The Canadiens have taken to heart the lessons they learned against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round. They aren’t giving the Sabres time and space to operate, they’re forcing turnovers, and they’re moving the puck well in all three zones. They’re also getting superb goaltending from Dobes, who has been their MVP of this postseason thus far.

The Sabres are a very good team, and they have the skill to reverse their fortunes. A win in Game 4 on Tuesday could change the complexion of this series heading back to Buffalo for Game 5. However, a loss in their next game, especially one as lopsided as the last two games, would be demoralizing.

The Anaheim Ducks nipped the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 to square their second-round series at two games apiece. Cutter Gauthier collected three assists, Beckett Sennecke and Alex Killorn tallied power-play goals, and Ian Moore’s first NHL playoff goal was the game-winner for the Ducks.

Mitch Marner also had three assists, Jack Eichel had two, and Brett Howden scored his seventh goal of the postseason for the Golden Knights.

Game 5 will be in Las Vegas on Tuesday at 9:30 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks finally broke through on the power play after being stymied through the first three games. They also outshot and outhit the Golden Knights in this contest. Those three assists by Gauthier were his first points of this series and couldn’t have come at a better time for his club.

The Golden Knights played this game without team captain Mark Stone. The two-way winger was sidelined by an undisclosed injury suffered during Game 3 on Friday. There was no word as to whether he’ll return to action for Game 5.

IN OTHER NEWS…

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Lineup changes could be coming for the Colorado Avalanche in Game 4 of their second-round series with the Minnesota Wild on Monday night.

The Avalanche hold a 2-1 lead in the series, but they haven’t received much production from second-line forwards Valeri Nichushkin and Brock Nelson. They each have one empty-net goal in the past seven games.

Sidelined defenseman Josh Manson and forward Joel Kiviranta might be ready to return to the lineup.

NHL.COM’s Bill Meltzer reports hearing that Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett was dealing with a sports hernia during their series against the Carolina Hurricanes. Defenseman Cam York played through a rib fracture, and center Christian Dvorak had a separated shoulder.

SPORTSNET: San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini was named captain of Team Canada in the upcoming IIHF World Championship. Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares and Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly will serve as alternate captains.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s quite an honor for the 20-year-old Celebrini. He established himself as an elite player in just two NHL seasons.

DAILY FACEOFF: Detroit Red Wings defenseman Justin Faulk was named captain of Team USA in the IIHF World Championship. Seattle Kraken blueliner Ryan Lindgren and Mathieu Olivier of the Columbus Blue Jackets are the alternates.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 7, 2026

by | May 7, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 7, 2026

The Sabres take the opening game of their series with the Canadiens, the Ducks even their series with the Golden Knights, the Selke Trophy finalists are announced, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Early goals by Josh Doan and Ryan McLeod powered the Buffalo Sabres to a 4-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of their best-of-seven second-round series. Doan and McLeod each finished with two points, Jordan Greenway tallied the game-winner, Zach Benson collected two assists, and Alex Lyon stopped 26 shots for the Sabres. Nick Suzuki and Kirby Dach replied for the Canadiens. Game 2 of this series is on Friday in Buffalo at 7 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres did an excellent job capitalizing on the Canadiens’ early mistakes in this game. Benson is emerging as a reliable playoff performer for the Sabres.

The Canadiens had difficulty at times adjusting to the Sabres’ speed and offensive play after coming off a tight-checking series with the Tampa Bay Lightning. They’re still not getting even-strength offense from their top line of Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky.

Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson (NHL Images)

The Anaheim Ducks tied their series with the Vegas Golden Knights at a game apiece with a 3-1 win in Game 2. Lukas Dostal made 21 saves while Beckett Sennecke, Leo Carlsson, and Jansen Harkins scored for the Ducks. Mark Stone tallied in the final seconds for the Golden Knights. The series shifts to Anaheim for Games 3 and 4.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks used their speed at both ends of the ice to bounce back from their Game 1 loss. They also did a good job killing off five penalties. Dostal shook off his shaky performance in the opening game and was solid throughout this contest.

NHL.COM: Anthony Cirelli of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Brock Nelson of the Colorado Avalanche, and Nick Suzuki of the Montreal Canadiens are the finalists for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, which is awarded annually to the league’s top defensive forward as voted by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All three are worthy candidates. Suzuki is considered the favorite to win the award this season.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the NHL officially informed teams that the salary cap for 2026-27 will be $104 million. That is an increase of $8.5 million over this season’s $95.5 million cap.

The salary cap minimum will be $76.9 million, and the midpoint $90.4 million. The maximum salary for individual contracts will be $20.8 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The league is confirming its 2026-27 cap projection from last year. The cap for 2027-28 is projected to reach $113.5 million.

This will provide teams with another significant annual boost to the salary-cap payroll. However, not every club will spend to that ceiling. Some clubs (usually the rebuilding ones) will be closer to the cap floor.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: A lower-body injury will sideline Flyers center Noah Cates for the remainder of his club’s second-round series with the Carolina Hurricanes. Cates suffered the injury during Game 2.

Flyers center Christian Dvorak is listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.

RATINGS.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports University of Michigan center Adam Valentini could be a sleeper pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The 5’9”, 190-pounder had 27 points in 40 games this season.

Valentini, 18, is projected to be selected in the second round or later. His speed, two-way play, and work ethic have Michigan head coach Brandon Naurato comparing him to Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 6, 2026

by | Jan 6, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 6, 2026

Recaps of Monday’s games, the three stars of the week are revealed, injury updates, contract signings, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING MONDAY’S ACTION

NHL.COM: The Utah Mammoth’s 3-2 win over the New York Rangers was overshadowed by a lower-body injury suffered by Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin with seven minutes remaining in the first period. Following the game, head coach Mike Sullivan said the former Vezina Trophy winner was undergoing tests to determine the severity of the injury.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

Mammoth defenseman Sean Durzi scored in overtime for the 20-20-3 Mammoth, who got regulation goals from Dylan Guenther and Michael Carcone. Alexis Lafreniere and Vincent Trocheck tallied for the 20-18-6 Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Losing Shesterkin for a significant period of time could be devastating for the Rangers’ efforts to secure a playoff berth. Following the game, the Mammoth traded defenseman Juuso Valimaki to the Carolina Hurricanes for future considerations.

The Los Angeles Kings doubled up the Minnesota Wild 4-2. Darcy Kuemper made 33 saves while Andrei Kuzmenko had a goal and an assist for the Kings, who improved to 18-14-9. Jared Spurgeon had a goal and an assist for the 25-11-8 Wild, as their six-game points streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was a costly win for the Kings as captain Anze Kopitar left the game with a lower-body injury and winger Joel Armia departed with an upper-body injury. After the game, it was reported that Kopitar left the dressing room without any apparent limp. There was no update on Armia’s status.

Washington Capitals rookie winger Justin Sourdif tallied his first NHL hat trick in a 7-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Sourdif also collected two assists to finish the night with five points, while Alex Ovechkin scored twice and Connor McMichael picked up four assists for the 22-15-6 Capitals. Chris Kreider, Alex Killorn, Jacob Trouba, and Beckett Sennecke replied for the Ducks (21-18-3) as their winless skid reached six games (0-5-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals winger Tom Wilson missed this game with a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day. Meanwhile, the Ducks have two wins in their last dozen games. They’ve tumbled from first place to fifth in the Pacific Division, leaving them clinging to the final Western Conference wildcard berth.

The Seattle Kraken got a 41-save performance from goaltender Philipp Grubauer to defeat the Calgary Flames by a score of 5-1. Vince Dunn and Matty Beniers each had a goal and an assist for the 19-14-7 Kraken, who extended their points streak to eight games (7-0-1). Adam Klapka scored for the Flames (18-20-4).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kraken winger Jordan Eberle played in his 1,100th career NHL regular-season game. Speaking of the Flames, prospect defenseman Zayne Parekh set a record for most points by a Canadian blueliner in a World Junior Championship tournament, finishing with 13 as Canada took home the bronze medal in the 2026 WJC.

A three-goal first period powered the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-3 win over the Ottawa Senators. John Gibson made 35 saves while James van Riemsdyk had a goal and two assists for the 25-15-4 Red Wings, who regained first place in the Atlantic Division with 54 points. Tim Stutzle collected two assists to extend his point streak to 13 games for the Senators (20-16-5).

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, and Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews were the league’s three stars for the week ending Jan. 4, 2026.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars captain Jamie Benn will miss the start of the club’s six-game road trip due to facial injuries suffered during the third period of Sunday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens.

SPORTSNET/TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs winger William Nylander was placed on injured reserve. Defenseman Jake McCabe will be sidelined for a week with a lower-body injury.

TSN: Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones is week-to-week with an upper-body injury. The Panthers hope he’ll return to action before the Olympic break in February.

BOSTON.COM: Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm will miss some time due to an undisclosed injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: The San Jose Sharks placed defenseman John Klingberg on injured reserve.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers signed Christian Dvorak to a five-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $5.15 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dvorak has played a key role in the rebuilding Flyers improvement this season. The 29-year-old two-way center has nine goals and 25 points in 39 games, putting him on track for a career-best 18 goals and 50 points.

Dvorak might not be able to maintain that level of production throughout this new contract. Nevertheless, the Flyers see him as a key part of their future. He’s currently on a one-year, $5.4 million contract. With the salary cap rising significantly over the next two seasons, his new cap hit won’t take a significant chunk out of the Flyers’ cap payroll.

TSN: The St. Louis Blues signed forward Alexey Toropchenko to a two-year contract worth an AAV of $2.5 million.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators signed goaltender Justus Annunen to a two-year, $2.5 million contract extension.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins placed defenseman Egor Zamula on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zamula could sign with another NHL club once his contract is officially terminated on Tuesday.

TSN: Defenseman Jack Johnson officially retired as an NHL player, joining the Vancouver Canucks as a pro scout.

In 19 NHL seasons (2006-07 to 2024-25), Johnson had 342 points in 1,128 regular-season games with the Los Angeles Kings, Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, Colorado Avalanche, and Chicago Blackhawks. He also had 21 points in 57 playoff games and won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022.

NHL.COM: Former player, coach, and general manager Bob Pulford died on Monday at age 89.

Pulford spent 16 seasons in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Los Angeles Kings from 1956-57 to 1971-72. He spent 14 of those seasons with the Leafs, winning four Stanley Cups. He had 281 goals and 643 points in 1,079 regular-season games, and 51 points in 89 playoff games. In 1991, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Following his playing career, Pulford went on to spend five seasons coaching the Kings, winning the Jack Adams Award in 1974-75. He went on to spend five years coaching the Chicago Blackhawks and served as their general manager during four different periods between 1977 and 2005.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Pulford’s family, friends, former teammates, and colleagues.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 16, 2025

by | Oct 16, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 16, 2025

Could the Oilers make a big addition to their roster this season? Will the Flyers end up trading Christian Dvorak? Are the Hurricanes seeking a goalie? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples noted that the rising salary cap and the presence of superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have prompted some Oilers fans to speculate about the club pursuing star players from struggling teams, such as Buffalo’s Alex Tuch.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

However, Staples doesn’t see the Oilers acquiring a top-line forward like Tuch or a No.1 goaltender during this season. He pointed out that the club is up against the $95.5 million salary cap, and they have little to trade other than their 2027 first-round pick.

The only players the Oilers have earning more than $2 million annually who lack no-trade protection are defensemen Evan Bouchard and Brett Kulak, and goaltender Stuart Skinner. Bouchard isn’t going anywhere; the Oilers won’t move Skinner if he performs well this season, leaving only Kulak.

Staples believes the earliest the Oilers can make a significant addition to their roster is next summer, when they’ll have more salary cap space to use in the unrestricted free agent market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers could surprise by making a move by the March trade deadline. However, Kulak won’t fetch much in return, and their 2027 first-rounder is likely to be a low pick in that round, which also affects its trade value.

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz recently wondered how long Christian Dvorak will be with the Philadelphia Flyers this season. The 29-year-old center signed a one-year, $5.4 million contract this summer as a free agent.

Kurz said the Flyers plan to remain competitive at least through the March 6 trade deadline. If they can’t, Dvorak could become a trade candidate. He’s the type of forward a playoff team covets because of his two-way game and his ability to play center or wing.

BLEACHER REPORT: Frank Seravalli reported the Carolina Hurricanes are monitoring the waiver wire for a goaltender after Pyotr Kochetkov was placed on injured reserve earlier this week.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes got a win from call-up Brandon Bussi against the San Jose Sharks earlier this week. They could stick with him and starting goalie Frederik Andersen until Kotchetkov is healthy.










Notable NHL Signings and Trades – July 1, 2025

by | Jul 1, 2025

Notable NHL Signings and Trades – July 1, 2025

 Anaheim Ducks sign unrestricted free-agent forward Mikael Granlund to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $7 million.

The New York Rangers signed winger Will Cuylle to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.9 million. Cuylle was a restricted free agent completing his entry-level contract.

Buffalo Sabres re-sign center Ryan McLeod to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $5 million. McLeod was a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

The San Jose Sharks signed John Klingberg to a one-year, $4 million contract. He was an unrestricted free agent.

 

Defenseman Ryan Lindgren signed a four-year contract with the Seattle Kraken with an average annual value of $4.5 million.

The Utah Mammoth signed defenseman Nate Schmidt inked a three-year contract ($3.5 million AAV) and forward Brandon Tanev to a three-year contract ($2.5 million AAV).

The Los Angeles Kings signed defenseman Cody Ceci to a four-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million, blueliner Brian Dumoulin to a three-year deal with a $4 million AAV, and winger Corey Perry to a one-year, $2 million contract.

Winger Jonathan Drouin agreed to a two-year contract ($4 million AAV) with the New York Islanders.

Forward Radek Faksa inked a three-year contract ($2 million AAV) with the Dallas Stars.

 

The Vancouver Canucks brought back Brock Boeser, signing him to a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7.25 million.

The New York Rangers sign defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to a seven-year deal with an AAV of $7 million.

The Los Angeles Kings sign forward Joel Armia to a two-year contract with a $2.5 million AAV.

The Boston Bruins signed forward Tanner Jeannot to a four-year deal with an AAV of $3.5 million.

The New Jersey Devils sign forward Connor Brown to a four-year contract with an AAV of $3 million.

The Philadelphia Flyers sign goaltender Dan Vladar to a two-year contract with a $3.35 million AAV.

The San Jose Sharks sign winger William Eklund to a three-year deal with an AAV of $5.6 million. Eklund, 22, was a restricted free agent.

The Philadelphia Flyers signed center Christian Dvorak to a one-year, $5.4 million contract.

The Montreal Canadiens trade defenseman Logan Mailloux to the St. Louis Blues for forward Zachary Bolduc.

Logan Stankoven signs an eight-year contract extension ($6 million AAV) with the Carolina Hurricanes. The 22-year-old forward was slated to become an RFA next July.

Jake Allen re-signed with the New Jersey Devils. The 34-year-old goaltender agreed to a five-year contract with an AAV of $1.8 million.

The Edmonton Oilers trade winger Viktor Arvidsson to the Boston Bruins for a fifth-round draft pick in 2027. This move frees up $4 million of salary-cap space for the Oilers.

Thatcher Demko signs a a three-year contract extension with the Vancouver Canucks worth an average annual value of $8.5 million. The 29-year-old goaltender was eligible for UFA status next July.

The Canucks also confirmed that Conor Garland signed a six-year contract extension with an AAV of $6 million. Like Demko, he was slated to become a UFA next July.

Martin Fehervary signed a seven-year contract extension with the Washington Capitals worth an AAV of $6 million. The 25-year-old defenseman was a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 6, 2025

by | May 6, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 6, 2025

What’s the latest on the off-season plans for the Canadiens, Canucks and Senators? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CANADIENS?

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Herb Zurkowsky and Stu Cowan report Jeff Gorton, the Canadiens executive vice-president of hockey operations, is pleased and proud of his rebuilding club’s performance this season. However, he felt there was still work to be done.

Gorton believes the Canadiens must improve defensively, they need more scoring, and must get bigger and more competitive. “We want to build a team that can compete for a Stanley Cup every year,” he said. “We’re getting there (but) we’re not quite there.”

Gorton acknowledged the club’s need for a second-line center, but suggested adding a creative winger who can drive the play could be another way to bolster their top-six forwards. He didn’t rule out the possibility of using an offer sheet to address a roster need.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gorton and general manager Kent Hughes will explore the trade and free-agent markets for a second-line center. However, Gorton’s remark about seeking a winger suggests limited options will be available to address that center position.

Cowan noted that Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs is the type of winger Gorton was referring to. The 28-year-old is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. If Marner goes to market, the Canadiens could find it difficult to win a bidding war that could see him earn over $15 million annually on his next contract.

TSN: Canadiens GM Kent Hughes came to the defense of Patrik Laine. The 27-year-old winger had an up-and-down performance this season, missing the first two months of the season with a knee injury and the final three games of the postseason with a broken finger.

Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

Speaking in French, Hughes told reporters the Canadiens wouldn’t have made the playoffs without Laine. He scored 20 goals and 33 points in 52 games this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine received recent media criticism regarding his play, culminating in Pat Hickey of The Gazette calling for the winger to be traded or bought out. However, Laine’s return to the lineup in December was among the factors in their midseason turnaround that vaulted them into playoff contention.

Laine has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $8.7 million and a 10-team no-trade clause. They’ll likely hang onto him and try to find a playmaking second-line center or winger that best suits his shoot-first style of play.

TVA SPORTS: Hughes said the Canadiens haven’t announced their intentions regarding their UFA players like Joel Armia, Christian Dvorak and Michael Pezzetta. Management intends to meet soon to discuss their options and will inform those players of their decision.

COULD THE CANUCKS TRADE THEIR FIRST-ROUND PICK?

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes the Vancouver Canucks should use their first-round pick in this year’s draft (15th overall) as a trade chip to bring in a proven center.

The jury remains out on Elias Pettersson as a reliable first-line center. Meanwhile, health concerns continue to dog midseason acquisition Filip Chytil.

Kuzma suggested targeting someone like Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings. Larkin recently expressed his unhappiness with management’s inability to make a significant move at the March trade deadline to improve the club’s playoff chances.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin may be unhappy with the Wings’ direction this season but there’s no indication that he wants to be traded. He also has a full no-trade clause and Kuzma acknowledged it would take something special to pry him out of Motown. A first-round pick would only be one piece of a likely three-asset offer to get him.

Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre also believes the Canucks must shop their 2025 first-rounder for a return that will help them bounce back next season. He agrees that they’ll target a top-six forward.

WHAT ARE THE SENATORS’ OFFSEASON PLANS?

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie believes the Ottawa Senators will attempt to find a scoring forward this summer.

Toronto’s Mitch Marner could be a free-agent option but he’ll likely be out of the Senators’ price range. Nikolaj Ehlers of the Winnipeg Jets seems a realistic target. They could also be linked to Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks.

The Senators also need more blueline depth. One option could be Rasmus Andersson if he and the Calgary Flames don’t agree to a contract extension this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The availability of salary-cap space and tradeable assets will be an issue if the Senators intend to go big-game hunting this summer.

They have a projected $17.5 million in cap room with 14 active roster players (including their core players except Giroux) under contract next season. Landing a top-six scorer will take up a big chunk.

The Senators used to have a deep prospect pool, but it’s now ranked 27th by The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler. They also don’t have a lot of extra draft picks to use as trade bait.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports sources told him the Senators will likely search for a top-six right wing and a right-shot defenseman.

Senators forward Drake Batherson’s name surfaced at the trade deadline, but the club instead traded Josh Norris to Buffalo for Dylan Cozens. Garrioch writes that several teams wonder if general manager Steve Staios would be willing to listen to offers for Batherson around the draft.

Garrioch believes the Senators would have to tread carefully regarding Batherson because of their scoring difficulties this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators would want an established player in return for Batherson, not picks, prospects or an inexperienced young NHLer. In other words, something like the Cozens-for-Norris deal.