NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 28, 2026

by | Jul 28, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 28, 2026

Three Oilers stars talk about new coach Mike Babcock, Nick Foligno stumps for Quinn Hughes to re-sign with the Wild, potential breakout players who changed teams this summer, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: New Edmonton Oilers head coach Mike Babcock was the hot topic for several Oilers players who attended teammate Zach Hyman’s annual charity golf tournament in Toronto on Monday.

Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

Leon Draisaitl acknowledged Babcock’s brief tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets three years ago. However, he said the Oilers’ leadership group had an “honest conversation” with Babcock about the circumstances behind his decision to step down as Jackets coach.

The Blue Jackets hired Babcock in the summer of 2023. However, he stepped down before coaching a game for them after it was reported he asked players to share personal photos from their phones.

While Babcock hasn’t coached in three years, Draisaitl believes he’s the right coach to improve the Oilers. He said he’s “very excited” to work with Babcock and to learn from him.

Oilers captain Connor McDavid said that he, Draisaitl, and defenseman Evan Bouchard want to be pushed to be better, and he believes Babcock can do that. Hyman, who played for Babcock during his tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs, said he and his teammates want to win and believe hiring Babcock gives them the best chance to do so.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Babcock’s abrupt departure from the Blue Jackets brought back the stories of his bullying players during his tenure with the Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.

Babcock claims he’s learned his lesson and changed his ways. If so, his hiring could be a positive move, though he’ll have his hands full trying to overcome their shaky goaltending and defensive depth issues.

On the other hand, things could get ugly if Babcock hasn’t changed. Oilers stars such as Draisaitl, McDavid, Hyman and Bouchard won’t have to worry about that. It’s the members of the supporting cast who could be singled out.

SPORTSNET: Minnesota Wild center Nick Foligno understands the pull of playing with family members. He and brother Marcus were reunited this year when the Wild acquired him from the Chicago Blackhawks before the March trade deadline.

Nevertheless, he believes teammate Quinn Hughes should forego the idea of joining his brothers, Jack and Luke Hughes, in New Jersey for a chance to win the Stanley Cup with the Wild.

“That part always works itself out,” Foligno told The Athletic. “You want to team up when it’s a good situation, and it matters. Hopefully, he understands that and realizes this is a great team right now and has a window to win, and he can see that through.”

Foligno pointed out that the Hughes brothers are still young and have plenty of time to play together.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes has been dogged by speculation regarding a reunion with his brothers for over a year. He’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July, but indicated at the end of this season that he’s open to signing an extension with the Wild.

Last month, Wild owner Craig Leipold indicated that his team would re-sign Hughes. However, that was before Leo Carlsson’s new contract gave the Anaheim Ducks’ center the highest average annual value in NHL history ($18 million).

Hughes could agree with Foligno that staying in Minnesota gives him a great chance to win the Stanley Cup. Whether the Wild can afford to keep him remains to be seen.

DAILY FACEOFF: Mike Gould recently listed five breakout candidates who changed teams this summer.

They include forward Mavrik Bourque, who the Dallas Stars traded to the Nashville Predators. Winger William Eklund could be another after being dealt to the Ottawa Senators by the San Jose Sharks. So could defenseman Kaedan Korczak, who was acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins from the Vegas Golden Knights.

Forward Connor McMichael could also be a breakout player after being shipped by the Washington Capitals to the St. Louis Blues as part of the Jordan Kyrou trade. Defenseman Simon Nemec is another candidate following his trade to the Calgary Flames by the New Jersey Devils.

THE ATHLETIC: Joel Ward could be on track to become the second Black head coach in NHL history. The first was Dirk Graham with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1998-99.

Ward spent the past six seasons as an assistant coach with the Vegas Golden Knights before being named head coach of their AHL affiliate in Henderson, Nevada, last month.

Former Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy and New York Islanders coach Peter DeBoer believe Ward has what it takes to become an NHL head coach.

Cassidy said he leaned on Ward’s experience as an NHL player, watching him grow from providing individual instruction to players to holding the entire dressing room’s attention with his voice. DeBoer said he saw Ward as a future coach when the latter played for him with the San Jose Sharks.

Cassidy and DeBoer also believe that Ward is doing the right thing by taking a head-coaching role in the AHL despite his years as an NHL assistant coach. They say it’s the best preparation for an NHL head-coaching career.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins named Trent Whitfield as the new head coach of their AHL affiliate in Providence.

DAILY FACEOFF: Goaltender Michael Hutchinson announced his retirement after 11 NHL seasons.

From 2013-14 to 2023-24, Hutchinson had a record of 57 wins, 62 losses, and 18 overtime losses in 127 games saved with the Winnipeg Jets, Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Detroit Red Wings. He had a career goals-against average of 2.94, a save percentage of .902, and six shutouts.

Hutchinson also had a 2-1-0 playoff record in three games saved with a 2.75 GAA and .910 SP.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2026

by | Jun 24, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2026

Brady Tkachuk hopes to write a new chapter in Florida, Zach Werenski and the Blue Jackets to discuss his future, analysis of Tuesday’s trade action, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE LATEST ON BRADY TKACHUK AND ZACH WERENSKI

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Brady Tkachuk was formally introduced as the newest member of the Panthers on Tuesday. He was acquired in a trade with the Ottawa Senators on Sunday.

Tkachuk said he’s looking forward to starting a new chapter in his life and career with the Panthers. He got to know the team well during its back-to-back Stanley Cup championships through his brother, Matthew Tkachuk.

“Their sole focus is winning, and that’s something I’m excited to join, to help out,” Tkachuk said.

Tkachuk also thanked his former club, singling out team owner Michael Andlauer, general manager Steve Staios, his former coaches and teammates. He said it wasn’t an easy decision to leave, and would always be thankful to the Senators for what they did for him as a player and a person. “They always have a piece of my heart,” he said.

THE ATHLETIC: Justin Bourne pushed back against the notion that the appeal of warm-weather, US-based teams in no-tax states is a growing trend, suggesting it’s part of a boom-bust cycle.

Teams such as the Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars have been riding high in recent years, and NHL players want to play for winning franchises. However, Bourne pointed out several factors that will make it harder for those clubs to maintain their positions.

A significant factor will be the increasing difficulty of maintaining Stanley Cup contenders when they’re getting thin on tradeable assets. Their respective prospect pipelines rank 24th or worst among all NHL clubs. Some are lacking first-round picks over the next two to four years. As key players age out and their contracts remain on their books, it becomes harder to acquire talent to replace them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Strong management was the prime reason why those four clubs became preferred destinations for NHL stars. However, as Bourne points out, they could soon reach the point where they will lack sufficient assets to maintain their place as Cup contenders.

Meanwhile, well-managed teams like the Hurricanes and Wild are becoming enticing landing spots for talented players. Rising clubs like the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks, and Utah Mammoth could join them if they build into Stanley Cup contenders.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Columbus Blue Jackets and Zach Werenski will meet following the upcoming NHL Draft to discuss his future. The 28-year-old superstar defenseman will be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status in July 2028.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

With trade requests around the league dominating headlines and the rumor mill, Werenski’s future in Columbus has become the subject of growing speculation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets narrowly missed the playoffs over the past two seasons, sparking the conjecture that Werenski might be getting frustrated over their inability to get over the postseason hump. However, he could be willing to see how next season unfolds before deciding if his future lies elsewhere. They could also name him their new team captain if Boone Jenner departs via free agency on July 1, which could also factor into his plans.

ANALYSIS OF TUESDAY’S TRADES

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link for the details of the four notable trades that occurred on Tuesday.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Bill Hoppe wonders what other moves Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has in store after shipping defenseman Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.

Moving Byram and winger Jordan Greenway free up over $10.25 million in salary cap space. The Sabres could use it to attempt to re-sign pending UFA winger Alex Tuch, or to add another established talent.

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn reported Tuch is expected to test the free-agent market on July 1. He thinks GM Jarmo Kekalainen could use the first-round pick in this year’s draft (No. 4 overall) that he received from the Blackhawks as a trade chip if he wants to add another player. However, the Sabres GM could keep the pick and use it to add a potentially franchise-altering talent.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Jack Bushman believes Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson overpaid for Byram and Greenway by including the fourth-overall pick as part of the return, along with blueliner Louis Crevier and a 2026 second-round pick.

Bushman also pointed out that Davidson still has to find a suitable winger to play alongside first-line center Connor Bedard. That task becomes more difficult without that No. 4 pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Davidson made no secret of his intent to bolster their blueline. Nevertheless, the reaction to this move has been mostly negative among Blackhawks fans. Some preferred he use that first-round pick to select a promising young defenseman, while others hoped he’d use it as bait for a proper wingman for Bedard.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber believes Jordan Kyrou will be a perfect fit with the Washington Capitals. They acquired the speedy winger from the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday. She noted that the Capitals needed scoring depth at right wing.

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford pointed out that more moves could be coming for the St. Louis Blues. They got a first-round pick from the Capitals in this deal, giving them four in this year’s draft. He also thinks the addition of Connor McMichael will boost the Blues’ top nine, while forward Milton Gastrin will boost their prospect pipeline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s doubtful the Blues will retain all four of those picks. They could bundle a couple of them in a trade for another young player or two.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch noted that Senators GM Steve Staios wasted little time making another trade after shipping Brady Tkachuk to Florida on Sunday. He bundled the first-round pick (No. 9 overall) he received from the Panthers with two prospects to the San Jose Sharks for winger William Eklund. Garrioch believes Staios will use the No. 25 pick as a trade chip to pursue another player, pointing out their interest in Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng noted the Sharks now hold the No. 2, 9, and 27 picks in this year’s draft. Moving Eklund could clear the path for them to use the No. 2 pick to select prospect forward Ivar Stenberg, but they could also use it as trade bait for an established talent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks still need to bolster their blueline. One or two of those draft picks could be used to add a quality defenseman.

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin reports Flames GM Craig Conroy pursued Simon Nemec because he thought highly of the young defenseman. He traded away two first-round picks (one from the Golden Knights, one from the Colorado Avalanche) to the New Jersey Devils as part of the return for the 22-year-old blueliner.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols noted that the Flames don’t have a contract extension in place for Nemec, who is a restricted free agent on July 1. The move frees up space on the crowded Devils blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nemec should be a good addition to the rebuilding Flames. He was going to be an expensive re-signing for the Devils. They can use those two first-round picks as trade chips to address their need for more scoring punch among their top-six forwards. This move probably means that the Devils won’t be trading veteran blueliner Dougie Hamilton.

IN OTHER NEWS…

EDMONTON JOURNAL: As expected, the Oilers officially hired Mike Babcock as head coach.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Hoffman Family of Companies received unanimous approval from the NHL Board of Governors to purchase the Penguins. The purchase process had been ongoing since last August.

THE ATHLETIC: The NHL is exploring the feasibility of expansion into either Austin or Atlanta. It has entered a short-term agreement with Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin to put a franchise in one of those cities. The agreed-upon price is $3.5 billion, covering the expansion fee ($2 billion) and the cost of a new arena ($1.5 billion).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The worst-kept secret in the league is now, finally, out in the open. Expect an NHL franchise in at least one of those cities by 2030.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The New York Islanders hired Pascal Dupuis as their new Director of Player Development. Since 2021-22, the former NHL forward has owned the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes, serving in different roles with the team.










NHL Trade Tracker – June 23, 2026

by | Jun 23, 2026

NHL Trade Tracker – June 23, 2026

St. Louis Blues trade winger Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals (NHL Images).

 The Buffalo Sabres trade defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for the fourth-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, defenseman Louis Crevier, and a 2026 second-round pick.

The St. Louis Blues trade winger Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals in exchange for forward Connor McMichael, prospect forward Milton Gastrin, and a first-round pick (No. 16) in the 2026 NHL Draft. Kyrou waived his no-trade clause to join the Capitals.

The Ottawa Senators acquire winger William Eklund, forward Kasper Halttunen, and the rights to forward prospect Brandon Svoboda from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for the No. 9 pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft. That pick originally belonged to the Florida Panthers.

The New Jersey Devils traded defenseman Simon Nemec and forward Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames for conditional first-round picks in the 2027 and 2028 drafts, a second-round pick in the 2026 draft, and prospect defenseman Etienne Morin. Both conditional picks are top-10 protected.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 23, 2026

by | May 23, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 23, 2026

Which Sabres goaltender could draw some interest in this summer’s trade market? Should the Islanders target a young Sharks winger? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TEAMS COULD TARGET SABRES GOALIE DEVON LEVI

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch cited ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, who reported Friday that the Senators have shown an interest in Devon Levi of the Buffalo Sabres as a potential backup for starting goaltender Linus Ullmark.

Buffalo Sabres goaltender Devon Levi (NHL Images).

Levi, 24, spent last season with the Sabres’ AHL affiliate in Rochester. He would reportedly welcome a change of scenery after being squeezed out of the Sabres’ goalie picture by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colten Ellis.

Weekes believes Levi still has potential. Garrioch pointed to his collegiate career and his performance with Team Canada in the 2021 IIHF World Juniors. He has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $812,500 and is no longer exempt from waivers.

If the Sabres want a goalie in return, it could cost the Senators Leevi Merilainen, who is a restricted free agent on July 1 and also no longer waiver-exempt.

Garrioch also reports the Senators are believed to be interested in pending unrestricted free agents, such as Stuart Skinner of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Connor Ingram of the Edmonton Oilers.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James wondered if the Flyers should pursue Levi. He pointed out that current Flyers backup Samuel Ersson was inconsistent this season and is RFA-eligible on July 1. Given Levi’s reduced trade value, he could become an affordable acquisition for the Flyers, perhaps costing a mid to late round draft pick.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples included Levi among his list of potential goalie targets for the Oilers.

Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues, Sebastian Cossa of the Detroit Red Wings, Adin Hill of the Vegas Golden Knights, Samuel Montembeault, and Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets were also on Staples’ list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Levi would be the most affordable of those goalies for the Senators, Flyers, and Oilers to pursue. His limited NHL experience makes him a gamble, albeit one that won’t create a salary-cap headache or put a serious dent into their tradeable assets.

SHOULD THE ISLANDERS TARGET A YOUNG SHARKS WINGER?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Russell Macias believes the New York Islanders will attempt to add to their roster this summer. They need a scoring forward and depth on the right side of their defense.

Macias noted that the Islanders have spent the past several years adding stopgap measures and failed experiments to address their roster weaknesses. He recommends that GM Mathieu Darche bring in a clear top-line winger, especially with Victor Eklund looking like a future NHL player.

Macias suggested Darche consider acquiring Eklund’s older brother, William, who currently plays for the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eklund surfaced in trade rumors following the March trade deadline. The Sharks’ growing list of promising young forwards has some observers suggesting the 24-year-old winger could become a trade chip this summer to add an experienced defenseman to their blue line.

So far, there is no indication that the Islanders are interested in Eklund, but if they were, Alexander Romanov could interest the Sharks. The 26-year-old is a physical blueliner who missed most of this season recovering from shoulder surgery.

When healthy, Romanov could make a good addition to the Sharks’ defense corps, and he would be closer in age to the Sharks’ young core players.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 9, 2026

by | Mar 9, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 9, 2026

The trade deadline has passed, but the rumor mill keeps churning as the focus shifts toward offseason moves. Check out the latest on Evgeni Malkin, Erik Karlsson, Roman Josi, and Simon Nemec in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE PENGUINS PART WAYS WITH MALKIN AND KARLSSON THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe recently reported that Evgeni Malkin’s contract situation overshadowed the trade deadline for the Pittsburgh Penguins and could continue to do so over the remainder of this season.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

Malkin is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The 40-year-old center has expressed his desire to return with the Penguins for another season. He’s had a solid bounce-back performance as the Penguins jockey for a playoff berth in the Metropolitan Division.

However, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas indicated contract discussions would be put off until the offseason, prompting Malkin to express his disappointment publicly. Dubas praised Malkin’s performance and acknowledged what he means to the club, but indicated that he has to do what’s best for the organization.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This issue will likely fade over the remainder of the season as the focus shifts to the Penguins’ efforts to clinch their first playoff berth in four years. However, it will flare up again in the offseason, especially as the July 1 opening date from free agency approaches.

Speaking of aging Penguins stars enjoying bounce-back efforts, Erik Karlsson has one more year left on his contract. However, Pierre LeBrun speculated that the 35-year-old puck-moving defenseman could be moved this summer if there’s an opportunity for Dubas to recoup some assets.

LeBrun acknowledged that Karlsson carries an expensive cap hit but believes there would be genuine interest if the Penguins agreed to retain half of it. The veteran blueliner would also have to waive his no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson has an average annual value of $11.5 million, of which the Penguins carry $10 million, and the San Jose Sharks carry $1.5 million. He’ll earn $1.5 million in actual salary next season once his $6 million signing bonus is paid on July 1.

KEEP AN EYE ON SOME OF THE PREDATORS’ STARS THIS SUMMER

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun cites a source saying it might be worthwhile to keep an eye on Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi this summer.

If the Predators deepen their rebuild by trading Ryan O’Reilly, Steven Stamkos, and Jonathan Marchessault, Josi would probably want to speak with management about the club’s direction.

LeBrun believes Josi would probably stay in Nashville. The 35-year-old defenseman is loyal to the team and has two years left on his contract. Nevertheless, LeBrun isn’t ruling out the possibility that he might consider moving on.

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty reported Friday that Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz said he received calls about Stamkos, O’Reilly, and Erik Haula before the trade deadline.

Trotz indicates he told Stamkos and O’Reilly that he didn’t want to get rid of them, but if he got irresistible offers, he’d speak to them and give them the chance to decide if they want to accept a trade. He also indicated that he came “fairly close” to moving either guy, but “until it’s done, it’s not done.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators are expected to be under new management by this summer. Trotz’s successor could prove more aggressive in peddling veterans such as O’Reilly, Stamkos, and Marchessault, which in turn could prompt a conversation with Josi. It would indeed be something worth monitoring in the offseason.

DEVILS COULD CONTINUE SHOPPING SIMON NEMEC THIS SUMMER

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils were listening to trade offers for Simon Nemec. However, their asking price for the 22-year-old defenseman was a young, impact, top-six forward.

Nemec is slated to become a restricted free agent after completing his entry-level contract and has changed agents. LeBrun believes his camp intends to use teammate Luke Hughes’ contract (seven years, $9 million annually) as a comparable.

It would make more sense for the Devils to retain Nemec and move veteran defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who has two years left on his contract with an AAV of $9 million. However, it’s proven difficult to move Hamilton. Given the interest in Nemec, LeBrun believed the latter is more likely to be moved.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whether the Devils can get a young impact forward in return for Nemec remains to be seen. There’s a better chance of landing that type of player in the offseason, but that doesn’t mean it’s a certainty. Devils management will have to sell Nemec’s potential as a No.1 defenseman.

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: Following Friday’s trade deadline, Sheng Peng reported San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier shot down a rumor claiming he offered up winger William Eklund to the Devils for Nemec.

“I think that was more Twitter stuff,” Grier said. “It’s something where you call and see if someone’s available and then see what the asking price is. That was really about the extent of it. There wasn’t any real getting into it.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s worth pointing out that the Sharks were reportedly interested in Hamilton last summer, but he declined to waive his no-trade clause.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 12, 2025

by | Nov 12, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 12, 2025

A milestone game for Bruins winger David Pastrnak, Nathan MacKinnon extends his points streak as the Avalanche widen their lead in the overall standings, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF TUESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak scored his 400th and 401st career NHL regular-season goals as his club picked up its seventh straight win by holding off the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-3. Pastrnak finished the night with three points while teammate Hampus Lindholm had a goal and an assist for the 11-7-0 Bruins. Steven Lorentz, Bobby McMann, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson replied for the Maple Leafs (8-8-1), who’ve dropped three straight games.

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was only two weeks ago that the Bruins were sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. They’re now tied with the Atlantic Division-leading Montreal Canadiens.

It was a tough night for the Maple Leafs, as team captain Auston Matthews left the game with a lower-body injury, and goaltender Anthony Stolarz didn’t return after the first period as he suffered an upper-body injury.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon collected three assists to extend his points streak to 10 games in a 4-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Gabriel Landeskog scored his first regular-season goal since 2022, and Scott Wedgewood stopped 35 shots for the Avalanche (11-1-5), who won their fourth straight game and widened their lead atop the overall standings with 27 points. Leo Carlsson scored to extend his points streak to 11 games for the Ducks (11-4-1), whose seven- game win streak ended. They lead the Pacific Division with 23 points and sit four back of the Avalanche in the overall standings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon leads the NHL scoring race with 32 points, six ahead of the second-place Carlsson. Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin left this game in the third period with a lower-body injury. He will be reevaluated on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, the Avalanche signed forward Gavin Brindley to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of $875,000.

The San Jose Sharks overcame a 1-0 deficit to nip the Minnesota Wild 2-1. Macklin Celebrini set up the tying goal by Will Smith and the winning goal in overtime by Collin Graf. The Sharks picked up their fourth straight win and improved to 8-6-3. Matt Boldy scored for the 7-7-4 Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Celebrini is tied with Leo Carlsson for second place in the scoring race with 26 points. Sharks winger William Eklund returned to action after missing the last four games with a lower-body injury.

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington made 38 saves as his club held off the Calgary Flames 3-2. Dylan Holloway, Matthew Kessel, and Nathan Walker scored for the Blues (6-8-3). Matt Coronato and Rasmus Andersson replied for the Flames, who dropped to a league-worst 4-12-3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Binnington set the franchise record for most games played by a Blues goaltender (348). He passed Mike Liut, who is now Binnington’s agent. Blues winger Mathieu Joseph missed this game with a lower-body injury.

An overtime goal by Roope Hintz completed a three-goal comeback by the Dallas Stars in a 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Jason Robertson had a goal and two assists and Mikko Rantanen a goal and an assist as the Stars won their third straight game and improved to 10-4-3. Drake Batherson and Nick Jensen tallied for the Senators (8-5-4), who extended their points streak to six games (3-0-3).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot left this contest following the first period with an upper-body injury.

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey had a goal and two assists, and Connor Hellebuyck made 30 saves to beat the Vancouver Canucks 5-3. Nino Niederreiter and Alex Iafallo each had a goal and an assist as the Jets moved to 10-6-0, snapping a three-game losing streak. Quinn Hughes collected three assists for the Canucks, who dropped to 8-9-1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko left the game after the first period with a lower-body injury that he may have suffered during the pre-game warmup. Hughes left the game briefly after getting tangled up with Jets center Mark Scheifele, but he returned to action and said he was okay after the game.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin had a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. John Carlson picked up two assists, and Logan Thompson turned aside 30 shots for the Capitals, who improved to 8-7-1. Nikolaj Ehlers scored for the Hurricanes (11-5-0).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, the Hurricanes announced that defenseman Charles Alexis Legault underwent surgery to repair multiple torn tendons in his right hand on Monday. He is expected to be sidelined for three to four months.

Three goals in a span of 4:05 early in the second period lifted the Los Angeles Kings to a 5-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Quinton Byfield and Joel Edmundson had a goal and an assist for the 8-5-4 Kings. Josh Anderson replied for the Canadiens (10-4-2), whose six-game points streak ended.

The Columbus Blue Jackets ended a four-game losing skid by defeating the Seattle Kraken 2-1. Charlie Coyle scored the winning goal in a shootout, and goaltender Jet Greaves stopped 22 shots for the 8-7-1 Blue Jackets. Ryan Winterton scored for the Kraken (7-4-5).

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE ATHLETIC: The NHL remains concerned over the state of construction for the hockey arena for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics. They are sending two officials to conduct an in-person inspection of the arena. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said the league is receiving weekly updates, but wants a firsthand look at the progress.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the participants in the 2026 Men’s Olympic Hockey tournament are from the NHL. Sub-standard conditions could put the players’ safety at risk.

RG.ORG: Speaking of the Olympics, Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby is looking forward to another opportunity to represent Canada in the Winter Olympics. He’s embracing the role of team leader while drawing inspiration from the enthusiasm of a new generation of Canadian stars chasing Olympic gold.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby famously won gold for Canada in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, and captained the 2014 team to gold in the Sochi Games.

DAILY FACEOFF: Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman is day-to-day and blueliner Ryan McDonagh is expected to miss several games with undisclosed injuries.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Blackhawks forwards Frank Nazar and Jason Dickinson are unlikely to play against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday.