NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 25, 2026

by | Jun 25, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 25, 2026

Reaction to the Sabres sending Alex Tuch to the Capitals in a sign-and-trade deal, the Sabres re-sign Zach Benson, the Avalanche trade Jack Drury to the Predators, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT/THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Sabres shipped winger Alex Tuch to the Washington Capitals on Wednesday as part of a sign-and-trade deal. In return, they receive a 2027 third-round pick and the rights to pending free-agent center David Kampf.

Buffalo Sabres trade winger Alex Tuch to the Washington Capitals (NHL Images)

Before sending Tuch to the Capitals, the Sabres signed the 30-year-old power forward to an eight-year, $84-million contract. The average annual value is $10.5 million, with a full no-movement clause in the first four seasons, dropping to a modified no-trade list for the final four seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the second major move by both teams this week. On Tuesday, the Sabres shipped defenseman Bowen Byram and winger Jordan Greenway to the Chicago Blackhawks, while the Capitals acquired winger Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues.

The Sabres reportedly pitched a final offer of seven years at just under $10 million, but they weren’t comfortable with what he was seeking. General manager Jarmo Kekalainen was concerned that it could force them to move out other players to make the dollars fit within their salary cap payroll.

Kekalainen said his club would consider all options to replace Tuch, who played a key role in the Sabres’ ending their 14-year playoff drought this season. They have the draft capital to use as trade bait, including the fourth-overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft, which they received from Chicago in the Byram deal.

The additions of Tuch and Kyrou bring significant right-wing scoring punch to the Capitals, who are attempting to bounce back from missing the playoffs this season. They might not be done making moves, as they could consider adding another scoring forward and another penalty killer.

These moves also raise questions about Alex Ovechkin’s future with the Capitals. The 40-year-old winger has completed his contract, raising speculation that he’s planning to retire. Bringing in Tuch and Kyrou could be seen as an enticement for Ovechkin to return for another season, or it could be the Capitals’ preparation to offset the loss of his offense if he doesn’t return.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: The Sabres signed winger Zach Benson to a seven-year contract worth an AAV of $7.5 million. He has a modified no-trade clause (a seven-team no-trade list) for the final three years of the deal.

Benson, 21, had completed his entry-level contract. He’s coming off a breakout performance in his third NHL campaign, with 43 points in 65 regular-season games, and nine points in 13 playoff contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Benson stepped up this season as a pesky, two-way forward. He was a spark plug for the Sabres, pumping up his teammates with his clutch scoring and energetic play. If that sounds familiar, it’s because his style of play is comparable to Brad Marchand of the Florida Panthers. Benson could become an important core player for the Sabres in the next several years.

THE TENNESSEAN/COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Nashville Predators acquired center Jack Drury, prospect forward Chase Bradley, and a third-round pick in 2029 from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for forwards Zach L’Heureux and Fedor Svechkov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the second trade in as many weeks that Predators GM Chris MacFarland has made with his former team, having acquired forward Ross Colton last week.

This is a move involving role players who weren’t working out with their former clubs. L’Heureux and Svechkov were former first-round picks with the Predators, while Drury was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes last season as part of the Mikko Rantanen trade.

Drury’s RFA status likely played a part in this deal. The Avalanche have limited cap space for next season, and re-signing the 26-year-old center probably would’ve cost more than they could comfortably afford.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher will be named an honorary citizen of the city of Montreal. This honor is bestowed on someone “who has a lasting impact on the well-being of Montrealers through their actions, art, and commitment.”

The 34-year-old Gallagher has spent his entire 14-season NHL career with the Canadiens, but he’s expected to be traded this summer. His agent has permission to speak with other teams to facilitate a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gallagher’s pesky, hard-working style made him a fan favorite throughout his tenure with the Canadiens.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 16, 2026

by | Jun 16, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 16, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom, Penguins forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust, Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly, Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher, and Senators blueliner Jordan Spence.

HOW WILL THE DEVILS REPLACE JACOB MARKSTROM IF THEY TRADE HIM?

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols looked at how trading Jacob Markstrom would impact the Devils’ goaltending. Earlier this week, it was reported Devils GM Sunny Mehta is gauging the trade market for the 36-year-old netminder.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Shipping out Markstrom would clear his $6 million AAV through 2027-28 from the Devils’ books, creating more cap space to sign center Nico Hischier to a contract extension. It will also leave them seeking a new starting goaltender.

Mehta could attempt to land Sergei Bobrovsky if the Florida Panthers starter goes to market on July 1. He could pursue a promising youngster such as Sebastian Cossa of the Detroit Red Wings or Devon Levi of the Buffalo Sabres. Perhaps Connor Hellebuyck would be available if the Winnipeg Jets decide to rebuild after missing the playoffs this year.

Possible trade destinations for Markstrom could include the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Utah Mammoth, or the Jets if they peddle Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom’s age (36), cap hit, and struggles last season could hurt his trade value. Nevertheless, some clubs could take the chance because of the lack of quality goalies in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets.

Bobrovsky could be an option for the Devils given Mehta’s recent ties to the Panthers. Cossa and Levi are trade possibilities, but they’ve yet to prove themselves as NHL starting goaltenders. As for Hellebuyck, he’s unlikely to be available unless he asks for a trade, and there’s no indication that’s the case.

PENGUINS WILLING TO MOVE RAKELL AND RUST

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas isn’t itching to move Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust. However, like last summer, the two veteran forwards are available.

Yohe claimed there is more interest in Rust than Rakell. The 34-year-old Rust tallied 29 goals and a career-high 65 points in 72 games this season. His age and injury history are concerns, but he’s a well-respected two-way forward.

Rust is also Sidney Crosby’s linemate, which is another reason why Dubas isn’t shopping him. Nevertheless, Yohe believes he’s available for the right price.

Rakell, 33, had a slow start last season and missed time with a broken hand. However, he had a strong second half, finishing the season with 24 goals and 48 points in 60 games. It was expected he would be moved at the March trade deadline, but the Penguins didn’t receive suitable offers.

Rust ($5.25 million average annual value) and Rakell ($5 million AAV) each have two seasons left on their contracts. The former lacks no-trade protection while the latter has an eight-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yohe indicated that Dubas prefers getting young players in return for Rust or Rakell.

Veteran defenseman Kris Letang is also available, but Yohe stated that no teams have expressed interest in him yet.

NOTHING BREWING YET FOR MORGAN RIELLY

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports there is nothing imminent regarding a trade for Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly. There were discussions between Rielly’s agent, J.P. Barry, and Leafs GM John Chayka, but things haven’t gone beyond that.

Koshan claimed the Maple Leafs haven’t presented the Rielly camp with any trade proposals, nor has Rielly offered up a list of preferred destinations.

Recent speculation suggested the Maple Leafs ship Rielly to the Edmonton Oilers for Darnell Nurse, but that move doesn’t make salary-cap sense for the Leafs. Nurse carries an AAV of $9.25 million while Rielly’s AAV is $7.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Rielly’s performance over the past two seasons could explain why there aren’t any teams calling about him. That might change as this offseason progresses and teams looking for experienced blueline depth can’t find other options through trades and free agency.

THE LATEST CANADIENS CONJECTURE

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma looked at options for the Vancouver Canucks to acquire veteran winger Brendan Gallagher from the Montreal Canadiens.

Gallagher, 34, has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $6.5 million. He said he was open to a trade to Vancouver. His agent, Gerry Johansson, was permitted to speak with other teams, and he indicated that the Canucks were interested in his client.

The Canadiens aren’t expected to buy out Gallagher’s final season, preferring to move him in a cost-cutting trade to free up salary-cap space to pursue a second-line center. Kuzma pointed out that Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek wondered if the Canadiens might take a gamble on Canucks center Filip Chytil in return for Gallagher.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chytil, 26, is younger and bigger than Gallagher. The 6’3”, 209-pounder is also more affordable with a $4.437 million cap hit for next season. He would be a good option as a second-line center for the Canadiens if it weren’t for his concussion history, which is why the Habs are unlikely to take that gamble.

Stu Cowan of The Montreal Gazette was asked if the Canadiens could get winger Jake DeBrusk from the Canucks for Gallagher. However, he believes it would take more than Gallagher to land DeBrusk, and he sees the Canadiens focusing more on landing a center.

TVA SPORTS: Vincent Duquette looked at whether the Canadiens should pursue Mason McTavish. The 23-year-old center became the subject of trade rumors after his production and playing time dropped this season. He was a healthy scratch for two regular-season games and two postseason contests.

The Canadiens are reportedly among the teams to have called the Ducks about McTavish.

Duquette noted that the 6’1”, 219-pound McTavish is capable of scoring 20 goals per season and is only 23 years old. However, he’s coming off the worst offensive season of his young career and was a healthy scratch in the postseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish has a terrific shot and was offensively consistent during his first three seasons with the rebuilding Ducks. The decline in his play this season was due in part to missing training camp and preseason play because of contract negotiations.

However, McTavish’s skating has been cited as a concern, and a contributing factor to his poor defensive stats even before this season.

McTavish is the right age to fit within the Canadiens’ young core, and maybe a trade will help him improve his game. The concern here is he’s earning an AAV of $7 million for five more seasons. If he doesn’t improve, the Habs would have an expensive mistake on their roster, eating up valuable cap space.

SENATORS ARE GAUGING JORDAN SPENCE’S TRADE VALUE

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports three league executives claim the Senators are gauging the trade market for Jordan Spence. The 25-year-old right-shot defenseman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights after completing a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.5 million.

Garrioch indicated that this doesn’t mean GM Steve Staios is trying to move Spence. However, all options are on the table with all 32 teams trying to improve their rosters. This could also be part of Staios’ negotiations with the Spence camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, Staios could be conducting due diligence in case contract extension talks with Spence go sideways. It wouldn’t be surprising if the blueliner is back with the Senators next season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines and Rumors – June 14, 2026

by | Jun 14, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines and Rumors – June 14, 2026

The latest on the Hurricanes and Golden Knights on the eve of Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Devils gauge the trade market for Jacob Markstrom, the latest Dylan Larkin speculation, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines and Rumors. 

THE ATHLETIC: Sean Gentille listed three keys for the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final on Sunday.

Whether Mitch Marner can restart his push for the Conn Smythe Trophy and dealing with the absence of two-way center William Karlsson are among the keys for the Golden Knights.

Vegas Golden Knights winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Since his hat trick performance in Game 3, Marner has only one point in five-on-five play. Meanwhile, Karlsson will miss Game 6 (and possibly Game 7 if required) with an upper-body injury.

Meanwhile, Gentille wondered how Hurricanes forward Nikolaj Ehlers follows up his “worst game” of the playoffs. He also wondered if their struggling power play can produce as well as it did in Game 5, when they scored twice with the man advantage.

Ehlers had three assists in Game 5, but also took two uncharacteristic delay-of-game penalties, with the first resulting in a Golden Knights goal.

TSN: Hurricanes former starting goaltender Frederik Andersen remained the team’s third-stringer during practice on Saturday. Brandon Bussi will be their starter for the third straight game, while Pyotr Kochetkov will serve as his backup.

Bussi replaced Andersen after the latter gave up four goals in the second period of Game 3.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella is doubling down on Carter Hart as his starting goaltender. Despite Hart giving up at least four goals in each of the previous five games in this series, Tortorella believes the netminder has a better game in him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes can become Stanley Cup champions with a win in Game 6 on Sunday in Las Vegas. A win for the Golden Knights will force the seventh and deciding game on Wednesday.

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reports sources claim the New Jersey Devils are gauging the trade market for goaltender Jacob Markstrom. He also indicated that a deal isn’t imminent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A lack of quality goaltending depth in this summer’s free-agent market could push teams into the trade market for help.

Markstrom’s coming off a difficult season, finishing with a record of 23-19-1, a 3.07 goals-against average, and an .883 save percentage. He’s in the final season of his six-year contract with an average annual value of $6 million and a full no-movement clause. He starts a two-year contract extension on July 1 with an average annual value of $6 million and a 20-team no-trade list in 2026-27 and a 5-team NTC in 2027-28.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan believes the Detroit Red Wings must land a first-line center for Dylan Larkin. Proposed packages of draft picks, prospects, wingers or goaltenders won’t address their need for a suitable replacement for Larkin.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman recently reported the Florida Panthers have made an offer for Larkin, but he didn’t reveal the details.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s unlikely the Red Wings will get a first-line center straight up for Larkin. They’ll either have to swing a three-team deal or use whatever assets they receive and try to make a separate move to address that need.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen speculated that Larkin’s addition in the trade market could delay the New York Rangers’ efforts to trade Vincent Trocheck. He noted that the Red Wings’ interest in the 33-year-old center could intensify if they don’t get a center back in the Larkin trade.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of Trocheck, Jack Studley believes he’ll remain on the Boston Bruins radar as they search for a No. 1 center this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin has a three-team trade list, though his camp is reportedly open to expanding it. Teams seeking a first-line center that aren’t among his preferred destinations could continue to pursue Trocheck, but the latter will likely have to wait until the Larkin saga is settled.

SPORTSNET: Michael Amato listed four players who could become contract buyout candidates this summer.

Center Jesperi Kotkaniemi of the Carolina Hurricanes tops that list, followed by winger Ondrej Palat of the New York Islanders, forward Jordan Greenway of the Buffalo Sabres, and winger Brendan Gallagher of the Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kotkaniemi and Palat are the more likely buyout candidates.

Kotkaniemi has four years left on his deal with an AAV of $4.82 million. He’s been a healthy scratch throughout this postseason.

Palat has a year left on his deal with a $6 million cap hit. The Islanders acquired him from the Devils at midseason, but the move did little to improve his performance.

Gallagher has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $65 million. He’s been linked to the Vancouver Canucks in the rumor mill, but the Canadiens might have to retain part of his salary. Greenway (one year, $4 million cap hit) could still have value in the trade market.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 13, 2026

by | Jun 13, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 13, 2026

What could it cost the Penguins or Flyers to acquire Darnell Nurse? Could Brendan Gallagher land with the Canucks? Will the Panthers shop for a new starting goalie? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST DARNELL NURSE SPECULATION

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski noted that there is an unverified report claiming the Penguins are among Darnell Nurse’s list of preferred trade destinations.

Nurse submitted a trade request earlier this week. The 31-year-old Edmonton Oilers defenseman has four years left on his contract with an average annual value of $9.25 million and a full no-movement clause.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (NHL Images).

Kingerski noted that Nurse and Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas know each other from their days with the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds. Despite Nurse’s struggles in Edmonton, he could bring speed, puck movement, and physicality to the left side of the Penguins blueline.

However, Kingerski believes the Oilers could ask the Penguins for more than the latter would be willing to give. Nurse’s hefty contract would mean the Oilers would have to sweeten the pot, but they have few expendable assets. The Penguins could also want the Oilers to take little-used defenseman Ryan Graves off their hands.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James looked at whether Nurse would be a fit with the Flyers.

James pointed out that the Flyers already have depth on the left side of their blueline. While they would have the cap space ($37 million) to take on Nurse’s full cap hit, they would probably prefer the Oilers retain up to half of his AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers were also suggested as a possible destination for Nurse. Nevertheless, it seems unlikely that he’ll land with them or the Penguins. He’s not really a good fit for either club at this stage, and the Oilers could be unwilling to retain half of his cap hit to facilitate a trade.

WILL THE CANUCKS ACQUIRE BRENDAN GALLAGHER?

SPORTSNET: Iain MacIntyre recently weighed in on the speculation suggesting the Vancouver Canucks could acquire winger Brendan Gallagher of the Montreal Canadiens.

Gallagher, 34, recently told the Montreal media that he’s played his final game for the Canadiens. He mentioned that he’d be open to being traded to the Canucks, and Canadiens management has allowed his agent, Gerry Johansson, to speak with other teams about a trade.

Johansson confirmed he’s spoken with the Canucks, and that they’re interested in Gallagher. Nevertheless, MacIntyre believes it’s not guaranteed that a deal will go through.

MacIntyre believes the Canadiens will likely wait and see if they can get a draft pick for Gallagher, rather than including a pick to entice a team to take him. He also doesn’t see the Canucks trading a positive asset for Gallagher. MacIntyre wondered if the Habs would be interested in acquiring winger Jake DeBrusk and his $5.5 million AAV for the next five seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacIntyre pointed out that Canucks GM Ryan Johnson has bigger priorities to deal with than the option of acquiring Gallagher at a discount for his leadership and experience.

Johnson could take care of some of his more pressing issues first before deciding if he’ll take on a veteran player such as Gallagher.

The Canadiens’ pressing need is a reliable second-line center, but the pickings are slim in the trade market and nonexistent in free agency. They could opt to add another scoring winger, but could prefer a more consistent scorer than the streaky DeBrusk.

WILL THE PANTHER SHOP FOR A STARTING GOALTENDER?

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Alan Greenberg recently looked at the starting goalie options for the Panthers if Sergei Bobrovsky departs via free agency on July 1.

Stuart Skinner, Connor Ingram, and Cam Talbot could be the best UFA options, but they’re not what the Panthers will be looking for.

Greenberg claimed that Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck “apparently wants out of Winnipeg”, suggesting the three-time Vezina Trophy winner could be the Panthers’ next starter if GM Bill Zito can swing a blockbuster deal.

Jordan Binnington could be another option. The St. Louis Blues netminder has a year left on his contract, and would be more affordable to obtain than Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck has not stated that he wants a trade. He expressed his unhappiness over the Jets’ direction during his end-of-season press conference, but that seemed to be based on his frustration over his club missing the playoffs after winning the Presidents’ Trophy last season.

Hellebuyck’s comments had some observers in Winnipeg uneasy, but there’s been nothing more about it for two months now. That doesn’t mean he can’t or won’t be traded, but as Greenberg admitted, he would be expensive to acquire in both return and contract, which could put him out of the Panthers’ price range.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 9, 2026

by | Jun 9, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 9, 2026

The latest on Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, a list of potential offer-sheet candidates, the Canucks could be interested in Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DYLAN LARKIN SUBMITS A THREE-TEAM TRADE LIST

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Helene St. James reported Monday that Dylan Larkin submitted a three-team trade list to Red Wings management. The Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers are his preferred destinations.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Minnesota is better-positioned to land Larkin than Vegas and Florida. The Wild has sufficient salary cap space (though they’ll have to move out some salary just the same) to acquire him. While they traded away their best prospects for Quinn Hughes in December, they have enough left to put into an enticing trade package, depending on which roster player or players they’re willing to part with.

The Golden Knights lack the cap room to take on Larkin’s $8.7 million average annual value through 2030-31. And no, the Wings won’t retain salary. They don’t have a suitable center to include in the deal.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards looked at what it would cost the Panthers to land Larkin. He believes the Panthers would have to give up center Anton Lundell as part of the return.

Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman would probably jump at the chance to add Lundell, but it’s unlikely the Panthers will part with him. He’s the eventual replacement for Aleksander Barkov when the Panthers captain retires.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker looks at how Larkin’s addition to the trade market might affect the Rangers’ efforts to move Vincent Trocheck this summer.

Trocheck is no longer the top center in the market. However, he could still prove enticing to clubs seeking a center who are not on Larkin’s trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin may be the best center in this trade market, but Trocheck is more affordable and more available. He has a 12-team no-trade list that drops to a 10-team list on July 1. Unless Larkin expands his trade list, it really won’t hurt Trocheck’s trade value.

POTENTIAL OFFER SHEET CANDIDATES

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen recently did up an offer sheet primer, including a list of players who might get one this summer.

The list includes Buffalo Sabres winger Zach Benson, Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque, Vegas Golden Knights winger Pavel Dorofeyev, Florida Panthers forward Mackie Samoskevich, Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves, Colorado Avalanche center Jack Drury, Anaheim Ducks defensemen Olen Zellweger or Pavel Mintyukov, and Montreal Canadiens winger Zack Bolduc.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dorofeyev and Bourque could be the most likely offer-sheet candidates, assuming they’re willing to sign. The Golden Knights are squeezed for cap space, while the Stars will have to shed salary to re-sign winger Jason Robertson.

CANUCKS REPORTEDLY INTERESTED IN GALLAGHER

TVA SPORTS: Gerry Johansson, agent of Montreal Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher, told the Donnie & Dhali podcast that the Vancouver Canucks are interested in his client.

Gallagher, 34, told reporters last week that he would be moving on from the Canadiens. He has a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million and a six-team no-trade list.

A Vancouver native, Gallagher expressed an interest in playing for the Canucks. The Canadiens have permitted Johansson to speak with other teams about a trade.

“Vancouver initially expressed interest, but there are many variables. It’s on their desk; they are interested,” Johansson said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One variable could be what the Canadiens would want in return. The Canucks could also want the Canadiens to retain part of Gallagher’s salary. 

THE BLACKHAWKS ARE SHOPPING FOR A DEFENSEMAN

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Ben Pope recently reported Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson is interested in making trades this summer to add more established talent into his young roster.

One target is a veteran left-shot defenseman. The Blackhawks’ young defense corps struggled after shipping out Connor Murphy at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The most notable veteran left-shot blueliners include Morgan Rielly of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Darnell Nurse of the Edmonton Oilers. However, they’re unlikely to waive their no-movement clauses to join a rebuilding team.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 9, 2026

by | Jun 9, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 9, 2026

The Oilers are looking into hiring Mike Babcock as head coach; the Kings will reportedly name Peter Laviolette as their new bench boss; the latest on the Golden Knights and Hurricanes; and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Darren Dreger reported the Edmonton Oilers are consulting with the NHL Players’ Association to see if there are any objections to be resolved before potentially hiring Mike Babcock as their new head coach.

Former Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Mike Babcock (NHL Images).

According to Dreger, if an investigation is required, sources say the league will manage it. The NHLPA has declined to comment.

Dreger’s colleague, Ryan Rishaug, reported members of the Oilers’ leadership group recently spoke directly to Babcock about the possibility of becoming their new coach.

The Columbus Blue Jackets hired Babcock as their new bench boss in the summer of 2023. However, he stepped down before the 2023-24 season following allegations that he asked players to show him personal photos from their phones, sparking concerns about invasion of the players’ privacy.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting sources claim that Babcock has directly spoken with Oilers owner Daryl Katz. He also stated that Babcock spoke with several members of the team’s leadership group.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers insider Bob Stauffer also reported that the Oilers are interested in hiring Babcock. “From ownership, to management, to the players, (Mike Babcock) is the selection for the Edmonton Oilers hockey club,” Stauffer said.

Babcock had a history of mistreating players during his tenures with the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. The Oilers’ interest in him isn’t going down well with some Edmonton pundits, who believe the unavailability of former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy has pushed them toward Babcock.

LOS ANGELES TIMES: The Kings are reportedly set to hire Peter Laviolette as their new head coach. While the club hasn’t made it official yet, Laviolette is expected to sign a three-year contract with the Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings would be Laviolette’s seventh NHL team in his 23-season coaching career. He guided the Carolina Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup in 2006. He also coached the Philadelphia Flyers (2010) and Nashville Predators (2017) to the Stanley Cup Final, and the New York Rangers to the Presidents’ Trophy in 2023-24.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Golden Knights enter Game 4 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final holding a 2-1 series lead over the Carolina Hurricanes.

A strong camaraderie among the Vegas Golden Knights players helped them win the Stanley Cup in 2023. The same vibe permeates their dressing room in this postseason.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Hurricanes have yet to name their starting goaltender for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday.

Brandon Bussi relieved starter Frederik Andersen in Game 3 after the latter allowed four goals in the second period. Bussi backstopped the Hurricanes’ third-period comeback before they fell 5-4 in double overtime.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The speculation grew on Monday after Andersen missed practice for a maintenance day.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: The annual Montreal Sports Celebrity Evening turned into an impromptu farewell party for Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher, who was honored on Sunday as Sports Personality of the Year.

Gallagher, 34, told reporters last week that he would be moving on from the Canadiens. His performance declined this season, leading to a reduction in his playing time. He was a healthy scratch for all but three of the Canadiens’ 19 playoff games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gallagher has expressed an interest in being traded to his hometown of Vancouver. He confirmed that the Canadiens have permitted his agent to speak with other teams to facilitate a trade. I’ll have more about that in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Plano, Texas city council voted to approve a $700 million funding plan for a new arena for the Dallas Stars, who currently reside at American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas.