NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 13, 2026

by | Jan 13, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 13, 2026

The Red Wings honor Sergei Fedorov, the Lightning extend their win streak to 10 games, while the Maple Leafs’ points streak hits double digits, Oilers captain Connor McDavid extends his points streak to 19 games, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF MONDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: On the night the Detroit Red Wings retired Sergei Fedorov’s number 91, they nipped the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 on an overtime goal by Andrew Copp. Alex DeBrincat had a goal and two assists as the Red Wings opened a 3-0 lead, but the Hurricanes forced overtime on goals by Jackson Blake, Seth Jarvis, and Shayne Gostisbehere. The Red Wings (28-15-4) hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 60 points. The Hurricanes (28-14-4) also have 60 points, but hold first place in the Eastern Conference with a game in hand over the Red Wings.

The Detroit Red Wings retire Sergei Fedorov’s No. 91 (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings retired Fedorov’s number in a classy pregame ceremony. He thanked the team and their fans, singling out the Illich family, former Red Wings head coach Scotty Bowman, former captain Steve Yzerman, and his “Russian Five” Red Wings teammates, including Vladimir Konstantinov, who attended the ceremony along with Yzerman.

Fedorov admitted he made “a huge mistake” for leaving Detroit as a free agent in 2003. However, he said that the decision also set him on the path toward meeting his wife, Karina, who attended the ceremony with their two children.

One of the greatest two-way players in NHL history, Fedorov was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015. This retirement of his number by the Red Wings was long overdue, reflecting the tension between the Illich family and Fedorov that led to his departure. Thankfully, time heals all wounds, and Fedorov received this well-deserved honor from the team with which he’d had his greatest success.

The Tampa Bay Lightning extended their win streak to 10 games with a 5-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Nikita Kucherov had a goal and an assist to push his multipoint streak to nine games for the 28-13-3 Lightning. Christian Dvorak replied for the Flyers (22-14-8), who are winless in their last three games (0-2-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning head coach Jon Cooper became the second-fastest coach in NHL history to reach the 600-win plateau. The only head coach to reach it faster was Hall of Famer Scotty Bowman. It was a costly win for Cooper and his team as center Brayden Point left the game with an apparent knee injury. There was no postgame update on his status.

An overtime goal by William Nylander lifted the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Colorado Avalanche by a score of 4-3, snapping the latter’s home win streak at 17 games. Nylander and Auston Matthews each had a goal and an assist for the Maple Leafs (23-15-7) as they extended their points streak to 10 games (8-0-2). Nathan MacKinnon had three assists for the Avalanche (33-4-8) as they remain in first place in the overall standings with 74 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson left this game in the first period with a lower-body injury.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid collected two assists to extend his points streak to a career-high 19 games in a 4-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Evan Bouchard scored twice and collected an assist for the 23-16-7 Oilers. Tyler Bertuzzi scored for the Blackhawks, who slipped to 19-20-7.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid became the fifth player in NHL history to record 10 straight 50-assist seasons, joining Wayne Gretzky, Paul Coffey, Dale Hawerchuk (all with 13 seasons), and Bernie Federko (10). Meanwhile, the Oilers signed forward Quinn Hutson to a two-year, $1.75 million contract extension.

Blackhawks center Connor Bedard missed this game with an illness, and winger Teuvo Teravainen left the game after the first period for undisclosed reasons.

The Dallas Stars defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3-1. Jason Robertson snapped a 1-1 tie while Sam Steel and Esa Lindell each had two assists for the Stars, who improved to 27-10-9. Quinton Byfield tallied for the 19-16-10 Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars captain Jamie Benn returned to action after missing three games with an injured nose.

Florida Panthers winger A.J. Greer scored two goals in a 4-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Carter Verhaeghe had three assists for the 24-18-3 Panthers. Jacob Bryson, Zach Benson, and Alex Tuch scored for the Sabres. (24-16-4).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the 1,900th career game for Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff. Scotty Bowman is the all-time leader with 2,141, followed by Panthers bench boss Paul Maurice with 1,975. Speaking of the Sabres, they will host the 2026 NHL Draft on June 26 and 27.

The New Jersey Devils got two goals within 21 seconds by Jesper Bratt to beat the Minnesota Wild 5-2. Ondrej Palat also scored twice for the Devils (23-21-2), and Dougie Hamilton had two assists in his return to the lineup as their club snapped a four-game losing skid. Ryan Hartman and Marcus Foligno replied for the 26-12-9 Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton was a healthy scratch from Sunday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets, prompting trade rumors as his agent said his client was willing to expand his 10-team trade list to facilitate a deal that benefits both sides. I’ll have the latest Hamilton trade speculation in today’s Rumor Mill.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexandre Carrier scored twice within 20 seconds in a 6-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Juraj Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov each had three points for the 26-14-6 Canadiens. Canucks goaltender Nikita Tolopilo stopped 35 shots as his club is 0-5-2 in its last seven games.

The Seattle Kraken scored four straight goals to double up the New York Rangers 4-2. Berkly Catton snapped a 2-2 tie as the Kraken (21-15-8) are 9-1-2 in their last 12 games. Mika Zibanejad and Sam Carrick scored for the Rangers, who slipped to 20-21-6 and have one win in their last eight games (1-5-2).

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl, Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson, and Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak are the league’s three stars for the week ending Jan. 11, 2026.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets fired head coach Dean Evason and assistant coach Steve McCarthy. Veteran NHL coach Rick Bowness takes over as bench boss for the remainder of the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets are struggling this season to build on their promising 2024-25 performance. Mired at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and seven points out of a wildcard berth, they’re hoping that the coaching change will vault them back into playoff contention.

Bowness is expected to be in this role for the remainder of the season, as management will search for a full-time replacement in the offseason.

DAILY FACEOFF: The NHL and NHL Players’ Association are “pleased” with the progress of rink construction for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. They expect the work necessary to address the remaining issues will be completed in time for the men’s hockey tournament.

DAILY FACEOFF: Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson could miss the remainder of this season with a lower-body injury. He’s been ruled out for the Winter Olympics, and it’s unlikely he’ll return when the league resumes play following the Olympic break.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators signed goaltender James Reimer to a one-year contract.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins signed forward Blake Lizotte to a three-year contract extension with an average annual value of $2.25 million.

RG.ORG: A heart condition has forced former NHL coach Gerard Gallant to step down from his role as head coach of the KHL’s Shanghai Dragons. He’s been away from the club since Dec. 30.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 2, 2025

by | Sep 2, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 2, 2025

Canucks captain Quinn Hughes could become a Hart Trophy candidate, three Flyers with the most to gain or lose this season, the latest on Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Andre Leal considered the possibility of Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes becoming the first defenseman in 26 years to win the Hart Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player to his team.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Hall-of-Famer Chris Pronger was the last blueliner to win the Hart Trophy (1999-2000). Brent Burns came the closest to winning the award since then, finishing fourth in voting during the 2016-17 season with the San Jose Sharks.

The Canucks failed to make the playoffs last season, but have Hughes to thank for staying in the race until late in the season. Leal believes the 25-year-old blueliner could win the Hart this season if he leads the Canucks to the playoffs while producing at the same rate that he did in 2023-24, when he had a career-high 92 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A strong case could be made for Hughes as a Hart contender if the season unfolds like Leal’s scenario. The Canucks’ roster isn’t as deep as it was two years ago, so leading this current group in the postseason while producing over 90 points would be an MVP-worthy performance.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James looks at three Philadelphia Flyers with the most to gain or lose this season.

Sophomore winger Matvei Michkov has the most to gain. The budding scoring star should flourish under new head coach Rick Tocchet this season, seeing more playing time and with better linemates than he had during his rookie campaign.

Veteran winger Travis Konecny has the most to lose. The 28-year-old is entering the first season of his eight-year contract and will face pressure to live up to it.

Trevor Zegras has the biggest opportunity this season. The 24-year-old forward joins the Flyers after struggling during the past two seasons with the Anaheim Ducks. He has the chance to play top-six minutes at the center position with Michkov, Konecny, Tyson Foerster, or Owen Tippett as his potential linemates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers are rebuilding, and the performance of those three will determine their potential improvement this season. Michkov’s stock as an offensive star should keep rising, while Konecny should remain a feisty first-line winger and leader. Zegras could face the most pressure as he attempts to get his career back on track.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is rising up a list on the Red Wings that no player wants to sit atop.

Larkin has played 734 regular-season games with the Red Wings, putting him on track to play the most games for the franchise without winning the Stanley Cup. The franchise leader in that category is Norm Ullman (875), followed by Nick Libett (861) and Justin Abdelkader (739).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin’s only playoff appearance was in 2016, when he played five games. The Red Wings captain has endured nine years of a difficult roster rebuild that seems to have stalled over the past two seasons. Unless the Wings make significant improvement, Larkin will set the franchise record for most games without winning the Cup.

RG.ORG: Former NHL head coach Gerard Gallant is embracing the challenge of coaching in the KHL. He was hired this summer as bench boss of the rebranded Shanghai Dragons, now based in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Gallant intends to run a North American “support-and-forecheck” style. The Dragons’ goal is to win now and build a fanbase for a possible return to China.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A good performance by the Dragons this season could be a springboard for Gallant to rejoin the NHL coaching ranks.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber looked at where promising rookie winger Ryan Leonard will start in the Washington Capitals’ roster this season.

Leonard, 20, saw nine games of regular-season action and eight postseason contests last season. He could begin the season on the Capitals’ third line, though his potential linemates have yet to be determined.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 19, 2025

by | Aug 19, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 19, 2025

How the acquisition of JJ Peterka will affect the Mammoth’s offense, a new potential buyer emerges for the Penguins, former NHL coach Gerard Gallant heads to the KHL, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE: Belle Fraser considers the Utah Mammoth’s acquisition of winger JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres to be their best roster addition of this offseason. She pointed out that the Mammoth lost 13 overtime games last season because of an offense that ranked 21st overall.

Utah Mammoth winger JJ Peterka (NHL Images).

Peterka had 68 points last season, including 27 goals. At 23, his ceiling could be much higher, and if he gels with Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, and Dylan Guenther, it could really change things for the Mammoth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Mammoth made significant improvement during their first season in their new home, finishing with 89 points. They missed the playoffs by seven points, which is why management sought to improve their scoring punch with the addition of Peterka, who should fit in well with their promising young forwards like Cooley and Guenther.

Fraser also indicated that there is nothing new to report on a contract extension for Cooley. However, she isn’t concerned, given the steep rise in the salary cap this season, suggesting that players are likely pushing for more money.

Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston could be a potential comparable for Cooley. In March, the 22-year-old center signed a five-year, $42 million contract extension with an average annual value of $8.4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With $6.6 million in cap space for this season, the Mammoth’s ownership has shown a willingness to spend near the ceiling. They have a projected $38.6 million available for 2026-27. That’s more than enough to re-sign a rising young star like Cooley and still have enough to re-sign or replace UFA-eligible forward Nick Schmaltz and RFA-eligible forward Barrett Hayton, and to add more talent to their roster.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: cites Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting that another buyer has emerged for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Hoffman Family of Companies, which owns the ECHL’s Florida Everblades, is the new suitor.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Former Penguins owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle are currently attempting to repurchase the franchise. However, recent reports suggest their offer is well below what Fenway Sports Group is presently seeking for the franchise.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Former NHL coach Gerard Gallant was recently named the new bench boss of the KHL’s Shanghai Dragons. However, he’s frustrated about being snubbed for NHL coaching jobs.

“I’ve been out for two seasons and nothing has happened yet. Am I a little pissed off? Yes, but that’s the way it goes, you wait for your turn and your opportunities,” Gallant said.

Gallant indicated that his contract has an out clause after the first year. For now, he’s focused on heading to St. Petersburg and helping his new club reach the playoffs.

RG.ORG: Alexander Nikishin is looking forward to his first NHL regular season after debuting with the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2025 playoffs. He said that his main goal will be to contribute effectively without being the weak link on the roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nikishin is the Hurricanes’ top prospect and has considerable upside as a top-four defenseman. He’s likely to fill the left-side second-pairing role this season.

TSN: The Columbus Blue Jackets signed former New York Islanders winger Hudson Fasching to a one-year, two-way contract.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 18, 2025

by | Jul 18, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 18, 2025

The Ducks avoid arbitration with Lukas Dostal, the Canucks trade Dakota Joshua to the Maple Leafs, Yegor Chinakhov requests a trade from the Blue Jackets, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Anaheim Ducks avoided salary arbitration with Lukas Dostal, signing the 25-year-old goaltender to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a significant increase for Dostal, who earned an annual cap hit of $812,500 on his previous deal. It raised some eyebrows on social media, but he earned it by outplaying John Gibson for the starter’s job, resulting in the latter’s recent trade to the Detroit Red Wings.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal (NHL Images).

Dostal is a good goalie on a rebuilding team. Eric Stephens of The Athletic pointed out that his analytics are better than his traditional stats, with 14.3 goals saved above expectation. He backstopped the Ducks to their first 80-point season since 2018-19.

Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek considers Dostal to be a proven No. 1 goaltender. “He is just entering the prime of his career, with his best hockey ahead of him.”

THE PROVINCE/TORONTO SUN: The Vancouver Canucks traded forward Dakota Joshua to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Joshua was popular among Canucks fans for his physical, energetic style. Diagnosed last summer with testicular cancer, he missed most of his offseason training, training camp, and the first 14 games of the 2024-25 season. He admitted that he spent most of the season playing catch-up.

When healthy, Joshua is a solid checking-line forward with a decent scoring touch, netting a career-best 18 goals and 32 points in 63 games during the 2023-24 season. That earned him a three-year contract with an AAV of $3.25 million.

Joshua won’t replace the offense the Leafs lost when they traded Mitch Marner to Vegas on the eve of free agency, but the hardworking 29-year-old will bring a solid physical presence to their third line.

By clearing Joshua’s cap hit from their books, the Canucks have $3.27 million in cap space with 22 active roster players under contract for this season. It’s expected they will add another player via trade or free agency. I’ll have more about that in today’s Rumor Mill.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov has requested a trade. In a post on social media by his agent, the 24-year-old winger cited “misunderstandings” with head coach Dean Evason last season.

Chinakhov, 24, was chosen 21st overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2020 NHL Draft. He missed nearly half of last season with a back injury.

TSN: Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell expressed surprise that the Chinakhov camp took the trade request public. He said he had spoken with Chinakhov previously about it, indicating the winger didn’t play well upon his return from injury, leading to him and Evanson falling out of favor.

Waddell indicated that he told Chinakhov’s agent that his client has value in the trade market. “I will talk to teams. I have talked to teams. But I’m not going to trade him because you said to trade him.” He added that the winger couldn’t handle being a healthy scratch near the end of the season.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline cited Waddell saying if the trade market isn’t good for Chinakhov, he’ll remain a Blue Jacket. In that case, he’ll be in training camp because he’s under contract for 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Waddell also indicated that he’s not worried about this situation. He believes it won’t be an issue if Chinakhov shows up with the right attitude in training camp. That will also be the best way for the winger to improve his value in the trade market.

RG.ORG: Dmitry Orlov said his reduced role last season with the Carolina Hurricanes left him feeling isolated and mentally drained. The 33-year-old defenseman admitted the hardest part was knowing he no longer fit into their long-term plans.

A free agent on July 1, Orlov signed a two-year contract with the San Jose Sharks. He’s hoping to find stability in a leadership role with the rebuilding club.

TSN: Former NHL head coach Gerard Gallant is heading to Russia to coach a team in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). An official announcement is expected soon.

Winner of the Jack Adams Trophy in 2017-18 with the Vegas Golden Knights, Gallant’s last NHL coaching gig was with the New York Rangers until 2023. He also previously coached the Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl took to the ice in Newmarket, Ontario, on Wednesday as they took part in a beer-league game. The pair stood out with their speed and skill, but made sure not to show up their teammates or opponents.

Their team lost 6-2, which sparked some ribbing toward the two on social media. However, the on-ice officials credited the goaltender’s performance for blanking McDavid and Draisaitl.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid and Draisaitl got to get in some summer on-ice work while having some fun at the same time.

They’re not the only notable players to take part in a beer-league game as part of their offseason training this summer.

Evgeny Kuznetsov made a recent appearance at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia. The former Washington Capitals center hopes to stage an NHL comeback after spending last season in the KHL.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 14, 2024

by | Dec 14, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 14, 2024

The Senators upset the Hurricanes, injury updates, the Islanders put two players on waivers, an update on Robin Lehner, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark had a 32-save shutout to upset the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0. Shane Pinto scored twice and Nick Jensen also tallied for the Senators (30 points) as they move to within two points of a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. Pyotr Kochetkov stopped 19 shots for the Hurricanes, who’ve lost five of their last seven contests.

Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Score’s Josh Wegman observed the Hurricanes haven’t had an even-strength goal in three straight games. Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho has been struggling to score this season with just seven goals in 29 games.

On Friday, Senators center Josh Norris was fined $2,000.00 by the league’s department of player safety for embellishment during a Dec. 5 game against the Detroit Red Wings.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Minnesota Wild placed defenseman Jake Middleton on long-term injury reserve with an upper-body injury. He underwent surgery on Friday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild claimed defenseman Travis Dermott off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers as a short-term replacement for Middleton.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Speaking of the Oilers, defenseman Evan Bouchard is considered “50-50” to play in Saturday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights. Bouchard was injured late in Thursday’s game against the Wild when he was knocked into the net by forward Ryan Hartman late in the game.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller (upper body) was placed on injured reserve. He’s expected to be sidelined for at least a week and won’t join the team for its upcoming three-game road trip.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings goaltender Cam Talbot left practice on Friday with a lower-body injury. The Wings recalled netminder Jack Campbell on an emergency basis to back up Ville Husso.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. The Leafs recalled Dennis Hildeby on an emergency basis.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: The Islanders placed forwards Pierre Engvall and Oliver Wahlstrom on waivers. The moves come with sidelined forwards Mathew Barzal and Anthony Duclair and defenseman Adam Pelech poised to return to the lineup.

SPORTSNET: Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner publicly opened up about his bankruptcy case. He disputed reports claiming he and his wife were no longer responding to lawyers involved in the case and dropped out of sight after vacating their Las Vegas home.

Lehner called those reports “fake”, claiming communication with his lawyer stopped after he could no longer continue paying him and accusing the lawyer of lying to the court. The netminder said he wasn’t looking for sympathy but had gone through some personal problems he wasn’t ready to divulge. He also blamed the media for sensationalizing his situation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lehner wouldn’t comment about the future of his playing career. He last played in 2022. His contract, which expires at the end of this season, no longer counts against the Golden Knights’ salary cap.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Speaking of the Golden Knights, they signed forward Keegan Kolesar to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $2.5 million.

THE GUARDIAN: Former NHL coach Gerard Gallant was named head coach for Team Canada at the upcoming Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland. His assistant coaches will be Dave Hakstol, Mike Kelly and Johan Lundskog.

DAILY FACEOFF: The driver accused of hitting and killing Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew while intoxicated on Aug. 30 was indicted by a grand jury. He faces charges of second-degree reckless vehicular homicide, first-degree aggravated manslaughter, fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence, and second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 18, 2023

by | Nov 18, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – November 18, 2023

Will the struggling Islanders make a trade? Could Patrick Kane land with the Stars? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

IS A TRADE COMING FOR THE ISLANDERS?

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman said he believes New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello is asking around to see if he can find some help for his struggling club.

Friedman believes Lamoriello is on the hunt for a scoring forward. He also thinks the Isles GM could be in on some of the defensemen the Calgary Flames are believed to be shopping (Nikita Zadorov, Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev).

New York Islanders winger Oliver Wahlstrom (NHL Images).

One player who could be a trade chip for the Islanders is Oliver Wahlstrom. Friedman thinks the 23-year-old winger might welcome a move if he won’t get an opportunity with the Isles. He thinks the Flames could be interested considering they acquired Yegor Sherangovich during the summer.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears doubts that a trade is coming for the Islanders. With the exceptions of Wahlstrom and Jean-Gabriel Pageau, “there are not many Islanders who seem moveable right now,” he writes. He also noted that a limited number of teams are looking to offload talent.

If the Islanders fail to improve, Sears thinks a coaching change might be in order. He suggested former Nashville Predators coach John Hynes, current Islanders assistant coach John MacLean, former NHL coach (and current private skills coach) and Hall-of-Fame player Adam Oates, Isles farm team bench boss Rick Kowalsky, former Rangers coach Gerard Gallant and former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft as possible replacements for current head coach Lane Lambert.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple recently recommended against making a trade. He believes it would take moving a first-round pick or one of their few well-regarded prospects as trade bait to land a player who can shake up the roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders are in a mess right now. Lamoriello will have to act soon or risk this season slipping away.

It will cost too much of the Isles’ future to bring in a quick fix. They don’t have much available talent to offer up from their roster to bring in the type of player who could shake things up.

A coaching change seems the more likely course of action. Whether Lamoriello goes that route remains to be seen.

LATEST ON PATRICK KANE

SPORTSNET: Friedman and co-host Jeff Marek also discussed the possibility of Patrick Kane signing with the Dallas Stars or the Islanders.

Friedman doubted the Stars would be interested. He believes their focus is on bolstering their blueline. While he thinks Kane would love to play for Dallas, he doesn’t see a fit there for the 34-year-old free-agent winger.

As for the Islanders, Friedman thinks they’ve been interested in Kane’s scoring prowess. However, he wondered if the future Hall-of-Famer would pick the best opportunity to win now or the best opportunity over the next couple of years. That could improve the chances of a club like the Buffalo Sabres to sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t see Kane landing with the Islanders. They’re not even on the reported lists of his potential destinations. They also lack the cap space to sign him so I think the odds aren’t in their favor if they were to make a pitch for him.