NHL Rumor Mill – July 7, 2026

by | Jul 7, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 7, 2026

A look at how Leo Carlsson’s offer sheet could affect the Ducks’ efforts to re-sign Cutter Gauthier, plus the latest on the Sharks, Red Wings, Hurricanes, Bruins, and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE DUCKS

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens reports the Anaheim Ducks will have less than $10 million in salary-cap space if they match Leo Carlsson’s offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers. That will affect their efforts to re-sign restricted free-agent winger Cutter Gauther.

The 22-year-old Gauthier tallied 41 goals in the final season of his entry-level contract. Stephens doubts the Ducks will be able to re-sign him to an average annual value of under $10 million.

Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier (NHL Images).

Gauthier lacks arbitration rights and is ineligible to receive an offer sheet. Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek could use that leverage to play hardball with the young winger. However, Stephens pointed out that it didn’t work well with now-former Ducks Jamie Drysdale, Trevor Zegras, and Mason McTavish. Gauthier was also the pure finisher that Verbeek wanted to pair with Carlsson when he acquired the winger from the Flyers two years ago.

If the Ducks match Carlsson’s offer sheet and re-sign Gauthier, they’ll have to shed salary to become salary cap-compliant before the start of their regular season in October.

Winger Frank Vatrano seems the obvious choice, but moving his $4.57 million AAV through 2026-27 (and its deferred money) won’t be easy. It seems unlikely they’ll move Chris Kreider or Alex Killorn, both of whom have 15-team no-trade lists.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vatrano would have to be packaged with a draft pick or prospect to facilitate a trade. Even then, clubs might balk at taking on his contract. Kreider or Killorn would draw more interest, possibly from teams not on their no-trade lists.

If the Ducks don’t match Carlsson’s offer sheet, they’ll have to find a suitable replacement. Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings could be an option if he agrees to accept a trade to Anaheim, but at 29, he’s already hit his ceiling. Another possibility could be Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barzal has a 22-team no-trade list, which could complicate things. So would the Islanders’ asking price, as they’ll likely want a good young player in return. So would the Red Wings with Larkin.

NOTABLE RUMOR TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” PODCAST

SPORTSNET: In his final “32 Thoughts: The Podcast” for 2025-26, Elliotte Friedman wondered how much it will cost the San Jose Sharks to sign superstar center Macklin Celebrini to a contract extension.

Celebrini, 20, has a year left on his entry-level contract. He’ll be an RFA without arbitration rights next summer and eligible to sign an offer sheet.

The Sharks will want to avoid Celebrini becoming an offer-sheet target. Friedman mused whether they would try to convince him to accept less than the league maximum on his next cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The maximum cap hit is 20 percent of the salary cap for the first season in which the contract is signed. For 2027-28, it’s $22.6 million.

Given that Leo Carlsson’s new contract has set the benchmark with his league-leading $18 million average annual value, the Sharks will likely try to keep their offer to Celebrini to between $18 million and $19 million. However, his representatives could push for over $20 million.

Friedman said the Carolina Hurricanes are hoping to use an offer sheet to make a big splash this summer. He wondered if they could be eyeing Simon Edvinsson of the Detroit Red Wings.

The Hurricanes will need a defenseman because they’re reportedly shopping Alexander Nikishin, who is an RFA this summer. Friedman said they’re also trying to include forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi in the deal, which would free up $4.25 million in cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey Now reports the Red Wings have set aside $12 million in cap space in case Edvinsson signs an offer sheet. Even if the Hurricanes can move out Kotkaniemi, they won’t have enough to make an unmatchable offer for the Wings blueliner.

Friedman also said the Hurricanes were considering signing a player to an offer sheet and then trading him if the signing was successful. If a team matches an offer sheet, they cannot trade the player for one year. However, there are no restrictions for a team that successfully signs away a player with an offer sheet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In that scenario, the Hurricanes would sign a player they don’t need, and then flip him to another team to address a more pressing roster issue.

Pavel Zacha’s contract extension talks with the Boston Bruins caught Friedman’s attention. He thinks they’ve spoken with other clubs about him. He assumed one of them was the Montreal Canadiens, but two sources denied it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins probably prefer to retain Zacha, but it doesn’t hurt to gauge the trade market just in case.

Speaking of the Canadiens, Friedman said they’re still searching for a top-six forward. He indicated that they’ve made numerous calls to the Columbus Blue Jackets about Kirill Marchenko, but the Jackets aren’t willing to move him right now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nick Lariviere of The Sick Podcast suggested Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken as a trade option for the Canadiens. The Kraken are reportedly shopping the 22-year-old center.

The Canadiens passed over Wright in the 2022 draft in favor of winger Juraj Slafkovsky. He’s struggled to establish himself as a top-six center with the Kraken. He still has time to achieve that goal and would be an affordable acquisition in terms of salary and return.

However, the Canadiens have been reportedly pursuing more established young talent, such as Marchenko and Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies. Wright doesn’t fit that profile.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 22, 2026

by | May 22, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 22, 2026

The Canadiens win the opening game of the Eastern Conference Final, injury updates for the Ducks and Sabres, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: A four-goal first period powered the Montreal Canadiens to a 6-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky (NHL Images).

Alexandre Texier’s first-period goal was the game-winner. Juraj Slafkovsky scored twice and collected an assist, Nick Suzuki had three assists, and Jakub Dobes made 25 saves for the Canadiens.

Seth Jarvis and Eric Robinson scored for the Hurricanes. Frederik Andersen gave up five goals on 21 shots. Game 2 of this series is on Saturday, May 23, at 7 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens deserve credit for adjusting to the Hurricanes’ aggressive forecheck and smothering defense following their long second-round series against the Buffalo Sabres. They responded quickly to Jarvis’ game-opening goal 33 seconds into the first period with Cole Caufield’s game-tying snipe coming 27 seconds later.

The Habs set a franchise record for the fastest four goals (11:32) to start a playoff road game. The Hurricanes gave up more goals in this game than they did in the entirety of their previous series against the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers.

Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin shouldered the blame for this loss after being on the ice for three of the Canadiens’ first four goals. “Personally, I think I handed them the game,” Slavin said. “I’ve got to be better.”

Slavin didn’t have a good game, but he wasn’t the sole culprit for the Hurricanes’ loss. The entire team was rusty following a 12-day layoff between series.

That issue was apparent during the first period, resulting in odd-man rushes for Montreal. They played better in the second period, slowing the Canadiens’ movement through the neutral zone and mounting sustained pressure in the offensive zone. However, they failed to sufficiently break through the Habs’ solid defense and Dobes’ goaltending.

The Canadiens should expect a better effort from the Hurricanes for Game 2.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: The Sabres provided end-of-season injury updates for several players.

Defenseman Owen Power suffered a Grade 3 ankle sprain in Game 5 of their series with the Canadiens. Center Tage Thompson was dealing with “some lower-back stuff” for most of the postseason.

Defenseman Logan Stanley dealt with an undisclosed injury and was scratched from the final four games of the second round. Forward Sam Carrick returned too early from a left-arm injury that sidelined him for the final 15 games of the regular season. He played briefly in Game 3 against the Canadiens and sat out the final four games.

Forward Justin Danforth was close to returning from a broken kneecap suffered during the fourth game of the regular season. Forward Noah Ostlund suffered a lower-body injury during Game 5 of their first-round series against the Boston Bruins. He would’ve been ready to play later in the Eastern Conference Final had the Sabres advanced.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: These players are expected to be ready for training camp in September.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anaheim Ducks winger Troy Terry will undergo surgery for a chronic hip impingement during the offseason, and it’s questionable if he’ll be ready to start next season.

Winger Cutter Gauthier suffered a transverse process fracture late in the regular season.

Center Ryan Poehling suffered a concussion after a hit from Brayden McNabb in Game 5 of their second-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights. He’s since been cleared of symptoms.

Defenseman Pavel Mintyukov suffered an MCL sprain late in the season. He is expected to be ready for the start of next season.

Blueliner Radko Gudas was dealing with a sprained ankle.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Boston Bruins have parted ways with assistant coach Jay Leach.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Washington Capitals hired Ray Bennett as an assistant coach, replacing Kirk Muller. Bennett previously served as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders.

RATINGS.ORG: Marco D’Amico profiled Vancouver Giants center Mathis Preston, who struggled with adversity this season, including health issues and a trade from the Spokane Chiefs. However, a solid performance in the U-18 World Championship could boost his stock in the 2026 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Preston was projected to be a top-10 pick, but his struggles sent his stock tumbling. Nevertheless, he could be a good pickup later in the first round or early in the second.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 15, 2026

by | May 15, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 15, 2026

Check out the latest on the Ducks, Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, and Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE ANAHEIM DUCKS?

ESPN.COM: Ryan S. Clark looked at the keys for the offseason for the Anaheim Ducks after they were eliminated from the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Vegas Golden Knights.

The biggest challenge facing general manager Pat Verbeek will be signing young stars Cutter Gauthier and Leo Carlsson to new contracts as they emerge from their entry-level deals. Young defensemen Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger are also completing their ELCs.

Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Verbeek has a reputation for playing hardball with players coming off their entry-level deals, as Mason McTavish learned last summer and former Duck Trevor Zegras discovered in 2023. Their negotiations dragged on throughout the summer and into training camp, which adversely affected their performances once they were under contract.

However, Gauthier, 22, and the 21-year-old Carlsson were their leading scorers during this season and in the playoffs, playing significant roles in the rebuilding Ducks ending their seven-year postseason drought. It will be interesting to see how Verbeek handles those two.

Mintuykov surfaced in the rumor mill earlier this season when he started seeing less playing time. However, that changed as the season went on, finishing this season with an average ice time of 18:26.

Clark also noted that veteran defensemen John Carlson, Jacob Trouba, and Radko Gudas are UFA-eligible this summer. He pointed out that the Ducks have plenty of projected salary-cap space, but it could be difficult to re-sign everyone.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks have over $40 million in projected cap space, but that doesn’t mean they’ll spend to the cap ceiling. New deals for Gauthier and Carlsson will take up a significant portion.

They are reportedly in contract talks with Carlson. They could also bring back Trouba. The 35-year-old Gudas could be the odd man out.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens doesn’t rule out Verbeek making a franchise-altering move for an established star this summer. He pointed out that players such as Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, and “even Brady Tkachuk” of the Ottawa Senators could be available in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews could be available if he doesn’t see eye-to-eye with new Leafs GM John Chayka’s vision for the club. The Stars intend to re-sign Robertson even if it means shedding salary to free up room.

The Blues set a very high asking price for Thomas, who has a full no-trade clause and isn’t keen to move on. Tkachuk has already shot down the latest spate of trade rumors, so no, he’s going to be available this summer. Speaking of Tkachuk…

THE LATEST ON BRADY TKACHUK

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker looked at the obstacles preventing the Rangers from acquiring Ottawa Senators winger Brady Tkachuk. The speculation over his future persists despite his repeatedly reaffirming his commitment to the Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: “This is the song that doesn’t end. Yes, it goes on and on, my friends. Some people started singing it, not knowing what it was. And they’ll continue singing it forever just because this is the song that doesn’t end…”

I don’t deny that Tkachuk could decide at some point over the remaining two years of his contract that he won’t win a Stanley Cup in Ottawa and must move on. Or that the Senators could trade him next summer if he won’t commit to a contract extension.

However, we’re not there yet, and Tkachuk and the Senators have made it clear that he’s not going anywhere this summer. If the Rangers want Tkachuk, they’ll have to wait until at least next summer at the earliest to find out, and even then, they might not have sufficient tradeable assets to outbid other clubs on his list of preferred trade destinations.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

THE ATHLETIC: James Mirtle looked at what’s next for Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka after firing head coach Craig Berube earlier this week.

Apart from finding a new bench boss, Mirtle believes Chayka has a shopping list “filled with incredibly hard-to-add items.” They include finding a mobile top defenseman to anchor the power play, a top-six forward for Auston Matthews’ line, a “minute-eating center who can play difficult minutes,” and improved depth at nearly every position except perhaps in goal.

Mirtle pointed out that Chayka doesn’t have the luxury of a deep prospect pool or high draft picks to use as trade currency. He also doesn’t have much of value to trade from the roster if the goal is finding immediate help.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs do have the first-overall pick and young power forward Matthew Knies. Either of those could help land a player who can address one of those issues. However, trading that pick sacrifices a big piece of the future, while moving Knies to add, say, a No. 1 defenseman would mean finding two top-six forwards instead of one.

Meanwhile, Mirtle’s colleague Chris Johnston reports league sources claim Matthews is interested in seeing what changes occur during the draft and free-agent period rather than hearing what could theoretically happen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chayka has to sell Matthews on his vision for the Maple Leafs. That’s going to be difficult if he can’t sufficiently bolster the roster during that time.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 13, 2026

by | Apr 13, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 13, 2026

A milestone game for Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki, the Islanders are eliminated from the playoff race, Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby face each other for the 100th time, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF SUNDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki scored and collected an assist to surpass 100 points in a 4-1 victory over the New York Islanders, eliminating the latter from the playoff race. Alex Newhook and Zachary Bolduc also each had a goal and an assist, Lane Hutson had two assists, and Jacob Fowler made 30 saves for the 48-23-10 Canadiens, who sit in second place in the Atlantic Division with 106 points. Casey Cizikas replied for the 43-33-5 Islanders.

Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Suzuki is the fifth player in Canadiens history to reach the 100-point plateau, and the first to do so since Mats Naslund in 1985-86. Meanwhile, Hutson tied Larry Robinson for the most assists in a season (66) by a Canadiens defenseman.

The Habs called up defenseman David Reinbacher to replace blueliner Noah Dobson, who is out for at least two weeks with an upper-body (thumb) injury. Reinbacher collected an assist on Newhook’s goal for his first NHL point.

The Washington Capitals blanked the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-0 in the 100th head-to-head game between Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. Ovechkin collected an assist, Connor McMichael scored twice and picked up an assist, and Logan Thompson had a 24-save shutout for the 42-30-9 Capitals (93 points), who are one point behind the 41-27-12 Philadelphia Flyers (94 points) for third place in the Metropolitan Division. Stuart Skinner stopped 23 of 25 shots for the 41-24-16 Penguins (98 points), who have already clinched second place in the Metro Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin is in the final season of his contract. Capitals fans chanted “one more year”, but the 40-year-old winger still hasn’t decided if he’ll return. Nevertheless, this game felt like it was the final matchup between Ovechkin and Crosby.

The Capitals kept their playoff hopes alive, but they must win their final game, while the Flyers must lose their last two games in regulation.

The Columbus Blue Jackets’ playoff hopes suffered a blow as they dropped a 3-2 decision to the Boston Bruins. Mark Kastelic snapped a 2-2 tie, Sean Kuraly had a goal and two assists, and Joonas Korpisalo stopped 33 shots for the 44-27-10 Bruins (98 points), who hold a one-point lead over the Ottawa Senators for the first Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Mason Marchment and Adam Fantilli replied for the Blue Jackets (40-29-12), who sit two points behind the Flyers, who hold a game in hand over the Blue Jackets and Capitals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins top prospect James Hagens made his NHL debut and collected an assist. The Bruins also scratched veterans Charlie McAvoy, Pavol Zacha, Victor Arvidsson, and Hampus Lindholm from this game.

The Blue Jackets will be eliminated if the Flyers pick up one point in their final two games.

Speaking of the Senators, they fell to the New Jersey Devils 4-3 on an overtime goal by Nico Hischier, who finished with two goals and an assist. Dawson Mercer had a goal and an assist for the Devils. Michael Amadio, Shane Pinto, and Fabian Zetterlund scored for the Senators (43-27-11), who hold the second Eastern wild card with 97 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins and Senators have already punched their tickets to the postseason. Both clubs are now jockeying to determine who their first-round opponents will be. Both clubs have one game left.

Senators captain Brady Tkachuk missed this game with an undisclosed ailment, believed to be an upper-body injury suffered during Saturday’s 3-0 win over the Islanders. He will likely sit out their regular-season finale against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, but is expected to be ready for the upcoming playoffs.

An overtime goal by Marco Rossi lifted the Vancouver Canucks to a 4-3 upset of the Anaheim Ducks. Rossi, Brock Boeser, and Jake DeBrusk each finished with a goal and an assist for the Canucks. Cutter Gauthier scored twice to reach the 40-goal plateau for the 42-32-6 Ducks, who sit third in the Pacific Division with 90 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gauthier is the first Duck to score 40 goals in a season since Corey Perry in 2013-14. The Ducks can clinch a playoff berth if the Nashville Predators lose in any fashion to the San Jose Sharks on Monday. The Predators are four points behind the Ducks, with both clubs having two games left.

The Calgary Flames upset the Utah Mammoth 4-1. Brayden Pachal had a goal and two assists while Dustin Wolf kicked out 28 shots for the Flames. Lawson Crouse replied for the 42-32-6 Mammoth (90 points), who hold the first Western Conference wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Mammoth clinched a playoff berth last week. This was defenseman MacKenzie Weegar’s first game in Calgary since he was dealt to the Mammoth before last month’s trade deadline. He received a warm standing ovation from Flames fans following a video tribute.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE DENVER POST: Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar will miss the next two games after suffering facial fractures and a corneal abrasion from being struck by a puck during Saturday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: The Sabres hope to have Noah Ostlund back for the playoffs. The 22-year-old rookie forward missed the last eight games with an upper-body injury.

SPORTSNET: Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster Scott Oake signed off for the last time on Saturday. The long-time host of the program’s “After Hours” interview show began his broadcasting career in the 1970s and has worked with Hockey Night in Canada since the 1980s.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oake will devote his time running The Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, named in honor of his son, who died in 2011 after struggling with addiction, and the Anne Oake Recovery Centre, which is under construction and will offer 75 beds for women in recovery.

Best wishes to Oake and his family in his new endeavors.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 4, 2026

by | Apr 4, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 4, 2026

A list of RFA players ineligible for offer sheets, an update on the Predators’ search for a new general manager, and the latest on the Canucks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LIST OF RFAS NOT ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE OFFER SHEETS THIS SUMMER.

PUCKPEDIA: recently released their list of Group 2 restricted free agents classified as 10.2(C) players, making them ineligible for offer sheets or arbitration rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The article linked above explains the criteria players must meet to avoid becoming 10.2(C) RFAs.

Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier (NHL Images).

The notable players this year include Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier, Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin, San Jose Sharks forward Collin Graf, and Philadelphia Flyers winger Nikita Grebenkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m linking to this because a few readers have mentioned Gauthier, Nikishin, and Graf as potential offer sheet targets.

There are two ways these players change teams this summer. One is if their respective teams don’t qualify their rights, and they become unrestricted free agents. The other is trading them. I don’t foresee either situation occurring for Gauthier, Nikishin, Graf, and Grebenkin.

PREDATORS

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty recently reported on the Nashville Predators’ search for a new general manager to replace Barry Trotz, who intends to step down as soon as his replacement is found.

The Predators sought permission from the Toronto Maple Leafs to speak with assistant general manager Brandon Pridham. Former Edmonton Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli has also been linked to the Predators.

Florida Panthers assistant general manager Brett Peterson and Oilers assistant GM Bill Scott are believed to be on the Predators’ search list. Former Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin has also been mentioned as a candidate.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said the Predators could be about to begin in-person interviews with the candidates. He believes that Peterson and Scott are among them, along with Dallas Stars assistant general manager Scott White and possibly former Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka.

Friedman believes Predators current assistant GM Jeff Kealty could be in the mix. He also thinks they reached out to player agent Matt Kater. Friedman brought up Tom Fitzgerald, given the uncertainty about the New Jersey Devils general manager this season.

CANUCKS

TSN: Darren Dreger addressed recent rumors suggesting the Vancouver Canucks could make a management shakeup, saying that Patrik Allvin has no intention of leaving as general manager. Dreger said Allvin remains “highly regarded” as GM of the team.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 1, 2026

by | Apr 1, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 1, 2026

No April fooling here, as the Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin reaches another scoring milestone, the Sabres reclaim first place in the Eastern Conference, the Stars re-sign general manager Jim Nill, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF TUESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin tallied twice to reach the 30-goal plateau for the 20th time in a 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Tom Wilson also scored two goals, Pierre-Luc Dubois collected four assists, and Jakob Chychrun had a goal and two assists for the 38-28-9 Capitals (85 points), who are three points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Travis Sanheim and Christian Dvorak each had a goal and an assist for the Flyers (37-25-12), who are two points out of that Eastern wild-card spot.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin tied Gordie Howe and Teemu Selanne for the third-most goals (31) by a player age 40 or older. He’s behind Howe (44 goals) and Johnny Bucyk (36) for the most goals by a player in that age category.

The Buffalo Sabres reclaimed first place in the Eastern Conference by holding off the New York Islanders by a score of 4-3. Tage Thompson and Jack Quinn each had a goal and an assist for the Sabres (46-21-8), who reached the 100-point plateau for the first time since 2009-10. Bo Horvat picked up three assists, and Mathew Barzal had a goal and an assist for the 42-29-5 Islanders, who cling to third place in the Metropolitan Division with 89 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres forward Sam Carrick left this game with an injured left arm after a fight with Islanders captain Anders Lee in the third period. The Islanders played without forward Simon Holmstrom, who suffered an upper-body injury during Monday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield netted his 47th goal of the season and collected an assist in a 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Juraj Slafkovsky and Mike Matheson each had a goal and an assist while Jakub Dobes stopped 36 shots for the 43-21-10 Canadiens, who picked up their sixth straight victory and remain in third place in the Atlantic Division with 96 points. Jake Guentzel replied for the Lightning (46-22-6), who are two points up on the Canadiens in the Atlantic.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Caufield sits two goals behind Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon in the race for the Maurice Richard Trophy as this season’s top goal scorer. Canadiens defenseman Alexandre Carrier missed this game as he’s out two to four weeks with an upper-body injury.

A four-goal third period by the Boston Bruins lifted them to a 6-3 victory over the Dallas Stars. Viktor Arvidsson had a hat trick while David Pastrnak had three assists for the Bruins (43-24-8), who got their fourth straight win to sit two points behind the Canadiens in the first Eastern wild-card spot. Wyatt Johnston and Jason Robertson each had two points for the 44-19-12 Stars, who have dropped six of their last seven games but continue to hold second place in the Western Conference with 100 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Stars announced the signing of general manager Jim Nill to a two-year contract extension. He’s held the job since April 2013 and is the reigning holder of the Jim Gregory GM of the Year Award, which he’s won three consecutive times as the Stars reached the Western Conference Final in each of those seasons.

The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Detroit Red Wings 5-1. Egor Chinakhov had a goal and an assist while Anthony Mantha reached the 30-goal plateau for the first time for the 38-21-16 Penguins, who sit in second place in the Metropolitan Division with 92 points. Dylan Larkin replied for the struggling Red Wings (39-27-8), who remain two points out of the final Eastern wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Evgeni Malkin collected an assist as he returned to action since being sidelined on March 22 with an injured hand. Before the game, the Red Wings announced that prospect goaltender Trey Augustine had signed a three-year entry-level contract and reported to their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids for the remainder of the season.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Nikolaj Ehlers scored the game-winning goal and picked up two assists in a 5-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are 1-4-1 in their last six games. Andrei Svechnikov had a goal and an assist for the Hurricanes (47-21-6), who hold first place in the Eastern Conference with 100 points. Kirill Marchenko had a goal and an assist for the Blue Jackets (38-25-12), who cling to the final Eastern wild card with 88 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes and Sabres are tied in points, but the former holds first place in the conference based on a game in hand. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets are struggling to regain the winning form that propelled them from last place in the conference in mid-January into second place in the Metropolitan Division by March 25.

The Florida Panthers scored five straight goals in the first period to defeat the Ottawa Senators 6-3. Matthew Tkachuk had a goal and three assists while Carter Verhaeghe scored twice and collected an assist for the 35-32-3 Panthers. Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark was pulled in the first period after giving up those five goals as his club remains two points behind the Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers forward Noah Gregor set a franchise record for the fastest game-opening goal as he found the back of the net in the first eight seconds. Gregor also received a match penalty in the third period for knocking Senators rookie defenseman Carter Yakemchuk out of the game with a high hit.

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram made 27 saves to shut out the Seattle Kraken 3-0. Max Jones, Kasper Kapanen, and Connor McDavid scored for the 38-28-9 Oilers, who sit in second place in the Pacific Division with 85 points. Philipp Grubauer stopped 21 of 23 shots for the Kraken (32-30-11), who are two points out of the final Western Conference wild-card berth with 75 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kraken center Shane Wright missed this game with an upper-body injury.

The Winnipeg Jets moved one point behind the Nashville Predators (77 points) for the final Western wild card by nipping the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 on an overtime goal by Kyle Connor. Mark Scheifele collected three assists for the Jets (32-30-12). Tyler Bertuzzi scored two goals for the 27-34-14 Blackhawks, who overcame a 3-1 deficit to force overtime.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Blackhawks announced that defensemen Artyom Levshunov and Matt Grzelcyk have been sidelined by injuries for the remainder of the season.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin made 22 saves for a 4-1 win over the New Jersey Devils. J.T. Miller scored what proved to be the game-winner for the 31-35-9 Rangers. Connor Brown replied for the 38-34-2 Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The main highlight of this contest was a third-period fight between Shesterkin and Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom, which Shesterkin won handily.

HEADLINES

TORONTO STAR/TORONTO SUN: Keith Pelley, the President and COO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, met with the media yesterday to outline his plans to find a new general manager for the Maple Leafs, and the club’s plans going forward.

Among the notable points from Pelley’s word salad of a press conference is the intention to build a new hockey department in time for the NHL Draft combine in early June. He expects the next GM will be required to make data-driven decisions.

Meanwhile, Pelley expects the club to build around foundational players Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Matthew Knies.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Basically, the roles of team president and general manager will not be held by one person; they’re focusing more on analytics, and they will be retooling around their foundation rather than tearing everything down and rebuilding.

I’ll have more about the potential candidates for the role of Maple Leafs general manager in today’s Rumor Mill.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar’s injury isn’t considered serious. However, he’ll likely miss a few games over the remainder of this season to ensure he’s ready for the upcoming playoffs.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Forward Jansen Harkins underwent surgery on his hand and is expected to be out for four weeks.