NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 18, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 18, 2025

Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin inches closer to 900 goals, Nick Schmaltz leads the Mammoth to victory, Kings captain Anze Kopitar is sidelined, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF FRIDAY’S NHL ACTION

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin tallied his 898th career regular-season goal and added an assist in a 5-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Dylan Strome scored twice and collected two assists for the Capitals, who have won four straight after dropping their season opener. Filip Gustavsson kicked out 40 shots for the Wild, who have lost three of their first five games.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

The Utah Mammoth got a hat trick from Nick Schmaltz as they defeated the San Jose Sharks 6-3. Schmaltz also picked up an assist, and linemate Clayton Keller had a goal and three assists as the Mammoth have won two straight, and three of their first five contests. Macklin Celebrini and Jeff Skinner each had a goal and an assist for the Sharks, who are still seeking their first win of the season (0-2-2).

An overtime goal by Dylan Larkin gave the Detroit Red Wings a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. John Gibson made 31 saves for his first win with the Wings, and rookie teammate Axel Sandin-Pellikka scored his first NHL goal. JJ Moser replied for the Lightning. The Red Wings have won four straight after losing their season-opener, while the Lightning have one win in their first five games (1-2-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tampa Bay winger Nikita Kucherov missed this game with an illness. The Lightning also placed defenseman Maxwell Crozier on injured reserve.

The Vancouver Canucks overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 on a shootout goal by Brock Boeser. Kevin Lankinen made 31 saves, and Jake DeBrusk and Max Sasson also scored for the Canucks (3-2-0). Chicago forwards Ryan Donato and Tyler Bertuzzi scored, and goalie Spencer Knight turned aside 30 shots as the Blackhawks’ record slips to 2-2-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bertuzzi appeared to give the Blackhawks the lead with just over five minutes remaining in the third period, but it was overturned on a questionable goaltender interference call.

HEADLINES

LOS ANGELES TIMES: Kings captain Anze Kopitar is listed as week-to-week with an injured foot and is sidelined indefinitely. He was struck in the foot by a deflected shot during Monday’s game against the Minnesota Wild.

Kopitar is in his 20th NHL season and intends to retire at the end of this season.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames have activated winger Jonathan Huberdeau from injured reserve. During his absence, the club has gone 1-4-0 to start the season.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers signed Vladislav Gavrikov as a free agent this summer, but the 29-year-old defenseman has struggled with his new team as the chemistry between him and defense partner Adam Fox remains a work in progress.

DAILY FACEOFF: Buffalo Sabres forward Justin Danforth is expected to miss a significant period of time with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (upper body) is expected to return to action on Saturday against the Florida Panthers.

NHL.COM: The department of player safety fined Carolina Hurricanes forward Jackson Blake $2,358.94 for slashing Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba on Thursday.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Seattle Kraken placed center Frederick Gaudreau (undisclosed) on injured reserve.

TSN: Former NHL superstar Jaromir Jagr has suited up for his 38th professional season as he’s skating with Rytiri Kladno in his native Czechia. This pushes his eventual induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame back another season. Under current rules, a player must be retired from pro hockey for three years before he can be inducted into the Hall.

Jagr began his professional career with Kladno in 1988-89 before going on to 24 seasons in the NHL from 1990-91 to 2017-18. He returned to Kladno midway through the 2017-18 campaign and has been with them since.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 22, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 22, 2025

Vladislav Gavrikov’s expected role with the Rangers, the latest on Maxim Tsyplakov’s contract negotiations with the Islanders, Canada fills out its coaching staff for the 2026 Winter Olympics, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NEW YORK POST: Vladislav Gavrikov is expected to be the shutdown presence the Rangers were lacking on their blueline last season. The 29-year-old defenseman signed a seven-year, $49-million contract with the Blueshirts on July 1.

New York Rangers defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (NHL Images).

It’s expected that Gavrikov will be Adam Fox’s partner on the Rangers’ top defense pairing when they open their season in October. According to NHL.com, he finished second in stick checks among all defensemen last season and second in defensive-zone stick checks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gavrikov enjoyed a career-best performance last season with the Los Angeles Kings, stepping up when top blueliner Drew Doughty was sidelined for over half the season. His experience and all-around defensive play should provide a welcome boost to the Rangers’ defense corps.

Turning to the Islanders, a new contract for forward Maxim Tsyplakov is the lone unfinished piece of business for new general manager Mathieu Darche. The 26-year-old right winger filed for salary arbitration on July 5.

The arbitration period began on July 20 and runs to Aug. 4, but no date has been publicly announced for Tsyplakov’s hearing. A resolution could come at any time before his hearing.

Both sides could be awaiting the arbitration date before negotiating an agreement. Tsyplakov also became a father on Saturday, which is understandably a bigger priority for him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hearing dates are usually publicly announced before the start of the arbitration period. That hasn’t happened yet. The players and the teams may have already been informed privately.

TSN: Bruce Cassidy of the Vegas Golden Knights, Rick Tocchet of the Philadelphia Flyers, and former Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer will be the assistant coaches for Canada’s men’s hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Tampa Bay Lightning bench boss Jon Cooper is the head coach for Canada. He’s bringing in the same assistant coaches that he had for the 4 Nations Face-Off in February.

SPORTSNET: Philadelphia Flyers prospect winger Porter Martone has committed to Michigan State University for 2025-26. The 18-year-old was chosen sixth overall at the 2025 NHL Draft. He was captain of the OHL’s Brampton Steelheads last season.

BELARUS HOCKEY: CSKA Moscow has shown an interest in winger Kevin Labanc. The 29-year-old is a nine-year veteran of the NHL. He spent last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Labanc was a once-promising scorer with the San Jose Sharks. After reaching a career-high 56 points in 2018-19, his production declined as he struggled with consistency. A shoulder injury last season limited him to 12 points in 32 games.

THE ATHLETIC: NHL goalies are welcoming the upcoming changes to the rules for emergency backup goalies (EBUGs) in the new collective bargaining agreement.

Under the new CBA, EBUGs will now travel and practice regularly with the team. It will help lessen the workload for NHL goalies during road games.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger explained that teammates who participate in optional skates need a goalie to practice with. He would sometimes strap on the pads for the good of the group rather than rest for the upcoming game.

Oettinger said the change was a long time coming. He believes it will help goaltenders stay healthy and have longer careers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oettinger explained that the change to the EBUG system was something the players asked for. It received no opposition from the owners, who understood the reasons behind it.










Notable NHL Signings and Trades – July 1, 2025

Notable NHL Signings and Trades – July 1, 2025

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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










NHL Rumor Mill – July 1, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 1, 2025

The NHL’s annual free-agent market opens at noon ET today. Check out the latest free-agent and trade speculations in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON NIKOLAJ EHLERS

ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported Monday that the Carolina Hurricanes are considered the favorites to land Nikolaj Ehlers. The 29-year-old former Winnipeg Jets winger is among the few notable players potentially available in the unrestricted free-agent market.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss believes the Bruins should pursue Ehlers. He cited the winger’s offensive consistency as a top-six forward.

Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Vancouver Canucks and New York Islanders could also attempt to sign Ehlers. He could still re-sign with the Jets, but it appears he’s heading to market today.

COULD THE JETS TARGET BROCK BOESER?

THE CHRIS JOHNSTON SHOW: Johnston yesterday suggested Brock Boeser could be “Plan A” to replace Nikolaj Ehlers if the latter goes to market on Tuesday. The Jets have over $23 million in cap space, and Johnston indicated he wouldn’t be surprised if they pursue the former Vancouver Canucks winger today.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored the Oilers might attempt to sign Boeser. However, that seems unlikely without shedding significant salary after their recent signings of Evan Bouchard and Trent Frederic.

CANADIENS AMONG TEAMS INTERESTED IN JORDAN KYROU

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Montreal Canadiens remain interested in Jordan Kyrou. The 27-year-old St. Louis Blues winger is signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $8.125 million. His no-trade clause begins on July 1.

LeBrun indicated the Blues had spoken with several teams to determine his value in the trade market before deciding if they’d move him or retain him after his NTC began. It would take multiple assets for the Canadiens to acquire him, and they’d have to free up more cap space to take on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kyrou’s NTC could prevent the Blues from shipping him to Montreal. The Canadiens are in the market for a top-six forward this summer, but they might have to consider other options.

UPDATE ON RASMUS ANDERSSON

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the thinning free-agent market for defensemen could rekindle trade interest in Rasmus Andersson. The 28-year-old Calgary Flames defenseman will be UFA-eligible next July and isn’t expected to re-sign with the Flames.

Teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets and Los Angeles Kings are interested in Andersson. They would like assurances that he’d sign an extension with them, but the only club he’s willing to do that for is the Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames aren’t feeling pressured to trade Andersson this summer. They’re reportedly fine with going into this season with him still in the lineup. It remains to be seen if the Golden Knights remain interested after their expensive acquisition of Mitch Marner on Monday.

RANGERS STILL EYEING GAVRIKOV

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports the Rangers remain interested in signing Vladislav Gavrikov if the 29-year-old Los Angeles Kings defenseman becomes a UFA today. However, their inability to move blueliner K’Andre Miller complicates their pursuit of Gavrikov, who could command between $7 million and $8 million annually.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gavrikov was seen as the Rangers’ replacement for Miller, who is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. They have around $13 million in cap space. Adding Gavrikov would eat up over half of it.

WILL JAKE ALLEN REMAIN WITH THE DEVILS?

DAILY FACEOFF’s Frank Seravalli reports the New Jersey Devils and Jake Allen remain in negotiations. He claimed the Devils had made progress, suggesting the 34-year-old goaltender could be re-signed before noon today.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers could be closely watching Allen’s situation.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 29, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 29, 2025

What’s the latest on Bowen Byram? Are the Oilers still goalie-shopping? What’s going on with the Rangers and Islanders? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST ON BOWEN BYRAM

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington reports Bowen Byram appears headed out of Buffalo. The 24-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1, and has been the subject of frequent trade speculation.

Byram might be the only good asset the Sabres have left to bring in a top-six winger to replace the departed JJ Peterka.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

Harrington noted there are several clubs making inquiries about Byram. He wondered if the blueliner might fetch a top forward like Quinton Byfield of the Los Angeles Kings or Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues. He also speculated whether a move for Pittsburgh Penguins winger Bryan Rust is dead now that the draft is over, or does it return to life on Tuesday, when Rust’s no-trade protection expires.

BARN BURNER PODCAST: TSN’s Darren Dreger reported the Sabres are getting interest in Byram from the Kings, Vancouver Canucks and the Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I doubt the Kings will part with Byfield. Kyrou has surfaced in recent speculation, but the Blues appear to be listening to offers rather than actively shopping the 27-year-old right winger.

Rust has also been the subject of recent conjecture. Like the Blues with Kyrou, the Penguins might be listening, but they’re not rushing to move the 33-year-old winger.

WHO COULD THE OILERS TARGET TO IMPROVE THEIR GOALTENDING?

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Robert Tychkowski reported that a couple of goalie options for the Oilers came off the board yesterday. The Anaheim Ducks traded John Gibson to Detroit, and the St. Louis Blues re-signed Joel Hofer.

Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said he’ll continue exploring his options, but didn’t rule out sticking with his current tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard.

Kurt Leavins noted the Oilers have been linked to Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko. The 29-year-old has a year left on his contract with a $5 million cap hit, and the Canucks could move him if unable to sign him to an extension.

Leavins wondered if the American goaltender would prefer being traded to a US-based team like Philadelphia or San Jose over a contender like Edmonton. He also mentioned Demko has an injury history. His cap hit would be difficult for the Oilers to fit into their limited cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There aren’t many options left for Bowman to improve his goaltending. Jake Allen is the best UFA-eligible netminder and could re-sign with the New Jersey Devils.

The Canucks have not indicated that they want to move Demko. He lacks no-trade protection, but if they were to peddle him, they could send him to a team of his choosing.

UPDATES ON THE RANGERS AND ISLANDERS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers face the possibility of Will Cuylle becoming an offer-sheet target on July 1. The 23-year-old is a restricted free agent without arbitration rights coming off an entry-level contract.

The Rangers could pitch a two-year bridge deal for Cuylle comparable to that of Philadelphia Flyers winger Tyson Foerster, who signed a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.75 million on May 30. However, Cuylle could be tempted by a more lucrative offer from a rival club.

Brooks doesn’t see Cuylle getting an offer that the Rangers couldn’t match. However, they have around $13 million in cap space. An offer sheet between $6.5 million and $7 million could put them in a pickle.

Defenseman K’Andre Miller hasn’t been traded yet. If the RFA blueliner is still a Ranger by July 1, it could complicate their efforts to sign Vladislav Gavrikov when the Los Angeles Kings blueliner becomes a UFA on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gavrikov could cost around $7,5 million annually. Combine that with Brooks’ proposed offer sheet for Cuylle, and the Rangers would have to make another cost-cutting trade as he did earlier this month when he sent Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks.

Meanwhile, Ethan Sears reports Islanders GM Mathieu Darche confirmed forwards Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat won’t be moved.

Trading Noah Dobson to Montreal gives the Islanders some cap room to maneuver after accounting for RFAs like Alexander Romanov, Max Tsyplakov, Simon Holmstrom and Emil Heineman. Sears believes they must shore up the right side of their blueline if they intend to compete for a playoff berth in 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders have over $20 million in cap space for next season with 17 active roster players under contract.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 29, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 29, 2025

The Maple Leafs and Golden Knights discuss a sign-and-trade scenario for Mitch Marner, updates on Brad Marchand, Aaron Ekblad and Vladislav Gavrikov, and notable news from the second day of the draft in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

LEAFS AND GOLDEN KNIGHTS DISCUSS “SIGN-AND-TRADE” FOR MARNER

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights were in ongoing talks regarding a potential “sign-and-trade” scenario for Mitch Marner. The 28-year-old right wing is expected to test the unrestricted free-agent market when it begins on July 1.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Dreger reported the talks could carry over into Sunday. He indicated there was more work to be done in terms of the return for Toronto. Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said the Leafs would prefer to get something for Marner rather than lose him to free agency for nothing, but declined to comment about the speculation linking the winger to the Golden Knights.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reported the Leafs were believed to be asking for forward Nicolas Roy and defenseman Nicolas Hague in return for Marner’s rights.

THE ATHLETIC: Jesse Granger looks at what this trade would mean for the Golden Knights, particularly their salary-cap payroll.

Assuming Marner receives an average annual value (AAV) between $12 million and $14 million, the Golden Knights would have over $80 million invested in their top-10 player, leaving little room under the $95.5 million cap to fill out the rest of the roster.

Granger noted there were questions about the health of Vegas defenseman Alex Pietrangelo. If he lands on long-term injury reserve (LTIR), it would free up his $8.8 million cap hit, leaving the Golden Knights with around $17.4 million before acquiring Marner. It would be a tight squeeze adding Marner, another defenseman, and another forward, but it could be doable.

Nevertheless, this scenario would leave the Golden Knights’ roster more top-heavy and would come at the expense of their roster depth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Adding Marner would make them a more powerful offensive team, but it would come at the expense of their defense. Their pursuit of big-name talent has hurt their overall depth, which explains why they haven’t repeated as Stanley Cup champions over the last two seasons.

As for the Leafs, getting two established NHL players for a star who is heading to free agency would be a good return that helps them defensively. However, it wouldn’t replace the offense that Marner brought to the club over the past nine years.

UPDATES ON MARCHAND, EKBLAD AND GAVRIKOV

NHL.COM: Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito remains focused on trying to sign pending UFAs Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad before the free-agent market opens on Tuesday. On Friday, the Panthers announced that center Sam Bennett signed an eight-year contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers have $11 million in cap space with 17 active roster players under contract for next season. Marchand reportedly seeks a raise over the $6.13 million AAV of his previous deal. Ekblad could accept a pay cut from the $7.5 million of his former deal, but the contract term is reportedly the sticking point in his negotiations.

MAYOR’S MANOR: John Hoven reports Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland said it looks like Vladislav Gavrikov is heading to market on July 1. Holland said he’s had several talks with the 29-year-old defenseman’s agent over the past week.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gavrikov has been linked to the New York Rangers in the rumor mill. I’ll have more about that in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

NOTABLE NEWS FROM THE SECOND DAY OF THE 2025 NHL DRAFT

THE SCORE: The San Jose Sharks chose Simon Wang with the 33rd overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, making Oshawa Generals defenseman the highest-drafted Chinese player in NHL history.

NHL.COM: Ten current or committed NCAA Division 1 players were chosen during the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft. It’s the third-most in college hockey history and the most since 2016.

For the first time in 38 years, at least 20 Canadian-born players were chosen in the opening round.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link for the complete list of every pick made in the 2025 NHL Draft.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning GM Julien BriseBois is trying to trade top prospect Isaac Howard but hasn’t found a deal yet that satisfies both sides.

Howard is the 2025 winner of the Hobey Baker Memorial Trophy as the top player in US college hockey. However, the 21-year-old Michigan State University winger hasn’t agreed to an entry-level NHL contract with the Lightning, preferring the option to choose which team he’ll sign with.

If unsigned by next August, Howard will become an unrestricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: BriseBois might have to wait until next year’s trade deadline to find a suitable offer.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin recently underwent surgery for an upper-body injury. He could be sidelined for the start of the 2025-26 schedule in October.

STLTODAY.COM: The St. Louis Blues signed goaltender Joel Hofer to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.4 million. He was slated to become a restricted free agent on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So much for Hofer becoming an offer-sheet target this summer.

WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets signed defenseman Haydn Fleury to a two-year, $1.9 million contract extension.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: The Penguins acquired defenseman Connor Clifton and a 2025 second-round pick (39th overall) from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defensemen Conor Timmins and Isaac Beliveau.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Washington Capitals acquire defenseman Declan Chisholm and the 180th pick in this year’s draft from the Wild in exchange for blueliner Chase Priskie and pick No. 123.