NHL Rumor Mill – September 24, 2026

by | Sep 24, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 24, 2026

Could Connor Hellebuyck return to the Jets? If not, which teams could become trade destinations for the three-time Vezina Trophy winner? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jake Tye noted that NHL insider Frank Seravalli said “the door is open” for Connor Hellebuyck to return to the Winnipeg Jets.

The 33-year-old goaltender requested a trade earlier this year. He’s been suspended without pay by the Jets for not reporting to training camp.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Earlier this week during an appearance on The Fan Morning Show, Seravalli said the Jets aren’t rushing to move Hellebuyck because they hope he’ll change his mind and return to the team.

Later that day, during an appearance on “Oilers Now”, Seravalli listed the San Jose Sharks, Utah Mammoth, and the Vegas Golden Knights as possible landing spots if the Jets ultimately trade Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff last week said the club would welcome Hellebuyck back if he changed his mind. However, he’s continuing his efforts to find a suitable trade that would benefit both sides, meaning this could take time to resolve.

The Sharks and Mammoth lack the salary cap space to absorb Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million average annual value, but moving an established player or two to the Jets as part of the return should address the issue. They also have depth in young players that the Jets could find enticing.

While the Golden Knights always seem to be involved whenever a big star is available, they lack the cap room and tradeable assets to pull it off. That doesn’t mean they won’t try, but it’s unlikely they’ll win a bidding war.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman talked about a potential trade fit between the Jets and the Sharks involving Hellebuyck.

Friedman believes “tires have been kicked” between the two clubs, but he doesn’t know who initiated it. Nevertheless, he felt the Sharks would be high on the list of teams that make sense as a landing spot for Hellebuyck.

According to Friedman, the challenge is whether the Sharks think they can win the Stanley Cup within the next two or three years, which is what Hellebuyck sees as his window to win hockey’s holy grail.

DAILY FACEOFF: Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton discussed the possibility of Hellebuyck going to the Sharks.

Hutton believes any team that acquires Hellebuyck is in “win-now” mode, pointing out that the Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres have been mentioned as destinations. Yaremchuk noted that Hellebuyck’s age would be a factor for the Sharks. Both believe they’ll maintain the status quo and stick with promising goalie Yaroslav Askarov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As noted earlier, the Sharks are well-positioned to win a bidding war against most teams that could be interested in Hellebuyck. While they should be a playoff contender this season, this young club is probably another three years away from winning the Stanley Cup. That could be too long for Hellebuyck, who wants to win now.

The same could be said for the Mammoth, though they have a more veteran-laden roster than the Sharks. Still, their window of opportunity might not open in time for Hellebuyck to fulfil his Stanley Cup dream.

A case can be made for the Golden Knights, who marched to the Stanley Cup Final last season. They could be a front-runner if Cheveldayoff gets desperate and lowers his asking price, though the salary-cap issue would still have to be worked out.

The Hurricanes and Sabres still seem the better destinations for Hellebuyck. However, it remains to be seen if a deal can be made with either club.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 23, 2026

by | Sep 23, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 23, 2026

Recaps of Tuesday’s preseason action, the Wild re-sign GM Bill Guerin, the Ducks have a new captain, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING TUESDAY’S PRESEASON GAMES

NHL.COM: Matthew Schaefer had a goal and two assists, and Matias Macelli scored twice and collected an assist as the New York Islanders nipped the New York Rangers 4-3. Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov stopped all 10 shots he faced in his first NHL game since a knee injury sidelined him in November 2024. Pavel Dorofeyev scored his first preseason goal with the Rangers, who acquired him from the Vegas Golden Knights in the offseason.

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (NHL Images)

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Florida Panthers 3-2 on shootout goals by Bradly Nadeau and Felix Unger Sorum. Panthers winger Brady Tkachuk had a goal and an assist but left after the second period for precautionary reasons with a minor injury. Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov also had a goal and an assist.

Anders Lee tallied twice in his first game with the Utah Mammoth as he led his new club to a 6-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Lee signed with the Mammoth as a free agent this summer after 14 seasons with the Islanders. Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke had a goal and an assist.

Buffalo Sabres forward Noah Ostlund scored two goals and Owen Power had three assists to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-1. However, the Sabres lost defensemen Mattias Samuelsson and Olen Zellweger to injuries. Samuelsson left in the second period after blocking a shot, and Zellweger suffered a concussion after being hit by Blue Jackets defenseman Carson Soucy in the second period. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff will provide updates on both blueliners on Wednesday.

The Boston Bruins downed the Philadelphia Flyers 5-1. Michael Eyssimont scored two goals for the Bruins. Flyers starting goaltender Dan Vladar left the game in the first period with an upper-body injury. There was no post-game update on Vladar’s condition.

Detroit Red Wings forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard tallied twice, and prospect defenseman Anton Johansson had four assists in a 7-4 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. John Gibston stopped 22 shots through two periods. Nick Robertson had a shorthanded goal in his debut with the Penguins.

The Nashville Predators beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 on an overtime goal by prospect Felix Nilsson. Matthew Wood scored twice in regulation for the Predators. Winger Jeffrey Viel tallied both goals for the Lightning.

San Jose Sharks rookie Ivar Stenberg had an assist in his preseason debut as his club dropped a 2-1 shootout decision to the Vegas Golden Knights. Stenberg also scored in the fourth round of the shootout. Braedon Bowman scored the winning goal, and Carter Hart made 28 saves for the Golden Knights.

Calgary Flames forward Joel Farabee had a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Farabee’s teammates Zayne Parekh and Matvei Gridin each collected two assists.

Edmonton Oilers prospect Viljami Marjala scored in overtime to give his club a 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets.

TWINCITIES.COM: The Minnesota Wild signed general manager Bill Guerin to a contract extension. Guerin was named GM of the Year last season after re-signing superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov and acquiring defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. The Wild went on to win its first playoff series in 11 years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guerin is positioning the Wild as a Stanley Cup contender. He still has to sign Hughes to an extension and address his club’s need for an experienced first-line center. If he can address those issues, he could be in the running for GM of the Year again.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks named forward Mikael Granlund as their new captain. He replaced departed defenseman Radko Gudas, who held the role from 2024-25 to 2025-26.

TSN: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell said progress is being made in his contract negotiations with center Adam Fantilli. However, he couldn’t say if they were close to a deal.

Fantilli, 22, is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. He had 24 goals and 59 points last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The sharp increase in player salaries this summer is the reason why Fantilli remains unsigned a week into training camp. He’s rumored to be seeking an average annual value between $13 million and $15 million, while the Blue Jackets are reportedly offering between $12 million and $12.5 million.

The Jackets have $11.7 million in cap space for this season. Once Fantilli is signed, they can exceed the $104 million cap by placing sidelined goaltender Elvis Merzlikins ($5.4 million AAV) on long-term injury reserve to start the regular season. However, they must be cap-compliant when Merzlikins is ready to return, which could force Waddell to make a cost-cutting trade.

THE ATHLETIC: Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer said family reasons were behind Brady Tkachuk’s trade to the Florida Panthers.

“Blood is thicker than water, and let’s just say that his father and brother got in his kitchen,” Andlauer said, referring to soon-to-be Hall of Famer Keith Tkachuk and Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk. “Ultimately, the decision was made to go and play with his brother. It’s a decision that was out of our control to a certain degree. But you have to want to play for Ottawa. And right to the end, our fans were behind Brady – even after Team USA won gold. I have no doubt in my mind.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some fans have accused Tkachuk’s father and brother of tampering. However, discussions among family members aren’t a violation of the league’s anti-tampering rules.

TSN: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league’s Board of Governors discussed expansion to Houston or Austin, Texas. However, they are taking a “wait-and-see” attitude to examine the pros and cons.

Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly met last week with an ownership group led by billionaire Dan Friedkin. Bettman said the league should know by the end of the year which market the group would prefer. “But we still and they still have a lot of work to do.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I predict the NHL will expand to Houston by 2030. It’ll take that long because a new arena must be constructed to house an expansion franchise.

NHL.COM: Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs is stepping down as chairman of the league’s Board of Governors after 19 seasons. His replacement is Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis.

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals forward Andrew Cristall was fined $2,250.86 for cross-checking Flyers defenseman Hunter McDonald during a preseason game on Monday.

CBS SPORTS: Seattle Kraken center Jake O’Brien is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 20, 2026

by | Sep 20, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 20, 2026

Recapping Saturday’s preseason action plus the latest on Senators goalie Linus Ullmark, Rangers winger Pavel Dorofeyev, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

PRESEASON GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in split-squad action in their preseason openers on Saturday.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (NHL Images).

Cole Caufield scored in overtime and Lane Hutson had a goal and two assists to nip the Maple Leafs 4-3 in Montreal, while Phillip Danault tallied twice for a 4-1 victory in Toronto. In the latter contest, Darren Raddysh scored in his preseason debut with the Maple Leafs, while Leafs rookie Gavin McKenna was held scoreless in his first NHL preseason contest.

Edmonton Oilers superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl each had a goal and an assist to down the Winnipeg Jets 5-2. Evan Bouchard collected four assists for the Oilers.

The Minnesota Wild defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 on an overtime goal by Tyler Pitlick.

Vegas Golden Knights prospect Jackson Hallum scored twice to double up the Los Angeles Kings 4-2.

The Seattle Kraken beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-2. Prospect center Jake O’Brien scored and added an assist for the Kraken.

The Dallas Stars defeated the St. Louis Blues 2-1 on a goal by minor-league center Jack Becker.

HEADLINES

OTTAWA SUN: Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark is refreshed, confident, and looking forward to his season after enduring a difficult 2025-26 campaign.

Ullmark struggled through the first half of last season and took a leave of absence for mental health reasons. He returned to backstop the Senators into the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Inconsistent goaltending nearly derailed the Senators last season until Ullmark returned to form in the second half. A more consistent effort on his part could push the Senators higher in the standings this season.

NEW YORK POST: Pavel Dorofeyev is looking forward to starting this season with the Rangers. They acquired the 25-year-old scoring winger from the Vegas Golden Knights last June and signed a seven-year, $77-million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dorofeyev is coming off two seasons with 35 or more goals. He’s expected to play a significant role on their first line and on the power play. How he adjusts to playing for an Original Six club in one of hockey’s biggest markets will be a factor in determining whether the Rangers will be a playoff contender.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Anaheim Ducks signed center Tim Washe to a four-year contract extension that comes with an average annual value of $2.25 million.

Washe, 25, had two goals and five points in 39 games with the Ducks last season. He’s in the final year of his entry-level contract.

Ozzy and Oasiz Wiesblatt took sibling rivalry to another level when the two Nashville Predators youngsters got into a tussle during an intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday. Neither brother was injured during the scrap.

Both are battling for jobs with the Predators. Ozzy has 45 NHL games on his resume while Oasiz spent last season with the Preds’ AHL affiliate in Milwaukee.

CBS SPORTS: San Jose Sharks winger Adam Gaudette is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

NESN: The Boston Bruins announced team executive Alex Gimenez’s death on Friday.

Gimenez spent more than a decade with MLB’s Boston Red Sox. He recently joined the Bruins as Director of Hockey Operations, Collective Bargaining Agreement, which was a newly created position within the organization.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Gimenez’s family, friends, and the Bruins’ organization.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 13, 2026

by | Sep 13, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 13, 2026

The Canadiens sign Chris Kreider, the Golden Knights extend Mark Stone’s contract, Mason McTavish hopes to reset with the Blues, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens signed left wing Chris Kreider to a one-year contract.

Montreal Canadiens sign winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

Kreider, 35, became an unrestricted free agent last week after he and the Anaheim Ducks agreed to terminate the final season of his contract. His deal with the Canadiens is a $2.15 million base salary, with performance bonuses that could take him to $5.4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m surprised Kreider signed with the Canadiens because he reportedly wanted to be closer to his family in the New York area. I expected him to sign with an American-based team, like the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, or Philadelphia Flyers.

Kreider’s ties with Canadiens hockey ops president Jeff Gorton, head coach Martin St. Louis, and director of sports medicine Jim Ramsay factored into his decision. It also suggests that Montreal could become a prime destination for stars who want to play for a potential Stanley Cup contender.

Some Canadiens fans might be uncomfortable with signing Kreider, given his accidental collision with goaltender Carey Price in the 2014 playoffs resulted in the knee injury that eventually shortened the Hall of Famer’s career. However, Price said last year that he doesn’t blame Kreider for the incident, and Canadiens fans will likely forgive him if he plays well this season.

Once again, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes’ patience has paid off. Kreider is an affordable addition that doesn’t require giving up any roster players or prospects in return. He should be a solid, short-term solution to bolster their second-line depth, bringing size, scoring experience, leadership, and physicality.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Vegas Golden Knights signed right winger and team captain Mark Stone to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $9 million. The deal also has a full no-movement clause.

Stone, 34, is in the final season of an eight-year contract with a $9.5 million AAV.

“I think it’s reflective of what we think of Mark, and how much Vegas means to Mark and his family,” general manager Kelly McCrimmon said. “It’s a peace of mind for Mark so it’s not hanging over him as the season starts. Same for the hockey club.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stone is among the longest-serving active players on the Golden Knights. He leads the club with 396 points since joining them in 2019. Despite being hampered by injuries since 2021-22, he led them to the Stanley Cup in 2023 and remains among the league’s best two-way forwards.

Given Stone’s age and injury history, that contract extension probably won’t age well. Nevertheless, the Golden Knights are comfortable taking that gamble, especially with the salary cap expected to rise rapidly in the coming years.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Lou Korac reports center Mason McTavish hopes to have a bounce-back performance with the St. Louis Blues after struggling through his final season with the Anaheim Ducks.

The Ducks traded the 24-year-old McTavish to the Blues this summer, leaving him with something to prove this season.

“Yeah, I think I have a chip on my shoulder, for sure,” McTavish said. “I’m not happy with the way things went in Anaheim. I mean I enjoyed my time there, it was awesome, guys were great, but at the same time, they traded me, and that’s something I’m passionate about and want to get better. I’m looking forward to doing that here.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish is projected to be the Blues’ second-line center. If getting traded provides additional motivation to improve, it could put his career back on track and perhaps push the Blues into playoff contention this season.

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby reports the Maple Leafs invited defenseman Nick Blankenburg to training camp on a professional tryout offer.

Blankenburg, 28, was among the few notable players remaining in what was a thin free-agent market. The 5’9”, 177-pound blueliner split last season between the Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hornby believes Blankenburg will have a difficult time earning a roster spot when the Maple Leafs already have a comparable player in Emil Andrae, whom they acquired from the Flyers earlier this summer. However, a solid performance in training camp and preseason play could earn him a contract with another club.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 11, 2026

by | Sep 11, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 11, 2026

Chris Kreider becomes a free agent, the Kings’ Kevin Fiala undergoes surgery, an update on Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Anaheim Ducks officially terminated Chris Kreider’s contract on Thursday after the 35-year-old winger cleared unconditional waivers. He is now an unrestricted free agent.

Anaheim Ducks winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

The Ducks terminated Kreider’s contract by mutual consent. The move frees up $6.5 million in salary-cap space, which should give the Ducks sufficient room to sign restricted free-agent winger Cutter Gauthier to a new contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kreider reportedly wanted to return to an Eastern Conference team to be closer to his family, who live in the New York City area. It sparked speculation about potential landing spots for the veteran winger, who had a bounce-back season with the Ducks, scoring 22 goals and 50 points during the regular season and seven points in 12 postseason contests.

Kreider might not have to wait long to sign with an Eastern club. His sudden appearance in the UFA market could adversely affect the efforts of currently available wingers like Vladimir Tarasenko, Patrik Laine, James van Riemsdyk, and David Perron to find contracts for the coming season.

TSN: Los Angeles Kings winger Kevin Fiala underwent a procedure related to his initial surgery to repair the season-ending leg fractures he suffered during the 2026 Winter Olympics in February.

Fiala will miss the upcoming start of the Kings’ training camp next week. No timeline has been set for his return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Losing one of their top scorers is an early setback for the Kings, especially if he’s sidelined for a significant period.

CALGARY SUN: Jonathan Huberdeau’s recovery from hip-resurfacing surgery is going well, but he’s still expected to miss the start of the regular season. He will skate on his own during training camp, but there is no timeline for his return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Patrick Kane is the only player to successfully continue his playing career following a similar procedure three years ago. Huberdeau and the Flames want to ensure that he doesn’t jeopardize his career by returning too soon.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Vegas Golden Knights signed forward Braeden Bowman to a six-year contract extension. Bowman, 23, is in the final season of his entry-level contract. His new deal is worth an average annual value of $3.4 million beginning next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bowman was called up last season to replace Mark Stone when the Golden Knights’ captain suffered a broken finger. He played so well that he earned a regular roster spot, netting 26 points in 54 games.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Carolina Hurricanes signed depth defenseman Mike Reilly to a one-year, two-way contract.

NHL.COM: Former NHL stars Phil Kessel, Ryan Suter, and T.J. Oshie are among the five inductees in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.

Phil’s sister, Amanda Kessel, is also being inducted, as is longtime USA Hockey athletic trainer Stan Wong.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to these five inductees for this well-deserved honor. It’s great to see the Kessels being inducted together. Phil and Amanda made their mark on hockey during their playing careers. They are the second brother-and-sister inducted into the US HHoF, joining Tony and Cammi Granato, but they’re the first to be inducted together.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 4, 2026

by | Sep 4, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 4, 2026

Check out the latest on Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and Red Wings center Dylan Larkin in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates recently looked at which goaltenders the Winnipeg Jets might target to replace Connor Hellebuyck, who publicly revealed his trade request last week.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Pickings are slim in the free-agent market, with the best options being 29-year-old Connor Ingram and 39-year-old Cam Talbot.

Ates also looked at what the Jets could get from several teams suggested as trade destinations for Hellebuyck in the rumor mill. Those clubs include the Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, San Jose Sharks, and Utah Mammoth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ingram is the best option in a thin free-agent market, but adding him would give the Jets the same goalie tandem the Edmonton Oilers started last season with, after signing Stuart Skinner in July.

Getting a goalie via trade is the best option. I’m ruling out the Golden Knights because they lack the cap space and tradeable assets to acquire Hellebuyck. The Devils are limited in cap space and goalie depth, carrying a trio of backups in Jake Allen, Nico Daws, and David Rittich.

The Sabres could offer up Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, provided the Jets aren’t on his five-team no-trade list. The Mammoth could propose Karel Vejmelka for Hellebuyck. Still, both have had consistency issues that could hurt their trade value.

Brandon Bussi or Pyotr Kochetkov of the Hurricanes could be tempting. However, we don’t know if Bussi is for real or a one-year wonder, while Kochetkov has struggled to establish himself as a reliable starter. Yaroslav Askarov has the most potential and could interest the Jets most, but the Sharks might not want to part with him.

What do you think, folks? Feel free to weigh in on this topic in the comments section below.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie reports Dylan Larkin has not added the Montreal Canadiens to his list of preferred trade destinations.

Lavoie considers this to be “extremely unfortunate.” If Larkin is serious about winning the Stanley Cup, Montreal would be the place to do so. He also pointed out that the Canadiens have the trade capital to make an enticing trade offer to the Red Wings.

It’s believed the Red Wings seek a first-line center in return for Larkin. However, Lavoie believes a trade won’t happen until the Wings lower their asking price and Larkin expands his trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin has requested a trade to the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers. The Dallas Stars are also rumored to be on his list.

Based on that, Larkin’s preference seems to be joining a team in the United States. That rules out Montreal or the other six Canadian cities.