NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 1, 2026

by | Sep 1, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 1, 2026

The questions facing the Golden Knights this season, an update on Quinn Hughes’ contract talks with the Wild, the latest on the Flyers, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: How the Vegas Golden Knights respond to new head coach Ryan Craig is among the three big questions facing the club in 2026-27.

Craig was promoted from head coach of the Golden Knights’ AHL affiliate after the team parted ways with John Tortorella, who replaced former Golden Knights bench boss Bruce Cassidy in late March. Tortorella guided the club to the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.

Finding a way to replace the offense of departed winger Pavel Dorofeyev and sorting out their goaltending are other notable questions this season.

Limited salary-cap space forced the Golden Knights to trade the 25-year-old Dorofeyev to the New York Rangers in June. Meanwhile, Adin Hill and Carter Hart will jockey for the starting goalie role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights have one of the NHL’s oldest rosters entering 2026-27. That could become an issue as they attempt to maintain their place among the Stanley Cup contenders in the Western Conference against some of the rising young clubs.

DAILY FACEOFF: Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin gave an update on his contract extension negotiations with superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes during a Monday appearance on The Chad Hartman Show.

Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin (NHL Images).

Guerin acknowledged that Colorado Avalanche blueliner Cale Makar’s new contract, with its $20.4 million average annual value, creates a bar for Hughes, but suggested that the 26-year-old Wild blueliner “might be after different things.”

“He’s a different guy. He has a different personality and has different things in his life that are important to him. Who knows what he’s gonna do in the end,” Guerin said.

The Wild GM maintained that he has a good relationship with the Hughes camp. “There’s no tension. Communication has been good. I don’t have anything disheartening to say.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers (especially some New Jersey Devils supporters) believe Guerin’s comments suggest Hughes won’t re-sign with the Wild. It’s no secret that the 2024 Norris Trophy winner hopes to play with his brothers Jack and Luke, who currently play for the Devils.

Hughes is due to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Plenty of time remains for the Wild to get him under contract, but speculation about his future will grow if he’s not signed before the regular season begins.

RG.ORG: Philadelphia Flyers GM Daniel Briere doesn’t believe that signing Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson to an offer sheet reset the NHL market. Briere signed the 21-year-old Carlsson to a five-year offer ($18 million AAV) on July 3, but the Ducks matched it six days later.

Briere believes the market was trending higher because of the rising salary cap. He accused his critics of taking a simplistic approach by criticizing the Flyers.

“Someone’s going to get that money somewhere. It was just a matter of time,” Briere said. “Honestly, I don’t think some of the players that signed the big tickets would have signed for less without the offer sheet. So no, I don’t believe it played much of a factor (in the market).”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Briere is correct that the rising salary cap ensured some of those players would’ve received significant raises regardless of his failed attempt to sign Carlsson away from the Ducks.

Nevertheless, that offer sheet set the bar for what followed. San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier acknowledged as much after re-signing young superstar Macklin Celebrini to his five-year deal ($18.8 million AAV). Several projections had him receiving between $15 million and $17 million.

That was also the same range projected for Colorado Avalanche superstar blueliner Cale Makar before he signed his eight-year extension with its record-setting $20.4 million AAV last week.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Vancouver Canucks are rebuilding their roster, but that’s not discouraging Filip Hronek. Despite the club’s struggles over the last two years, the 28-year-old defenseman remains positive, pointing to their fan support.

“We like the city, and obviously the fans in Vancouver are great,” Hronek said. “They were supporting us even though we didn’t have a good year last year, and they still are showing up to the games, and it was sold out.”

Hronek indicated he likes the city of Vancouver overall, and that’s why he signed with the Canucks for eight seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are trending toward younger talent, but they’ll need a veteran presence on their blueline like Hronek to mentor their inexperienced defensemen.

TORONTO SUN: Former Maple Leafs center Calle Jarnkrok signed a three-year contract with Swedish club Brynas IF, for whom he played four seasons from 2009-2013 before moving on to the NHL.

Jarnkrok, 34, spent 13 seasons in the NHL from 2013-14 to 2025-26. He began with the Nashville Predators and spent eight seasons with them. He did brief stints with the Seattle Kraken and Calgary Flames before spending the past four seasons with the Maple Leafs. In 774 regular-season games, Jarnkrok had 143 goals and 173 assists for 316 points, and 23 points in 105 playoff contests.

TRIBLIVE.COM: For the first time since 1999, Mario Lemieux is no longer part of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ ownership. Lemieux and his business partner Ron Burkle sold their minority stake in the Penguins when the Hoffmann Group purchased the franchise from Fenway Sports Group.

SPORTSNET: Houston mayor John Whitmore said his office is excited about the possibility of landing an NHL franchise. He told The Sporting News on Monday that his office is ready to do whatever it can to facilitate that process. “We’ll definitely be a better location than Austin.”

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Former goaltender Marty Turco and former team executive Les Jackson will be inducted into the Stars’ Hall of Fame in December.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 28, 2026

by | Aug 28, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 28, 2026

Now that Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck has made his trade request public, where are the potential destinations and what could the Jets seek in return? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates believes Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff faces a big challenge finding a suitable trade partner to meet his asking price for Connor Hellebuyck.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

In a statement through his agent on Thursday, the 33-year-old goaltender made his trade request public. Cheveldayoff also released a statement indicating that the two sides will continue to work toward a resolution, but provided no updates about trade talks.

Ates suggested the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes could be among several Cup contenders in need of a goaltending upgrade. Others include the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, New Jersey Devils, and Buffalo Sabres.

According to Ates, the Jets’ biggest needs are a top-six forward (preferably a center or right wing) and a goaltender who can help ease Hellebuyck’s loss. He acknowledged that goalies of Hellebuyck’s caliber are rarely moved, and those who were in the past (Ryan Miller, Roberto Luongo) fetched a lesser goaltender, a mid-tier roster player, and a first-round draft pick.

The Sabres were the team most closely tied to Hellebuyck in trade rumors. Ates believes they’re the best-stocked to address the Jets’ needs. Their goalies include Alex Lyon and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, while potentially available forwards could include Josh Norris, Ryan McLeod, and Jack Quinn.

SPORTSNET: Emily Sadler looked at five potential landing spots for Hellebuyck.

The Sabres, Devils, and Hurricanes are on her list, along with the Vegas Golden Knights and San Jose Sharks.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert also explored where Hellebuyck might end up, pointing out that the three-time Vezina Trophy winner’s preference would be joining an already-competitive American team.

The Sabres and Hurricanes are on Lambert’s list, along with the Golden Knights, Panthers, and Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck will be a very attractive trade target, but his contract will be a sticking point. He’s signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $8.5 million and a full no-movement clause.

It’s rumored that Hellebuyck could have more trade destinations in mind than Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, who followed up his trade request with a three-or four-team list that has significantly hampered the Wings’ ability to move him.

However, Hellebuyck’s AAV could be difficult for some clubs to absorb unless they send some significant salary to Winnipeg or make separate cost-cutting deals with other clubs.

Buffalo was reportedly close to acquiring Hellebuyck in June, but the deal fell through before the opening round of the 2026 NHL Draft. However, the Jets weren’t willing to part with their first-round pick (eighth overall). It was also rumored that one of the Sabres goalies (believed to be Luukkonen) declined to waive their no-trade clause, but that clause didn’t go into effect until July 1.

San Jose and Carolina have the trade capital, with the Hurricanes having the advantage of carrying $9.98 million in salary-cap space. Hellebuyck would make the Canes stronger in goal, but it could cost them a goalie (Brandon Bussi or Pyotr Kochetkov) and a good young forward to get him. Winnipeg native Seth Jarvis would be a natural fit, but the Hurricanes won’t part with him. Jackson Blake or Logan Stankoven could be part of the Jets’ asking price.

The Sharks have plenty of promising young forwards to tempt the Jets. Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and top prospect Ivar Stenberg are out of bounds, but Michael Misa, Collin Graf, or Igor Chernyshov might be available. The Jets could also ask for promising goalie Yaroslav Askarov, but the Sharks could be unwilling to part with him.

New Jersey could offer Nico Daws in a trade package, but he hasn’t fully established himself as an NHL goalie. Dawson Mercer or Arseny Gritsyuk could fill the top-six forward spot, and they have two first-rounders in 2027 and 2028.

Florida and Vegas are the least-likely destinations. If those clubs can’t afford to acquire Larkin ($8.7 million AAV), they can’t afford Hellebuyck, and even if they could, they lack the tradeable assets to entice the Jets, unless they can somehow get a third team involved in the deal to send them the necessary assets to make it happen.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 31, 2026

by | Jul 31, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 31, 2026

The potential effect of Sharks center Macklin Celebrini’s new contract on future signings, the latest on Maple Leafs prospect Gavin McKenna, three teams face a salary-cap crunch, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE ATHLETIC: James Mirtle believes Macklin Celebrini’s new contract spells the end of long-term deals for young NHL talent.

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (NHL Images).

Celebrini, 20, signed a five-year contract extension with an NHL record average annual value of $18.8 million earlier this week. Mirtle believes those five-year deals, instead of the league maximum of eight years (dropping to seven years starting on Sept. 16), will become the norm for other rising young stars.

The NHL has only projected its salary cap to 2027-28, but Mirtle reports every league executive and player agent he’s spoken to believes the salary cap will rise dramatically starting in 2028. By 2031-32, the cap could reach between $150 million and $160 million.

That’s why Celebrini’s contract is five years long. By 2031-32, his new AAV will be only 12 percent of the salary cap, which will be a relative bargain historically.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The sharp increase in the salary cap is starting to change the landscape for NHL contracts.

Players will prefer shorter-term deals over the league maximum of seven years for players re-signing with their teams and six years for unrestricted free agents. Their contracts won’t age out too quickly, ensuring they can still maximize their value in their playing prime to keep pace with the rising cap.

By the way, the league maximum salary under a $150 million salary cap is $30 million. Under a $160 million cap, it’s $32 million.

NHL.COM: Speaking of Celebrini, he’s been training this summer with Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Gavin McKenna, who came away impressed with the offseason training regimen of the Sharks superstar.

“My trainers probably won’t like to hear this, but there was a week where we were on the ice for 17 hours,” McKenna said. “So, yeah, max crazy, but every skate out there, you’re getting better, and it’s a competitive group. So, I had a lot of fun with it.”

McKenna, 18, was chosen first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft by the Maple Leafs. He’s expected to make his NHL debut this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McKenna is trying to follow in Celebrini’s footsteps. Training with the young superstar could give the Maple Leafs’ top prospect an edge as he begins his NHL career.

LA PAGE SPORTIVE: Louis-Andre Lariviere noted the Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, and Vegas Golden Knights are feeling the pinch of their salary-cap crunch.

Because of the expensive contracts of stars such as Auston Matthews and William Nylander, the Maple Leafs are sitting above the $104 million salary cap by $2.75 million. They’re permitted to be above the cap by 10 percent during the offseason, but must shed a salary or two to become cap-compliant when their regular season begins in late September.

The cost of re-signing Jason Robertson to a one-year, $12 million contract pushed the Stars over the cap by $1.36 million. Like the Maple Leafs, they must make a cost-cutting move before their regular season begins.

As for the Golden Knights, they’re over the cap by $8.66 million, but are expected to place defenseman Alex Pietrangelo on long-term injury reserve to start the season to become cap-compliant.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs will likely place Max Domi ($3.75 million) on LTIR to get under the cap. He suffered complications from back surgery, and there is no firm timetable for his return to action. Meanwhile, the Stars could send a low-paid player or two to the minors to address their issue.

Speaking of the salary cap, I raised a point in yesterday’s Morning Coffee Headlines regarding the use of signing bonuses and whether it would be a contentious issue in the next round of collective bargaining. It was subsequently brought to my attention that the issue was already addressed. Signing bonuses will be capped at 60 percent of the total contract value for future contracts starting on Sept 16, 2026. Stick tap to foleyd7 for the info.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Bryan McCabe is moving on from his long-time stint in player development with the Florida Panthers. The former defenseman started as a development coach with the Panthers in 2012, became Director of Player Development a year later, and was promoted to Director of Player Personnel in 2017.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets aren’t renewing the contract of Bob McElligott, who was their radio play-by-play broadcaster since 2009. It’s a cost-cutting measure for the club. They are expected to lose revenue by shifting to NHL Productions for TV broadcasts rather than contracting with a regional sports network.

RDS: Former NHL player Pierre Dagenais has become general manager of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the QMJHL.

TSN: The Vancouver Canucks and the city of Vancouver are exploring the construction of a practice rink for the club.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 24, 2026

by | Jul 24, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 24, 2026

Patrick Kane returns to the Blackhawks, Mitch Marner’s agent claims the Maple Leafs never protected his client, John Tortorella wants to continue coaching, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I will be off Saturday (July 25) and Sunday (July 26). The next update to this site will be Monday, July 27. Enjoy the weekend, everybody!

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Patrick Kane is returning to Chicago. The 37-year-old winger signed a two-year contract with the Blackhawks worth an average annual value of $8 million. He also gets a full no-movement clause through 2027-28.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks had been trying to woo Kane back as they attempt to bolster their offense and add more skilled experience to their lineup. He could also be playing alongside rising superstar Connor Bedard on the top line once the latter returns from shoulder surgery in November.

Chicago Blackhawks sign former Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

It’s a feel-good story, but also a surprisingly expensive one. Kane’s earning much more per season on this deal than he did during his three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. He put up respectable numbers during his tenure with the Wings, but nothing that justifies $8 million annually. It’s unlikely those stats will improve given his age.

Nevertheless, the Blackhawks believe they can comfortably carry Kane’s new contract. They’ll feel justified in the investment if he helps them improve offensively.

Speaking of the Red Wings, Kane’s departure is another blow for a club whose captain has requested a trade and is currently seeking a new general manager after removing Steve Yzerman from that role. It could also push winger Alex DeBrincat closer to following Kane out the door via free agency next summer.

SPORTSNET: Mitch Marner’s agent, Darren Ferris, provided new information on what led to his client’s departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs for the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade move last June.

Ferris claimed Marner “bled” for the Maple Leafs, but he was “never really protected” by the organization. He rehashed some of the issues about the departure, claiming his client and his family became the scapegoat for the Leafs’ playoff failures, and blaming “misinformation” regarding his client’s previous contract negotiations with the club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Based on social media reaction, most Maple Leafs followers are fed up with what they perceive as whining from the Marner camp and want to move on.

Some of the flak that Marner received as a Maple Leaf was unjustified, such as the personal attacks against his family. But he was also one of the club’s highest-paid players and a local boy to boot, and that put him into a brighter spotlight than most. He also claimed he and his Leafs teammates were “looked upon as kind of gods” in discussing the love that they received from Leafs Nation.

Marner wasn’t solely responsible for the Leafs’ playoff woes, but he deserves his fair share of the blame.

THE ATHLETIC: In an exclusive interview with Joe Smith, John Tortorella said that he hopes to continue his NHL coaching career.

The 68-year-old Tortorella took over as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights late last season, guiding them to the Stanley Cup Final. However, the club subsequently informed him that they were replacing him with Ryan Craig.

Tortorella said he understood the decision, noting that the Golden Knights had spent several years grooming Craig, calling him “a good coach and a good man.” He said he was grateful to the Golden Knights but wanted to finish the job.

Asked what he felt was the turning point of the Cup Final, Tortorella said it was the Hurricanes replacing starter Frederik Andersen with Brandon Bussi in Game 3. He also defended his decision to stick with Carter Hart as his starter in the Final, crediting the latter with getting them to the Final.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tortorella’s role in getting the Golden Knights into the Stanley Cup Final hasn’t been overlooked. While he can be stubborn and outspoken, and has a contentious relationship with the media, he has a proven record for turning struggling teams into playoff contenders. It won’t be surprising if he’s back behind an NHL bench at some point this season.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets avoided salary arbitration with Jet Greaves, signing the 25-year-old goaltender to a three-year contract worth an AAV of $5 million.

In their arbitration filings, Greaves sought $7.5 million on a one-year deal while the Blue Jackets had offered $2.8 million. His hearing had been slated for Thursday morning.

The Blue Jackets have $19 million in cap space left with forwards Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger to sign. Sillinger is slated for arbitration on July 27.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jackets had little choice but to reach common ground with Greaves, who emerged as their starting goalie last season. They need reliable goaltending if they hope to make the playoffs this season.

Sillinger isn’t expected to cost much to re-sign, and it’s unlikely his case will reach arbitration.

The Jackets appear focused on getting Greaves and Sillinger signed before sorting things out with Fantilli, who lacks arbitration rights but is eligible to sign an offer sheet. A rival club could attempt to sign him if he’s receptive, but the Jackets should have enough space to match.

Speaking of the Blue Jackets, former defenseman Jack Johnson has joined the coaching staff of Ohio State University’s women’s hockey team as associate head coach.

NHL.COM: Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck appeared on “Celebrity Family Feud” alongside their fellow Olympic and Paralympic gold medalists.

RDS.CA: Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis is a big fan of Jerry Seinfeld, admitting earlier this year that he listens to “Seinfeld” episodes to relax.

On Thursday, St. Louis met his comedy idol during the Just For Laughs festival in Montreal. He presented the American comedian with a Canadiens jersey bearing Seinfeld’s name.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 12, 2026

by | Jul 12, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 12, 2026

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup, it’s Part Two of my answers to some of the lingering questions for every NHL team this summer.

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen recently listed one lingering offseason question for each NHL team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: On Saturday, I provided my answers for the first 16 teams on Boylen’s list. Today, I look at the remaining 16 teams, starting with the New Jersey Devils.

Boylen wants to know how the New Jersey Devils’ goaltending will look in the fall.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Not that great, considering it consists of three backup goalies. Jake Allen used to be a starter, but he hasn’t filled that role for a long time. Nico Daws has only 55 NHL games under his belt, and David Rittich hasn’t had a 40-game season since 2019-20. There was talk of the Devils pursuing Connor Hellebuyck, but Elliotte Friedman doesn’t see that happening.

The New York Islanders haven’t made any big splashes yet this summer, prompting questions over whether they intend to do so. Elliotte Friedman believes the Isles are in a position right now where they don’t want to block any of their promising young players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If that’s the case, then they won’t be making any big additions this summer.

Boylen mused over whether Alexis Lafreniere gets caught up in the changes going on with the New York Rangers. The 24-year-old winger has come up in trade rumors, but with Artemi Panarin gone, that could give him a chance to play a role where he’ll be successful.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lafreniere finished strong last season, matching his career high of 57 points. He’ll likely see first-line minutes this season alongside Mika Zibanejad, which could see the 2020 first-overall pick finally break out as the scoring winger he was projected to become.

Are the Ottawa Senators “good enough as constructed to be competitive again in 2026-27?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some fans point to the Senators’ improved performance when Brady Tkachuk missed 20 games last season as proof they can survive the departure of their former captain. Others cite their solid analytic numbers. However, it will come down to whether goaltender Linus Ullmark’s strong second-half performance from last season carries over throughout 2026-27.

Boylen wondered what effect the Philadelphia Flyers’ failed effort to prize Leo Carlsson from the Anaheim Ducks would have on their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It still leaves them without a true first-line center. They reportedly won’t try to pursue Chicago’s Connor Bedard or Columbus’ Adam Fantilli with offer sheets, so it’s off to the trade market for help, where there aren’t many available options.

Dylan Larkin wants a trade from Detroit, but Philadelphia isn’t on his list of destinations. At least they now have enough cap space to re-sign Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, who filed for salary arbitration last Sunday.

Boylen wants to know if the Pittsburgh Penguins can add a center before next season. Elliotte Friedman recently mused over whether they should acquire Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, suggesting that playing with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin might do him some good.

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Many teams are in the market for centers this summer. Pettersson is often mentioned as a trade candidate, but his $11.6 million AAV and declining performance aren’t likely to entice the Penguins or any other club.

Regarding the San Jose Sharks, Boylen asked, “What will Macklin Celebrini’s next deal look like?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Considering Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks signed a five-year contract worth a league-record AAV of $18 million, Celebrini could become the league’s first $20 million man.

Can the Seattle Kraken acquire a star who wants to be there, or how can they build themselves into a desirable destination?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s no easy solution for the Kraken. They could start by staging a complete rebuild with promising young prospects, as the Anaheim Ducks, Montreal Canadiens, and San Jose Sharks did, but they don’t appear keen to go that route. For now, they’re going to try to build with what they have and what they can afford.

Boylen wondered if goaltender Jordan Binnington would be with the St. Louis Blues when training camp opens in September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent word out of St. Louis suggests the Blues are fine starting the season with Binnington and Joel Hofer as their goalie tandem. That could change if they get a substantial offer from a club he’s willing to join, but for now, expect him to start the season with the Blues.

Boylen suggested that Nikita Kucherov’s contract situation with the Tampa Bay Lightning could be this season’s most fascinating. The 33-year-old is a three-time Art Ross Trophy winner and won his second Hart Trophy this season, but age will soon start to catch up with him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kucherov earns an AAV of $9.5 million on his current deal. If he were a few years younger, he could command a much higher price, but his age will be an issue in his contract talks. It could come down to how much he wants to stay in Tampa, where there is no state tax.

Will the Toronto Maple Leafs trade Morgan Rielly? Elliotte Friedman believes there’s a chance they might keep him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The San Jose Sharks reportedly had the choice between Rielly and Darnell Nurse and picked the latter. While Rielly gave the Leafs a list of proposed trade destinations, he’s not really pushing to be moved, and there hasn’t been much trade buzz about him lately. It wouldn’t be surprising if he’s still with the Leafs when the regular season opens in October.

Boylen wonders if Utah Mammoth goalie Sebastian Cossa is ready to become an NHL backup. They acquired the 23-year-old netminder from the Detroit Red Wings last month.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Mammoth are counting on Cossa rising to the occasion after struggling to establish himself as a starter with the Wings’ AHL affiliate. This season is a critical one in the young netminder’s career. If he can’t get the job done, the Mammoth will have to go shopping for another option.

Can the Vancouver Canucks build a better culture, and what else needs to happen this summer to put them on that path?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’ve already overhauled their front office and coaching staff, who are committed to continuing the roster rebuild begun by their predecessors last season. It will be up to general manager Ryan Johnston and head coach Manny Malhotra to improve the culture and to get the players to buy in.

Boylen wondered if the Vegas Golden Knights had a “Vegas-type” move in them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Doubtful. They shipped their best trade chip (Pavel Dorofeyev) to the New York Rangers last month because they couldn’t afford to re-sign him. They have limited salary-cap space and insufficient trade assets to pull off a significant acquisition. If they were going to do so, it would’ve happened by now.

How will all the Washington Capitals’ new pieces come together?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Alex Ovechkin is returning for another season, but Capitals management is preparing for the post-Ovechkin era. They want to prove to their fans that they will be a contender after he’s gone, which explains their significant additions of forwards Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, and Boone Jenner. They’re also done making any more major moves this summer.

Boylen mused over whether the Winnipeg Jets will trade Connor Hellebuyck this summer. They were reportedly close to a deal with the Buffalo Sabres, but it fell through before the opening round of the NHL Draft last month. Signing free-agent goalie Stuart Skinner stoked the speculation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s believed Hellebuyck was willing to waive his no-movement clause to go to Buffalo, but Elliotte Friedman reported the deal didn’t go through because some of the Sabres players involved wouldn’t waive their no-trade clauses. Some observers tied Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils, butFriedman wasn’t buying that hype.

A Hellebuyck trade remains a possibility, but finding the right destination and return could make it difficult to pull off this summer.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 12, 2026

by | Jul 12, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 12, 2026

The notable players remaining in the UFA market, and Matthew Tkachuk bids farewell to former teammates Sergei Bobrovsky and Evan Rodrigues. Check out the details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

DAILY FACEOFF: Wingers Anthony Mantha, Patrick Kane, and Patrik Laine top the list of notable players still available in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mantha has been linked to the Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, and Montreal Canadiens in the rumor mill. It’s believed Kane could return to the Detroit Red Wings or sign with his hometown club, the Buffalo Sabres. Some observers have suggested the Chicago Blackhawks, Ottawa Senators, and Toronto Maple Leafs look into signing Laine, but there’s no indication whether those clubs are interested in him.

Other noteworthy players include defenseman Logan Stanley, wingers Vladimir Tarasenko, Michael Bunting, and Eeli Tolvanen, and goaltender Cam Talbot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There were some suggestions that Stanley would be a good option for the Canadiens or the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kurt Leavins and Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal recently debated whether Tarasenko would be a good fit with the Oilers.

Surprisingly, Tolvanen hasn’t been signed up yet. Given his age (27) and two-way play, he’d be an affordable middle-six addition for most clubs. As for Talbot, time may be catching up with the 39-year-old netminder.

Defensemen John Klingberg, Nick Blankenberg, and Carson Soucy, center Adam Henrique, goaltenders Connor Ingram and James Reimer, and wingers James van Riemsdyk and David Perron round out the list.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards reports Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk is going to miss former teammates Sergei Bobrovsky and Evan Rodrigues.

Bobrovsky departed the Panthers as an unrestricted free agent, signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1. Rodrigues was traded to the New Jersey Devils two weeks ago as part of the return for Jacob Markstrom, who replaced Bobrovsky as the Panthers’ starting goaltender.

Speaking with his brother (and new teammate) Brady Tkachuk on their Wingmen podcast, Matthew said he would miss Bobrovsky on and off the ice, calling him one of his favorite teammates. However, he is excited about reuniting with Markstrom. The two were teammates with the Calgary Flames until Tkachuk’s trade to the Panthers in 2022.

Tkachuk described Rodrigues as “a Swiss Army knife” because of his versatility. He hopes their paths cross again because he loved playing with him.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reports this season will be a critical one for Washington Capitals forward Ivan Miroshnichenko.

Chosen 20th overall in the 2022 draft, the 22-year-old winger has had 52 games with the Capitals over the past three seasons, but hasn’t yet nailed down a regular roster spot.

Silber observed that Miroshnichenko will face competition from incoming wingers Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, and Boone Jenner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miroshnichenko must elevate his game to have any chance of securing a regular spot on the Capitals’ roster this season. Otherwise, he’ll spend another season in the minors and could become a trade candidate before the March deadline.

ILLEGAL CURVE: Winnipeg Jets prospect Viggo Bjorck is leaving Swedish club Djurgardens to continue his playing career in North America.

Winnipeg chose the 18-year-old winger eighth overall in this year’s NHL Draft. It hasn’t been reported yet whether he’s signed an entry-level contract with the Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bjorck has either signed his ELC and it hasn’t been reported yet, or he will do so with the Jets later this summer, perhaps as early as this week.

THE ATHLETIC: Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley is hoping to bring an NBA expansion franchise to his city. He publicly declared his intent to do so last month and is rounding up a group to submit a bid.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Real estate executive Stephen Stroud, who played a role in bringing the Carolina Hurricanes to Raleigh, passed away Saturday at age 83.

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