General managers react to the implementation of new CBA rules, Quinn Hughes talks about his future with the Canucks, Blues winger Dylan Holloway on his departure from the Oilers last year, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports on the reaction from several NHL general managers regarding the implementation of new CBA rules regarding a playoff salary cap starting this season.

Teams will no longer be able to stash injured players on long-term injury reserve to use the cap savings to acquire talent for the playoffs. Teams will be limited to a 20-man roster that is cap-compliant for each game.

LeBrun also indicated that changes to the LTIR exception will be applied to salary-cap accounting before the playoffs. “That part needs to be figured out fully before puck drop next month,” he wrote.

Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman believes the changes could result in fewer moves because teams are always looking ahead. However, he understands why there was concern among fans and media regarding how some teams used LTIR to bolster their rosters for the playoffs.

Washington Capitals GM Chris Patrick believes teams will have to learn as they go and start developing new strategies. Brad Treliving of the Toronto Maple Leafs acknowledged the logic behind the change, and Kent Hughes of the Montreal Canadiens believes it ensures all teams are on an equal footing.

Ken Holland of the Los Angeles Kings was at the forefront of those suggesting a playoff cap several years ago. “I think it’s great for the league, great for the fans, great for the players,” Holland said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see how the general managers adjust to the changes. Player movement could be affected during the season, especially in the weeks leading up to the annual trade deadline.

LeBrun also reported that the 2026-27 regular season will begin in late September, and the Stanley Cup will be awarded no later than mid-June. The preseason will be shortened, while the regular-season schedule will be expanded to 84 games.

SPORTSNET: Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes said Tuesday that he hasn’t made any decisions yet about his long-term future with the team.

The 25-year-old defenseman has two years remaining on his contract. He’s eligible to sign a contract extension starting next July. He said he’s focused on helping the Canucks rebound from a disappointing performance last season.

Hughes had hoped that Rick Tocchet would remain as head coach and was disappointed by his departure to the Philadelphia Flyers. However, he praised Adam Foote, who was promoted from defensive coach to replace Tocchet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speculation arose earlier this year suggesting Hughes would like to play with his brothers, Jack and Luke, one day. That prompted rumors that he could be traded to the New Jersey Devils if he’s unwilling to commit to the Canucks beyond 2026-27. The Canucks ability to bounce back from last season’s tumultuous campaign could determine whether Hughes sees his long-term future in Vancouver.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parsons cited Dylan Holloway telling “The Cam & Strick Podcast” that the Edmonton Oilers undervalued him and pushed him out when he wanted to stay.

Holloway, 23, signed an offer sheet with the St. Louis Blues last summer, which the Oilers declined to match. He said it rubbed him the wrong way how little Oilers management thought of him.

“I wanted to go back to a team we went so far with, but as soon as Edmonton didn’t reciprocate that feeling, I was all in on St. Louis,” Holloway said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Parsons wondered if Holloway’s departure affected team captain Connor McDavid, who is UFA-eligible next summer and whose contract extension status is making headlines. He believes the Oilers made “a monumental mistake” letting Holloway go, suggesting that decision could influence the level of trust McDavid has in management’s decisions for the future.

THE MINNESOTA STAR-TRIBUNE: Former NHL stars Zach Parise and Joe Pavelski head the 2025 class for the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

Former NHL forward Scott Gomez, Team USA defender Tara Mounsey, and photographer Bruce Bennett are also among this year’s inductees.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the five members of the US HhoF Class of 2025 for this well-deserved honor.

TSN: Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving said contract extension talks are underway with Anthony Stolarz. The 31-year-old goaltender is UFA-eligible next July.

TSN: Utah Mammoth prospect Tij Iginla is fully healthy after undergoing surgery on both hips last season. The 19-year-old forward appeared in only 21 games with the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets in 2024-25. He was chosen sixth overall by the Mammoth in the 2024 NHL Draft.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators’ ending their seven-year playoff drought last season has had a positive effect on the box office. Cyril Leeder, the club’s president and CEO, said season tickets are up about 15-20 percent from last season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Goaltender Aaron Dell announced his retirement on Wednesday. The 31-year-old spent seven of his 13-season professional career in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres, and New Jersey Devils from 2016-17 to 2022-23.

In 130 regular-season games played, Dell had a record of 50 wins, 50 losses, and 13 overtime losses, with a 2.92 goals-against average, a .905 save percentage, and five shutouts. He saw action in four playoff games, finishing with a 2-2 record, a 3.08 GAA, and an SP of .898.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Former NHL forward Brandon Yip has retired. He spent five seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators, and Arizona Coyotes from 2009-10 to 2013-14, finishing with 29 goals and 27 assists for 56 points in 174 regular-season games. Yip had six points in 16 postseason contests.

From 2014-15 to 2024-25, Yip spent most of his career playing in the KHL, as well as in Germany and Finland.