NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 10, 2026

by | Oct 10, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 10, 2026

Recapping Friday’s action, the Canadiens and Predators make a trade, injury updates, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF FRIDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: An injury to New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin overshadowed his club’s 3-1 loss to the Washington Capitals. Shesterkin left the game in the second period with the score tied at 1-1 after injuring his right leg. He was helped off the ice and replaced by backup Dylan Garand.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images)

Timothy Liljegren, Boone Jenner, and Tom Wilson scored, and Logan Thompson made 21 saves for the Capitals (3-1-0). Alexis Lafreniere tallied for the 4-2-0 Rangers as their four-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was no postgame update on Shesterkin’s condition. The former Vezina Trophy winner played a significant role in the Rangers’ strong start, which could be derailed if he’s out for a lengthy period.

Columbus Blue Jackets netminder Cam Talbot stopped 20 shots and made three straight saves in the shootout to nip the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. Kent Johnson scored the winning goal, Damon Severson had a goal and an assist, and Cole Sillinger collected two assists for the Blue Jackets (2-1-0). Sergei Murashov kicked out 43 shots while Bryan Rust and Evgeni Malkin replied for the 2-2-1 Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Talbot became the first goalie in NHL history to win a game with nine teams. Now in his 13th season, the 39-year-old netminder had wins with the Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings, and Los Angeles Kings.

A four-goal second period lifted the Seattle Kraken to a 6-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Frederick Gaudreau tallied two goals, and Ben Meyers had a goal and two assists for the Kraken, who improved to 3-2-0. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard had a goal and an assist as the Red Wings dropped to 1-3-0.

The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Winnipeg Jets 5-1. Mikael Granlund, Tim Washe, and rookie winger Judd Caulfield each had a goal and an assist for the 3-1-0 Ducks. Kyle Connor tallied his sixth goal of the season for the Jets (3-1-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey missed this game as he’s day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

HEADLINES

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens traded defenseman Jayden Struble to the Nashville Predators for a second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Struble became the odd man out on the Canadiens’ crowded blueline. Kaiden Guhle is slated to return soon from adductor muscle surgery, and promising Adam Engstrom recently took Struble’s spot in the lineup. The Canadiens now have two second-round picks in next year’s draft, which could be bargaining chips by the March 1 trade deadline.

Struble, 25, should get more playing time with the retooling Predators. An injury to promising blueliner William Trudeau (upper body, week to week) was another reason for this move.

This was the 10th trade by Nashville general manager Chris MacFarlane since he took over the role on June 2.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers winger Brad Marchand will be sidelined for six to eight weeks with a lower-body (knee) injury.

TSN: Ottawa Senators winger William Eklund will be sidelined for an “extended period of time” with an ankle injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault will miss two weeks with a lower-body injury.

TSN: The Minnesota Wild placed goaltender Filip Gustavsson (offseason hip surgery) on long-term injured reserve.

CBS SPORTS: The New Jersey Devils placed center Nick Bjugstad (torn pectoral muscle) on LTIR.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar received a two-game suspension for an illegal hit to the head of New York Islanders captain Bo Horvat.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs center John Tavares is expected to miss Saturday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche after returning to Toronto on Thursday to be with his wife as she gave birth to their fourth child, a son named Tucker.

TSN: Darren Dreger reported Thursday that the NHL has put expansion plans on the back burner for now amid concerns from owners regarding competitive balance. Two Texas cities (Houston and Austin) seemed to be the frontrunners for the NHL’s 33rd franchise if expansion occurs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: An interesting development considering recent projections suggesting the league could expand by one or two teams by 2030. It’ll be interesting to see how many owners are concerned and how the league alleviates those worries.

NHL.COM: Defenseman Matt Dumba has announced his retirement after 13 NHL seasons. From 2013-14 to 2025-26, Dumba appeared in 748 regular-season games with the Minnesota Wild, Arizona Coyotes, Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars and Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring 85 goals and 176 assists for 261 points. He also had 15 points in 54 playoff contests.

Dumba spent 10 of his 13 NHL seasons with the Wild, including a career-high 50-point performance in 2017-18.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dumba was a physical puck-moving blueliner, but he was never the same after tearing his right pectoral muscle in December 2018. Up to that point, he had 12 goals and 22 points in 32 games, putting him on pace for another career-high performance.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 29, 2026

by | Sep 29, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 29, 2026

The 2026-27 NHL season begins on Tuesday, plus the latest on Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson, Penguins center Evgeni Malkin, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The 2026-27 regular season begins Tuesday with five games on tap.

The Carolina Hurricanes will raise their 2025-26 Stanley Cup banner before hosting the Florida Panthers at 5 PM EDT. The Montreal Canadiens visit the Toronto Maple Leafs (7 PM EDT), the New York Rangers face off against the Boston Bruins (8 PM EDT), the Vancouver Canucks meet the Edmonton Oilers (10 PM EDT), and the Chicago Blackhawks square off against the Vegas Golden Knights (10:30 PM EDT).

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson is no longer practicing with the team and will remain off the ice until he signs a new contract. Edvinsson, 22, remains a restricted free agent as his representatives continue to negotiate with Red Wings management.

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson (NHL Images)

Edvinsson skated with his teammates in practice during training camp but couldn’t participate in scrimmages or preseason games. Now that the regular season has begun, he cannot take part in any team activities until he’s signed.

It’s rumored the two sides are working on a long-term deal worth an average annual value of $10 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings had the entire summer to sign Edvinsson. It was assumed a deal would happen quickly once assistant general manager Shawn Horcoff was named interim GM.

Edvinsson has been loyal to the Red Wings, rejecting offers from other clubs and taking part in training camp when he could’ve sat out. So far, he’s got nothing to show for it.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas raised eyebrows during his press conference yesterday when he gave a curt response to a question about the future of Evgeni Malkin, who’s on a one-year contract.

“I’m not gonna do this day-to-day, year-by-year thing with (Malkin) again this year,” Dubas said.

A team spokesman later said Dubas was referencing media questions about Malkin, and not any future years for the veteran center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Dan Kingerski observed, Malkin’s contract status last season became the subject of intense speculation as he publicly needled Dubas for a new deal, and the Penguins GM sidestepped those questions. The two sides eventually agreed to a one-year extension, but Dubas doesn’t want any future talks with Malkin playing out in the press.

TWINCITIES.COM: The Minnesota Wild placed defenseman Brock Faber (upper body) and goaltender Filip Gustavsson (hip surgery) on injured reserve.

TSN: St. Louis Blues defensemen Tyler Tucker (lower body) and Logan Mailloux (surgery, right hand) were placed on IR.

Montreal Canadiens center Oliver Kapanen will miss his club’s season opener because he’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: Utah Mammoth defense prospect Maveric Lamoureux will be sidelined for four to six months after undergoing shoulder surgery.

NHL.COM: The Nashville Predators signed forward Tyson Jost to a one-year, two-way contract. He had attended their training camp on a professional tryout offer.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets claimed goaltender Clay Stevenson off waivers from the Washington Capitals. Stevenson, 27, will serve as Stuart Skinner’s backup. He backstopped the Capitals’ AHL affiliate in Hershey to the Calder Cup in 2023-24.

CBS SPORTS: The Vancouver Canucks released goalie Chris Driedger from his PTO contract.

DAILY FACEOFF: NHL forward Matt Nieto has announced his retirement. In 12 NHL seasons (2013-14 to 2024-25), he has 87 goals and 119 assists for 206 points in 705 NHL regular-season games with the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, and Pittsburgh Penguins, and 21 points in 62 playoff contests.

NEW YORK POST: The Islanders sold roughly 15 percent of its shares at a $3 billion valuation. The identities of the new investors are not known, and the sale is subject to NHL approval.

CTV NEWS: A report by the Montreal Economic Institute found Canada’s higher tax rates are hurting some of the country’s NHL teams, making it harder to attract and keep top players from Canada and the United States.

The report also mentioned the NHL’s salary cap is based on gross salary rather than net salary, meaning a team from a no-tax state can offer the exact same contract and the player will take home more money.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stick tap to “Chris” for the link.

Players on Canadian teams are paid in US dollars, meaning their money goes further in Canada. As of Sept. 29, one American dollar is worth $1.42 Canadian.

It could make it difficult for smaller market Canadian teams, who earn revenue in Canadian dollars, to keep pace with the rising salary cap.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That was an issue 25 years ago, when the Canadian dollar was ever lower. Small market teams in Quebec City and Winnipeg relocated to the United States in the mid-1990s, and Edmonton and Ottawa were on the verge of following suit.

Today, all seven Canadian teams have stable ownership, and the league has a robust revenue-sharing program. Winnipeg is the NHL’s smallest market and the only Canadian team facing a genuine problem attracting and retaining players. The Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames are closer to the salary-cap floor, but that’s because they’re rebuilding their rosters.

Another factor putting Canadian teams on an unequal footing is a handful of US-born players who’ve pushed to leave Canadian markets, especially after the American men’s hockey team winning gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Quinn Hughes forced the Vancouver Canucks to trade him to the Minnesota Wild, Brady Tkachuk’s trade request sent him from the Ottawa Senators to the Florida Panthers, and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck requested a trade and remains suspended without pay for not reporting to training camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those moves were made for reasons that had nothing to do with higher taxes or playing in Canada.

Hughes’ trade happened two months before the Olympics, and was largely because the Canucks had become a dysfunctional mess, which Hughes (as team captain) seemed powerless to address.

Tkachuk’s trade to the Panthers in June was for family reasons. It was no secret he and his brother, Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk, wanted to play together. Hellebuyck’s situation is based on his desire to play for a Stanley Cup contender while he’s still in his prime.

TSN’s Gino Reda said Hellebuyck didn’t have any Canadian teams on his list of trade destinations. “That tells you an awful lot. It’s not a trend just yet, but it’s a concern for the Canadian teams to watch their star players going south of the border.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It could become a problem given the current economic tensions between Canada and the United States. However, the performance of the teams remains the prime factor. Contenders, even those in Canada, usually have little difficulty attracting and retaining talent.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 15, 2026

by | Aug 15, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 15, 2026

A look at the questions facing the Wild this season, plus the latest on Auston Matthews, Juraj Slafkovsky, Jeff Skinner, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Offensive depth and the health of goaltender Filip Gustavsson are among the three questions facing the Minnesota Wild this season.

The Wild’s offense took a hit this summer with the departures of forwards Mats Zuccarello, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Marcus Johansson, who accounted for nearly 20 percent of their production last season. Acquiring Blake Coleman from the Calgary Flames last month should alleviate part of that problem.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (NHL Images).

Gustavsson remains uncertain for the start of the regular season after undergoing offseason hip surgery. The length of his recovery will affect the Wild’s goaltending depth. In the meantime, Jesper Wallstedt will be in the starter’s role with Calvin Pickard as his backup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The question left unasked was how the Wild will address their ongoing need for a first-line center. They’ve reportedly spoken with the Detroit Red Wings about Dylan Larkin, but the Wings’ asking price is currently too high.

Quinn Hughes’ contract status is another question that will dog the Wild this season. He’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July, and the longer he’s unsigned, the more speculation about his future, which could become an unwelcome distraction.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has been rehabbing this summer from the season-ending knee injury that he suffered in March. He’s also been spending time with a sports chiropractor getting his back in shape.

Matthews’ health has been a concern since 2023-24, when he suffered an injury during a game against the Detroit Red Wings. Since then, he’s scored 60 goals over 127 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A healthy Matthews will be crucial to the Maple Leafs’ plans for a bounce-back performance this season. If he can return to his 60-goal season form, the Leafs should be in good shape to qualify for the playoffs after missing the cut last season.

TSN: Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky was named the 2026 Slovak Hockey Player of the Year on Friday.

Slafkovsky, 22, has won the award four times. This marks the third straight year he’s done so.

The Canadiens winger had a career-best performance in 2025-26, with 30 goals and 43 assists for 73 points, along with 12 points in 19 playoff games. Slafkovsky also represented Slovakia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, finishing with four goals and four assists in six games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Slafkovsky still hasn’t reached his prime. He could be his country’s player of the year for the fourth straight time if he maintains the current trajectory in his development.

SPORTSNET: Jeff Skinner is heading to Europe after signing a one-year contract with Swiss National League club EHC Biel-Bienne on Friday.

The 34-year-old winger spent 16 seasons in the NHL with the Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres, Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks. From 2010-11 to 2025-26, he has 379 goals and 333 assists for 712 points in 1,110 NHL regular-season games. However, he only appeared in five playoff games during that time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner had the misfortune of playing for some bad teams in Carolina and Buffalo for most of his NHL career. His only postseason was with the Oilers in 2025, and by that point, he was no longer the skillful offensive winger of his youth.

RMNB: Former Washington Capitals forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel is also heading overseas, signing a one-year contract with KHL club Dinamo Minsk.

Aube-Kubel, 30, began his NHL career with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2018-19. In eight seasons with the Flyers, Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, Capitals, Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers, and Minnesota Wild, he had 32 goals and 50 assists for 82 points in 310 regular-season games. He also had three points in 30 playoff contests, winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022.

DAILY FACEOFF: Ryan Cuneo reported that Sportsnet is ending Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition after 18 seasons.

The show debuted in 2008 “to provide Punjabi-speaking Canadians with coverage, analysis, and commentary of the country’s national sport in Punjabi. It served a large portion of the South Asian diaspora within Canada by making hockey more accessible and relatable to members of that community.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The cancellation was based on low audience numbers, but it’s still a shame that this program will no longer be available to the South Asian community in Canada.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 28, 2026

by | May 28, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 28, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, the latest on Ducks center Mason McTavish, Devils defenseman Simon Nemec, and Islanders captain Anders Lee, plus several teams could be willing to trade their first-round picks, and an update on the Wild.

TEAMS REPORTEDLY CALLING ABOUT MASON MCTAVISH

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes Mason McTavish will be a trade target this offseason. He admits there is “zero evidence” that the Anaheim Ducks are shopping the 23-year-old center, but he said he “knows for a fact” that several teams have inquired about him, despite the fact he regressed this season following a contract dispute.

McTavish has another five years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $7 million. According to LeBrun, some teams view him as an “ideal reset candidate”, which is all the more reason why the Ducks won’t move him unless a team makes a major pitch.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish? (NHL Images)

An ideal pitch would be if the Toronto Maple Leafs offered up Auston Matthews, who could have Anaheim on his list of seven or eight potential landing spots. However, LeBrun believes that Matthews will return with the Maple Leafs next season at least.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks have over $38.7 million in projected salary-cap space for 2026-27, which is more than enough to carry McTavish’s cap hit. However, LeBrun noted that Ducks stars Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier are in line for substantial raises coming off their entry-level contracts. He believes that could be a reason why the Ducks might entertain offers for McTavish.

Several teams are in the market for depth at center. The Los Angeles Kings spring to mind, but it’s unlikely the Ducks will send McTavish to a local rival. The Minnesota Wild need a first-line center, but McTavish isn’t ready yet to fill that role, if ever.

McTavish would be a good fit, age-wise, with the young Montreal Canadiens. He could address their need for a second-line center, but there is concern about his speed and his struggles this season.

PROPOSED TRADE DESTINATION FOR SIMON NEMEC

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols observed that just because Simon Nemec didn’t ask the Devils to be traded, that doesn’t mean he won’t be. He believes there would be plenty of suitors if the 22-year-old puck-moving defenseman becomes available.

Nichols suggested the San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, Seattle Kraken, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Vancouver Canucks as potential trade destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks have the cap space and a need for blueline depth. The Blues are retooling their roster but could balk at signing the promising young restricted free agent to an expensive new contract; his lack of arbitration rights would work in their favor.

The Canadiens’ priority is landing a second-line center. The Predators are attempting to transition toward younger talent and could take a serious interest in Nemec. The Kraken seek a scoring winger, not a young defenseman.

The Maple Leafs’ lack of depth on the right side of their blueline would make Nemec an attractive option for them, depending on the cost of the trade package and his new contract. The rebuilding Canucks could also be a serious suitor.

THE LATEST ON THE WILD

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith recently looked at which players on the Minnesota Wild would be considered trade bait this summer.

Goaltenders Jesper Wallstedt and Filip Gustavsson have surfaced in the rumor mill this season. However, Russo and Smith consider it unlikely that Wallstedt will be traded, with Gustavsson recently having undergone hip surgery.

Russo and Smith include center Joel Eriksson Ek and defenseman Jonas Brodin among the players they believe the Wild would listen on for the right deal. They think the Wild would have to shed salary if they’re re-signing Quinn Hughes and looking to acquire another top player. However, they admit that the Wild should have suitable replacements in place if they’re parting ways with Eriksson Ek and Brodin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild management could have other players in mind as trade candidates. They’ll still need Eriksson Ek and Brodin in the lineup once they’ve acquired that first-line center.

ISLANDERS INTERESTED IN RE-SIGNING ANDERS LEE

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports it’s his understanding that New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche is interested in re-signing team captain Anders Lee. The 35-year-old left wing is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer after coming off a contract paying him an average annual value of $7 million.

Darche has reportedly told Lee’s agent that the team wants Lee back. However, they need to make some other moves before negotiations can begin. LeBrun stated that Lee would like to return, but they must find common ground on salary and term, which won’t be easy because of his age.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lee will have to accept less money on a short-term deal. How much less, and how short a term, will be the sticking points.

MAPLE LEAFS, SHARKS, BLACKHAWKS OPEN TO MOVING THEIR FIRST-ROUND PICKS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun cited league sources claiming the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, and Chicago Blackhawks are open to the idea of moving their respective first-round picks in this year’s draft.

The Maple Leafs own the first-overall pick, the Sharks own the second-overall pick, and the Blackhawks have the fourth-overall pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Every team that owns picks that high in the draft is always open to offers, but they rarely move them. It will take substantial offers that would accelerate their retooling/rebuilding programs to tempt them into trading those picks.

Speaking of the Blackhawks, Scott Powers of The Athletic recently reported they’re in the market for a quality defenseman to stabilize their blueline. However, it’s unlikely they’ll part with their first-rounder to get him.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 19, 2026

by | May 19, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 19, 2026

The Canadiens advance to the Eastern Conference Final, plus the latest on Sidney Crosby, Filip Gustavsson, Mark Stone, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Alex Newhook gave the Montreal Canadiens a 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres in Game 7 of their second-round series.

Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Newhook (NHL Images)

The Canadiens took a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Phillip Danault and Zachary Bolduc. However, the Sabres dominated the next two periods, with Jordan Greenway and Rasmus Dahlin scoring to force overtime.

Jakub Dobes was once again the hero for the Canadiens with a 37-save performance. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 22 shots for the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens will face the well-rested Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final with Game 1 starting on Thursday, May 21, at 8 pm ET.

With an average age of 25.8, the Canadiens are the youngest team to advance to the Conference Finals since the 1992-93 Canadiens, whose average age was also 25.8.

Dobes joined Canadiens Hall of Famer Ken Dryden as the only two rookie goalies in NHL history to win two Game Sevens on the road in the same postseason. Newhook became the second player in playoff history to score the winning goal in multiple Game Sevens in the same playoff year. Nathan Horton was the first to accomplish that feat, doing so with the 2010-11 Boston Bruins.

This was a hard-fought, entertaining series between two rising powers in the Eastern Conference. It may not be the last time they face each other in postseason competition in the next several years.

Dobes was spectacular again in consecutive Game 7 situations, holding the fort as the Sabres came at him in waves. The Canadiens went into a defensive shell after the first period, and it nearly cost them, but Dobes was the difference.

Buffalo was the better team after the first period, so this loss will be tough to take after battling back from a 3-2 series deficit to come up short in overtime. Nevertheless, their fans cheered their performance after this game.

How this series ended won’t define the Sabres. Their rise this season indicates that their years in the wilderness are finally over. They’re a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference, and they will attempt to build on this season’s successful campaign.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sidney Crosby pushed for Macklin Celebrini to remain the team captain when he joined Canada’s roster for the 2026 IIHF World Championship.

Celebrini had been named captain before the Stanley Cup Playoffs began. Team Canada’s management made a courtesy call to Crosby after his Pittsburgh Penguins were eliminated from the opening round, but were surprised when the 38-year-old center agreed to join the club.

“When Sid came, he was adamant that Mack remain the captain,” Canadian GM Brad Treliving said. “At the same time, Mack was adamant that Sid be the captain.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The issue was resolved with Celebrini remaining as captain and Crosby named as an alternate captain.

TWINCITIES.COM: Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin said starting goaltender Filip Gustavsson will undergo hip surgery in the coming weeks. He won’t know until after the surgery if the 28-year-old Gustavsson will be ready for the start of the season. The injury is considered to be the cause of normal wear and tear for an NHL goalie.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The nagging injury explains the decline in Gustavsson’s performance since the Olympic break.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone and defenseman Jeremy Lauzon are expected to be game-day decisions for Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Colorado Avalanche.

TSN: The Edmonton Oilers are expected to have a formal interview with former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube. They’re still awaiting permission from the Golden Knights to interview their former bench boss, Bruce Cassidy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored that the Golden Knights had granted permission to the Los Angeles Kings to speak with Cassidy. However, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports they haven’t permitted any club to talk to their former head coach.

SPORTSNET: Speaking of the Maple Leafs, they’ve reached out to University of Denver head coach David Carle.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 18, 2026

by | May 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 18, 2026

Will the Wild soon get clarity about Quinn Hughes’ plans? Which areas must the Maple Leafs improve this summer? What’s the latest on the Panthers and Red Wings? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST WILD SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Michael Amato believes the Minnesota Wild need clarity from Quinn Hughes about his plans as soon as possible.

The 26-year-old superstar defenseman is a year away from becoming an unrestricted free agent. He can sign a contract extension with the Wild on July 1, and he’s indicated that he’s open to that option, but he’s also comfortable with starting next season without one.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

If there is no commitment from Hughes on an extension, Amato believes Wild general manager Bill Guerin will have little choice but to shop the former Norris Trophy winner. His trade value would be higher this summer than it would be as a rental player next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s widely believed that Hughes would one day like to play alongside his brothers, Jack and Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils. However, he sounded like he really enjoyed playing with the Wild this season and seems genuinely interested in discussing an extension with Guerin.

However, the cost of re-signing Hughes is what’s going to be the determining factor for the Wild. They’ve already invested a league-leading average annual value of $17 million for eight seasons in superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov. As one of the NHL’s elite defensemen, Hughes would be justified in seeking a similar AAV.

The Wild have a projected $48.4 million in cap space for 2027-28, which would be the first season of Hughes’ next contract. Nevertheless, some of that cap room will be whittled down by the cost of re-signing or replacing key players between now and then, which could make it difficult to meet whatever Hughes’ asking price might be.

TWINCITIES.COM: Jess Myers reports Filip Gustavsson still sees himself as part of the Wild’s goalie tandem with Jesper Wallstedt next season.

Gustavsson went from being the Wild’s starting goalie during the regular season to backing up Wallstedt during the playoffs. His five-year contract extension with an AAV of $6.8 million begins on July 1.

Following the Olympic break, Gustavsson struggled down the stretch, prompting head coach John Hynes to give Wallstedt the nod during the postseason. Gutavsson said he had no problem with that, admitting that his game wasn’t where he wanted it to be after the Olympics.

Wallstedt was the subject of trade rumors before the March deadline. Gustavsson acknowledged that his name might surface in the offseason rumor mill, but he’s unconcerned about that possibility.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guerin could peddle Gustavsson to free up cap space to make additions elsewhere for next season, and to create room for a long-term extension for Quinn Hughes. However, he has a full no-movement clause for this season and for the next two years on his new deal, giving him complete control over that potential situation.

A PROPOSED OFFSEASON SHOPPING LIST FOR THE MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Justin Bourne recently looked at what should be on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ offseason shopping list.

Bourne believes the Maple Leafs must shore up their depth at center. It’s rumored that Vincent Trocheck could be among the players on their list of trade targets. The 33-year-old New York Rangers center has three years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $5.275 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That depends on whether the Leafs could meet the Rangers’ high asking price, and if Trocheck is willing to play for a Canadian team in the Eastern Conference. He’s stated that he prefers to play for a team on or near the East Coast of the United States.

Bourne doesn’t see the Maple Leafs trading winger Matthew Knies even if they draft Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg with the first-overall pick next month. Moving out the 23-year-old wouldn’t fit with their plans to bounce back next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: John Chayka, the Leafs new GM, has already spoken highly of Knies, sounding as though he intends to retain the young power forward.

Most observers believe Morgan Rielly needs a fresh start elsewhere, and it’s rumored that he agrees with that assessment. If he is moved out, the Leafs will need two new defensemen. Bourne isn’t averse to them signing Darren Raddysh if the Tampa Bay Lightning blueliner becomes available in this summer’s free-agent market. However, they’d have to pursue another via trade, given the lack of depth in the UFA market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Signing Raddysh would be a big gamble for the Leafs or any other NHL club. The 30-year-old’s previous career-high was 37 points in 73 games in 2024-25 before his 70-point campaign this season. Investing big money in him could come back to haunt his new club if he reverts to his 30-point form.

When it comes to the Leafs’ next head coach, Bourne prefers someone with NHL experience, but not a lengthy resume. He suggested former Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft, Tampa Bay Lightning assistant coach Jeff Halpern, and Abbotsford Canucks bench boss Manny Malhotra, who has NHL assistant coaching experience.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malhotra is among Luke Fox’s seven suggested candidates for the Leafs’ coaching job. His list also included former Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy, Minnesota Wild assistant coach (and former New York Islanders head coach) Jack Capuano, David Carle of the NCAA’s Denver Pioneers, Ottawa Senators assistant coach (and former NHL head coach) Mike Yeo, Toronto Marlies coach John Gruden, and New York Rangers assistant coach Joe Sacco.

WHO’S AVAILABLE FOR THE PANTHERS IF THEY DON’T RE-SIGN BOBROVSKY?

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards recently looked at potential trade and free-agent options for the Panthers if long-time starting goalie Sergei Bobrovsky departs via free agency on July 1.

The pickings are slim in the UFA market, where the best option besides Bobrovsky is Stuart Skinner. He backstopped the Edmonton Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals against the Panthers, but his inconsistency led to his midseason trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Connor Hellebucyk could be available, given his recent comments about his unhappiness with the Winnipeg Jets’ direction. He could demand a trade, but with four years left on his contract, it might not force the Jets’ hand. Acquiring him could be expensive.

Another option could be Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues. He’s a year away from UFA eligibility, carries a 10-team no-trade list, and would be more affordable to acquire than Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The most obvious option for the Panthers is re-signing the 37-year-old Bobrovsky, but inking him to a long-term deal at this stage of his career is risky, especially given the decline in his performance this season.

It’s doubtful the Panthers could outbid other teams for Hellebuyck unless Florida is the only destination he’ll accept. Despite his unhappiness over how this season ended, there’s no indication that he and the Jets are about to part ways.

Binnington would be a more affordable option, but the Blues could hang onto him for next season and listen to trade offers if they’re out of playoff contention before the trade deadline.

THE LATEST RED WINGS GOALIE SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman recently reported on the rise of promising Red Wings goaltender Michal Postava and how it might affect Sebastian Cossa’s chances of cracking the Wings roster next season.

Postava’s solid play for the Red Wings’ AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids earned him the starter’s job during the Calder Cup playoffs. It’s raised questions about Cossa’s future, who will not be waiver-exempt next season.

Cossa could become an offseason trade candidate. Bultman suggested the Edmonton Oilers would be an obvious fit, but the need for goalies around the league could make the list of potential suitors a long one.