NHL Rumor Mill – April 25, 2026

by | Apr 25, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 25, 2026

Check out the latest on possible changes for the Maple Leafs, Rangers, and Devils in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby reports former Arizona Coyotes general manager John Chayka and Dallas Stars assistant GM Scott White are reportedly emerging as the finalists for the job of Maple Leafs general manager.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports White and Chayka are subject to further diligence, with Chayka holding an edge.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hornby acknowledged Chayka’s messy departure from the Coyotes, but pointed out that he’s done ground-breaking analytics work, which would suit the Maple Leafs’ search for a data-driven general manager.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Terry Koshan believes the first order of business for whoever becomes the next Maple Leafs general manager is speaking with team captain Austin Matthews about the club’s plans going forward and what his role would be.

If Matthews balks at those plans, Koshan believes the Maple Leafs must trade him. The 28-year-old superstar center could fetch a return of top draft picks, top prospects, or players who are either stars or on the cusp of becoming ones.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We already know that Leafs ownership wants to retool the roster rather than stage a rebuild. How that retooling will be done will be of interest to Matthews because it will determine the outcome of next season and of his decision whether to sign a contract extension next summer.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel recently examined which Maple Leafs will go and which ones will stay this summer.

Among the notables most likely to move are forwards Max Domi and Nick Robertson, and defensemen Brandon Carlo and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

WHICH RANGERS COULD BE MOVED THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano looked at some of the biggest questions facing the New York Rangers during the offseason.

What happens to Vincent Trocheck topped the list. Rangers GM Chris Drury attempted to move the 32-year-old center at last month’s trade deadline, but found the offers were restricted by limited buyers and limited salary-cap space. Drury believes the market for Trocheck will improve in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be surprising if Trocheck isn’t moved this summer. There was genuine interest in him at the trade deadline, especially from Eastern Conference teams that were not on his no-trade list.

Braden Schneider could also be moved. The 24-year-old defenseman is valued within the organization for his defensive skills, but the need for right-shot blueliners around the league could make him a valuable trade piece.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schneider recently said he’d love to remain a Ranger, but he seems resigned to his fate. Mercogliano stated that Drury is seeking a scoring forward and could target a team like the San Jose Sharks, who have plenty of young forwards but need blueline depth.

Alexis Lafreniere’s strong finish to this season should ensure he remains with the Rangers. Moving him wouldn’t make sense for a club that’s looking for forward depth. Mercogliano doesn’t rule out Lafreniere being moved as part of a trade package if a top trade target becomes available, but he thinks the young winger will be staying put.

WHAT CHANGES COULD BE IN STORE FOR THE DEVILS?

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols recently looked at what might be in store for the New Jersey Devils under new GM Sunny Mehta.

It remains to be seen if head coach Sheldon Keefe will be back, but the fact that he was in attendance at Mehta’s introductory press conference suggests he could return behind the Devils’ bench next season.

Mehta must decide what happens with defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who has been the subject of frequent trade speculation since last summer. He could decide to move Hamilton and his $9 million cap hit, or see his 28 points in his last 37 games of this season and decide he’s worth retaining.

Whatever happens to Hamilton could determine Simon Nemec’s fate. The young blueliner is coming off his entry-level contract. He’s earned praise for his offense, but his defense game needs improvement.

Nichols also wondered whether Mehta will retain or trade the Devils’ 2026 first-round pick. He also mused about how aggressive the new GM will be to improve the roster, such as pursuing a big-name player like Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators or Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars if they were to become available.

Mehta must also open contract extension talks with team captain Nico Hischier, who is UFA eligible next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mehta’s coming into his new job with a lot on his plate. It will be interesting to see what he’s got in store for the Devils this summer.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 8, 2026

by | Apr 8, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 8, 2026

What’s next for the Devils after firing general manager Tom Fitzgerald? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE DEVILS

NHL.COM: Mike G. Morreale looked at five things on the to-do list for the next general manager of the New Jersey Devils.

Among them will be figuring out the defense corps, specifically, where Dougie Hamilton and Simon Nemec fit into their plans. Hamilton has two years left on his contract, and his production improved after being scratched from a mid-January game against the Winnipeg Jets. Meanwhile, Nemec is completing his entry-level contract and will be a restricted free agent lacking arbitration rights.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (NHL Images).

They must also determine the Devils’ future in goal. Jacob Markstrom, 36, starts his two-year contract extension next season, while 35-year-old Jake Allen is on a five-year deal. However, they must consider strengthening their depth at that position for the future. Nico Daws, 25, is slated to become an RFA with arbitration rights this summer.

Morreale noted the Devils are in win-now mode, and all their free agent and trade acquisitions must be treated as such.

TSN: Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe faces uncertainty after Tom Fitzgerald was fired earlier this week. Hired in 2024, he guided the Devils to the playoffs last season, but they’ve been eliminated from contention this season, partly because superstar Jack Hughes missed five weeks with an injured thumb.

Former Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan has been linked to the Devils. Possible management options could include former Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving, and Florida Panthers assistant GMs Sunny Mehta and Brett Peterson.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh believes determining if Keefe remains as head coach will be among the decisions the next Devils GM faces.

Evaluating the Devils’ core talent will be another decision. Jack and Luke Hughes won’t be going anywhere. Timo and winger Jesper Bratt both have full no-movement clauses for the next three seasons. Finding a way to unlock Meier’s offense will be a priority. They must also improve the Devils’ bottom-six forwards.

Baugh noted that team captain and two-way center Nico Hischier will be eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1. Figuring out his next contract will also be high on that list.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes Hischier was being noncommittal when asked if he would sign an extension under a new general manager.

“I’m focusing on playing hockey here,” Hischier said. “I still have one more year. I’m with the Devils right now, and then we’ll see what happens.”

If there is any hesitancy about re-signing by Hischier, Nicholls believes the next Devils GM must explore trade options. He suggested dangling Hischier to the Minnesota Wild for Quinn Hughes, or to the Ottawa Senators for Brady Tkachuk.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils will be a team worth watching this offseason. It’ll be interesting to see who they bring in as general manager, and whether they intend to tinker or make some bold moves.

Hischier’s future will be the biggest decision facing the next Devils GM. The 27-year-old center is among the best two-way players in the league. He has a 10-team no-trade list and a cap hit of $7.25 million for next season.

Teams will line up to acquire Hischier if he becomes available in this summer’s trade market. The Wild and Senators could certainly use him, but it’s doubtful the former will part with Quinn Hughes or the latter with Brady Tkachuk.

Hamilton and Nemec frequently surfaced in the trade rumor mill this season. It’s believed the latter drew more interest given his youth and potential. It’s believed his camp will seek a new contract comparable to teammate Luke Hughes’ seven-year, $63 million contract ($9 million AAV). That would explain why the Devils were reportedly shopping Hamilton ($9 million AAV) last summer.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 27, 2026

by | Jan 27, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 27, 2026

Are the Wild looking at Rangers center Vincent Trocheck? What’s the latest on Canucks winger Evander Kane and Sharks winger Jeff Skinner? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILD SHOPPING FOR A CENTER

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith believe Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin is aggressively shopping for a center. He could draw on his draft picks and prospects as trade bait to address that need.

Guerin could be interested in New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck. League sources claim the Wild aren’t on the 32-year-old Trocheck’s 12-team no-trade list, but nothing is imminent.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

Russo and Smith think Guerin will also check into the availability of other NHL centers who might be available. Possibilities include Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, Trocheck’s teammate J.T. Miller, Nico Hischier of the New Jersey Devils, Ryan O’Reilly of the St. Louis Blues, and Shane Pinto and Claude Giroux of the Ottawa Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck seems the most likely to be moved and could be the top target on Guerin’s radar. The Blues are willing to entertain offers for Thomas, but the asking price is high. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes they want a stud top-six center who is a little younger than the 26-year-old Thomas. The Wild can’t meet that price.

The Devils could be sellers, but I don’t see Hischier being moved. The Rangers acquired Miller last season and made him their captain, so it’s doubtful he’s available. Ditto Pinto and Giroux. O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection, but he reportedly wants to stay in Nashville, and the Predators aren’t in a hurry to move him.

The Wild lack a first-round pick in this year’s draft to use as trade bait. Russo and Smith wonder if Guerin might offer up prospect defenseman David Jiricek to the Nashville Predators for their first-rounder, pointing out the Predators reportedly offered up two first-round picks to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Jiricek last season before the Wild landed him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That was before Jiricek’s stock plummeted. The Predators won’t part with a first-rounder for him now.

Speaking of Wild trade bait, Russo and Smith engaged in some conjecture about the Wild possibly using goaltender Jesper Wallstedt in their quest to add a center. That seems unlikely because they’d be up a creek if they moved out Wallstedt and starter Filip Gustavsson suffered an injury afterward.

Russo and Smith floated the notion of them bringing back Marc-Andre Fleury, but they also pointed out he’s unlikely to come out of retirement.

CANUCKS PERMIT EVANDER KANE’S AGENT TO SEEK A TRADE

THE SCORE: According to CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal, the Vancouver Canucks have permitted Evander Kane’s agent to find a suitable trade partner for the 34-year-old winger.

Kane is in the final season of his contract and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. His cap hit this season is $5.125 million, and he has a 16-team trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are well into sell mode after shipping out Quinn Hughes to Minnesota last month and Kiefer Sherwood to the San Jose Sharks earlier this month.

This move indicates Kane is open to a trade to a suitable destination, but the Canucks management had difficulty finding any takers. His agent might have better luck.

COULD THE SHARKS ATTEMPT TO TRADE JEFF SKINNER?

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Josh Frojelin reports Jeff Skinner appears to be the odd man out among the Sharks’ forwards. The 33-year-old left winger has been a healthy scratch for the past couple of weeks.

Skinner signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Sharks last summer. He has six goals and 13 points in 32 games this season.

The Sharks have a logjam of wingers, with Philipp Kurashev and Kiefer Sherwood set to return from injuries soon. They recently sat out Adam Gaudette and Ryan Reaves, and sent promising Igor Chernyshov to their AHL affiliate.

Skinner has a full no-trade clause through Jan. 30, and an eight-team no-trade list after that.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks added Skinner to bring more experienced depth to their forward lines. However, the impressive play of sophomore wingers Will Smith and Colin Graf, and the addition of youngsters like Chernyshov, means they don’t need Skinner unless injuries decimate their lineup in the coming days. He could end up moving to another team between Jan. 31 and March 6.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 23, 2025

by | Feb 23, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 23, 2025

The NHL regular season returned from its 4 Nations Face-Off break with 14 games on Saturday. Check out the recaps and more in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines

NHL.COM: The league-leading Winnipeg Jets got two goals by Gabe Vilardi and a shootout winner from Kyle Connor to nip the St. Louis Blues 4-3, extending their win streak to a season-best nine games. Vilardi scored the tying goal with 28 seconds left in the third period. Robert Thomas scored twice and collected an assist for the Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets sit first overall with 83 points and are the first team to reach 40 wins this season. They went with backup goalie Eric Comrie to give starter Connor Hellebuyck a break after he played three games for Team USA in the 4 Nations tournament. Blues starter Jordan Binnington was in the lineup for the Blues but served as backup for Joel Hofer. Binnington appeared in four games for Canada at the 4 Nations.

Speaking of the Jets, they signed forward Vladislav Namestnikov to a two-year contract extension. The average annual value is $3 million.

Washington Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun scored two of five second-period goals in an 8-3 drubbing of the Pittsburgh Penguins, extending their points streak to seven games (4-0-3). Pierre-Luc Dubois had three assists for the Capitals, who hold first place in the Eastern Conference and sit one point behind the Jets in the overall standings. Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and Danton Heinen replied for the Penguins.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (NHL Images).

The Minnesota Wild overcame a 3-1 deficit to squeak past the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 on an overtime goal by Marco Rossi. Wild forwards Matt Boldy and Marcus Foligno scored in the third period to force the extra frame. Alex DeBrincat, Lucas Raymond and Dylan Larkin each had a goal and an assist for the Red Wings as they hold the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot with 62 points. The Wild hold third place in the Central Division with 72 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was another milestone game for Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. He passed Roberto Luongo for the second-most games played by an NHL goaltender with 1,045. Hall-of-Famer Martin Brodeur holds the record with 1,266. Red Wings forward Andrew Copp left the game late in the second period with an apparent shoulder injury following a melee behind the Minnesota net following a thunderous bodycheck by DeBrincat on Wild defenseman Brock Faber.

Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin and center Tage Thompson each had two goals and an assist as their club thumped the New York Rangers 8-2. Jason Zucker picked up three assists and Ryan McLeod tallied twice as the Sabres erupted for five first-period goals, chasing Rangers starter Igor Shesterkin from the net before the end of the period. Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad scored for the Blueshirts (58 points) as they remain four points behind the Ottawa Senators for the final Eastern wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres rinkside commentator Rob Ray was struck in the face by a puck early in the first period. Sabres training staff attended to the former NHL enforcer, who finished the game. Sabres forward Jordan Greenway and defenseman Mattias Samuelsson were activated off injured reserve.

The Philadelphia Flyers got two goals from Owen Tippett in a 6-3 upset of the Edmonton Oilers. Sean Couturier and Matvei Michkov each had a goal and two assists for the Flyers (57 points) as they sit five points behind the Red Wings in the Eastern standings. Leon Draisaitl and John Klingberg each had a goal and an assist for the Oilers, who sit second in the Pacific Division with 72 points.

Seattle Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord stopped 26 shots to beat the Florida Panthers 2-1. Kaapo Kakko and Jared McCann scored for the Kraken while Eetu Luostarinen tallied for the Panthers, who hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 71 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk missed this game with a lower-body injury suffered during the 4 Nations Face-Off. Kraken captain Jordan Eberle returned to action after missing 40 games following pelvic surgery in mid-November.

The Dallas Stars got a 31-save performance from Casey DeSmith in a 4-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Matt Duchene and Wyatt Johnston each had a goal and an assist as the Stars (74 points) remain two points ahead of the Wild for second place in the Central Division. Jack Hughes had both goals for the Devils (68 points) as they sit two points behind the second-place Carolina Hurricanes in the Metropolitan Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils captain Nico Hischier returned to the lineup after missing six games with an oblique injury.

Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault broke a 1-1 tie in the third period to lift his club past the Colorado Avalanche 2-1. Juuse Saros made 31 saves and Justin Barron also scored for the Predators. Sam Malinski had the lone goal for the Avalanche, who hold the first Western Conference wild-card berth with 68 points.

An overtime goal by Leo Carlsson gave the Anaheim Ducks a 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins. Carlsson and Jackson Lacombe each finished with two points as the Ducks have won seven of their last eight games. Elias Lindholm and Morgan Geekie scored for the Bruins (61 points) as they sit one point behind the Senators for the final Eastern wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins winger David Pastrnak collected an assist to extend his points streak to 14 games. Ducks goalie John Gibson left the game following the second period with an upper-body injury.

The Toronto Maple Leafs downed the Carolina Hurricanes 6-3. Auston Matthews scored his 389th regular-season goal, tying Darryl Sittler for second-most in Leafs history. Pontus Holmberg scored twice and set up another while rookie Alex Steeves scored his first NHL goal as the Leafs (70 points) moved within a point of the first-place Panthers in the Atlantic Division. Andrei Svechnikov had a goal and an assist for the Hurricanes (70 points) as they sit second in the Metro Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs winger Max Pacioretty missed this game with an undisclosed injury and will be sidelined for Sunday’s match with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Montreal Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher had a goal and an assist in a 5-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators to snap a three-game losing skid. Nick Suzuki picked up two assists and Sam Montembault turned aside 25 shots as the Canadiens (57 points) moved within five points of the Senators in the Eastern wild-card race. Tim Stutzle had a goal and an assist for the Senators as their losing streak reached four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montreal winger Juraj Slafkovsky was a physical presence in this game, scoring a goal, fighting with Senators center Ridly Greig, and making a team-leading eight hits. Canadiens forward Emil Heineman returned to action after a 14-game absence with a lower-body injury after being struck by a car in Salt Lake City last month. Senators captain Brady Tkachuk missed this game with an undisclosed injury suffered during the 4 Nations tournament.

The Columbus Blue Jackets ended a four-game winless skid by defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 5-1. Zach Werenski had a goal and two assists to extend his home points streak to 22 games while Kent Johnson scored twice for the Jackets (62 points). They’re just behind the Senators, who have two more regulation wins. Craig Smith scored for the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets fans sang Happy Birthday to Johnny Gaudreau Jr on his first birthday. His father was killed by an alleged drunk driver last August.

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty had a goal and two assists in a 5-3 victory over the Utah Hockey Club. Kevin Fiala had a goal and an assist for the Kings as they hold third place in the Pacific Division with 67 points. Barrett Hayton tallied the first hat trick in Utah’s short franchise history.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson returned to the lineup after missing four games with an injured finger.

The Vegas Golden Knights got 33 saves from Adin Hill to defeat the Vancouver Canucks 3-1. Brandon Saad snapped a 1-1 tie with his first goal for Vegas since signing with them on Jan. 31. The Golden Knights have won three straight and hold first place in the Pacific Division with 74 points. Jake DeBrusk scored for the Canucks, who hold the final Western wild-card spot with 63 points.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 22, 2025

by | Feb 22, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 22, 2025

The 4 Nations Face-Off championship draws big ratings in North America, top storylines for the remainder of the regular season, the Canucks sign Kevin Lankinen to a contract extension, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

THE SCORE: The 4 Nations Face-Off championship game between Canada and the United States drew 16.1 million viewers across North America

It was the second-most-watched hockey game on the continent in a decade. Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers drew more viewers (16.3 million).

ESPN averaged 9.3 million viewers in the United States, peaking at 10.4 million, making it the network’s largest-ever hockey audience.

Sportsnet averaged 10.7 million Canadians tuning in for the championship game, peaking at 7.3 million viewers and averaging 5.7 million. It was the second-most-watched game for that network, with Game 7 of last year’s Stanley Cup Final reaching 15 million Canadians.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nearly a decade without a best-on-best tournament involving most of the NHL’s top talent whetted the fans’ appetite for the 4 Nations Face-Off. The players bought in and performed at their best. It also helped that the championship game was a closely contested match between the world’s biggest hockey nations as they resumed their ongoing rivalry.

NHL.COM: Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s goal record, the playoff race, and the March 7 trade deadline are among the top storylines for the remainder of the NHL regular season.

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks signed Kevin Lankinen to a five-year, $22.5 million contract extension. The 29-year-old goaltender is currently on a one-year, $875K deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Starter Thatcher Demko’s knee injury and backup Arturs Silovs’ disappointing performance landed Lankinen his current contract. His efforts kept this struggling team in the Western Conference playoff race, earning him the long-term contract security he’d sought last summer.

Lankinen’s new contract raises questions about Demko’s future as he battles with injuries and inconsistency. The latter is a year away from becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Speaking of the Canucks, center Elias Pettersson is dealing with an undisclosed injury suffered at the 4 Nations Face-Off and is listed as day-to-day. Team captain Quinn Hughes (oblique injury) is doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk (lower-body) isn’t expected to play in Saturday’s game against the Seattle Kraken.

TSN: Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck won’t be playing in Saturday’s game against the St. Louis Blues. Morrissey is dealing with an illness that prevented him from playing for Canada in the 4 Nations championship game.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Devils captain Nico Hischier could return for Saturday’s game against the Dallas Stars. He missed their last six games with an upper-body injury.

THE ATHLETIC: New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck suffered a broken finger playing for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off. The injury reportedly occurred during Monday’s game against Sweden. A source claims he’s not expected to miss any games.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner (shoulder surgery) will make his season debut on Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Forward Kirill Marchenko (fractured jaw) and defenseman Dante Fabbro (concussion) will also return to action against the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This trio’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for the Blue Jackets. They’re one point behind the Detroit Red Wings for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

DAILY FACEOFF: Nashville Predators defenseman Adam Wilsby will miss the remainder of the regular season with an upper-body injury. Left winger Zach L’Heureux (upper body) is week-to-week.

Seattle Kraken defensemen Brandon Montour and Ryker Evans are expected to return to action in Saturday’s game against the Panthers. Team captain Jordan Eberle was upgraded to day-to-day. He’s been out since mid-November following pelvic surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken also moved center Yanni Gourde to long-term injury reserve retroactive to Jan. 4. He’ll be sidelined for another two weeks recovering from sports hernia surgery. It’s believed they’re putting him on LTIR to free up cap space for Eberle’s imminent return.

CALGARY SUN: Flames defenseman Tyson Barrie cleared waivers on Friday and was sent to their AHL affiliate.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 30, 2025

by | Jan 30, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 30, 2025

Recaps of Wednesday’s games, the Kings and Predators reveal their Quarter-Century Teams, the Blues and Brandon Saad mutually agree to terminate his contract, the Kraken put Philipp Grubauer on waivers, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (NHL Images).

RECAPPING WEDNESDAY’S NHL GAMES

NHL.COM: The New Jersey Devils got two-point performances from Jack and Luke Hughes in a 5-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Jack and Luke each had a goal and an assist while Jake Allen made 24 saves for the shutout as the Devils sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 64 points. Flyers winger Owen Tippett left the game with an undisclosed injury following an open-ice hit by Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon. With 52 points, the Flyers sit three points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils captain Nico Hischier missed this game as he’s week-to-week with an undisclosed injury. Meanwhile, Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson will replace sidelined Devils netminder Jacob Markstrom on Team Sweden in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.

Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes collected two assists as his club defeated the Nashville Predators 3-1. Thatcher Demko stopped 31 shots and rookie forward Linus Karlsson tallied his first NHL goal for the Canucks (56 points) as they sit one point ahead of the Calgary Flames in the final Western Conference wild-card spot. Tommy Novak replied for the Predators as they’ve dropped two straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks forward Dakota Joshua returned to action after missing 11 games with an injured leg.

An overtime goal by Sidney Crosby lifted the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 3-2 win over the Utah Hockey Club. Alex Nedeljkovic turned aside 27 shots as the Penguins (50 points) are five points behind the Lightning in the Eastern wild-card race. Mikhail Sergachev and Michael Carcone scored for Utah, who are six points behind the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Utah Hockey Club has narrowed its prospective team names to three choices: the current name, the Utah Mammoth, and the Utah Wasatch. Fans will vote during Utah’s next four home games.

Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky kicked out 29 shots to blank the Los Angeles Kings 3-0. Matthew Tkachuk scored and picked up two assists as the Panthers vaulted over the Toronto Maple Leafs into first place in the Atlantic Division with 63 points. Los Angeles defenseman Drew Doughty made his season debut after being sidelined by a broken ankle since preseason. The Kings are third in the Pacific Division with 58 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Doughty’s return to the Kings lineup resulted in young defenseman Brandt Clarke being a healthy scratch.

Speaking of the Maple Leafs, they dropped a 3-1 decision to the Minnesota Wild. Filip Gustavsson made 32 saves and Jared Spurgeon netted what proved to be the winning goal for the Wild, who sit third in the Central Division with 64 points. William Nylander tallied for the Leafs (62 points) as their losing skid extended to three games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs winger Max Pacioretty was activated off injured reserve for this game. Winger Matthews Knies went on IR with an upper-body injury but could return to action on Saturday.

HEADLINES

The Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators unveiled their Quarter-Century Teams on Wednesday.

Forwards Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter, defensemen Drew Doughty and Alec Martinez, and goaltender Jonathan Quick made up the Kings’ First Team. The Second Team comprised forwards Justin Williams, Adrian Kempe and Zigmund Palffy, defensemen Mattias Norstrom and Lubomir Visnovsky, and goalie Felix Potvin.

The Predators’ First Team featured goaltender Pekka Rinnie, defensemen Roman Josi and Shea Weber, and forwards Filip Forsberg, Paul Kariya and Mike Fisher. The Second Team comprised forwards David Legwand, Ryan Johansen and Steve Sullivan, defensemen Mattias Ekholm and Kimmo Timonen, and goalie Juuse Saros.

STLTODAY.COM: The St. Louis Blues and winger Brandon Saad agreed to terminate his contract once he clears unconditional waivers today. Saad had a year remaining on his deal with an average annual value of $4.5 million. He had cleared waivers and was slated to be assigned to the Blues’ AHL affiliate in Springfield.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saad will become an unrestricted free agent, enabling him to sign with another team. I’ll have more about him and the Blues in today’s Rumor Mill update.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: The Kraken placed goaltender Philipp Grubauer on waivers for the purpose of assigning him to their AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley. He’s signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $5.9 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report indicates the Kraken doesn’t have to send down Grubauer but gives them the option. Given his contract, he’s unlikely to be claimed by another NHL team. This also raises questions about his future with the team, including a potential contract buyout in June.

Grubauer was the Kraken’s starter when he signed his contract in 2021 but Joey Daccord outplayed him for the job last season. He’s struggled this season with a 3.83 goals-against average and an. 866 save percentage.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle is sidelined indefinitely following surgery to repair a lacerated quadriceps muscle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guhle is the Canadiens’ best shutdown defenseman so his absence is a big blow to the blueline in their quest for a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. They’ve recalled Jayden Struble from his conditioning stint in Laval.

TSN: Ottawa Senators forward Nick Cousins is out for six to eight weeks with a knee injury.

CALGARY SUN: Flames defenseman Kevin Bahl is week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: San Jose Sharks goaltender Vitek Vanecek was assigned to his club’s AHL affiliate on a conditioning stint as he works his way back from a fractured cheekbone.

NESN: The Boston Bruins are talking with former captain Zdeno Chara about returning to the club as a front-office consultant.

RG.ORG: NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly was surprised by Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer suggesting his club play some regular-season games in Quebec City.

He made those remarks during a recent press conference announcing his team will play two preseason games there in September.

Andlauer also said he believes Quebec City deserves an NHL franchise but acknowledged that’s not his decision.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andlauer will likely get a gentle reminder from the commissioner’s office about speaking out of turn regarding potential NHL expansion destinations.