NHL Rumor Mill – July 13, 2026

by | Jul 13, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 13, 2026

Will the Jets trade Connor Hellebuyck this summer, and could they go shopping for second-line depth? What’s the latest on the Predators? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST JETS SPECULATION

MIKE MCINTYRE ON SPORTS: Winnipeg Free Press columnist Mike McIntyre firmly believes Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will be traded this summer, putting the odds “somewhere north of 95 per cent.”

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

McIntyre isn’t sure when the deal will go down or where Hellebuyck will be traded, but he believes the Buffalo Sabres are the most logical landing spot for the 33-year-old netminder. He also suggested the San Jose Sharks as a suitable destination, with the Carolina Hurricanes a distant third.

Hellebuyck has five years left on his contract. That means Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff can afford to be patient in waiting for the right deal for the three-time Vezina Trophy winner.

One reason McIntyre is certain Hellebuyck will be moved is that the Jets didn’t re-sign backup goalie Eric Comrie, instead signing former Edmonton Oilers starter Stuart Skinner to a two-year contract as a free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s believed the Jets and Sabres had a deal in place involving Hellebuyck, but it fell through before the opening round of last month’s NHL Draft weekend. Some observers claim he’s still willing to waive his no-movement clause to go to Buffalo, but working out the return remains the sticking point.

Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was rumored to be part of the return in that June trade scenario, but he has a five-team no-trade list, and the Jets may have been on it.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Massimo De Luca-Taronno doesn’t share McIntyre’s certainty that Hellebuyck will be traded. He felt that it was “increasingly likely” that the Jets’ franchise goalie would report to training camp this fall. He believes if a truly tempting trade offer were out there, Cheveldayoff would’ve pulled the trigger by now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s a long summer, and deals involving big-name players can happen when we least expect it. For example, Erik Karlsson was traded from the San Jose Sharks to the Pittsburgh Penguins in August 2023.

Nevertheless, the longer the summer goes without any sign of a Hellebuyck trade, the less likely it’ll happen before the start of the regular season.

De Luca-Taronno felt the Jets must bolster their second-line forward depth. He suggested Buffalo Sabres winger Jack Quinn, New Jersey Devils forward Dawson Mercer, Vegas Golden Knights’ forward Brett Howden, and Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright as trade candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Quinn was believed to be part of last month’s failed Hellebuyck trade to Buffalo. He could be part of the Jets’ asking price if the two clubs revisit that deal.

Howden’s performance last season makes it unlikely that the Golden Knights will part with him right now. Mercer frequently surfaced in trade rumors over the last two years, but new Devils GM Sunny Mehta could be reluctant to part with him. Wright is available, but the Kraken want a good young player in return.

UPDATE ON THE PREDATORS

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty recently listed the players most likely to be moved by the Nashville Predators following their recent additions of forward Mavrik Bourque, defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin, and winger Alex Kerfoot.

The moves leave the Predators with 26 active players under contract, meaning three must be dealt to get down to the maximum of 23.

Daugherty doubted that Lyubushkin would play a game for the Predators. Acquiring him was a key part of the trade that brought Bourque to Nashville. He could be peddled to a club in need of blueline depth during training camp.

It may be time to find Jonathan Marchessault a new home. The 35-year-old winger’s production has declined since signing with the Predators two years ago. However, it could be difficult to convince a team to take on his $5.5 million average annual value through 2028-29.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored the Montreal Canadiens were interested in signing Marchessault before he opted to join the Predators. Given his age and how his production has sagged, it’s doubtful they’ll revisit that interest.

Joakim Kemell could also be peddled. The 22-year-old forward has offensive potential, but his development with the Predators’ AHL affiliate has stalled.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 10, 2026

by | Jun 10, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 10, 2026

The Hurricanes get a critical win in the Stanley Cup Final, Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog wins two awards, the latest on the Oilers’ efforts to hire Mike Babcock, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Stanley Cup Final is tied again as the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 5-3 to even the best-of-seven series at two games apiece.

The Hurricanes jumped to a 3-1 lead in the first period on goals by Logan Stankoven, Jackson Black, and Jordan Staal. However, Golden Knights forwards William Karlsson and Brett Howden scored in the second period to tie the game. Howden leads this postseason with 14 goals, setting the Golden Knights’ single-season playoff record.

Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal (NHL Images).

Staal put the Hurricanes back on top in the third period with a diving backhand goal that left him sprawling on the ice. Nikolaj Ehlers netted an empty-net insurance goal late in the period as his clearing effort from behind his own net travelled the length of the ice.

This series returns to Carolina for Game 5 on Thursday at 8 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a critical win for the Hurricanes. A loss would’ve put them behind three games to one. Instead, they’re heading home with the series tied at two.

Staal has a series-leading five goals and has scored in each game of the Final. Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella admitted his team has had difficulty containing the Hurricanes’ captain. “He’s killing us in front of the net,” Tortorella said. “We’ve gotta do a better job around the blue paint.”

Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi picked up his first win in his first start in an NHL playoff game. He relieved starter Frederik Andersen after the second period of Game 3 when the latter gave up four goals. Pyotr Kochetkov was Bussi’s backup while Andersen was listed as a healthy scratch. Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said he felt Andersen needed a break, but some observers wonder if the veteran netminder might be nursing an injury.

It was another rough outing for Carter Hart. The Golden Knights goalie entered this series considered a candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. However, he’s become the first netminder in Stanley Cup Final history to give up at least four goals in each of the first four games.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy and the Mark Messier Leadership Award.

Landeskog was a finalist for the Masterton last season for his efforts in resuming his playing career after being sidelined for over two seasons recovering from knee surgeries. This season was his first full campaign, finishing with 35 points in 60 games.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the NHL Players’ Association has asked the league to conduct a full investigation into Mike Babcock’s departure from the Columbus Blue Jackets before the Edmonton Oilers can officially hire him as head coach.

The league’s initial position was that it had to be informed that the Oilers intended to hire Babcock before stepping in. However, sources told Friedman that what’s at issue is the fact the league was prepared to investigate what happened with the Blue Jackets before Babcock resigned as their head coach in September 2023.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Babcock stepped down over allegations he was invading his players’ privacy by requesting to see personal photos on their cellphones.

Friedman said it’s expected the PA’s request will be granted and an investigation will be conducted. He’s not certain if it will prevent the Oilers from hiring Babcock in the meantime, but he thinks it’s hard to see them doing so knowing an investigation is imminent.

TWINCITIES.COM: The Minnesota Wild signed center Michael McCarron to a six-year, $20-million contract extension. McCarron, 31, will earn an average annual value of $3.333 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: PuckPedia indicates he also has a full no-movement clause for the first three seasons. The NMC remains in place in the final three seasons to prevent him from being demoted to the minors, but he will have a 15-team no-trade clause.

Acquired from the Nashville Predators at the trade deadline, McCarron’s physical style and versatility made him a good fit with the Wild. This is the best contract of his career, coming off a two-year deal with an AAV of $900K.

With all due respect to McCarron, it’s unusual for a player of his caliber to get a six-year contract. It was likely done to ensure his cap hit would be an affordable $3.333 million. However, the full no-movement clause is rare for someone like him, and could come back to haunt the Wild if they need to make a cost-cutting move down the road.

This signing could also complicate the Wild’s efforts to acquire Dylan Larkin. The Detroit Red Wings center has Minnesota on his three-team list of trade destinations. McCarron’s signing leaves the Wild with over $9.4 million in cap space for next season.

Larkin carries an AAV of $8.7 million through 2030-31. The Wings won’t be open to retaining part of his cap hit for the next five seasons. The Wild will have to include one or two roster players in that deal to ensure they have sufficient salary-cap flexibility next season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 6, 2026

by | Jun 6, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 6, 2026

The reasons behind Dylan Larkin’s trade request, Nick Suzuki wins the Selke Trophy and Cole Caufield takes home the Lady Byng Trophy, the latest on the Hurricanes and Golden Knights, remembering Cliff Fletcher, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff pondered what changed for Dylan Larkin that prompted him to request a trade from the Red Wings.

Duff noted the change in Larkin after playing for Team USA’s gold-medal team at the Winter Olympics in February. Perhaps finally getting a taste of victory was behind it. He also wondered if Larkin’s Team USA Olympic teammates such as Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers, Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights, and Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild influenced his decision to move on to a club with a better chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reported no one from the Larkin camp or the Red Wings is talking about the reason behind the 29-year-old center’s trade request.

One reason could be Larkin is turning 30 in July and apparently doesn’t believe the Red Wings will win the Stanley Cup while he’s in his prime. His frosty relationship with general manager Steve Yzerman probably hasn’t helped. Khan doubted that this relationship can be repaired.

Larkin has a full no-trade clause, which will complicate the Red Wings’ efforts to find a suitable trade partner. If Yzerman doesn’t get an offer to his liking during the offseason, he could hang onto Larkin, which could lead to an awkward situation if he’s still with the team next season.

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Helene St. James reports Larkin’s trade request has fired up Red Wings fans. Most of her readers are pointing the blame at Yzerman’s inability to build the club into a playoff contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Playing for the US Olympic men’s hockey team may have been a factor behind his decision, but not because Tkachuk, Eichel, and Hughes talked him into it.

After spending 11 seasons with a club that has missed the playoffs for the past decade, Larkin represented his country with a team that won the biggest prize in international hockey. That experience may have led to a reevaluation of where he is in his professional career and the Red Wings’ direction under Yzerman’s management.

Larkin’s request continues to raise speculation over where he might be traded. I’ll have the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as this season’s top defensive forward. Teammate Cole Caufield won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of play.

Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki (NHL Images).

Suzuki is the third player in Canadiens history to win the Selke, joining Bob Gainey and Guy Carbonneau. He’s the first Hab to win it since Carbonneau in 1992.

Caufield is the third Canadiens to win the Lady Byng, joining Toe Blake (1945-46) and Mats Naslund (1987-88).

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal is drawing praise from his head coach and his teammates for his leadership, performance, and timely offense during this postseason.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Golden Knights forward Brett Howden’s play has put him into the conversation for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. He leads all scorers in this postseason with 13 goals, tying the franchise record for most goals in a single postseason.

TWINCITIES.COM: Marcus Johansson’s NHL career is ending after 16 seasons. The 35-year-old Minnesota Wild forward signed a one-year contract with Farjestad BK in the Swedish Hockey League.

Johansson’s departure leaves a hole on the Wild’s second line that will have to be addressed before next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: From 2010-11 to 2025-26, Johansson had 200 goals and 366 assists for 566 points in 1,058 regular-season games with the Wild, Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres, Seattle Kraken, and Boston Bruins. He also had 51 points in 125 playoff games.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators hired former Los Angeles Kings general manager Rob Blake as their new executive vice president of hockey operations. Meanwhile, assistant GM Brian Poile, son of former Predators GM David Poile, is leaving the team after 16 seasons, eight of those in his recent role.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers hired Jay Leach as head coach of their AHL affiliate in Hartford.

TORONTO SUN: Former Maple Leafs general manager Cliff Fletcher passed away on Friday at age 90.

Fletcher began his NHL management career as GM of the expansion Atlanta Flames in 1972. He moved with the club to Calgary in 1980, building them into Stanley Cup champions in 1989.

Hired by the Maple Leafs in 1991, he made one of the biggest trades in franchise history by acquiring Doug Gilmour from the Flames in a blockbuster 10-player trade. Gilmour became the Maple Leafs’ franchise player, leading the Maple Leafs to back-to-back Campbell Conference Finals in 1993 and 1994.

In 1994, Fletcher made another significant trade for the Leafs, shipping Wendel Clark to the Quebec Nordiques for Mats Sundin, who went on to become one of the greatest players in franchise history.

Fletcher stepped down as Leafs GM in 1997. He went on to front-office roles with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Phoenix Coyotes before returning to the Leafs in 2008 as interim GM until Brian Burke was named general manager. He remained with the Leafs in an advisory role until his death.

Fletcher was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 2004.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My sincere condolences to Fletcher’s family, friends, and the Flames’ and Maple Leafs’ organizations.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 5, 2026

by | Jun 5, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 5, 2026

The Hurricanes defeat the Golden Knights to tie the Stanley Cup Final at a game apiece, Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin requests a trade, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Seth Jarvis gave the Carolina Hurricanes a 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, tying the series at a game apiece.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis (NHL Images).

Brett Howden scored twice to give the Golden Knights a 2-0 lead entering the third period. Howden leads the playoffs with 13 goals, tying Jonathan Marchessault’s franchise record for the most goals in a single postseason.

The Hurricanes rallied to take a 3-2 lead on goals by Logan Stankoven, Mark Jankowski, and Jordan Staal. The latter’s goal was the result of a failed coach’s challenge by the Golden Knights for a disallowed goal by Ivan Barbashev, leading to a power play for the Hurricanes.

Golden Knights captain Mark Stone tied the game with 1:21 remaining in the third, but it was Jarvis who was the hero for the Hurricanes on the power play in the extra frame.

The series shifts to Las Vegas for the next two games, with Game 3 on Saturday at 8 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb left this game midway through the first period after the puck struck him in the face. He left the arena to receive treatment at a local hospital. That left the Golden Knights playing the remainder of the game with five defensemen.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman broke the news that Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade.

Larkin has spent his entire 11-season NHL career with the Red Wings. The last time the 29-year-old center skated in the playoffs was during his rookie season in 2015-16.

Friedman stated neither Larkin’s camp nor Red Wings management would comment, but his potential availability in this summer’s trade market would be massive. Several teams are in the market for centers.

Larkin is signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $8.7 million. He also has a full no-trade clause until the end of the 2027-28 season, giving him complete control over this situation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This report was a bombshell that could be a serious setback for Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman and his rebuilding efforts, dubbed the “Yzerplan.” Larkin is the Wings’ first-line center, and trading him would significantly deplete their already-thin depth at center.

Yzerman doesn’t have to honor Larkin’s trade request, but having an unhappy team captain would be a major distraction for the Wings next season. Stripping him of the captaincy would only add to the hype surrounding this story.

This request by Larkin shouldn’t come as a surprise. It was evident last season that he was growing weary of the Wings’ inability to become a playoff contender when he openly criticized Yzerman for not making any significant additions at the trade deadline.

Larkin got an overdue taste of winning while playing for Team USA’s Olympic men’s gold-medal team in February. It had to have been crushing to go from that emotional high to missing the playoffs for the 10th straight season, and likely prompted him to reevaluate where he is in his career and whether his Stanley Cup hopes will be fulfilled in Detroit.

Yzerman is largely responsible for the Red Wings’ ongoing playoff drought during his seven-year tenure as general manager, especially over the past three years when they’ve faltered down the stretch.

However, Larkin also deserves his fair share. He’s the team captain and is supposed to lead by example, but at times his performance has seemed uninspiring. Injuries certainly haven’t helped, and he can’t be faulted for those, but that doesn’t fully absolve him from his responsibility as captain to motivate his teammates.

So, which clubs could be suitable trade destinations? Find out later this morning in my daily Rumor Mill update.

NHL.COM: Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Foligno is this season’s winner of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The award is presented to the NHL player “who best exemplifies leadership on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community.”

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers are reportedly close to signing goaltender Dan Vladar to a five-year contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vladar played a major role in the Flyers exceeding expectations by qualifying for the postseason and eliminating the Pittsburgh Penguins from the opening round. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the deal is all but done, but it can’t be formally announced until July 1.

SPORTSNET: Ivan Demidov hopes to sign a long-term contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens this summer. The 20-year-old winger has one year remaining on his entry-level contract. He led all rookies with 62 points, and was runner-up for the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Demidov reportedly wants to get a deal done as soon as possible. Canadiens management does as well, especially since the deadline for re-signing players to eight-year contracts is Sept. 15. After that, the maximum term for re-signings will be seven years.

It remains to be seen what the AAV for Demidov’s next contract will be. However, the Canadiens tend to re-sign their young core players to affordable deals. Given that Lane Hutson inked an eight-year extension worth an AAV of $8.85 million last fall, Demidov could get a deal of similar term with roughly a similar cap hit.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 21, 2026

by | Jan 21, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 21, 2026

The Lightning’s points streak reaches 14 games, Senators goalie Linus Ullmark talks about his leave of absence, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING TUESDAY’S ACTION

NHL.COM: The Tampa Bay Lightning extended their points streak to 14 games (13-0-1) with a 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Brandon Hagel scored twice and collected an assist. Nikita Kucherov had three assists for the 31-13-4 Lightning, who hold first place in the Eastern Conference with 66 points, holding two games in hand over the Carolina Hurricanes (66 points). Tyler Toffoli replied for the Sharks (25-21-3).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning center Anthony Cirelli suffered an injury early in the third period. He will be reevaluated on Wednesday.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel (NHL Images).

Ottawa Senators forwards Tim Stutzle and Ridly Greig each had a goal and an assist as their club defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1. Jame Reimer stopped 21 shots as the Senators improved to 23-19-7. Sean Monahan scored for the Blue Jackets (22-20-7) as their four-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, TSN published an interview with Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark, who is currently on a leave of absence. Ullmark explained that he stepped away for mental health reasons after suffering panic attacks before and after the Senators’ game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Dec. 27. There is no timetable for his return.

Ullmark also addressed the rumors circulating on social media regarding his absence, prompting the Senators to release a statement on January 8, condemning the unfounded speculation.

“And people wonder why hockey players – professional athletes – are not talking. Why we’re not showing any sort of emotions. Why mental health in men and in women are a stigma,” Ullmark said.

Referring to the trolls on social media, he said that it took them 24 hours from the announcement of his leave of absence to come up with reasons why he stepped away. “Saying I’m a homewrecker, a person no one likes on the team. And I can’t defend myself.”

Ullmark said the rumors prompted family and friends to contact him and his wife to find out if they were okay. “They send text messages asking, ‘Hey, are you guys good?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, why?’ And then they tell you about the rumors, and you’re like, ‘What the f**k is wrong with people?’”

Speaking of the Senators, defenseman Jake Sanderson said he apologized to now-demoted Leevi Merilainen for publicly criticizing the goaltender’s performance in a 6-5 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. Sanderson said he still feels embarrassed about making those comments and feels bad about his teammate.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson scored twice to beat the Boston Bruins 6-2, ending the latter’s six-game win streak. Justin Hryckowian and Miro Heiskanen each had three points for the 28-13-9 Stars, ending a three-game losing skid. Morgan Geekie and Fraser Minten scored for the Bruins (28-20-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of Robertson, he recently changed agents amid contract extension talks with the Stars. He’s slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Meanwhile, Stars winger Mikko Rantanen missed the game due to illness.

Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield scored with 15 seconds remaining in regulation to nip the Minnesota Wild 4-3. Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov each had two points for the 28-15-7 Canadiens. Vladimir Tarasenko tallied twice for the Wild (28-14-9).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens winger Alexandre Texier missed this game as he’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin will miss the upcoming Winter Olympics with a lower-body injury. Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson could also miss that tournament as he recovers from a procedure on his left thigh. Both players were selected for Sweden’s Men’s Hockey Team.

The Los Angeles Kings got 27 saves from Anton Forsberg in a 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers, ending a four-game winless skid. Kevin Fiala had a goal and an assist for the Kings, who improved to 20-16-13. J.T. Miller scored two goals for the Rangers, who slipped to 21-24-6.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Forsberg took over late in the first period as Darcy Kuemper left the game with an upper-body injury.

New Jersey Devils forwards Arseny Gritsyuk and Cody Glass scored to defeat the Edmonton Oilers 2-1. Jake Allen made 22 saves for the 26-22-2 Devils, who have won four of their last five games. Matt Savoie replied for the Oilers (25-18-8).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils defenseman Luke Hughes missed this game after suffering an apparent shoulder injury against the Calgary Flames on Monday.

Buffalo Sabres rookie forward Konsta Helenius had a goal and two assists for his first NHL points in a 5-3 win over the Nashville Predators. Noah Ostlund scored twice to open the scoring for the Sabres (27-17-5). Ryan O’Reilly and Filip Forsberg each had three points for the Predators, who dropped to 23-22-4.

The Winnipeg Jets downed the St. Louis Blues 3-1. Mark Scheifele had two goals and an assist, and Josh Morrissey had a goal and two assists for the 20-23-6 Jets. Jordan Kyrou tallied for the Blues (19-23-8).

IN OTHER NEWS…

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was sent to the club’s AHL affiliate on a conditioning stint. It’s the next step in his return to the lineup after being sidelined with an upper-body nerve issue since Nov. 11.

CBS SPORTS: Vegas Golden Knights forward Brett Howden (lower body) was placed on injured reserve.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins acquired defenseman Ilya Solovyov from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for winger Valtteri Puustinen and a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 23, 2024

by | Nov 23, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 23, 2024

Recaps of Friday’s games, Blackhawks star Connor Bedard struggles to end his goalless streak, a unique honor for Joe Thornton, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Winnipeg Jets defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-1, securing the second-most wins through 20 games of a season in NHL history (17-3-0). Jets winger Kyle Connor had a “Gordie Howe hat trick,” scoring a goal, collecting an assist, and earning a fighting major following a scrap with Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. Michael Bunting scored for the struggling Penguins, who’ve dropped seven of their last nine games (2-4-3).

Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor (NHL Images).

An overtime goal by rookie forward Jiri Kulich lifted the Buffalo Sabres to a 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Alex Tuch and Owen Power each had two points for the Sabres, who overcame a 2-0 deficit. The Ducks got goals from Drew Helleson and Isac Lundestrom and a 30-save performance from John Gibson as their three-game win streak ended.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Chicago Blackhawks sophomore center Connor Bedard is struggling to snap out of an 11-game goalless streak. His last goal was on Oct. 26 against the Dallas Stars. The 19-year-old center collected six assists during that stretch with five coming in two games.

“It’s been a tough stretch, and you just feel like you don’t have it or whatever, and you lose a bit of confidence and it just kind of goes on,” said Bedard, adding he could “name 100 things” when asked the reason behind his goal drought.

Bedard admitted he’s felt frustrated during this stretch. “I just don’t feel like I’m really doing anything. So just keep chipping away at it, I guess, and hopefully find my game again.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bedard’s comments raised concerns among Blackhawks observers, who called on management and the coaching staff to address their young star’s frustration.

The Blackhawks surrounded Bedard with veteran forwards like Tyler Bertuzzi, Taylor Hall, and Teuvo Teravainen to take some of the burden off their franchise player as they rebuild around him. However, their production is down this season. Younger forwards Philipp Kurashev and Lukas Reichel are also struggling to score.

Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson has been criticized in recent weeks for his handling of the roster. If things don’t improve soon, management could face pressure to shake things up behind the bench.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The city of San Jose has named Nov. 23 “Joe Thornton Day” ahead of the Sharks’ retiring his No. 19 before their game against the Buffalo Sabres. Thornton will join former teammate Patrick Marleau as the second player to have his number retired by the Sharks.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kraken captain Jordan Eberle will be sidelined for at least three months following pelvic surgery on Thursday. He was injured during a Nov. 14 game against the Blackhawks.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Golden Knights signed forward Brett Howden to a five-year, $12.5 million contract extension. The average annual value is $2.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Howden, 26, earns $1.9 million this season and was slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July. He might’ve earned more elsewhere via free agency but opted for the long-term security. This benefits the Golden Knights as it’s a marginal raise over his AAV, fitting comfortably within their cap payroll over the next five seasons.

THE SCORE: Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies for Sunday’s game against the Utah Hockey Club. He suffered an upper-body injury during Thursday’s game against the Golden Knights following a hit from Zach Whitecloud. Head coach Craig Berube said Knies is improving but offered no timetable for his return.

TORONTO SUN: Speaking of the Leafs, they signed Alex Nylander to a one-year, one-way $775K contract and recalled him from their AHL affiliate. In a corresponding move, they placed Knies on injured reserve. Alex is the younger brother of Leafs star William Nylander.

ROTOWIRE: Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Cam York is slated to come off injured reserve and return to the lineup on Saturday against Chicago. He’s been sidelined by an upper-body injury since Oct. 24.