NHL Rumor Mill – September 23, 2024

by | Sep 23, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 23, 2024

Check out the latest on the Flames and Oilers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Amid rumors of unrest among some Calgary Flames veterans not wanting to be stuck in a rebuild, Eric Duhatschek was asked by a reader what the trade market would be for Jonathan Huberdeau, Blake Coleman, MacKenzie Weegar, Mikael Backlund, and Nazem Kadri.

Duhatschek doesn’t see Huberdeau moving without the Flames retaining at least 30 percent of his $10.5 million annual cap hit. The 31-year-old winger must also re-establish himself as a point-per-game player.

Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Duhatshek believes we should “never say never” but the Flames will find Huberdeau difficult to move with that hefty cap hit running through 2030-21. He also has a full no-movement clause throughout the deal.

Coleman, 32, could have the most value. He has a championship pedigree and a $4.9 million average annual value through 2026-27. Teams could come calling about the two-way forward near the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agreed. Coleman has a 10-team no-trade list but that gives the Flames considerable leeway if the right offer is made.

The 35-year-old Backlund took a pay cut to stay in Calgary. He could draw attention near the trade deadline but finishing his career with the team he started with is important to him. “I don’t see him moving,” replied Duhatschek.

Weegar carries a $6.25 million AAV through 2030-31 and is an important piece of the Flames’ transition. Duhatschek believes it would take “something special” to pry him away. He thought the Ottawa Senators would’ve been a good destination for Weegar but the Flames asking price would be Shane Pinto and that’s a non-starter for the Senators.

Kadri, 33, has a $7 million cap hit through 2028-29. Duhatschek thinks he’d be a good addition to a club with a three-year Stanley Cup window. However, Kadri recently told reporters to “pump the brakes” on trade speculation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames’ performance this season could determine Kadri’s willingness to stick around. His cap hit isn’t as expensive as Huberdeau’s but the Flames might still have to retain some of it to facilitate a deal because of his age.

Duhatshek considers forwards Andrei Kuzmenko ($5.5 million AAV) and Anthony Mantha ($3.5 million) most likely to move if they have decent seasons. Both are slated to become unrestricted free agents in July.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parsons noted the Edmonton Oilers could garner some salary-cap flexibility to add to their roster by placing sidelined winger Evander Kane ($5.125 million AAV) on long-term injury reserve.

If they do, Parsons doesn’t see them using it to sign PTO winger Mike Hoffman. Instead, he believes they could use it to bolster their defense corps, depending on whether offseason acquisition Ty Emberson can play top-four minutes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Oilers go that route they’ll have to be prepared to shed salary to make room for Kane if he returns to action in January or February.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 29, 2024

by | Jul 29, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 29, 2024

Alex Ovechkin is dealing with an offseason injury, the Blue Jackets sign Kirill Marchensko, Ryan Lomberg looks forward to reuniting with Jonathan Huberdeau in Calgary, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber cited a report out of Russia indicating Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is dealing with a minor knee injury. It’s not considered serious and he’s expected to begin ramping up his offseason training soon in preparation for his 20th NHL season.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images)

Silber noted that Ovechkin missed a handful of games last season with a lower-body injury, but it’s unclear if it’s related to his current ailment.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier this offseason, Ovechkin said he intended to change his training after getting off to a slow start last season. His production was down compared to previous years but he still tallied 30 goals, marking the 18th time he’s reached that plateau.

With 853 career NHL goals, the 38-year-old Ovechkin is 42 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894. He could do it this season with a better start and a healthier season.

SPORTSNET: The Columbus Blue Jackets avoided arbitration with winger Kirill Marchenko, reaching an agreement on a three-year, $11.85 million contract. Marchenko, 23, is coming off back-to-back 20-plus goal seasons. He’ll earn an average annual value of $3.85 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchenko was among the few bright spots in a forgettable season for the Blue Jackets, leading the club with 23 goals and sitting third with 42 points.

Marchenko recently said he hadn’t received a contract offer from the Blue Jackets, sparking some speculation he might become available. That’s not the case as he remains part of their rebuilding process.

Only two scheduled hearings remain. New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren’s is slated for Aug. 2 and Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas’ is Aug. 4.

Of the 14 players who filed for arbitration, only one required an arbitrator to settle. Nashville Predators defenseman Spencer Stastney was awarded a two-year, $1.675 million contract on July 24.

THE SCORE: Ryan Lomberg looks forward to reuniting with former Florida Panthers teammate Jonathan Huberdeau. He signed a two-year contract earlier this month with the Calgary Flames.

Lomberg is confident that Huberdeau will regain his high-scoring form. “There’s no doubt he’s one of the best players in the league,” he said, praising Huberdeau’s “world-class” skills. “There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s gonna get back to the level he was at.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Huberdeau’s production has significantly declined since arriving in Calgary in 2022. He had a career-high 115 points in 2021-22 but managed 55 points in 2022-23 and 52 points last season with a Flames team undergoing a significant roster shakeup.

TSN: The AHL’s Toronto Marlies signed forward Alex Nylander to a one-year AHL contract. Nylander, 26, is the younger brother of Leafs star William Nylander. Drafted eighth overall in the 2016 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres, he has 25 goals and 49 points in 121 career NHL games. The Marlies are the Leafs’ AHL affiliate.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: The Red Wings promoted Aaron Kahn as assistant general manager and director of hockey operations.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 10, 2024

by | Jul 10, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 10, 2024

Jonathan Huberdeau weighs in on the Panthers winning the Stanley Cup, the Penguins hire the Leafs’ scouting director, Matt Savoie is excited about joining the Oilers, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

CALGARY SUN: It was bittersweet for Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau watching the Florida Panthers win the Stanley Cup last month. Huberdeau spent the first 10 seasons of his NHL career with the Panthers until he was traded to the Flames two years ago, a move that sent Matthew Tkachuk to Florida.

Huberdeau signed an eight-year contract extension with the Flames following the trade. He’s struggled to regain the offensive form he had with the Panthers, including a career-high 115-point performance in 2021-22.

Calgary Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau (NHL Images).

The 31-year-old Huberdeau admits it’s difficult at this stage of his career to go through a roster rebuild in Calgary. He also acknowledged his expensive contract and the recent decline in his production will make him difficult to trade.

Huberdeau didn’t criticize the Flames management. He said he fully accepts his role with the club, believing the club can be better than some expect.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Huberdeau endured a miserable 2023-24 with 52 points, his lowest total in a full NHL season since 2014-15. Nevertheless, he will be expected to play a leadership role for the Flames’ younger players during their current roster transition. A bounce-back effort on his part will be crucial.

TORONTO SUN/PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins hired Wes Clark as vice president of player personnel. Clark spent the past six seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was their director of amateur scouting from 2021 to 2024.

Despite the Leafs carrying low first-round picks during his tenure, Clark was responsible for their selections of Matthew Knies, Easten Cowan, Fraser Minten, and their 2024 pick, Ben Danford.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Clark is well-regarded around the league for his work at the Leafs’ draft table. This was a savvy move by Kyle Dubas, the Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager. He knows Clark well from his tenure as Leafs GM.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Matt Savoie is happy to be joining his hometown Oilers. They acquired the promising prospect center from the Buffalo Sabres last week. “When I heard the news I was really excited, an Edmonton kid, always coming to games with my parents,” he said.

Savoie bears the Sabres no ill will for trading him. “They have a ton of young prospects kind of on the cusp of making the league and they had to move a couple of guys out to make the team better, getting some older players. I understood it.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Savoie will face a challenge cracking the Oilers’ current roster. Salary cap constraints could ensure he spends this season with their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers signed defenseman Adam Boqvist to a one-year contract. The move comes a week after signing his older brother Jesper Boqvist to a one-year deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Boqvist brothers will each earn $775K for 2024-25.

DAILY FACEOFF: Boqvist’s signing removes one player from the list of notable unrestricted free agents. Winger James van Riemsdyk, defenseman Ryan Suter and winger Max Pacioretty are the biggest names still available, along with winger Daniel Sprong, blueliner Tyson Barrie, and rearguard Oliver Kylington.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 26, 2024

by | Jan 26, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 26, 2024

The Oilers win their 15th straight game, Steven Stamkos and Brad Marchand reach notable milestones, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Edmonton Oilers picked up their 15th consecutive win by blanking the Chicago Blackhawks 3-0. Calvin Pickard turned in a 27-save shutout while Connor McDavid scored twice and collected an assist for the 28-15-1 Oilers, who sit third in the Pacific Division with 57 points. Petr Mrazek stopped 31 shots for the 14-33-2 Blackhawks as they dropped into last place in the overall standings with 30 points.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos had a goal and an assist to reach his 1,100th career NHL point in a 6-3 victory over the Arizona Coyotes. Nikita Kucherov regained first place in the scoring race (83 points) with a goal and two assists for the Lightning (26-18-5), who sit third in the Atlantic Division with 57 points. Clayton Keller had a goal and an assist for the 23-21-3 Coyotes (49 points) as they sit four points out of the final Western Conference playoff berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos is the 29th player in NHL history to record 1,100 points with a single team and the sixth active player to do so, joining Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, Washington’s Alex Ovechkin, Patrick Kane (Chicago) and Los Angeles’ Anze Kopitar.

The Boston Bruins blew a 2-0 lead but defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-2 on an overtime goal by Brad Marchand. David Pastrnak had a goal and an assist while Jeremy Swayman turned aside 35 shots for the 30-9-9 Bruins, who hold first place in the Eastern Conference with 69 points. Thomas Chabot had a goal and an assist for the 18-24-2 Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins are tied with the Vancouver Canucks in points but the latter holds first place in the overall standings with 32 wins.

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Alex Lyon made 30 saves to shut out the Philadelphia Flyers 3-0. Dylan Larkin scored to extend his points streak to 10 games as the Red Wings (25-18-5) hold the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 55 points. Samuel Ersson made 14 saves on 17 shots for the 25-18-6 Flyers as they’ve dropped four straight but remain in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 56 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, the Wings sent goalie Ville Husso to their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids on a conditioning stint. This is a positive sign that he could soon return to action as he’s missed the past 16 games with a lower-body injury.

The Carolina Hurricanes held off the New Jersey Devils 3-2 for their 10th win in their last 13 games. Teuvo Teravainen had a goal and an assist for the 27-15-5 Hurricanes (59 points) as they hold a three-point lead over the Flyers in second place in the Metro Division. Jesper Bratt scored to collect his team-leading 49th point for the 24-19-3 Devils (51 points) as they sit four points behind the Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils winger Ondrej Palat returned to action after missing 10 games with a lower-body injury. They also placed forward Jack Hughes on injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 5 and placed defenseman Dougie Hamilton (torn pectoral) on long-term injury reserve. The latter move enables the Devils to exceed the salary cap by over $6.7 million, which will allow them to add a player or two by the March 8 trade deadline. They’re believed to be in the market for a goaltender and perhaps a defenseman.

An overtime goal by Thomas Harley left the Dallas Stars to a 4-3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Miro Heiskanen scored for the 29-13-6 Stars in his first game since being sidelined by an injury on Jan. 4. With 64 points, the Stars sit third in the Central Division. John Gibson made 40 saves for the 16-30-2 Ducks.

The Nashville Predators scored three third-period goals to nip the Minnesota Wild by a score of 3-2. Roman Josi had a goal and an assist while Ryan O’Reilly collected two assists for the 26-21-1 Predators, who hold the final Western Conference wild-card berth with 53 points. Kirill Kaprizov collected two assists while Joel Eriksson Ek tallied his 21st goal of the season for the 21-22-5 Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, the Wild acquired defenseman Will Butcher from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for forward Maxim Cajkovic. Butcher will report to the Wild’s AHL affiliate in Iowa.

Montreal Canadiens center Sean Monahan scored twice and collected an assist in a 4-3 win over the New York Islanders. Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield had a goal and an assist while Sam Montembeault kicked out 43 shots for the 20-21-7 Canadiens as they blew a 3-0 lead until Monahan’s game-winning goal. Noah Dobson collected three assists while Mathew Barzal, Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri had a goal and an assist for the 20-17-11 Islanders (51 points) as they sit four points out of the final Eastern wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher is expected to face supplemental discipline after receiving a match penalty for elbowing Isles defenseman Adam Pelech in the head. Pelech, who has a history of concussions, left the game and didn’t return. After winning their first game under new head coach Patrick Roy, the Isles have dropped two straight games.

The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Calgary Flames 5-2. Adam Fantilli, Yegor Chinakhov and Damon Severson each had a goal and an assist for the 14-23-9 Blue Jackets. Connor Zary and MacKenzie Weegar replied for the 21-22-5 Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oliver Kylington returned to action for the Flames for the first time since May 2022 as he dealt with mental health challenges…Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau received a five-minute major and a game misconduct for boarding Blue Jackets forward Jack Roslovic…Calgary forward A.J. Greer left this game with an injured left leg…Earlier in the day, the Flames lost Adam Ruzicka and Nick DeSimone to waivers. The Arizona Coyotes claimed Ruzicka while the New Jersey Devils picked up DeSimone.

Turning to the Blue Jackets, they activated Zach Werenski off injured reserve and demoted David Jiricek to their AHL affiliate in Cleveland. Werenski collected an assist in this game.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 8, 2023

by | Nov 8, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 8, 2023

The Sharks get their first win of the season, Rangers winger Artemi Panarin extends his points streak, Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau gets benched, the Oilers place Jack Campbell on waivers, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The San Jose Sharks ended their 11-game season-opening winless skid by holding off the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1. Anthony Duclair and William Eklund scored while Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 38 shots for the 1-10-1 Sharks. Joel Farabee replied for the Flyers as they dropped to 5-7-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackwood was the hero for the Sharks with a stellar performance in this game. It’s just the third game that they managed to score more than once. Meanwhile, Sean Couturier returned to the Flyers lineup after missing the last two games with a lower-body injury while Morgan Frost was a healthy scratch.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin had a goal and an assist to extend his season-opening points streak to 12 games as his club clipped the Detroit Red Wings by a score of 5-3. Vincent Trocheck scored twice while Chris Kreider and Erik Gustafsson each had two points as the Rangers (9-2-1) lead the Metropolitan Division with 19 points. Michael Rasmussen, Klim Kostin and Andrew Copp scored for the Red Wings as they slipped to 7-5-1.

The Calgary Flames scored four straight goals to double up the Nashville Predators 4-2. Nazem Kadi and Yegor Sherangovich each had two points for the 4-7-1 Flames while Michael McCarron and Kiefer Sherwood tallied for the 5-7-0 Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The surprise of the night was Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau getting benched for the entire third period as his teammates staged their comeback win. Flames coach Ryan Huska said he made the move because he felt Huberdeau had an off-night.

Huberdeau has been struggling since last season to regain the high-scoring form that earned him an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $10.5 million. Whether this move lights a fire under him remains to be seen.

An overtime goal by Martin Necas lifted the Carolina Hurricanes to a 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Tony DeAngelo and Brady Skjei also scored for the Hurricanes as they improved to 8-5-0. Alex Tuch and Rasmus Dahlin replied for the 6-6-1 Sabres.

The Colorado Avalanche remain unbeaten at home (4-0-0) after defeating the New Jersey Devils 6-3 to move into first place in the Central Division with 16 points. Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar each had three points and Nathan MacKinnon and Miles Wood both had two points for the 8-3-0 Avalanche. Tyler Toffoli and Dougie Hamilton each had two points for the 7-4-1 Devils.

A four-goal first period powered the Tampa Bay Lightning over the Montreal Canadiens by a score of 5-3. Nick Paul tallied two goals while Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman each collected two points for the Lightning (6-3-4). Canadiens goalie Jake Allen was replaced by Sam Montembeault after giving up four goals on nine shots as the Habs sank to 5-5-2 on the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A tough outing for Allen, who was the club’s Molson Cup recipient as their top star in October. Meanwhile, Lightning forward Conor Sheary left the game in the first period with an upper-body injury.

Third-period goals by Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek gave the Minnesota Wild a 4-2 win over the New York Islanders. Marc-Andre Fleury made 27 shots as the Wild improved to 5-5-2. Noah Dobson and Oliver Wahlstrom replied for the Islanders as they dropped to 5-3-3.

The Winnipeg Jets got two goals from Kyle Connor to beat the St. Louis Blues 5-2. Connor and Mark Scheifele each finished with three points while Alex Iafallo collected four assists for the 6-4-2 Jets. Robert Thomas and Brayden Schenn scored for the Blues as they fell to 5-5-1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Part of the return to Winnipeg in the June trade that sent Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Kings, Iafallo has fit in well with the Jets. He’s third among their scoring leaders with 10 points in 12 games.

A shootout goal by Nick Bjugstad lifted the Arizona Coyotes to a 4-3 win over the Seattle Kraken. Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz each had two points in regulation while Connor Ingram made 35 saves for the 6-5-1 Coyotes. Matty Beniers and Eeli Tolvanen each had two points for the Kraken (4-6-3).

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltenders Tristan Jarry and Magnus Hellberg combined for 32 saves to shut out the Anaheim Ducks 2-0. Radim Zohorna and Sidney Crosby were the goal scorers as the Penguins improved to 5-6-0. John Gibson made 34 saves for the Ducks (7-5-0).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarry left this game in the third period with a head injury as he suffered a cut over his right eye. There was no update on his condition following the game.

IN OTHER NEWS…

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers yesterday placed goaltender Jack Campbell on waivers to assign him to their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield. They’re expected to call up Calvin Pickard to back up Stuart Skinner.

Campbell, 31, is in the second season of his five-year, $25-million contract. He’s struggled since last season to establish himself as their starter. The Oilers are dead last in the NHL in save percentage this season with Campbell (.873) having one win in five starts while Skinner (.856) has one win in six starts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No one is claiming Campbell and his contract off waivers. The Oilers will have to hope that this stint in the AHL helps him regain his form and confidence. They will only get $1.15 million in cap relief by sending him to the minors. 

This move has also sparked speculation that more changes could be coming for the struggling Oilers. I’ll have more on this in today’s Rumors update.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 2, 2023

by | May 2, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 2, 2023

The Devils eliminate the Rangers, the Flames fire head coach Darryl Sutter and the Panthers limit ticket sales for fans of the Maple Leafs. Details and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The New Jersey Devils blanked the New York Rangers 4-0 in Game 7 of their best-of-seven first-round series. Akira Schmid turned in a 31-save shutout while Michael McLeod, Tomas Tatar, Erik Haula and Jesper Bratt scored for the Devils, who advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2012. They’ll face off with the Carolina Hurricanes with Game 1 starting Wednesday.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Akira Schmid (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a big step forward for the Devils emerging from years of rebuilding. Schmid was their MVP in this series, taking over in Game 3 with his club down 2-0 in the series and winning four of five games. His goaltending inspired his teammates as their overall play improved over the course of this series.

Credit also goes to head coach Lindy Ruff, whose gamble on Schmid paid off handsomely for the Devils. Haula, Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier were among the Devils who stepped up as this series went on.

Devils winger Timo Meier left the game in the third period following a thundering hit by Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba. He left the game but return to the Devils’ bench late in the third. Ruff had no update on Meier following the game but felt that Trouba made contact with the winger’s head. No penalty was called on the play.

For the Rangers, this is a major letdown after their run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. They loaded up for a run at the Stanley Cup by acquiring Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane but they tallied four goals between them in seven games.

They’re not solely to blame for this defeat. The only Rangers who played well consistently in this series were goalie Igor Shesterkin and winger Chris Kreider.

Mika Zibanejad was limited to one goal and four points while Artemi Panarin had just two assists. The Kid Line of Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafreniere wasn’t as effective as they were in last year’s playoffs. Meanwhile, the blueline struggled to contain the speedy Devils forwards.

CALGARY HOCKEY NOW: The Flames yesterday announced they fired head coach Darryl Sutter. The move came two weeks after Brad Treliving stepped down as general manager. Treliving’s replacement has yet to be named but whoever takes over that role will choose the Flames’ next head coach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames must still honor Sutter’s two-year contract extension worth a reported $8 million. They evidently felt it was worthwhile eating that deal considering how the club struggled this season amid reports of growing unhappiness among the players over Sutter’s coaching style.

Winger Jonathan Huberdeau admitted he and Sutter “really didn’t click” and there were rumors that Sutter was clashing with center Nazem Kadri. Centers Elias Lindholm and Mikael Backlund hinted they might depart as free agents next summer though Lindholm seemed to suggest he would see what direction the club took in the coming months.

Speaking of the Flames, Oliver Kylington will return to the club next season. The 25-year-old defenseman missed the entirety of this season for personal reasons.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers are limiting tickets being sold on their website for the first two home games of their series against the Toronto Maple Leafs to those with a billing address in the United States. Team president Matthew Caldwell called it “an access thing so our fans can get tickets.” He said they will eventually allow tickets to be sold to Toronto fans.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, the Panthers want to ensure their fans aren’t outnumbered by fanatical Leafs supporters. However, there will be plenty of “snowbirds” who live in Florida that are Leafs fans. They will likely make their presence felt at those games.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: According to ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark played through a “debilitating and painful injury that limited his mobility and technique.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That explains why Ullmark (the favorite to win the Vezina Trophy as this season’s top goalie) at times didn’t seem like himself in the first-round series against the Panthers. It calls into question the coaching staff’s decision to allow him to play through that injury rather than give more starts to a healthy Jeremy Swayman.

TWINCITIES.COM: Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek said he suffered a broken leg while blocking a shot during an Apr. 6 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He attempted to play in Game 3 of the Wild’s first-round series with the Dallas Stars but left after one shift. He had surgery on his fibula shortly following that game.

NEW YORK POST: The Islanders signed winger Hudson Fasching to a two-year, one-way contract worth $775K annually.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Capitals signed top prospect Ivan Miroshnichenko to a three-year entry-level contract after he and his KHL club Avangard Omsk mutually agreed to terminate his deal. The 19-year-old forward was chosen 20th overall by the Capitals in the 2022 NHL Draft

THE SCORE: Rapper Snoop Dogg is part of a bid fronted by Los Angeles entrepreneur Neko Sparks interested in purchasing the Ottawa Senators. He’s the latest celebrity connected to a bid for the Senators, joining actor Ryan Reynolds.