NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 11, 2024

by | Jan 11, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 11, 2024

Nathan MacKinnon extending his points streak plus the latest on Connor Bedard, Corey Perry, Cutter Gauthier and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon tied a franchise record for the longest season-opening home points streak in a 3-0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. MacKinnon collected an assist to extend his streak to 23 games, tying Hall-of-Famer Joe Sakic. Valeri Nichushkin scored twice and Alexandar Georgiev had a 25-save shutout for the 27-12-3 Avalanche, who sit third in the overall standings with 57 points. Jiri Patera stopped 32 shots for the Golden Knights (23-13-5) as they sit second in the Pacific Division with 51 points.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson missed this game with an undisclosed injury. Teammate Miles Wood was sidelined by an illness. Meanwhile, Golden Knights forward William Carrier is listed as week-to-week following surgery for an upper-body injury.

The Dallas Stars thumped the Minnesota Wild 7-2. Esa Lindell had three assists while Mason Marchment and Nils Lundkvist each had two points for the Stars (24-11-5) as they sit third in the Central Division with 53 points. Matt Boldy had a goal and an assist while Jesper Wallstedt made 27 saves in his NHL debut for the 17-19-4 Wild.

A shootout goal by Sean Couturier gave the Philadelphia Flyers a 3-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Owen Tippett and Morgan Frost scored in regulation as the Flyers overcame a 2-0 deficit while Jamie Drysdale picked up an assist in his first game with his new club. Cayden Primeau stopped 37 shots for the 17-17-6 Canadiens while the Flyers (21-14-6) sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 48 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers dominated most of this game but Primeau stole a point for the Canadiens in this contest.

HEADLINES

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: The Blackhawks announced rookie star Connor Bedard underwent surgery to repair a fractured jaw. He’ll be sidelined for six to eight weeks. The 18-year-old center suffered the injury on Jan. 5 after being checked by New Jersey Devils defenseman Brendan Smith.

SPORTSNET: Corey Perry is cleared to sign with a new NHL team after meeting this week with league commissioner Gary Bettman. The 38-year-old winger’s contract was terminated by the Chicago Blackhawks on Nov. 30 for engaging in what the club called unacceptable conduct that violated the team’s workplace rules and his standard player contract.

Perry subsequently issued an apology, adding he was seeking treatment for his struggle with alcohol. He’s now an unrestricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It didn’t take long for speculation to arise over which club Perry might sign with. Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now believes five or six clubs could be in the mix with Stauffer suggesting the Oilers should be looking into it.

Perry remains well-respected around the league. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he signs with a new club before the March 8 trade deadline, making him eligible to play in the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs.

NHL.COM: Prospect winger Cutter Gauthier declined to go into details as to why didn’t want to sign with the Philadelphia Flyers. His decision forced his trade earlier this week to the Anaheim Ducks.

Gauthier told the Ducks podcast “Light The Lamp” on Wednesday that the decision was a personal matter between himself, his family and his agent. He also addressed rumors claiming former Flyers center Kevin Hayes influenced his decision. “I would like to specifically say that he had zero, zero conflict with anything that had to do with the trade…(Hayes) had nothing to do with the situation at hand. “

As for his plans going forward, Gauthier intends to focus the remainder of his sophomore season with Boston College, who have a good shot at winning the Beanpot tournament and the NCAA championship. After that, he intends to sign an entry-level contract with the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gauthier’s within his rights to keep his reasons for spurning the Flyers a private matter. Nevertheless, it will only serve to stoke a rumor mill that’s been churning furiously over why he made that decision.

Speaking of Hayes, Flyers head coach John Tortorella went off on the reporter who claimed the Blues center was involved in Gauthier’s choice.

“It just pisses me off that you guys throw that around and affect someone’s life”, said Tortorella. The Flyers bench boss acknowledged that he and Hayes had a problem regarding his playing time last season. Nevertheless, Tortorella praised him as “a good man” and called the reporter’s story “bullshit”.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers captain Connor McDavid wasn’t pleased with a review of an offside call that wiped out teammate Zach Hyman’s goal during the club’s 2-1 win on Tuesday over the Chicago Blackhawks. “If it takes 15 minutes to determine whether it’s offside or not, it probably doesn’t matter,” he said following the game.

The officials shut the game down for over six minutes reviewing the play from different angles before deciding that Leon Draisaitl’s skate blade might’ve been a centimetre offside and that he held the puck a fraction of a second too long.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The offside reviews, like the goal reviews, are taking way too long to reach conclusions. The league must do something to address this. I understand they want to ensure they’re reviewing every angle closely. However, they’re sometimes reaching their decisions long after the fans have seen it for themselves on the arena jumbotron.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres are awaiting word about Jeff Skinner as he underwent a series of tests for an upper-body injury.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs recalled Ilya Samsonov from their AHL affiliate but will continue to assess the struggling goaltender closely.

OTTAWA SUN: Forward Shane Pinto can now practice with his Senators teammates. He has only five games remaining in his 41-game suspension for violating the league’s sports-wagering rules.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Ducks claimed defenseman Gustav Lindstrom off waivers from the Canadiens.

TORONTO SUN: The NHL Players Association officially unveiled a new in-house education program called “Line Change”, which instructs players in training each other in identifying potential mental health issues. Twenty players, including Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund, have already taken part in the three-hour session.

Keith Pelley is expected to be announced as the president and chief executive of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), which owns the Toronto Maple Leafs, the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts and the MLS club Toronto FC. Pelley is a former president of Rogers Media and of Bell Media’s TSN.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 3, 2024

by | Jan 3, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 3, 2024

Are the Leafs and William Nylander close to a contract extension? Are the Leafs going to add a goaltender? What’s the latest on Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LEAFS AND NYLANDER CLOSING IN ON AN EXTENSION?

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos said he’s heard the Toronto Maple Leafs could be getting close to a contract extension with William Nylander. The 27-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (NHL Images).

Kypreos said the general feeling between the two sides is to get a deal done before the 2024 NHL All-Star weekend. The All-Star Game will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3.

The annual average value of Nylander’s new contract could be around $11.25 million for eight seasons on a front-loaded deal. It would be similar to that of Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak.

Luke Fox cited Elliotte Friedman saying that the paperwork on a Nylander extension could be completed by this week. He echoed Kypreos’ claim that the Leafs would prefer to have this taken care of before the All-Star weekend.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The original asking price from the Nylander camp last summer was reportedly an AAV of over $10 million. However, his strong performance this season had more than a few observers (including yours truly) suggesting it could go higher.

With projected cap space of $32.5 million for 2024-25, the Leafs can afford to sign Nylander to that contract. It would leave around $20 million to re-sign or replace other pending UFAs like Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi, TJ Brodie, Mark Giordano and Martin Jones. They’ll also have restricted free agents like Timothy Liljegren and Noah Gregor to re-sign but they would be affordable to retain.

On the horizon will be a contract extension for Mitch Marner before 2025. At his current AAV of $10.9 million, he’ll likely seek more than whatever Nylander gets.

Captain John Tavares’ contract also expires in 2025. He’ll have to accept a substantial pay cut from his current $11 million AAV to stay in Toronto. Matthew Knies and Joseph Woll will be their notable RFAs in 2025.

LEAFS GM NOT HOPEFUL OF FINDING A GOALIE IN THE TRADE MARKET

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel wrote that Treliving isn’t ruling out pursuing another goalie with Ilya Samsonov currently in the minors and Joseph Woll uncertain to return from injury before the All-Star break. “We always look at everything,” he said.

Given the limited options currently in the trade market, Treliving may have little choice but to bet on what they’ve got. It’s hoped that Samsonov will regain his form with help from the Leafs goalie coach. For now, they’re allowing Samsonov time for a physical and mental reset. He won’t be playing or practicing with the Marlies for at least this week.

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran reports Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving doesn’t sound optimistic about finding a trade for a suitable goaltender. “I checked outside, the goaltender tree was empty,” said Treliving. “I couldn’t pick one off there. We’ll see with a little bit of sun, maybe they’ll grow a few more.”

SPORTSNET: During Monday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman reported the Leafs were offering up a late-round pick (like a sixth-rounder) in the goalie market. However, the clubs they spoke with prefer a better return like a prospect.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Martin Jones can hold the fort until Woll’s return or Samsonov regains his confidence (whichever comes first), the Leafs might dodge a bullet and come out of this still holding a playoff berth in the Atlantic Division. If Jones should struggle or become sidelined by an injury, they could be in big trouble by the end of this month. It could force Treliving into overpaying for help in the trade market.

LATEST ON DEBRUSK

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Mick Colageo wondered if push will come to shove for Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk by the March 8 trade deadline or on July 1 when he’ll be eligible for UFA status. The 27-year-old’s inconsistent performance during his career in Boston suggests an uncertain future with the Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa last month pondered whether the Bruins would re-sign DeBrusk, trade him, or let him depart this summer as a free agent.

He considers trading the winger the least likely option unless they can make a hockey trade and land a player in return. Otherwise, they’d be trading him for futures that won’t help them this season. Shinzawa cited a league executive suggesting he’d fetch at best a second-round pick and a B-grade prospect.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see DeBrusk still on the Bruins’ roster following the March 8 trade deadline. Whether he sticks around beyond July 1 remains to be seen.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 1, 2024

by | Jan 1, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 1, 2024

More on the Leafs’ goaltending situation plus the latest Senators speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE LEAFS’ GOALTENDING?

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran believes Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is considering his goaltending options after placing the struggling Ilya Samsonov on waivers yesterday. Martin Jones will fill the starter’s job as the Leafs await the return of sidelined netminder Joseph Woll, who is weeks away.

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov (NHL Images)

Given Samsonov’s difficulties this season, he’s expected to clear waivers and report to the Leafs’ AHL affiliate. It’s expected they’ll continue working with him during his tenure with the Marlies to help him improve his game.

The Leafs could call up Dennis Hildeby or Keith Petruzelli from the Marlies. They could also claim Eric Comrie off waivers from the Buffalo Sabres or fill the void with a trade. The options are few and far between in the trade market. McGran noted that Jake Allen of the Montreal Canadiens and former Leaf James Reimer of the Detroit Red Wings are believed to be available for the right price.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel also weighed in on possible goalie trade targets for the Leafs. He pondered whether they could land a “big bet” netminder such as Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom, Columbus’ Elvis Merzlikins or Anaheim’s John Gibson.

In addition to Allen, Comrie and Reimer, Siegel also mentioned such options as San Jose’s Kaapo Kahkonen and Nashville’s Kevin Lankinen, as well as unrestricted free agent Jaroslav Halak.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday that the Leafs are reluctant to acquire a goalie right now as they hope to ride it out with Jones as their starter. They want to work with Samsonov to improve his performance. They could call up Hildeby for one or two games as well.

If the Leafs go the trade route they’ll likely pursue an affordable short-term option. They lack the cap space to land someone such as Markstrom, Merzlikins and Gibson, who each earn over $5 million annually on long-term contracts. Markstrom has a full no-movement clause while the other two have partial no-trade clauses. It’s believed that every Canadian team is on Gibson’s no-trade list.

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA SENATORS: Now that Steve Staios is the full-time general manager of the Senators, Bruce Garrioch believes Staios and his new staff will make plans on what roster moves they might want to make before the March 8 trade deadline. Staios is reportedly looking to add some veteran toughness and leadership to their third and fourth lines.

Garrioch also noted that Staios and his staff have no history with core players such as Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Josh Norris, Drake Batherson, Jake Sanderson, Thomas Chabot and Shane Pinto. They won’t be afraid to make changes among that group if necessary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I doubt we’ll see any major shakeup to the Senators’ core by the trade deadline if they decide to become sellers. They’ll move out pending unrestricted free agents such as Vladimir Tarasenko and Dominik Kubalik.

If (and that’s a big “if” at this stage) they shop a core player or two it’ll likely happen during this summer when teams have more cap space and willingness to make big trades. Of that group listed by Garrioch, I think Norris, Chabot and Pinto would be the more likely trade candidates unless any of the others start asking to be moved.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 1, 2024

by | Jan 1, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 1, 2024

Another milestone for Marc-Andre Fleury, the Senators make some front office changes and the Golden Knights prepare to face off against the Kraken in the 2024 Winter Classic. Details on these and other stories in the NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury appeared in his 1,000th career NHL game but his club dropped a 3-2 decision to the Winnipeg Jets. Fleury made 26 saves and Frederick Gaudreau had a goal and an assist for the 16-15-4 Wild (36 points) as they sit four points out of a Western Conference wild-card berth. Laurent Brossoit stopped 24 shots while Dominic Toninato snapped a 2-2 tie in the third period as the Jets (22-9-4) extended their points streak to eight games and sit one point out of first place in the Central Division with 48 points.

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

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fleury became just the fourth goaltender in NHL history to reach the 1,000-game plateau, joining Martin Brodeur (1,266), Roberto Luongo (1,044) and Patrick Roy (1,029) on the all-time list.

The Ottawa Senators defeated the Buffalo Sabres 5-1. Anton Forsberg kicked out 45 shots while Thomas Chabot collected two assists in his first game back with the Senators since being sidelined on Dec. 2 with a leg injury. Tage Thompson tallied for the Sabres, who sank to 14-19-4 while the Senators are 14-18-0.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Senators announced several front-office moves. President of hockey operations and interim general manager Steve Staios becomes the full-time general manager, former NHL player and TSN hockey analyst Dave Poulin is their new senior Vice-President of Hockey Operations and Ryan Bowness becomes associate general manager.

The Senators made a management change earlier this season when Staios replaced GM Pierre Dorion on Nov. 2. They also replaced head coach D.J. Smith on Dec. 18 with Jacques Martin on an interim basis. It’s expected they’ll announce a full-time replacement in the offseason.

With Staios now fully in charge of the front office, the focus is likely to shift toward possible roster moves if the Senators fail to show any significant improvement between now and the March 8 trade deadline.

Speaking of the Sabres, Zemgus Girgensons returned to action after being sidelined since Nov. 24 by a lower-body injury.

Edmonton Oilers winger Warren Foegele had a career-high five points (two goals, three assists) as his club thumped the Anaheim Ducks 7-2. Leon Draisaitl has a goal and two assists for the 18-15-1 Oilers (37 points) as they won their fifth straight game and sit three points out of the final Western wild-card spot. John Gibson made 32 saves for the 13-23-0 Ducks.

The Tampa Bay Lightning overcame a 2-0 deficit in a 4-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens. Nikita Kucherov had a goal and an assist to become the first player to reach 60 points this season as the Lightning (17-11-6) vaulted one point over the idle Washington Capitals into the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot with 41 points. Cole Caufield, Johnathan Kovecevic and Nick Suzuki replied for the 15-16-5 Canadiens as they dropped their third straight game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens center Christian Dvorak missed this game with an upper-body injury and is sidelined indefinitely.

Dallas Stars winger Mason Marchment netted a hat trick and set up another goal in an 8-1 drubbing of the Chicago Blackhawks. Tyler Seguin had a goal and two assists for the 22-9-4 Stars, who sit in third place behind the Jets in the Central Division with 48 points. Philipp Kurashev netted the lone goal for the 11-23-2 Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Winnipeg and Dallas have identical records but the Jets hold second place in the Central with 20 regulation wins.

Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic scored twice and set up another as his club defeated the Detroit Red Wings 5-3. Charlie McAvoy collected three assists for the 22-7-6 Bruins (50 points) as they moved to within one point of the league-leading New York Rangers. Patrick Kane’s six-game points streak came to an end as the Red Wings dropped to 17-16-4.

The Pittsburgh Penguins got a 37-save performance from Alex Nedeljkovic in a 3-1 victory over the New York Islanders. Lars Eller scored twice for the 18-13-4 Penguins (40 points) as they picked up their third straight win and extended their points streak to six games, sitting one point out of the final Eastern wild-card berth. Ilya Sorokin stopped 35 shots for the 18-15-5 Islanders as they sit in the first Eastern wild-card spot with 43 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield returned to the lineup after missing the last eight games with an upper-body injury.

Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman got a goal and an assist in his 500th career NHL game while Andrew Mangiapane collected three assists to nip the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3. Dennis Gilbert also had a goal and an assist for the 15-16-5 Flames. Travis Konecny had two helpers for the 19-12-5 Flyers as they remain in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 43 points.

Third-period goals by Valeri Nichushkin and Josh Manson lifted the Colorado Avalanche to a 3-1 win over the San Jose Sharks. Nathan MacKinnon picked up two assists to extend his home points streak to 19 games as the Avalanche (23-11-3) hold first place in the Central Division with 49 points. Tomas Hertl scored for the 9-25-3 Sharks, who’ve dropped eight straight games and also lost top defenseman Mario Ferraro with a suspected shoulder injury following a check by MacKinnon.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: The Vegas Golden Knights will face off against the Seattle Kraken at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park at noon PT on Jan. 1. This will be the Kraken’s first outdoor game and the second for the Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll watch it for the novelty of seeing an outdoor game as usual. Besides, there are no World Junior Championship games scheduled for today.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Toronto Maple Leafs placed goaltender Ilya Samsonov on waivers before sending him to their AHL affiliate. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres placed goalie Eric Comrie on waivers before sending him to their AHL affiliate in Rochester.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both netminders are expected to clear waivers today. Samsonov has struggled this season and the Leafs intend to work with him during his time with the Marlies to help him improve his game. Comrie, meanwhile, is the third man out behind Devon Levi and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen among the Sabres’ goalies.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Devils forward Timo Meier left Saturday’s game against the Boston Bruins with an injury. There’s been no update yet regarding his status.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 14, 2023

by | Sep 14, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 14, 2023

Matthew Tkachuk is ready to start the season, Josh Bailey bids farewell to the Islanders and their fans, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk has recovered from the fractured sternum suffered during the 2023 Stanley Cup Final and is looking forward to the start of training camp. “I am feeling great,” said Tkachuk.

Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s good news for the Panthers, who will be starting the season with top two defensemen Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour sidelined by offseason shoulder surgeries. Tkachuk can’t help them defensively but the two-time 100-point winger and 2023 playoff hero will be a key cog in their offensive attack.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Former long-time Islanders winger Josh Bailey bid farewell to the club and its fans in a letter posted on The Players’ Tribune.

“I want to thank not just this great fan base, but the people of Long Island as a whole,” wrote Bailey. He indicated that Long Island will always be home for himself and his family.

A first-round pick (ninth overall) by the Islanders in the 2008 NHL Draft, the 33-year-old Bailey spent 15 seasons with the club. He was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in June, who bought out the final season of his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The recent decline in Bailey’s production led to his trade and contract buyout. The unrestricted free agent faces an uncertain future as he’s yet to land with another NHL club as training camp approaches.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The paint job on Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov’s new mask resembles that of former Leafs netminder Curtis Joseph.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Samsonov can channel prime “CuJo” the Leafs will be in good shape between the pipes this season.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of goaltending, the Devils brought back Keith Kinkaid on a one-year, two-way contract worth $775K at the NHL level.

ESPN.COM: The NHL is considering making changes to their digital ad boards following complaints from fans regarding technical glitches and other issues that were found distracting to ongoing play. The league considers the criticism as coming from a “vocal minority”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The ads haven’t bothered me but I have noticed some glitches at times. That’s to be expected from this type of technology and will likely be corrected over time. Some critics on social media want the ads to be removed. Judging by the league’s tone, that’s not going to happen.

ARIZONA SPORTS: Coyotes majority owner Alex Meruelo is looking to buy out the minority stake in the club from Andrew Barroway, who owns five percent of the club. Barroway took over majority ownership of the club in 2014 until Meruelo acquired the controlling interest in the club in 2019.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 24, 2023

by | Jul 24, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 24, 2023

The Leafs’ Ilya Samsonov and the Blackhawks’ Philipp Kurashev are awarded new contracts via arbitration, the Coyotes look to re-sign coach Andre Tourigny and the latest on Shane Wright in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TORONTO SUN: An arbiter awarded Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov with a one-year contract worth $3.55 million on Sunday. The 26-year-old had sought $4.9 million while the Leafs countered with $2.4 million. Samsonov will be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Samsonov’s agent said his client was well-prepared for what he would face during the hearing. He added there were “no hard feelings” toward the Leafs and they would move forward.

Nevertheless, arbitration can be bruising to a player’s ego and can pave the way for their departures via the UFA market when their arbiter-awarded contract has expired. That’s where Samsonov could be headed, especially if he plays well in his contract year.

The Leafs now have a 48-hour window to buy out a contract if they wish. It’s speculated that oft-injured goaltender Matt Murray could become a buyout candidate.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of arbitration, Blackhawks forward Philipp Kurashev was awarded a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.25 million. Kurashev, 23, was seeking $2.65 million annually while the Blackhawks countered with $1.4 million. It’s a significant raise over the $750K he earned last season.

NHL.COM: The Arizona Coyotes are interested in signing head coach Andre Tourigny to a contract extension. He’s in the final season of a three-year deal. General manager Bill Armstrong praised Tourigny for getting the players to buy into the culture and to compete in every game. The Coyotes won three more games and collected 13 more points last season compared to 2021-22.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The transfer agreement between the NHL and the CHL could complicate where Shane Wright plays this season.

The 19-year-old won’t be eligible to play for the Seattle Kraken’s AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley this season despite a conditioning stint last season and playing with them during the 2023 Calder Cup playoffs. He played 24 games with the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires last season, one short of the requirement to qualify for an official season played.

That’s because Wright doesn’t turn 20 until Jan. 5. He typically cannot suit up for Coachella Valley this fall unless the Kraken can get an exemption for him if he’s not yet ready to crack their roster for the coming season. General manager Ron Francis is pursuing such an exemption.