NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 9, 2024

by | Dec 9, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 9, 2024

Upset victories for the Kraken and Blue Jackets highlight Sunday’s action, three players hit the waiver wire, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Seattle Kraken overcame a 3-1 deficit to upset the New York Rangers 7-5. Kraken forward Oliver Bjorkstrand scored two goals and collected two assists and Eeli Tolvanen had a goal and two assists. Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck and K’Andre Miller each had two points for the Rangers, who’ve lost seven of their last nine games.

Seattle Kraken forward Oliver Bjorkstrand (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken played this game with emergency backup goalie Michael Matyas. There was a brief moment midway through the first period where it appeared Matyas was getting into the game when Rangers center Filip Chytil clipped Kraken starter Philipp Grubauer. However, Grubauer shook it off and stayed in the game.

A two-goal performance by Kent Johnson carried the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 4-1 upset of the Winnipeg Jets. Elvis Merzlikins got the win with 24 saves as his club ended a three-game losing skid. Kyle Connor netted his 15th of the season for the Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets center Cole Sillinger left the game in the second period with a lower-body injury after blocking a shot from Jets defenseman Colin Miller.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov had a goal and two assists as his club doubled up the Vancouver Canucks 4-2. Kucherov had missed the previous two games with an undisclosed injury. Brayden Point tallied twice and picked up two assists for the Lightning. Quinn Hughes and Kiefer Sherwood replied for the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes left the game in the first period when a high stick from Lightning forward Brandon Hagel stuck him in the face. The Canucks captain got several stitches and returned to action.

Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko is expected to start Tuesday’s game against the St. Louis Blues, meaning goalie Arturs Silovs was assigned to their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford. Center J.T. Miller is expected to return from his leave of absence on Thursday against the Florida Panthers.

Lighting center Anthony Cirelli left this game in the first period following a hit by Canucks defenseman Noah Juulsen.

The Colorado Avalanche got a 25-save shutout performance from Scott Wedgewood in a 4-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Casey Mittelstadt collected two assists and Ross Colton scored his first goal since returning from a 17-game absence with a broken foot. Devils goalie Jake Allen gave up three goals on 22 shots.

Four unanswered third-period goals lifted the Dallas Stars to a 6-2 win against the Calgary Flames. Thomas Harley scored twice, Jason Robertson had a goal and an assist, and Jake Oettinger made 29 stops. Jonathan Huberdeau and Conor Zary tallied for the Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames assistant coach Brad Larsen missed this game. He’s taking an indefinite leave of absence to deal with a family matter.

The New York Islanders defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-2. Ilya Sorokin kicked out 29 shots while Kyle Palmieri, Anders Lee and Noah Dobson each had two points for the Islanders. Senators forward Adam Gaudette tallied a career-high 13th goal.

Utah Hockey Club forward Logan Cooley had a goal and an assist in a 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. It was Utah’s fourth straight road win. Joel Farabee and Owen Tippett replied for the Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Goaltender Samuel Ersson and defenseman Jamie Drysdale returned to the Flyers lineup after missing several games due to injuries.

IN OTHER NEWS…

TSN: The Chicago Blackhawks placed goalie Petr Mrazek on injured reserve with a left groin injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: On Sunday, Blackhawks winger Joey Anderson, San Jose Sharks winger Givani Smith, and Los Angeles Kings defenseman Caleb Jones were placed on waivers.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 8, 2024

by | Dec 8, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 8, 2024

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest on Brady Tkachuk and J.T. Miller, what’s next for the Rangers and former captain Jacob Trouba, and speculation about changes to no-movement protection in the next CBA.

LATEST FROM HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA’S “SATURDAY HEADLINES”

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman touched on the recent rumor out of New York linking Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk to the Rangers. He pointed out the 25-year-old left winger has three more seasons left on his contract and the Senators are confident he’ll play that out with them.

Given the Senators’ struggles, Friedman believes they and their fans must “get used to some noise” about speculation regarding their key players. He noted there will always be questions about the future of those players when a team is having difficulty reaching the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators pushed back forcefully on the rumor claiming the Rangers were pursuing Tkachuk, calling them “bullshit” and “garbage”. He’s always said that he wants to stay in Ottawa and turn the Senators into a winner.

Nevertheless, the questions and rumors won’t go away if the Senators keep spinning their wheels. The only way to silence the conjecture is to win. It’s easier said than done, but it’s still the only effective antidote.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

Friedman also reports the Vancouver Canucks are saying publicly and privately that J.T. Miller’s ongoing leave of absence from the team is not about trading him. When he returns, it’ll be with the Canucks. Friedman doesn’t believe Miller has requested a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks beat writer Patrick Johnston of The Province reported on Nov. 19 that Miller’s efforts to play through an upper-body injury took an emotional toll on the 31-year-center. He indicated the team gave Miller the team he needed to return to where he needed to be mentally.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE RANGERS AND JACOB TROUBA?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh looked at what might be next for the New York Rangers after trading Jacob Trouba to Anaheim and signing Igor Shesterkin to a contract extension. The Rangers have around $22 million in trade deadline salary-cap space if they wish to add to their roster by the March 7 deadline.

Baugh suggested defensemen Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Marcus Pettersson of the Pittsburgh Penguins as blueline trade targets. Rental forward options could include reacquiring Frank Vatrano from the Ducks or Seattle Kraken center Yanni Gourde.

The Minnesota Wild could be open to moving Marco Rossi. The 21-year-old center will become a restricted free agent next summer. However, that move could be a player-for-player swap.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers general manager Chris Drury could go after a promising young player like Rossi but the asking price could prove too expensive. I doubt that offering Kaapo Kakko for Rossi straight up will do it. He could instead look at rental options by the deadline provided the asking prices won’t gut the prospect pipeline.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox wondered if Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek might retain part of Jacob Trouba’s $8 million salary-cap hit and flip him to another team, perhaps one in the Eastern Conference.

Fox noted that the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Columbus Blue Jackets and the Senators expressed interest in the 31-year-old defenseman before the Rangers traded him to Anaheim on Friday.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau shared Fox’s opinion, suggesting Trouba could be shipped out by the March 7 trade deadline or during the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE:  I also wondered if Trouba could become a trade chip for the Ducks if they’re out of playoff contention by March 7. He could still draw interest from contenders if he performs well in Anaheim. He’s only got one year left on his contract and Verbeek could be willing to retain salary for a decent return.

PLAYERS MIGHT SEEK CHANGE IN NO-MOVEMENT PROTECTION

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports NHL players are wondering if there should be a streamlining of the no-movement process after the fallout of the Jacob Trouba trade.

Trouba had no-trade protection for some teams but didn’t have no-movement protection, meaning the New York Rangers could’ve put him on waivers if he didn’t accept a trade to the Anaheim Ducks. Had he gone on waivers, he’d have no control over which club selected him.

The Rangers did nothing wrong as they followed the rules of the CBA. However, what bothered the players was that they could end up sent to a team on their no-trade list if placed on waivers. Only players with no-movement clauses can avoid the waiver process.

Friedman believes the players will ask the NHL Players Association to talk to the league in the next round of collective bargaining about one form of no-move protection, or if they have a partial no-trade clause and get placed on waivers, they cannot go to a team on their no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The league could push back against closing that loophole. However, situations like Trouba’s are rare so it’s unlikely to be a major obstacle in future CBA talks.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 5, 2024

by | Dec 5, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 5, 2024

Check out the latest on Canucks center J.T. Miller, Penguins center Evgeni Malkin and Rangers center Mika Zibanejad in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CANUCKS PRESIDENT WANTS RUMORS ABOUT J.T. MILLER TO STOP

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports Vancouver Canucks president Jim Rutherford wants the baseless rumors swirling around J.T. Miller to stop.

Miller’s been on an indefinite leave of absence from the Canucks since Nov. 19. Johnston indicates he’s “looking to get himself right”, focussing on getting himself mentally back to where he was.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

However, the lack of details over Miller’s absence has prompted speculation suggesting he clashed with head coach Rick Tocchet or doesn’t see eye-to-eye with teammate Elias Pettersson. Some wonder if Miller could be traded to the Boston Bruins or New York Rangers.

Rutherford, however, shot down that speculation. “Don’t start making stuff up on someone in this situation. That’s disrespectful,” he said. He also said that he’s not trading Miller. “We stand by him.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s natural to speculate when a player is absent for no specified reason. Nevertheless, those who did could’ve saved themselves the trouble if they had done a bit of research. On Nov. 19, Johnston reported that Miller was trying to play through an injury but the emotional weight of doing so overwhelmed him.

The good news is Miller could return to action soon. He has a roster spot on Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February.

NO TRUTH TO RUMOR LINKING MALKIN TO THE STARS

THE ATHLETIC’s Rob Rossi took to social media on Wednesday to address a rumor linking Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin to the Dallas Stars. In short, “It’s never happening.”

Rossi writes it felt like he spent “25 percent” of his time shooting down Sidney Crosby trade rumors. “Anyway, take what I said about Crosby – it’s never happening – and apply it to Evgeni Malkin.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shades of “Malkin to the Kings” 16 years ago. The originator of the current Malkin rumor acknowledged the 38-year-old center would have to waive his no-movement clause. As Rossi pointed out, he would have no interest in doing that.

RANGERS GAUGING ZIBANEJAD’S TRADE VALUE

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cited an NHL source claiming the New York Rangers are willing to entertain offers for Mika Zibanejad.

Reports emerged last week indicating the Rangers could also entertain offers for veterans like Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider. D’Amico’s source said Zibanejad is “out there for sure”, claiming the Rangers had discussions with a Western Conference team. “They discussed him but I’m not sure there’s a match there. I think it was more the Rangers continuing to gauge his value on the market.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It stands to reason that Zibanejad would’ve been on the Rangers list of veterans who could become trade candidates. His offensive difficulties this season have factored into the club’s recent struggles.

Zibanejad seems the least likely of that trio to be traded based on his contract alone. He’s signed through 2029-30 with a full no-movement clause and an $8.5 million annual average value. Trouba has a year left on his contract ($8 million AAV) and Kreider two years ($6.5 million AAV), with both players carrying 15-team no-trade clauses.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 30, 2024

by | Nov 30, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 30, 2024

Check out the latest on the Rangers, Canucks, Canadiens, Avalanche and Oilers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports executives around the NHL are wondering if the New York Rangers could entice Igor Shesterkin to sign an offer of $12.5 million per season given the club’s current slump, management’s desire to alter the team’s core, and their inability to reduce the numbers of shots and scoring chances against him.

Shesterkin is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He might want to see what other teams have to offer if the Rangers intend to retool or make big roster changes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shesterkin would be the top goaltender and among the biggest names in next summer’s UFA market. Plenty of clubs will line up to get him, especially if the salary cap rises higher than the $92.4 million projection. His departure would also signal the Rangers are rebuilding, not retooling.

Staple also noted a recent TSN report claiming Rangers winger Kaapo Kakko is back on the trade block. The 23-year-old winger’s been among the few bright spots on their roster this season. Staple doesn’t see them moving Kakko for futures when there’s no one in their system to replace him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s no reason to move Kakko during this season unless it’s a player-for-player swap, or if the Rangers are tearing down the roster now.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

A league source told Staple that Rangers general manager Chris Drury recently contacted the Vancouver Canucks about bringing J.T. Miller back to New York. Drury tried to acquire Miller before the 2022 trade deadline. Miller subsequently signed an eight-year extension with the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks aren’t trading Miller, who carries a full no-movement clause and wants to stay in Vancouver. Even if he were available, the Rangers would have to move one of their high-salaried forwards to make room for his $8 million annual salary-cap hit.

Staple also noted how much things have fallen apart for the Rangers since news broke of Drury’s willingness to shake up his roster core with a trade. He doesn’t see anyone trading for team captain Jacob Trouba due to the decline in his performance. Staple wondered if Trouba is stripped of the captaincy and what could be in store for head coach Peter Laviolette and Drury himself.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple suggested this goes back to Drury’s shabby treatment of Barclay Goodrow in June when he abruptly placed the popular checking line forward on the waiver wire, where the San Jose Sharks claimed him. Another issue was Drury’s bungled attempt to trade Trouba before July 1.

Drury might’ve been trying to motivate his veterans when he sent that memo around the league indicating his willingness to entertain trade offers for some of them. However, it’s blown up in his face. The Rangers look nothing like the club that won the Presidents’ Trophy last season. They’re clinging to a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference with the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets nipping at their heels.

UPDATES ON THE CANUCKS

DAILY HIVE: Noah Strang cited CHEK’s Rick Dhaliwal reporting Canucks GM Patrik Allvin contacted the Boston Bruins to discuss bringing Nikita Zadorov back to Vancouver. Dhaliwal claimed it was a “short conversation” and wasn’t major.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zadorov was traded to the Canucks last November by the Calgary Flames. He signed a six-year contract with the Boston Bruins in July with an average annual value of $5 million. The deal includes a full no-movement clause for this season.

The Canucks had their chance to sign Zadorov last summer but balked because he was asking for more than they were willing to pay. They’re pressed for cap space and can’t afford to take on his contract now.

ESPN: Kevin Weekes took to “X” reporting the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets are among the teams interested in Nils Hoglander. The 24-year-old Canucks forward signed a three-year contract extension with an AAV of $3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hoglander had a career-high 24 goals last season but only two goals and five points in 22 games thus far. He could become a trade chip to bring in a top-four defenseman.

THE LATEST CANADIENS SPECULATION

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is “listening to just about anything” regarding his club’s pending UFAs. They include defenseman David Savard and forwards Jake Evans, Christian Dvorak and Joel Armia.

Hughes could also be willing to entertain offers for Mike Matheson. The 30-year-old defenseman has another year left on his contract with an AAV of $4.88 million. Matheson is currently nursing a lower-body injury but when healthy, he could be a valuable trade chip. He has 13 points in 20 games this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Much will depend on where the Canadiens are in the standings by the trade deadline. Some of those players could be on the move if the Habs are once again out of playoff contention. Matheson could have more value given he’s still in his prime and has another year left on his contract.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman wondering if the Pittsburgh Penguins might inquire about the availability of young Canadiens forward Kirby Dach. Friedman’s cohost Kyle Bukauskas doubted the Habs would give up on Dach this early in his career.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Let’s be clear, Friedman isn’t saying the Penguins are calling about Dach, he’s just spitballing here.

I agree with Bukauskas. Dach is struggling after missing all but one game last season with a knee injury. It takes time to come back from something like that. Hughes will be patient with Dach unless someone makes a mindblowing offer for him.

WILL THE AVALANCHE PURSUE A GOALTENDER?

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli recently looked at possible goaltending options for the Colorado Avalanche. He and co-host Tyler Yaremchuk believe there is “no more urgent goaltending situation in the NHL than the Colorado Avalanche,” pointing out they need an upgrade over the current tandem of Alexandar Georgiev and Justus Annunen.

Seravalli doubts they can afford to take on the contract of Anaheim Ducks netminder John Gibson. His suggested options include Mackenzie Blackwood of the San Jose Sharks and Dan Vladar of the Calgary Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The rebuilding Sharks aren’t in a hurry to move Blackwood. Neither are the Flames, who are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race.

Sharks GM Mike Grier will likely wait until the March trade deadline to peddle Blackwood to get the best possible return. Vladar probably won’t be moved if the Flames remain in the postseason hunt.

COULD THE OILERS TARGET A TOP-FOUR DEFENSEMAN

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Bob Stauffer of “Oilers Now” suggesting the Oilers have their eye on a top-four defenseman who can play the right side with a left-handed shot who can move the puck.

Stauffer wouldn’t say who the Oilers could target. Staples speculates it could be Philadelphia’s Rasmus Ristolainen, Detroit’s Ben Chiarot or Ottawa’s Nick Jensen.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 20, 2024

by | Nov 20, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 20, 2024

Recaps of Tuesday’s games, reaction to the Bruins firing head coach Jim Montgomery, and updates on Alex Ovechkin, Auston Matthews, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele tallied a hat trick in a 6-3 victory over the Florida Panthers. Morgan Barron scored two shorthanded goals and Connor Hellebuyck stopped 20 shots as the Jets set a franchise record for the most wins in their first 10 home games (9-1-0). Panthers forward Sam Reinhart scored his 14th goal to extend his points streak to 11 games.

Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (NHL Images).

The Edmonton Oilers got three-point performances from Evan Bouchard, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to defeat the Ottawa Senators 5-2. McDavid had two goals and an assist while Bouchard and Draisaitl had a goal and two assists each. Tim Stutzle and Josh Norris replied for the Senators, who have just three wins in nine games thus far in November (3-5-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been a rough month for Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark. He’s given up five goals in three of his five starts since Nov. 5. Before this game, the Oilers claimed winger Kasperi Kapanen off waivers from the St. Louis Blues.

Speaking of the Blues, they dropped a 4-2 decision to the Minnesota Wild. Kirill Kaprizov scored twice to extend his points streak to six games. Scott Perunovich and Jake Neighbours replied for the Blues, who’ve dropped six of their last seven games (1-5-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blues center Robert Thomas collected an assist in his first game since suffering a fractured ankle on Oct. 22.

New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider snapped a 3-3 tie midway through the third period to give his club a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Mika Zibanejad, Will Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko each had a goal and an assist for the Rangers. Canucks forward Elias Pettersson picked up two assists.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Canucks announced center J.T. Miller is taking an indefinite leave of absence as he deals with a nagging upper-body injury and the emotional toll it’s taken as he tried to play through the injury. Meanwhile, the Rangers learned that center Filip Chytil did not suffer a concussion after colliding with teammate K’Andre Miller last week. He remains listed as day-to-day but will join his teammates in Calgary as they prepare to face the Flames on Thursday.

The Tampa Bay Lightning got an overtime goal from Brayden Point as they overcame a 2-0 deficit to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. The Lightning picked up their third straight win as Point finished the night with two goals in his first game since being sidelined by a lower-body injury on Nov. 3. Jesse Puljujarvi and Rickard Rakell scored for the Penguins, who have just two wins in their last eight contests (2-3-3).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby remains at 599 regular-season goals but collected an assist to surpass Joe Sakic for the sixth-most assists (1,017) with one franchise. He should pass Gordie Howe (1,023) and Mario Lemieux (1,033) to move into fourth place later this season. Passing Lemieux will also give Crosby the Penguins’ all-time assist record.

A shootout goal by Justin Kirkland lifted the Calgary Flames to a 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders. Pierre Engvall opened the scoring for the Isles but Rasmus Andersson tied it in the third period. Dustin Wolf stopped 28 shots for the Flames while Semyon Varlamov made 30 saves for the Islanders, who have one win in their last five games (1-1-3).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov returned to action for the first time since being sidelined on Nov. 1 by an upper-body injury.

The Anaheim Ducks nipped the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 as Leo Carlsson broke a 2-2 tie midway through the third period. Alex Killorn had a goal and an assist and Trevor Zegras collected two assists as the Ducks won their third straight game. Jason Dickinson tallied twice and Connor Bedard had two assists for the Blackhawks as they’ve dropped five of their last six.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks starting goalie Petr Mrazek missed this game for personal reasons.

HEADLINES

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The slumping Bruins (8-9-3) fired head coach Jim Montgomery on Tuesday. Associate coach Joe Sacco takes over on an interim basis. Hired in June 2022, Montgomery had a record of 120-41-23, reaching the playoffs twice and winning the Presidents Trophy in 2022-23 with an NHL record of 65 wins and 135 points. Montgomery won the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year for 2022-23.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As the Bruins struggled through the opening weeks of this season, the rumblings for change grew. Given the lack of suitable options in the trade market and the Bruins’ limited cap space, a coaching change was the only move they could make.

Boston Hockey Now’s Andrew Fantucchio and Christopher Hurley singled out several notable players who contributed to the Bruins’ sputtering performance.

They include the declining play of 36-year-old captain Brad Marchand following three offseason surgeries, superstar winger David Pastrnak’s lower-than-expected production, Jeremy Swayman’s shaky goaltending after protracted contract negotiations kept him out of training camp, and the disappointing efforts from free-agent additions Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov.

The Bruins might rebound under Sacco. However, there’s a growing feeling in Boston that management’s inability to offset the departures of key players like Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, Zdeno Chara, Tuukka Rask, Linus Ullmark and Torey Krug since 2019-20 is the real reason behind the club’s decline. That could put general manager Don Sweeney on the hot seat if this club fails to improve under Sacco.

SPORTSNET: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is listed as week-to-week after suffering a lower-leg injury during Monday’s win over the Utah Hockey Club. He’ll undergo further evaluation on Wednesday in Washington. Ovechkin has 868 career goals, 26 behind Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894.

TSN: Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is in Munich, Germany, seeking treatment for an upper-body injury from a doctor he’s previously worked with. Matthews has been sidelined for six games and remains listed as day-to-day. He’s been accompanied to Munich by a team physician.

The Leafs also placed forward David Kampf (lower body) on injured reserve and called up forward Fraser Minten.

DAILY FACEOFF: New Jersey Devils forward Timo Meier (back) and defenseman Brett Pesce (undisclosed injury) are listed as day-to-day.

The Vegas Golden Knights placed defenseman Ben Hutton (upper body) on long-term injury reserve and winger Mark Stone (lower body) on IR.

TSN: The Montreal Canadiens assigned forward Rafael Harvey-Pinard to their AHL affiliate in Laval on a long-term injury conditioning loan. He underwent surgery in July for a broken leg.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 10, 2024

by | Oct 10, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 10, 2024

Recapping Wednesday’s games, the Kraken sign Joey Daccord to a contract extension, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault turned in a 48-save shutout to blank the Toronto Maple Leafs 1-0. Cole Caufield tallied for the Canadiens. Leafs netminder Anthony Stolarz stopped 26 shots.

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the first shutout loss for the Leafs since Nov. 20, 2021. Before this game, the Leafs placed netminder Joseph Woll (lower body) on injured reserve, raising questions about his reliability as their starter this season.

Sidelined Canadiens winger Patrik Laine received a loud ovation from the Montreal crowd during the pregame introductions. The 26-year-old winger is out for two-to-three months with a sprained knee.

The New York Rangers got 29 saves from Igor Shesterkin in a 6-0 drubbing of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Chris Kreider scored two goals, Alexis Lafreniere had a goal and an assist and Jacob Trouba collected two assists for the Rangers. Tristan Jarry made 35 stops for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a complete team victory by the Rangers, getting scoring from their top-six and bottom-six forwards to dominate the Penguins throughout this contest.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck had a 30-save shutout to down the Edmonton Oilers 6-0. Mason Appleton had a goal and two assists while Mark Scheifele and Adam Lowry collected a goal and an assist each. Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner was lifted in favor of Calvin Pickard after giving up five goals on 13 shots.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One could blame the flat-footed Oilers’ loss on the dreaded “Stanley Cup Final hangover.” However, The Athletic’s Daniel Nugent-Bowman cited inexperience on right defense, a slower lineup, and a penalty kill still working in new personnel for the loss.

Earlier in the day, the Oilers reclaimed forward Raphael Lavoie off waivers from the Vegas Golden Knights, who had claimed him off waivers earlier in the week.

An overtime goal by Connor Zary lifted the Calgary Flames to a 6-5 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Flames winger Anthony Mantha and Canucks center J.T. Miller each had a “Gordie Howe hat trick” (goal, assist, fighting major) and Canucks winger Brock Boeser tallied twice.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a wild one as the Canucks jumped to a 4-1 lead in the first period only to see the Flames rally to take a 5-4 lead in the third. Miller, who was playing in his 800th career regular-season game, tied it with 1:37 remaining in regulation, sending the game to overtime and Zary’s game-winner.

Miller also laid a hard hit against Flames forward Kevin Rooney in the first period. A stretcher was called but Rooney left the game under his own power. That led to Mantha and Miller squaring off later in the period, resulting in their fighting majors.

Canucks forward Pius Suter missed this game with an upper-body injury.

The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Colorado Avalanche 8-4. Ivan Barbashev scored two goals and picked up two assists and Jack Eichel collected four assists for the Golden Knights. Mikko Rantanen tallied a hat trick and Nathan MacKinnon had two helpers for the Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Alexandar Georgiev’s shaky goaltending and defensive breakdowns led to this ugly loss for the Avalanche. Georgiev gave up five goals on 16 shots before being replaced by Justus Annunen.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE SEATTLE TIMES: The Kraken signed goaltender Joey Daccord to a five-year contract extension with an average annual value of $5 million. He earned that deal with a breakout performance last season, sporting a record of 19-18-11 with a 2.46 goals-against average and a save percentage of .916.

SPECTORS’ NOTE: Daccord, 28, is in the final season of a two-year deal worth an AAV of $1.2 million. It’s a significant raise and could prompt questions about starter Philipp Grubauer’s future with the Kraken. He’s signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $5.9 million and a 10-team no-trade list.

THE TENNESSEAN: Nashville Predators goalie Juuse Saros was in practice yesterday despite being listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury. He remains uncertain for their season-opener on Thursday against the Dallas Stars.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Sabres forwards JJ Peterka (concussion) and Zach Benson (lower-body injury) hope to be in the lineup for their club’s home opener on Thursday against the Los Angeles Kings.

THE FOURTH PERIOD: Speaking of the Kings, they’re in line to host the 2025 NHL Draft.