NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 15, 2025

by | Nov 15, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 15, 2025

The Predators beat the Penguins in the first games of their Global Series, Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer makes history with an overtime goal, and the latest injury updates in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF FRIDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Steven Stamkos lifted the Nashville Predators to a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first game of their two-game Global Series in Stockholm, Sweden. The Predators (6-9-4) overcame a 1-0 deficit as Filip Forsberg scored late in the third period to send the game to overtime. Evgeni Malkin scored for the 9-5-4 Penguins.

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (NHL Images).

New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer became the youngest player in NHL history to score an overtime goal (18 years, 70 days) to nip the Utah Mammoth 3-2. Emil Heineman and Jonathan Drouin also scored for the Islanders (10-6-2), who picked up their fourth straight win. JJ Peterka and Dylan Guenther scored for the 10-7-1 Mammoth, who have dropped four of their last five games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schaefer sits atop this season’s rookie scoring race with 15 points in 18 games.

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 on an overtime goal by Sebastian Aho. Andrei Svechnikov scored twice and collected an assist, and Shayne Gostisbehere picked up three assists as the Hurricanes improved to 12-5-0. Center Elias Pettersson had a goal and an assist for the Canucks (8-9-2), who are winless in their last three contests (0-1-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes forwards Seth Jarvis and Jesperi Kotkaniemi left this game with injuries. Jarvis was accidentally clipped in the eye by Svechnikov’s stick in the first period, but he’s not expected to miss much time. Kotkaniemi left after the first period with a lower-body injury.

Earlier in the day, the Canucks placed goaltender Thatcher Demko (lower body) on injured reserve.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Trevor Zegras had two goals and an assist in regulation and tallied the only goal in the shootout in a 6-5 win over the St. Louis Blues. Owen Tippett had a goal and three assists, and Christian Dvorak also had two goals and an assist for the 9-5-3 Flyers. Richard Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, and Jimmy Snuggerud each had a goal and an assist for the Blues, who dropped to 6-8-4.

INJURY UPDATES

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs recalled goaltender Joseph Woll from his AHL conditioning stint, and placed captain Auston Matthews (lower body) on injured reserve.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW/CBS SPORTS: Devils center Jack Hughes suffered a hand injury during a team dinner on Thursday when he slipped and cut his hand in a fluke accident. He’s not expected to play against the Washington Capitals on Saturday and will continue to be evaluated.

Meanwhile, the Devils placed forward Connor Brown (upper body) on injured reserve.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens winger Alex Newhook underwent surgery on Friday to repair a fractured ankle. He is expected to be sidelined for four months. The Canadiens also announced that defenseman Kaiden Guhle will be out for 8 to 10 weeks with a partially torn adductor muscle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This will test the depth of the young Canadiens roster. Newhook was off to a terrific start before this injury with 12 points in 17 games. Guhle’s been out since Oct. 16.

TWINCITIES.COM: Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings goaltender John Gibson returned to practice on Friday after leaving Thursday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks with an upper-body injury. He revealed he’d left due to a headache after being struck by two shots off his facemask.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers placed defenseman Troy Stecher on waivers and demoted winger Isaac Howard to their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield. The moves were made to create room for winger Zach Hyman and blueliner Alec Regula, who are both returning from injuries.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 11, 2025

by | Sep 11, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 11, 2025

Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov reportedly rejects a $128 million contract offer, plus the latest on Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson, and more in today’s NHL morning Coffee Headlines.

REACTION TO KAPRIZOV REPORTEDLY REJECTING $128 MILLION OFFER

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith cited a report from Bleacher Report’s Frank Servalli claiming that Kirill Kaprizov rejected an eight-year, $128-million contract offer from the Minnesota Wild.

Kaprizov, 28, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. The average annual value of the proposed contract is $16 million, which would’ve made him the NHL’s highest-paid player. His current AAV is $9 million.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

Russo and Smith subsequently reported that Wild general manager Bill Guerin claimed talks were ongoing. “We love Kirill. We want to keep him here. I have a good relationship with his agent (Paul Theofanus), and we are still in talks. We are not panicking or anything. This is just part of negotiations.”

Guerin declined to go into detail about the offer. “My job as general manager is to protect my players, and I don’t want this in the public eye. That’s the way we’d like to keep it, so I’m not commenting any further on this.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Appearing on the “10,000 Takes” podcast, Guerin said he didn’t know where the rumors about Kaprizov rejecting a historic offer came from. “I know two things: that info didn’t come from us, and it didn’t come from Kirill’s agent.” Nevertheless, Guerin didn’t appear to deny that the offer had been made or that Kaprizov rejected it.

Russo and Smith wondered what the reported rejection of the offer meant. They feel the Wild must determine if Theofanus thinks his client could get more than $16 million on the open market next summer, or if it’s the beginning of the end for Kaprizov in Minnesota.

Signing Kaprizov to a larger deal will impact their future salary-cap situation as they attempt to build a contender. However, if Kaprizov intends to go to market, the Wild will have to find out from the winger (who has a full no-movement clause) which team he’s willing to get moved to before the March 6 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored that the Kaprizov camp was fine with the money but wanted a shorter term. We’ll see if that’s the case as we advance.

This could become a nightmare for the Wild. Re-signing Kaprizov for more than their reported offer will hamper their effort to build and maintain a potential Stanley Cup champion. If he intends to become a UFA next summer, they won’t get fair value in a trade, and his departure will be a significant blow to their offense.

Ultimately, the Wild prefers re-signing Kaprizov. Better to keep their superstar at a higher price than to trade him for below market value or lose him for nothing to free agency next July.

CANUCKS CAPTAIN QUINN HUGHES RESPONDS TO BROTHER JACK’S COMMENTS

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes responded to his brother Jack’s comments about wanting to play together someday.

Earlier this year, Canucks president Jim Rutherford mentioned that Quinn would one day like to play with his brothers Jack and Luke Hughes, who both play for the New Jersey Devils. That generated speculation that the Canucks’ defenseman could end up traded to New Jersey or sign with the Devils as a free agent when his contract expires in 2027.

“What’s (Jack) supposed to say, first of all? Like, ‘I don’t want to play with him,’ you know?”, Quinn said. “We have contracts and whatnot. He’s on a different team. Would it be fun to play with those guys at some point? Of course.”

Hughes said that he’s excited to be in Vancouver and hopes to help the team rebound from last season’s disappointing performance. “I’ve been fortunate to play in Vancouver because of the fans and what a special place it is, and how well you’re taken care of, because they love their hockey so much and care about their hockey. It’s normal in a Canadian market.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Quinn has been downplaying the speculation, but it’s not going to go away, especially if the Canucks struggle again this season. Another year out of the playoff picture will only fan the trade rumor flames.

THE LATEST ON JACK EICHEL AND MIKE MATHESON

ESPN.COM: Jack Eichel hopes to remain with the Vegas Golden Knights for the long term. The 28-year-old center is UFA-eligible next July.

“I love the organization. I love living here. I love the guys in the room. I love the people in the city. I love the fans,” Eichel said. “It’s a great place to live. It’s a great place to play hockey. I think there’s a lot of things to love and I’m just really happy here.

Talks between Eichel and the Golden Knights’ management are in the early stages, but the star center is optimistic about the process. Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon recently said getting Eichel re-signed was “an important order of business.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eichel is the Golden Knights’ first-line center and top offensive player. It’s expected he’ll be re-signed to a long-term deal worth between $13 million and $14 million annually.

LA PRESSE: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson has had discussions with management about a contract extension, although those talks are not recent.

Matheson is UFA-eligible and is earning an AAV of $4.8 million on his current contract. His agent said the 31-year-old blueliner wants to stay in Montreal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matheson catches some flak from Canadiens fans for his defensive play, but management has praised his skills, experience, and leadership. It wouldn’t be surprising if he gets a four or five-year extension.

IN OTHER NEWS…

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Sharks signed prospect forward Michael Misa to a three-year entry-level contract. The 18-year-old was chosen second overall in the 2025 NHL Draft.

If Misa makes the team this season, the Sharks could end up moving a contract to be within the mandated 50-contract limit.

DAILY FACEOFF: Veteran NHL forward Adam Erne is among four players signed to professional tryout offers by the Dallas Stars. He’s appeared in 382 NHL games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings, and Edmonton Oilers since 2016-17.

Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers signed defenseman Ben Harpur and forward Tyler Motte to PTO contracts.

Blues forward Zach Dean has entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

STLTODAY.COM: The St. Louis Blues signed prospect forward Justin Carbonneau to a three-year entry-level deal. He was selected 19th overall in this year’s draft.

FULL PRESS MEDIA: Steve Mayer, President of NHL Content and Events, believes the outdoor games involving the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning this season could become the talk of the sports world.

The Panthers will host the New York Rangers in the NHL’s annual Winter Classic on Jan. 2, 2026, while the Lightning hosts the Boston Bruins in the annual Stadium Series on Feb. 1.

SCOTTY WAZZ: presents the latest in his “Meh Rushmore” of players who just existed on their respective NHL teams. This week: The Central Division.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 10, 2025

by | Sep 10, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 10, 2025

Penguins star Sidney Crosby addresses the trade rumors swirling around him, the Devils’ Jack Hughes would love to play alongside brother Quinn, and the latest on Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CROSBY ADDRESSES TRADE RUMORS

TRIBLIVE.COM: Sidney Crosby is aware of the trade rumors swirling around him, now that he and the Pittsburgh Penguins have missed the playoffs for the last three years.

“I understand it,” Crosby said to reporters during the NHL player media tour in Las Vegas on Tuesday. “That’s the hard part about losing. Everybody thinks that the losing is the buzzer goes (off), you lose a game and that sucks, but there’s so much more than that. It’s the turnover. It’s the unknown, the uncertainty, the question marks. That’s the stuff that’s tough.”

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Crosby is starting a two-year contract with a full no-movement clause. However, rumors have linked the 38-year-old center to the Colorado Avalanche (where close friend Nathan MacKinnon plays) and his childhood team, the Montreal Canadiens.

“I get it, trust me,” Crosby said, recalling being in Montreal in June early in his NHL career and marveling about how the broadcasts were already projecting the training camp lineups for September.

“They’re so into it, and I get it as to why that would come up and that sort of thing. It doesn’t make it any easier when you’re losing, for sure, to hear those things, but at the same time, to know that a team like that wants you, it’s not the end of the world. It could be worse. I just think that’s part of it.”

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun asked Crosby’s agent, Pat Brisson, if he thought it possible that his client might be traded before his contract expires in 2027.

“I mean, I’m answering something that…let’s put it this way, it’s always a possibility, you know?,” Brisson said. “It’s been three years they haven’t made the playoffs. It all depends on how Sid is going to be and how the team is doing. I maintain the same position that I do believe that he should be playing playoff hockey every year. In my opinion.”

LeBrun writes that Crosby only sees himself as a Penguin for life. However, he wondered if that could change with another losing season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some pundits have been stumping for Crosby to accept a trade to Colorado, Montreal, or another major hockey market where he’ll get a chance to chase the Stanley Cup once more, “for the good of the game,” as some have intoned.

Another year of losing might change Crosby’s mind. However, the decision rests with him. His camp won’t pressure him into it, and the Penguins aren’t going to push him out if he wants to finish his career in Pittsburgh.

Sidney Crosby will do what he thinks is best for himself. He won’t do it because of what others want him to do. Whatever he decides when the time comes, we should respect that decision.

JACK HUGHES HOPES TO PLAY ALONGSIDE BROTHER QUINN

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston cited an interview that Jack Hughes had with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, in which the Devils center admitted he’d love to play alongside his brother Quinn one day.

Quinn Hughes is the captain of the Vancouver Canucks. The 25-year-old defenseman is signed through 2026-27. Speculation over his future in Vancouver arose earlier this year after Canucks president Jim Rutherford said Quinn would one day like to play with his brothers, Jack and Luke.

“Honestly, I’m not afraid to say it,” Jack said. “Yeah, I would love for Quinn to – eventually I’d love to play with him. And whether that’s in New Jersey or at what time that takes, at some point, I want to play with Quinn. But yeah, that’s the question going around. They talk all day about it in Vancouver, you know? But yeah, I’d love to play with Quinn at some point.”

Johnston assumed that Rutherford and Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin would love to one day acquire Jack and Luke and have the Hughes’ reunite in Vancouver. However, that would be incredibly hard to pull off, making Quinn’s departure to New Jersey seem the more likely route.

According to Johnston, some might argue that if the Canucks don’t have a clearer view on Quinn’s future before the end of this season, they should consider trading him earlier when he’ll have more value with a year left on his contract.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols noted that the Devils still have to sign younger brother Luke to a new contract. “Perhaps the term of that contract will indicate if the Hughes brothers plan to play together in New Jersey, or elsewhere.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks’ efforts to rebound from last season’s disappointing performance could play a significant role in determining Quinn’s future in Vancouver. Meanwhile, Luke reportedly seeks a five-year contract taking him up to 2030, when Jack’s current contract is due to expire.

THE LATEST ON RASMUS ANDERSSON

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin reports Rasmus Andersson is eager to start this season with the Flames, despite being in the final season of his contract.

The 28-year-old defenseman is UFA-eligible next July, making him the subject of trade speculation this summer.

Andersson denied a rumor claiming he’d only accept a trade to the Vegas Golden Knights. “The thing that bothers you is fake information that comes out,” he said. “I saw some reports that I would only sign with one team and this and that and it’s the furthest from the truth.”

The blueliner also dismissed the notion that his contract status would be a distraction for the team.

Austin believes the most likely scenario is that Andersson gets traded at some point this season. However, GM Craig Conroy isn’t closing the door on a contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A good season for Andersson and the Flames might be a step toward a new deal. However, he could seek more in dollars and years than they’re willing to invest.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 22, 2025

by | Apr 22, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 22, 2025

Could Quinn Hughes reunite with his brothers in Vancouver or New Jersey this summer? What’s next for the Kraken after making changes behind the bench and in the front office? What’s the latest on the Bruins? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE HUGHES BROTHERS REUNITE IN VANCOUVER OR NEW JERSEY?

SPORTSNET: Iain MacIntyre thinks Vancouver Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford was joking when he spoke about reuniting team captain Quinn Hughes with brothers Jack and Luke, who play for the New Jersey Devils.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Rutherford mentioned that Quinn had spoken of playing with his brothers one day. He said that was partly out of the club’s control, but it would be within the team’s control to bring Jack and Luke to Vancouver.

“We’ve got to be careful with tampering here, so we’ll just leave it at that,” said Rutherford. “I probably crossed the line anyways.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rutherford was speaking about the importance of ensuring sufficient cap space to re-sign Quinn when his contract expires in two years. He suggested money might not be what matters most to him, mentioning the blueliner’s brothers.

Rutherford’s remarks raised eyebrows and will undoubtedly spark speculation about how such a reunion might happen. However, there is no indication Quinn intends to leave the Canucks, while the Devils aren’t parting with Jack and Luke.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes it would be easier for Quinn to head to New Jersey than for Jack and Luke to go to Vancouver.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The path of least resistance is to wait for Quinn to become a UFA in 2027. It will only cost the Devils money to sign him rather than money plus a package of player assets to acquire him through a trade with the Canucks.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes the Canucks must come up with a plan to ensure they keep Quinn in the lineup for a long time. One way would be getting aggressive in the trade and free-agent markets over the next two years to make the Canucks the best competitive option.

Another would be acquiring Jack and Luke. However, that would be very difficult to accomplish given their lack of trade assets to make such a blockbuster occur.

The Canucks could also trade Quinn if it appears unlikely that he’ll sign a long-term extension next summer. However, they would get equal value for Hughes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The best way is for the Canucks to convince Quinn that they want to build a winner around him. That means trying to stock up their roster over the next two years through trades and free agency. Their moves this summer will determine if Hughes has a long-term future in Vancouver.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE KRAKEN?

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Matt Calkins recently looked at what the Kraken must do this summer to regain relevance after missing the playoffs for the second straight season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Calkins wrote this column on Apr. 17, before the Kraken fired head coach Dan Bylsma and replaced Ron Francis as general manager with Jason Botterill.

Team CEO Tod Leiweke said last week that Kraken fans should expect this offseason to be one of the most active and busy in the club’s short history.

Calkins believes the Kraken should leverage their draft capital to land one or two true scorers. He pointed out that they have five first-round picks and four second-rounders over the next three drafts. That’s ample ammunition to make some moves.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A lack of scoring punch has been the Kraken’s weakness. They’ve never had a true scoring star on their roster. Landing one won’t be easy, even with that draft capital. It’ll be interesting to see what approach Botterill takes this summer to address that need.

Calkin’s colleague Kate Schefte listed several possible coaching candidates to replace Dan Bylsma.

Former Rangers coach Peter Laviolette, Canucks bench boss Rick Tocchet, and former NHL coaches Bruce Boudreau and John Tortorella were among the notables.

RECENT BRUINS SPECULATION

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss recently looked at what the Bruins might do to fix their roster and bounce back as a playoff contender next season.

Finding a legitimate top-six center is one issue to be addressed. The best potential free-agent option would be Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers. However, he’s not one the Bruins should spend major money on, especially if they want to take a crack at signing Mitch Marner if he parts ways with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent on July 1.

Goss believes the trade market is the best way for the Bruins to find a suitable top-six center. He points out they’ve got four first-round picks and five second-rounders over the next three drafts to draw on for trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Finding suitable centers in the trade market won’t be easy. The Bruins could target cash-strapped clubs to address that need.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 6, 2025

by | Mar 6, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 6, 2025

Alex Ovechkin moves within 10 goals of breaking the league goals record, injuries sideline Devils stars Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton, the Utah Hockey Club re-sign three players, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link for analysis of Wednesday’s trades.

RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin tallied his 885th regular-season goal as his club nipped the New York Rangers 3-2. Ovechkin scored the tying goal that set the stage for Tom Wilson’s overtime winner for the Capitals (88 points). Artemi Panarin and Sam Carrick scored for the Rangers, who sit just outside the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 67 points.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin is 10 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals.

Washington is tied with the league-leading Winnipeg Jets but the latter has 42 regulation wins to the Capitals’ 40.

An overtime goal by Tim Stutzle lifted the Ottawa Senators to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Josh Norris had a goal and an assist for the Senators, who moved into the final Eastern Conference wild card with 67 points. Ryan Donato tallied his 23rd goal of the season for the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators hold that wild card spot with a game in hand over the Rangers. Donato is having a career-best performance (46 points in 60 games) in his contract season. He’s expected to be moved by Friday’s trade deadline.

The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2. Adin Hill made 29 saves while Jack Eichel, Tomas Hertl, Noah Hanifin and Tanner Pearson each had a goal and an assist for the Golden Knights, who sit atop the Pacific Division with 80 points. Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner replied for the Leafs, who remain in second place in the Atlantic Division with 79 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs and Florida Panthers have the same number of points, but the latter holds first place in the division with 32 regulation wins. Before the game, Matthews told reporters that he hopes management provides a boost to the roster at the trade deadline.

A three-goal second period enabled the Vancouver Canucks to hold off the Anaheim Ducks 3-2. Jake DeBrusk, Teddy Blueger, and Carson Soucy scored for the Canucks, who sit just outside the final Western Conference wild-card berth with 67 points. Sam Colangelo and Brian Dumoulin scored for the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are tied with the Calgary Flames in points but the latter holds that wild card with 29 regulations wins. Ducks goaltender John Gibson left this game following a collision with Canucks forward Drew O’Connor.

St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas scored the tying goal and the shootout winner in a 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Thomas extended his points streak to 11 games as the Blues sit one point behind the Flames with 66 points. Quinton Byfield and Trevor Moore replied for the Kings, who sit third in the Pacific Division with 71 points.

HEADLINES

SPORTSNET: New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in Vail, Colorado. He’s expected to be recovered in time for training camp in September.

B/R OPEN ICE: cites TSN’s Darren Dreger reporting Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton could be out week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

TSN: Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe was fined $25,000.00 by the league for unprofessional conduct toward on-ice officials during Sunday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yesterday was a very bad day for the Devils. The loss of Hughes and Hamilton threatens their playoff chances. They’re third in the Metropolitan Division with 72 points but only five points ahead of the Rangers, who are just outside the Eastern wild-card berth.

Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald was expected to be a buyer before Friday’s trade deadline. He’s placed Hughes on long-term injury reserve, giving the Devils $8 million in salary-cap wiggle room to make a significant addition or two. Whether he can pull it off remains to be seen.

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE: The Utah Hockey Club signed goaltender Karel Vejmelka to a five-year contract extension with an average annual value of $4.75 million.

DAILY FACEOFF: Utah HC also signed defenseman Ian Cole and forward Alex Kerfoot to one-year extensions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah GM Bill Armstrong is signalling that he’s not a seller this year. Vejmelka would’ve drawn plenty of interest from playoff contenders seeking a goaltending upgrade before Friday’s trade deadline. Utah sits four points out of the final Western wild-card spot.

SPORTSNET: The Columbus Blue Jackets signed forward Mathieu Olivier to a six-year extension with an AAV of $3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets are battling for a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. GM Don Waddell said he’s under no pressure to move out his pending UFAs like Ivan Provorov, even at the risk of their departure on July 1. If Waddell makes a move or two, it’ll likely be a hockey trade that involves player-for-player swaps that will help the Jackets now and in the future.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres signed winger Jordan Greenway to a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Greenway would’ve attracted plenty of suitors if he’d become available in the trade market. The Sabres valued his two-way play more.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 3, 2025

by | Mar 3, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 3, 2025

Milestone performances for Auston Matthews and Sidney Crosby in Leafs-Penguins game, the latest on Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-5. William Nylander had a goal and an assist, including the game-winner in overtime. Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies each had a goal and an assist as the Leafs regained first place in the Atlantic Division with 78 points. Penguins forwards Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust each had a goal and two assists and Rickard Rakell scored two goals.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was a milestone game for Matthews and Crosby.

Matthews scored his 390th regular-season goal to surpass Darryl Sittler as the second-leading goal scorer in Leafs history. Mats Sundin is the all-time leader with 420. The Leafs captain also reached the 700-point plateau.

Crosby picked up his 1,050th assist to move past Gordie Howe into 10th among the all-time assist leaders. Steve Yzerman is ninth with 1,063.

The Leafs played without defenseman Chris Tanev, who was placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. Forward Connor Dewar was activated off IR for this game.

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill made 25 saves for a 2-0 shutout of the New Jersey Devils. Mark Stone and Noah Hanifin scored for the Golden Knights, who hold first place in the Pacific Division with 78 points. Devils center Jack Hughes left the game late in the third period favoring his right arm after getting tangled up with Golden Knights center Jack Eichel and crashing into the endboards. The Devils sit in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 72 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe was ejected from the game after complaining to officials about what he felt was a non-call for interference by Eichel on Hughes. There was no postgame update regarding Hughes’ status. Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom made 22 saves in his first game since suffering a knee injury on Jan. 22.

New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick turned in a 34-save shutout in his 800th regular-season game to blank the Nashville Predators 4-0. Artemi Panarin and J.T. Miller each had a goal and an assist as the Rangers (64 points) moved within two points of the Detroit Red Wings for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Justus Annunen stopped 30 shots for the Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers held winger Reilly Smith out of the lineup for “roster management purposes,” sparking speculation that another trade could be in the works. On Saturday, the Rangers shipped defenseman Ryan Lindgren and winger Jimmy Vesey to the Colorado Avalanche.

Rangers forward Matt Rempe could face supplemental discipline after elbowing Nick Blankenburg in the face while trying to check the Predators defenseman. Rempe was called for elbowing and received a fighting major for his subsequent scrap with Predators defenseman Andreas Englund.

Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston tallied three power-play goals in a 6-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Roope Hintz had a goal and three assists for the Stars as they hold second place in the Central Division with 80 points. Blues goaltender Joel Hofer got the hook after giving up three goals on nine shots but Joel Binnington was the losing goalie, allowing three goals on 12 shots. The Blues are one point behind the Calgary Flames for the final Western wild-card spot.

Speaking of the Flames, they dropped a 2-1 decision to the Carolina Hurricanes. Sebastian Aho scored the overtime winner for the Hurricanes, who hold sole possession of second place in the Metro Division with 74 points. Dustin Wolf made 31 saves for the Flames, who are 0-2-1 in their last three games but picked up a point to move ahead of the Vancouver Canucks into the final Western wild card.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames and Canucks each have 65 points but Calgary has 28 regulation wins to Vancouver’s 27.

The Minnesota Wild nipped the Boston Bruins 1-0 to end a three-game losing skid, Filip Gustavsson made 28 saves for the shutout and Frederick Gaudreau scored the only goal as the Wild hold third place in the Central Division with 74 points. David Pastrnak’s point streak ended at 17 games as his club remains two points behind the Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins captain Brad Marchand missed this game with an upper-body injury suffered during his club’s 3-2 win over Pittsburgh on Saturday. The Wild played without defenseman Jonas Brodin, who is week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

IN OTHER NEWS…

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers placed sidelined winger Matthew Tkachuk (lower body) on long-term injury reserve to free up salary-cap space to recall goaltender Chris Driedger. They had limited cap room after acquiring defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday.

Placing Tkachuk on LTIR prompted speculation that he could be sidelined for the rest of the regular season. That would free up salary-cap space for the Panthers to make more moves ahead of the March 7 trade deadline.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks rookie center Macklin Celebrini (lower body) is a game-time decision for Monday’s contest with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Defenseman Henry Thrun (upper body) has been ruled out for that game.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: The Kraken recalled goaltender Philipp Grubauer from their AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley.