NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 5, 2024

by | Nov 5, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 5, 2024

Shutout victories for the Devils and Kings, the three stars of the week are announced, and the latest on Connor McDavid, David Pastrnak, Connor Hellebuyck, Macklin Celebrini and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: New Jersey Devils goaltender Jake Allen made 31 saves to shut out the Edmonton Oilers 3-0. Stefan Noesen, Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier were the goal scorers as the Devils have won three of their last four games. Bratt also collected an assist to finish the night with two points.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jake Allen (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers got some good news earlier in the day when captain Connor McDavid took part in an optional skate. McDavid was expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks with an ankle injury suffered last Monday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, he indicated he might be ready to return to action this Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks.

Allen is closing in on a personal milestone. He needs two more victories to reach the 200-win plateau.

The Los Angeles Kings got a goal and an assist from Adrian Kempe and 16 saves from Darcy Kuemper to blank the Nashville Predators 3-0, handing the latter their third defeat in their last four games. Anze Kopitar and Kevin Fiala also scored for the Kings.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas, and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby were the league’s three stars for the week ending Nov. 3.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Bruins winger David Pastrnak downplayed his third-period benching during his club’s 2-0 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Sunday. “I’ve got to be better, and I take full responsibility,” he told reporters on Monday. “I’m just moving on. Yesterday was yesterday, and I never looked back. I just came in today and worked on my game.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pastrnak leads the Bruins in scoring with six goals and 11 points in 13 games but was held scoreless in five games and has been inconsistent in other areas of his play.

Speaking of the Bruins, they signed Tyler Johnson to a one-year, $775K contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 34-year-old forward joined the Bruins in training camp on a professional tryout offer but had to wait a month until the club accrued sufficient cap space to sign him. He spent the interim participating in practices with the Bruins.

WINNIPEG SUN: Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is getting weary in his efforts to get more clarity from the league regarding goalie interference rules. “If it’s not going to get anywhere, I might have to move on to the next guy, pass it on. I’ve tried to help, I’ve tried to make it more black and white.”

Hellebuyck’s comments come after the Jets’ 7-4 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday. Lightning forward Conor Geekie shoved Hellebuyck’s pad out of the way, allowing teammate Brandon Hagel to score. The Jets raised a coach’s challenge claiming goalie interference but the call on the ice stood.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebucyk is understandably tired of banging his head against this brick wall. The maddening inconsistency regarding what constitutes goalie interference is part of the ongoing decline of NHL officiating.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini is expected to return to action on Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 18-year-old center has been sidelined since opening night after re-aggravating a hip injury he’d been nursing since training camp.

Speaking of the Sharks, forward Ty Dellandrea is also expected to be good to go for Tuesday’s game against Columbus. He’s been sidelined by an injured hand since late October.

NHL.COM: Valeri Nichuskin has been cleared to return to practice with the Colorado Avalanche. The 29-year-old winger will return to action on Nov. 15 against the Washington Capitals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichushkin is completing a six-month suspension as part of Phase 3 of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reports Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (knee injury) is “in the last stages of hurdles that need to be cleared before he can return to practice. There’s still no timetable for his return but Dhaliwal indicates he made “very good progress.”

STLTODAY.COM: Blues defenseman Philip Broberg will be sidelined for four to six weeks with a lower-body injury (right leg).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Broberg was on a tear to start the season with nine points in 12 games, sitting second among Blues scorers.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: The Penguins face a decision regarding their goaltending with Tristan Jarry’s two-week AHL conditioning stint ending on Saturday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarry is expected to return to the Penguins with Alex Nedeljkovic as his backup. Promising netminder Joel Blomqvist is waiver-exempt and will likely be returned to their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers swapped minor-leaguers on Monday with defenseman Ronnie Attard heading to Edmonton in exchange for blueliner Ben Gleason.

 










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 27, 2024

by | Oct 27, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 27, 2024

In today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines, the Jets remain perfect, two Flyers forwards have five-point performances, and much more as we recap Saturday’s 14-game action.

NHL.COM: The Winnipeg Jets extended their season-opening win streak to eight games by defeating the Calgary Flames 5-3. Cole Perfetti scored the tiebreaker late in the third period and Kyle Connor had a goal and an assist for the 8-0-0 Jets. Andrei Kuzmenko collected two assists for the Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Special teams made the difference for the Jets in this contest, tallying two power-play goals and a shorthanded goal. Perfetti’s goal came with Flames center Nazem Kadri in the penalty box. Kadri wasn’t pleased with the call and earned a game misconduct soon afterward.

Earlier in the day, it was announced that former Flames executive Bill Hay had passed away at age 88. He was the former president and CEO of the Flames and the former chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Hay was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in the builders’ category in 2015.

Before that, Hay spent eight seasons as an NHL center with the Chicago Blackhawks from 1959-60 to 1966-67, amassing 113 goals and 386 points in 506 regular-season games and 36 points in 67 playoff contests. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy and the Stanley Cup in 1960.

My condolences to Hay’s family, friends and former teammates.

Philadelphia Flyers center Sean Couturier (NHL Images).

A five-point performance from Sean Couturier (including a hat trick) powered the Philadelphia Flyers to a 7-5 upset of the Minnesota Wild. Travis Konecny had a goal and four assists and rookie Matvei Michkov had a goal and an assist as the Flyers snapped a six-game winless skid. Marcus Foligno tallied twice for the Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The win capped a busy day for the Flyers. They placed sidelined defenseman Cam York (upper body) on injured reserve, returned prospect forward Jett Luchanko to the OHL’s Guelph Storm, and called up goaltender Alexei Kolosov, who could start his first NHL game on Sunday against the Montreal Canadiens.

The Florida Panthers erased a 3-0 deficit with six straight goals in a 6-3 victory over the New York Islanders. Matthew Tkachuk led the way with two goals and an assist and Mackie Samoskevich netted his first NHL goal. Maxim Tsyplakov collected two assists for the Islanders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Isles were busy before this game. They placed winger Anthony Duclair (lower body) on long-term injury reserve, loaned Liam Foudy to their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport, signed forward Matt Martin to a one-year, $775K contract, and recalled forwards Pierre Engvall and Hudson Fasching from Bridgeport.

Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson scored twice and collected an assist to lead the Buffalo Sabres over the Detroit Red Wings 5-3. Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin picked up three helpers as the Sabres extended their win streak to three games. Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider each had two points for the Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One of Thompson’s goals was clocked at 104.69 mph, making it the fastest shot ever recorded by NHL Edge since 2021-22.

The Los Angeles Kings got two goals from defenseman Joel Edmundson (including the game-winner) in a 3-2 victory over the Utah Hockey Club. Blueliner Brandt Clarke had a goal and an assist for the Kings, who’ve won four of their last five contests. Clayton Keller and Logan Cooley replied for Utah, which has lost three in a row.

Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson had a goal and an assist in his season debut as his club thumped the San Jose Sharks 7-3. Brett Howden tallied twice and Pavel Dorofeyev had a goal and two assists for Vegas as they picked up their third straight victory. Vitek Vanecek made 35 saves for the hapless Sharks, who became the first NHL team to lose nine consecutive games to start back-to-back seasons.

An overtime goal by Brad Marchand lifted the Boston Bruins to a 4-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Marchand and David Pastrnak each finished with a goal and an assist as the Bruins ended a three-game winless skid. Mitch Marner picked up three assists and Auston Matthews had a goal and an assist for the Leafs, who are winless in their last three (0-2-1).

The Montreal Canadiens downed the St. Louis Blues 5-2. Kirby Dach had a goal and an assist, Cole Caufield sniped his seventh of the season and Sam Montembeault stopped 29 shots for the Habs as they ended a four-game winless streak (0-3-1). Colton Parayko and Jake Neighbours replied for the Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens winger Josh Anderson left the game with a lower-body injury but is traveling with the team to Philadelphia for Sunday’s game against the Flyers.

Former Blues defenseman Marco Scandella told St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter Matthew DeFranks that he has retired, though he hasn’t officially announced it. Scandella spent 14 seasons in the NHL from 2010-11 to 2023-24 with the Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Canadiens and Blues. He finishes with 170 points in 784 regular season games and nine points in 56 playoff contests.

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy made 32 saves to shut out the Washington Capitals 3-0. Mitchell Chaffee, Brayden Point and Conor Geekie were the goals scorers. It was Geekie’s first NHL goal. Charlie Lindgren turned aside 18 shots for the Capitals as their win streak ended at five games.

The New York Rangers got 32 saves from Jonathan Quick in a 2-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Ryan Lindgren and Will Cuylle scored for the Rangers while Olen Zellweger replied for the Ducks, who got 30 stops from Lukas Dostal. Rangers winger Artemi Panarin collected an assist to extend his points streak to eight games as his club has won five of their last six.

Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault scored in overtime to lift his club over the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3. Alexandre Carrier netted the tying goal early in the third for the Predators, who have won three straight. Kirill Marchenko, Zach Aston-Reese and Zach Werenski scored for the Blue Jackets.

The Dallas Stars doubled up the Chicago Blackhawks 4-2, handing the latter their fourth straight defeat. Matt Duchene scored twice for the Stars while Pat Maroon picked up two assists for the Blackhawks.

A four-goal second period carried the Vancouver Canucks over the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3, handing the latter their fourth straight loss. Canucks forward Elias Pettersson got his first of the season and teammate Arshdeep Bains netted the first of his NHL career. Evgeni Malkin had a goal and two assists for the struggling Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, the Penguins loaned goaltender Tristan Jarry to their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for a two-week conditioning stint. Jarry has struggled this season and has been relegated to third-string goalie status. His demotion to the farm team is to give him some meaningful playing time and the chance to regain his confidence.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis scored and collected an assist in a 4-1 win over the Seattle Kraken. Jared McCann sniped his fifth of the season for the Kraken. Carolina has won three in a row while the Kraken are winless in three (0-2-1).










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 25, 2024

by | Oct 25, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 25, 2024

Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky reaches a significant milestone, the Jets remain unbeaten, the Golden Knights re-sign Shea Theodore, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Sergei Bobrovsky became the fastest goaltender to reach 400 career wins (707 games), stopping 24 shots in a 3-1 victory over the New York Rangers, handing the latter their first regulation loss of the season. Anton Lundell, Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett scored for the Panthers while Alexis Lafreniere replied for the Rangers.

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bobrovsky is the 14th goaltender to reach the 400-win milestone. He’ll soon move past Chris Osgood (401), Grant Fuhr (403) and Glenn Hall (407) and should overtake Tony Esposito (423) later this season to move into 10th overall as he burnishes his case for induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Earlier in the day, the Rangers demoted popular enforcer Matt Rempe to their AHL affiliate in Hartford as he struggled to secure a full-time roster spot. They also placed defenseman Chad Ruhwedel on waivers.

The Winnipeg Jets extended their season-opening win streak to seven games as Nikolaj Ehlers scored in overtime to give his club a 4-3 win over the Seattle Kraken. The Jets held a 3-1 lead early in the third period but the Kraken battled back to force overtime. Nino Niederreiter scored two goals for the Jets as did Kraken center Matty Beniers, whose second goal tied the game late in the third.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets are the only team that hasn’t suffered a loss this season.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov had his fourth straight multi-point game (2 goals, one assist) as his club doubled up the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2. Marc-Andre Fleury made 23 saves for his first win of the season as the Wild extended their points streak to seven games (5-0-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The sale of the Lightning to a pair of Wall Street investors was made official on Thursday. Former majority owner Jeff Vinik will retain a minority stake in the franchise and will continue to run the team until 2027.

The Detroit Red Wings got third-period goals from Patrick Kane and Michael Rasmussen in a 5-3 win over the New Jersey Devils. Cam Talbot kicked out 37 shots for the win. Nico Hischier tallied twice for the Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane’s game-winner was the 77th of his career, tying him with Bill Guerin for fourth all-time among American-born skaters and tying him with Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand for fifth among active skaters.

Colorado Avalanche stars Nathan MacKinnon (one assist) and Cale Makar (one goal) extended their points streaks to eight games as their club defeated the Utah Hockey Club 5-1. Casey Mittelstadt had a goal and two assists and Ross Colton tallied his seventh of the season. Lawson Crouse had the only goal for Utah.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Colton left the game in the second period after being slashed on the hand. There was no postgame update on his condition.

The Dallas Stars defeated the Boston Bruins 5-2, handing the latter their fourth loss in their last five games (1-3-1). Matt Duchene and Tyler Seguin each had a goal and two assists for the Stars, who sit third overall in the Western Conference (6-2-0). David Pastrnak and Justin Brazeau replied for the Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penalties were costly for the Bruins. The Stars blew the game open with three straight power-play goals in the second period.

St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington made 40 saves in a 5-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Dylan Holloway scored two goals and Jordan Kyrou picked up two assists for the Blues. Oliver Ekman-Larsson had the Leafs’ only goal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This lopsided loss came after Toronto dropped a 6-2 decision to the Columbus Blue Jackets in their previous contest. This was Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube’s first game against his former club. Leafs winger Max Pacioretty missed this game as he’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

The Carolina Hurricanes got a goal and an assist from Martin Necas as they held off the Calgary Flames 4-2, ending the latter’s six-game season-opening points streak. Dan Vladar stopped 39 shots for the Flames.

Los Angeles Kings winger Warren Foegele tallied twice in the first period as his club nipped the San Jose Sharks 3-2, handing the latter their eighth straight loss (0-6-2) as they remain the only winless team in the league. Mikael Granlund scored two goals for the Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings activated goaltender Darcy Kuemper from injured reserve before this game. He’s expected to return to action against Utah on Saturday.

HEADLINES

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Golden Knights signed defenseman Shea Theodore to a seven-year contract extension with an average annual value of $7.425 million. Theodore, 29, was slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Theodore’s future in Vegas seemed in doubt after they acquired and signed defenseman Noah Hanifin last season. The departure of winger Jonathan Marchessault stoked speculation that Theodore would be next out the door due to salary-cap constraints.

Theodore is an important part of the Golden Knights’ roster core, providing them with a reliable source of offense from the blueline. He is also one of only three original members still with the Golden Knights, along with William Karlsson and Brayden McNabb.

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid believes Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby should captain Canada’s team at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February.

“It’s just how it should be,” said McDavid. “He’s Sidney Crosby and he’s been there so many times and he’s the guy. It’s not like I thought about it a lot, it’s just such a no-brainer.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby’s international record speaks for itself. He’s a member of the elite Triple Gold Club, winning gold in the World Juniors (2005), the World Championships (2015), and the Olympics (2010, 2014). He also captained Canada as they won the World Cup of Hockey in 2016. Crosby was named to the IIHF All-Decade Team for 2010-2020.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins sent goaltender Tristan Jarry back to Pittsburgh to work with one of the club’s goalie coaches on an individual level. Jarry has struggled this season, prompting the Penguins to go with Alex Nedeljkovic and Joel Blomqvist as their current tandem.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarry’s struggles have made him the subject of trade speculation. However, his performance and contract ($5.375 million AAV through 2027-28) make it unlikely he’ll change teams.

NEW YORK POST: Islanders winger Anthony Duclair is expected to miss four to six weeks with a lower-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a relief for the Isles and Duclair. It was feared he would be laid up for months recovering from that injury.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports NHL Players’ Association Executive Director Marty Walsh hopes to discuss expansion fees with the league during the next round of collective bargaining.

Expansion fees have been split among existing NHL owners. Walsh wants to discuss the possibility of the players receiving a cut of future expansion monies.

Walsh has yet to discuss this topic with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. He’s also under no illusions that the 32 club owners could willingly share any of the profits stemming from future expansion. Nevertheless, he’s hoping to have that conversation with the league.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That proposal could receive a hard no from the NHL owners. However, Bettman could also use that subject as leverage to gain something else for the owners.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 22, 2024

by | Oct 22, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 22, 2024

Check out the latest on the Flames plus an update on Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE FLAMES

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis reports Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy said he’s been in the market for a center since trading Elias Lindholm in January.

“When we lost Lindholm, a right-hand center in your top-six, that’s kind of something you’d want to find,” said Conroy. “Is it an easy thing to find? Probably not.”

Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy (NHL.com).

The Flames are using Martin Pospisil at center. While the results have been good so far, Conroy’s plan of finding a center between 23 and 25 with NHL experience hasn’t changed.

Francis cited Kirby Dach of the Montreal Canadiens as an example. He was a costly acquisition for the Canadiens, who gave up a first- and a third-rounder to Chicago.

Conroy said he’d be open to parting with a first-round pick for a right-shot center who would be a long-term acquisition for the Flames.

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson acknowledged Conroy is shopping for a center. However, he doesn’t believe the Flames GM is abandoning or accelerating his club’s long-term plan or trading assets for a quick fix.

Sean Austin believes it would take a significant offer by Conroy to acquire a center that would move the needle for the Flames.

FLAMES NATION: Robert Munnich suggested Utah Hockey Club’s Barrett Hayton, Martin Necas or Jesperi Kotkaniemi of the Carolina Hurricanes, or Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks.

He also suggested Dach, Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild, Peyton Krebs of the Buffalo Sabres, and Joe Veleno of the Detroit Red Wings as honorable mentions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All but Necas and Dach are left-hand shots. The Hurricanes signed Necas to a two-year contract this summer while Dach is in the third year of a four-year contract. They’re unlikely to be available by the March 7 trade deadline.

As for the lefties, Hayton and Rossi aren’t moving. Zegras surfaced in trade rumors and he’s being used as a winger by the Ducks. However, they’re hoping he has a bounce-back performance this season.

Kotkaniemi is signed through 2029-30 with an annual average value of $4.82 million. He’s struggled with consistency throughout his career.

Krebs and Veleno could be available if their respective clubs become sellers. A change of scenery might improve their performances.

SHOULD THE BLUE JACKETS AND PENGUINS SWAP STARTERS?

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline noted the Pittsburgh Penguins have a struggling goaltender, Tristan Jarry, signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $5.375 million. He also pointed out the Columbus Blue Jackets have a struggling starter, Elvis Merzlikins, pulling in $5.4 million annually through 2026-27.

Portzline wondered if the two clubs should swap starters hoping a change of scenery might improve their performances. They’re both around the same age and carry almost identical cap hits.

Jarry has a 12-team no-trade clause while Merzlikins has a 10-team list. It’s unclear which teams are on those lists.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Portzline is just musing out loud here, folks. He’s not saying the two sides are discussing his proposed swap.

Portzline’s suggested deal isn’t a bad idea. Stranger things have happened in the NHL trade market. Nevertheless, it probably won’t happen because it’s unlikely either goalie would improve with their new clubs.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 19, 2024

by | Oct 19, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 19, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, some suggested goalie trade targets for the Avalanche plus the latest on Penguins netminder Tristan Jarry.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Dean cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculating over possible goaltending trade targets for the struggling Avalanche.

Friedman believes the Avalanche have to be looking at other options after seeing starter Alexandar Georgiev struggle between the pipes. It doesn’t mean they will go this route but Friedman thinks they have to be considering it.

San Jose Sharks goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (NHL Images).

Mackenzie Blackwood of the San Jose Sharks could be one option. The other could be John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks. Friedman thinks Gibson could help the Avs if he can stay healthy.

Blackwood carries a $2.35 million salary cap hit this season and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Gibson is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $6.4 million, but Friedman believes his contract could be worked out if the Avs believe he’s good enough to help them.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols also cited Friedman suggesting Blackwood as a trade target for the Avalanche. He pointed out Friedman saying Blackwood was on the Avs’ radar before.

Nichols noted that the Sharks are rebuilding so it would make sense for them to trade Blackwood while his value is high. He also pointed out their offseason acquisition of promising Yaroslav Askarov plus they also carry Vitek Vanecek.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Chris Johnston recently observed the Avalanche’s salary-cap limitations would hamper any efforts to improve their goaltending through a trade.

Blackwood is the more affordable option if he’s available. Some suggest the Avs attempt to send Georgiev to San Jose in the deal but the Sharks will want a sweetener like a quality draft pick or prospect. He also has an injury history.

Gibson’s hefty contract would make this a more complicated deal. He could have more upside performance-wise but it’s been a while since he backstopped a quality roster. Gibson could become an expensive gamble that fails to pay off if his skills have eroded.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe believes the Pittsburgh Penguins must move on from Tristan Jarry as their starting goaltender. He doesn’t see the 29-year-old Jarry improving anytime soon. Yohe noted that backup Alex Nedeljkovic and promising Joel Blomqvist have outplayed Jarry, suggesting he’s a perfect candidate to get a fresh start elsewhere.

Yohe acknowledged Jarry’s contract is likely unmoveable. However, he believes management should send him to their AHL affiliate in Wilke-Barre/Scranton. They’ll get $1.15 million in cap relief doing so, giving them some flexibility while letting Nedeljkovic and Blomqvist handle the goalie duties. Yohe also suggested buying out Jarry at the end of this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarry is signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $5.35 million and a 12-team no-trade list.

Some suggest the Penguins offer up Jarry to the Avalanche straight up for Georgiev. The Avs likely won’t go for that even if the Pens retained half of his cap hit because of the three years remaining on his contract.

A buyout in June seems the most likely outcome.










NHL Headlines & Rumors – September 9, 2024

by | Sep 9, 2024

NHL Headlines & Rumors – September 9, 2024

What the future could hold for signing bonuses in player contracts, an update on NHL CBA talks, and more in NHL Headlines & Rumors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is a shortened edition published early because I’m taking a personal day. Normal updates will resume on Tuesday, Sep 10.

TORONTO STAR: Dave Feschuk examines why players are signing contracts with hefty signing bonuses.

One reason is they make the contract “essentially buyout proof”. Another is based on “the time value of money,” meaning getting the money upfront is worth more than money later. Most importantly, they offer protection for the player in case of a lockout, ensuring they’ll get the bulk of that season’s earnings in one lump sum.

Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (NHL Images).

Players who live in the United States but play for Canadian teams traditionally enjoy substantial tax savings on signing bonuses, paying a rate of 15 percent. However, a dispute between Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares and the Canada Revenue Agency could change that.

If Tavares loses his case, he’ll owe $6.8 million in back taxes plus interest. Plenty of players and agents along with the Canadian NHL franchises, are monitoring this situation closely.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the ruling goes against Tavares it could make it difficult for Canadian teams to attract unrestricted free agents.

ESPN: Greg Wyshynski reports NHL Players’ Association executive director Marty Walsh said there haven’t been any major discussions yet with the NHL regarding the collective bargaining agreement. The CBA will expire in two years (Sep. 15, 2026) unless the two sides agree to extend or update the deal.

“We’ll be talking to players about the agreement coming down the road and how we lay the foundation for that agreement,” said Walsh.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The two sides have plenty of time to work out a new agreement. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly recently sounded upbeat about the relationship between the league and the PA.

This could also be Commissioner Gary Bettman’s last round of collective bargaining. Now 72, Bettman presided over three lockouts, including the one that killed the entire 2004-05 season, leading to the current salary cap system.

However, there’s been labor peace since the last lockout ended on Jan. 6. 2013. With league coffers swelling, Bettman will likely want the next round of collective bargaining to go as smoothly as possible. Whether that’s possible remains to be seen.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael DeRosa cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculating that Radko Gudas could become the next captain of the Anaheim Ducks. The 34-year-old defenseman is a 13-season NHL veteran.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks haven’t had a team captain since Ryan Getzlaf retired in 2022. Their alternate captains last season were Cam Fowler, Mason McTavish and Troy Terry.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan believes Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj could be an inspiration to the club’s rookies. Entering his third NHL season, the 23-year-old Xhekaj was never selected in the OHL or NHL drafts but made the Canadiens after being invited to their rookie camp in 2021.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski noted several clubs, like the Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, and Buffalo Sabres, might need to shore up their depth between the pipes this season.

Kingerski wondered if this might provide the Penguins with a trade opportunity, suggesting Tristan Jarry or Alex Nedeljkovic as possible options. He also mused over whether a rival GM might pry away prospect Joel Blomqvist from the Penguins for the right price.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarry’s surfaced in the rumor mill over the past couple of seasons but Kingerski admits his trade value is low. His contract and inconsistent play are significant obstacles.

If Blomqvist has a good camp and preseason, Nedeljkovic could become a trade option. He’s starting a two-year contract with a cap-friendly annual cap hit of $2.5 million.