NHL Rumor Mill – June 1, 2024

by | Jun 1, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 1, 2024

The potential cost of Travis Konecny’s next contract, the recent trade rumors about Tanner Jeannot, and the Avalanche’s need to go bargain-hunting in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST THE FLYERS TO SIGN TRAVIS KONECNY?

THE ATHLETIC’s Kevin Kurz took to social media on May 26 to speculate over Travis Konecny’s next contract. The 27-year-old Philadelphia Flyers winger has a year left on his current deal with a cap hit of $5.5 million.

Kurz believes the “obvious comparable” is the eight-year, $70.4 million contract Timo Meier signed last year with the New Jersey Devils. “Similar ages, almost identical PPG”, wrote Kurz, adding we can’t ignore how much the Flyers view Konecny as part of their leadership group.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey cited Kurz’s comparable but expressed concerns about Konecny’s age, pointing out he’ll be 29 when the first season of that extension is complete. He noted that the Flyers would carry that $8.8 million AAV on their books until the winger is through his age 36 season.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny (NHL Images)

“Combine that with the rumored $10 million AAV asking price, and the Flyers could find themselves in serious trouble down the line,” wrote Bailey. He also cited the 5’10’, 175-pound Bailey’s size and physical style of play as areas of concern that could adversely affect his performance over time.

Bailey suggests the Flyers signed Konecny to a five or six-year contract. That would enable him to seek one more big payday if he remains healthy and productive.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see how Flyers management handles Konecny’s contract situation.

If they were a perennial playoff team or a Cup contender, they’d likely sign him to an eight-year extension without any qualms. However, they’re in the middle of a roster retooling as they transition toward younger players.

As Bailey suggests, Konecny might not fit into their long-range plans. If they ink him to a contract comparable to Meier’s, it could become an expensive millstone in the latter half of the deal even with the salary cap projected to be much higher by that point.

WILL THE LIGHTNING MOVE TANNER JEANNOT IN A COST-CUTTING DEAL?

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina recently took note of the trade rumors swirling around Lightning winger Tanner Jeannot. Some observers suggest the 27-year-old winger could be moved to free up salary cap space to re-sign captain Steven Stamkos.

According to Encina,  no concrete reports indicate the Lightning will trade Jeannot. However, he acknowledged that the winger still needs to provide the complementary scoring management was hoping for when they gave up five draft picks and defenseman Cal Foote to the Nashville Predators last season to get him.

Injuries hampered Jeannot’s performance this season. However, his $2.665 million cap hit for next season could make him a player they move to clear cap space for Stamkos.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Depending on how much it costs the Lightning to re-sign Stamkos, Jeannot could be the most likely cost-cutting trade candidate. Anthony Cirelli, Mikhail Sergachev, and Erik Cernak were also mentioned but they’re too invaluable to move. 

AVALANCHE COULD GO BARGAIN-HUNTING AGAIN

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak pointed out the Colorado Avalanche could be forced to go bargain-hunting again. They lack salary-cap space and face uncertainty over the futures of Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin.

The Avalance successfully signed Zach Parise and Jonathan Drouin to cost-effective one-year contracts. Both players performed well and gave glowing reviews of their tenure this season in Colorado.

Masisak wondered if New York Rangers forwards Jack Roslovic and Alex Wennberg would be good fits with the Avalanche. San Jose Sharks winger Alexander Barabanov could be another.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 28, 2024

by | May 28, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 28, 2024

Are the Senators shopping Brady Tkachuk? Could the Canucks pursue Martin Necas? Will Tanner Jeannot become the latest Lightning salary-cap casualty? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SENATORS GM DENIES BRADY TKACHUK TRADE RUMORS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk’s name recently surfaced on social media as a trade candidate. However, Senators general manager Steve Staios quickly denied the speculation.

“Complete B.S.”, said Staios. “There is absolutely no validity to it.”

LeBrun pointed out that this is the second time Staios has denied trade rumors about the Senators winger. In February, Ryan Whitney of the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast claimed, “Rumor Boys hearing that Ottawa would maybe move Brady Tkachuk.” The Senators GM replied they’re building their team around their captain.

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to LeBrun, Staios and the Senators have no intention of discussing Tkachuk with other clubs.

The originators of this rumor will likely defend it by saying, “What do you expect Staios to say? Of course, he’s going to deny it.”

This speculation probably arose from Tkachuk’s frustration over another disappointing performance for the Senators, especially after their much-anticipated breakthrough failed to materialize. He’s not the only member of the club who feels that way.

However, there is no indication that Tkachuk wants to be traded. The 24-year-old left winger has four years left on his contract and remains determined to lead the Senators into playoff contention. Staios doesn’t have to shop Tkachuk unless he asks to be moved or a rival GM offers a much better player in return. There’s no evidence of either scenario unfolding.

COULD THE CANUCKS PURSUE MARTIN NECAS?

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma noted the Vancouver Canucks and Carolina Hurricanes had considered a trade earlier this year that would’ve shipped Elias Pettersson to Carolina for Martin Necas. Now, they could become linemates as the Canucks seek a top-six winger this summer.

Kuzma suggested the Canucks offer up defenseman Filip Hronek for the 25-year-old Necas to balance the book. Hronek is a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights whose performance could warrant a big raise from his current $4.4 million cap hit.

Necas is also an RFA with arbitration and will seek a significant pay bump over his current annual average value of $3 million. However, the opportunity to play top-six minutes alongside Pettersson could be enticing to him. Acquiring him would also send a message of support to Pettersson, who signed an eight-year contract extension earlier this year.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes Necas would welcome a move from Carolina. He cited the winger’s father complaining about how the Hurricanes have employed his son and essentially saying he wants a trade.

LeBrun also noted the trade discussions between the Canucks and Hurricanes earlier this year. However, he cited sources that said the Hurricanes are getting a number of calls about Necas.

Carolina is in “win-now mode.” LeBrun doesn’t believe they’ll be interested in a return of futures for Necas. If they don’t get a star-caliber return, they could hang onto the winger even if he wants out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless the Hurricanes intend to promote Necas into a top-line forward, he’s likely to be traded at some point this summer.

Necas for Hronek could be enticing for the Hurricanes but Kuzma believes it’s too rich for the Canucks’ blood. If they resign Hronek, they probably won’t have enough cap room to add a lucrative new contract for Necas. The Canucks must also they’ve got sufficient cap space to re-sign Brock Boeser next summer.

Some observers look at Necas’ stats and usage by the Hurricanes as a middle-six forward and wonder what all the fuss is about. It’s about his potential if allowed to play a greater role. His performance for Czechia at the recently concluded 2024 IIHF World Championships provided an enticing glimpse of his offensive capabilities.

TANNER JEANNOT COULD BECOME A SALARY-CAP CASUALTY

SPORTSNET: During the last “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman suggested Tanner Jeannot could be a name to watch as the Tampa Bay Lightning attempt to free up salary-cap space to re-sign captain Steven Stamkos.

Friedman said there were teams interested in Jeannot. They believe his 24-goal, 41-point performance in 2021-22 is a better indicator of his capabilities.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning acquired Jeannot from the Nashville Predators before last season’s trade deadline in exchange for five draft picks and prospect Cal Foote. He’s struggled among their bottom-six forwards with 14 points in 55 games this season.

A trade to a club where Jeannot could play a larger role might help him regain his 20-goal form. He’s signed through next season with an affordable $2.665 million cap hit. He also carries a 16-team no-trade list.

Jeannot seems a prime cost-cutting trade candidate for the Lightning. Moving him would leave them over $7.6 million of cap space and 17 active roster players under contract next season.

That would be enough to re-sign Stamkos provided he’s willing to accept a significant pay cut from his current AAV of $8.5 million. However, it won’t leave much to flesh out the rest of the active roster.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 18, 2024

by | Feb 18, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 18, 2024

The Devils defeat the Flyers in their Stadium Series matchup, Auston Matthews tallies another hat trick, and more from a busy Saturday in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The New Jersey Devils defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 6-3 in front of 70, 328 fans at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey in their NHL Stadium Series. Nico Hischier led the way with two goals and an assist, Nathan Bastian scored twice and Nico Daws made 45 saves for the 28-22-4 Devils (60 points), who sit two points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Owen Tippett tallied two goals for the Flyers (29-20-7) as they hold third place in the Metropolitan Division with 65 points.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews netted his second straight hat trick and his sixth of the season in a 9-2 drubbing of the Anaheim Ducks. Matthews also collected two assists, Bobby McMann scored twice and added an assist and Timothy Liljegren picked up three assists as the Leafs (29-16-8) vaulted over the Tampa Bay Lightning into third place in the Atlantic Division with 66 points. Ryan Strome had a goal and an assist for the 19-33-2 Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews now has a league-leading 48 goals, nine more than second-place Sam Reinhart of the Florida Panthers. Leafs captain John Tavares missed this game with an undisclosed injury and is listed as day-to-day while defenseman William Lagesson left the game with an upper-body injury. The Ducks, meanwhile, activated Alex Killorn (knee surgery) off injured reserve for this game and placed winger Brock McGinn (upper body) on IR retroactive to Feb. 10.

Speaking of the Lightning, they were crushed 9-2 by the Florida Panthers as they picked up their fifth straight win. Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett each had two goals and two assists while Carter Verhaeghe scored twice and picked up an assist for the 36-15-4 Panthers as they lead the Eastern Conference with 76 points. Brandon Hagel and Brayden Point scored for the Lightning (30-21-5) as they slipped into the first Eastern wild-card spot with 65 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad missed this game with a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day. Lightning forward Tanner Jeannot also didn’t play as he’s day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.

Los Angeles Kings rookie defenseman Brandt Clarke scored his first NHL goal in overtime to lift his club over the Boston Bruins 5-4. Anze Kopitar scored the tying goal late in the third period while Pierre-Luc Dubois picked up two assists for the 26-16-10 Kings, who hold the first Western Conference wild-card berth with 62 points. James van Riemsdyk scored twice and collected an assist for the 32-12-11 Bruins, who had a 3-1 lead at one point in this contest. With 75 points, they sit second overall in the Eastern Conference.

A four-point performance by Mark Schiefele (one goal, three assists) carried the Winnipeg Jets to a 4-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Gabriel Vilardi scored two goals and picked up an assist while Connor Hellebucyk stopped 35 shots for the Jets (33-14-5) as they moved past the Colorado Avalanche into second place in the Central Division with 71 points. Noah Juulsen and Tyler Myers replied for the 37-13-6 Canucks as they remain in first place in the overall standings with 80 points.

The Edmonton Oilers nipped the Dallas Stars 4-3 on an overtime tally by Evan Bouchard, who finished the game with two goals. Leon Draisaitl and Corey Perry each had two points for the Oilers (32-18-1) as they’re perched in third place in the Pacific Division with 65 points. Matt Duchene had a goal and two assists for the Stars (34-14-7) as they hold first place in the Central Division with 75 points and sit second overall in the Western Conference.

Third-period goals by Seth Jarvis and Stefan Noesen gave the Carolina Hurricanes a 3-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. Seth Martin turned aside 29 shots for the 32-17-5 Hurricanes, who sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 69 points. Jonathan Marchessault replied for the Golden Knights (31-17-6), who sit second in the Pacific Division with 68 points.

Detroit Red Wings goaltender James Reimer turned in a 38-save shutout to blank the Calgary Flames 5-0. Patrick Kane and Lucas Raymond each had a goal and an assist for the Red Wings (28-20-6) as they hold the final Eastern wild-card spot with 62 points. Jacob Markstrom got the hook after giving up four goals on 12 shots as the 25-25-5 Flames (55 points) have lost three straight and sit five points behind the St. Louis Blues for the final Western wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A rough outing for Markstrom but he didn’t get much help from his teammates in this game. I’ll have more about the Flames in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

Speaking of the Predators, they rolled to a 5-2 win over the Blues. Juuse Saros kicked out 35 shots while Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly each had a goal and an assist for the 28-25-2 Predators (58 points) as they picked up their first regulation win in seven games. They sit two points behind the 29-23-2 Blues (60 points), who got goals from Jordan Kyrou and Nathan Walker.

The Washington Capitals kept their playoff hopes alive by downing the Montreal Canadiens 4-3. Aliaksei Protas snapped a 3-3 tie while Anthony Mantha had a goal and an assist for the 24-21-8 Capitals (56 points) as they sit six points behind the Red Wings. Nick Suzuki scored to extend his points streak to 10 games while linemate Juraj Slafkovsky collected an assist as his points streak reached eight games for the Canadiens, who dropped to 22-25-8 on the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary left this game with a lower-body injury.

An overtime goal by Henri Jokiharju lifted the Buffalo Sabres to a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Wild. Casey Mittelstadt and Dylan Cozens also scored for the Sabres (24-26-4) while Joel Eriksson Ek and Declan Chisholm replied for the 25-23-6 Wild (56 points) as they moved to within four points of the Blues for that final Western wild-card berth.

Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard had a goal and an assist as his team downed the Ottawa Senators 3-2. Petr Mrazek made 40 saves for the 15-37-3 Blackhawks while Tim Stutzle had a goal and an assist for the 22-27-5 Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bedard has picked up from where he left off when he was sidelined on Jan. 5 with a fractured jaw. He now has three points in two games since his return to action and has regained the rookie scoring lead with 36 points.

A late goal by Boone Jenner gave the Columbus Blue Jackets a 4-3 win over the San Jose Sharks. Johnny Gaudreau, Yegor Chinakhov and Erik Gudbranson each had two assists for the 17-26-10 Blue Jackets while Anthony Duclair tallied twice for the 15-34-5 Sharks.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 13, 2024

by | Jan 13, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 13, 2024

Recaps of Friday’s games, Elvis Merzlikins confirms a trade has been discussed with the Blue Jackets, the Blackhawks re-sign Nick Foligno, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly had a goal and two assists in a 6-3 victory over the Dallas Stars. Roman Josi collected three assists while Filip Forsberg had a goal and an assist for the 23-18-1 Predators, who hold the first Western Conference wild-card spot with 47 points. Matt Duchene had a goal and an assist for the Stars (24-12-5) as they sit third in the Central Division with 53 points.

Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly (NHL Images).

The Philadelphia Flyers overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Minnesota Wild 4-3. Joel Farabee scored twice, including the winner in overtime, while Travis Konecny collected two assists and Owen Tippett had a goal and an assist for the 22-14-6 Flyers, who sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 50 points. Ryan Hartman had a goal and an assist for the 17-19-5 Wild.

HEADLINES

TSN: Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins confirmed to the media on Friday that a trade has been discussed between his agent and Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.

Merzlikins, 29, had not played since Dec. 29 as the club is evaluating Danill Tarasov’s potential as a starting goaltender. “I just wanted to be treated as the No. 1 (goaltender). I believe I am the No. 1,” he told the press. “It didn’t get to the point where I’m requesting (a trade). It went to the point where both sides agreed.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Merzlikins also said he’s not sure what’s going to happen now. He stressed that he wants to play his best for his teammates. “This is my family, I’m dead serious,” he said. However, he doesn’t want to be put into a lesser role behind Tarasov and backup Spencer Martin.

Merzlikins is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $5.4 million. He has a record of 7-8-6 this season with a 3.25 goals-against average and a save percentage of .907.

I’ll have more on this situation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: The Blackhawks signed forward Nick Foligno to a two-year contract extension. The average annual value is $4.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier this season, Foligno said he was interested in staying with the Blackhawks and helping them through their roster rebuild. They need veteran experience and leadership from players like Foligno to help guide their promising young players.

DAILY FACEOFF: Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland recently said captain Gabriel Landeskog could return to action in time for the 2024 playoffs. Landeskog, 31, hasn’t played since the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2022 as he’s undergone two knee surgeries. He recently resumed skating but there remains no timetable for his possible return.

WINNIPEG SUN: Jets center Mark Schiefele is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury suffered during Thursday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins winger Reilly Smith could be sidelined longer than expected due to an upper-body injury suffered during Thursday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks.

DAILY FACEOFF: Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov is in concussion protocol after leaving Thursday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks following a collision with Ducks forward Isac Lundestrom.

The Tampa Bay Lightning placed forward Tanner Jeannot on injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 6 with an upper-body injury. He’s listed as week-to-week.

OTTAWA SUN: Shane Pinto resumed skating with his teammates on Friday as his 41-game suspension for violating the league’s wagering rules nears its end. He is scheduled to suit up when the Senators face off against the Philadelphia Flyers on Jan. 21.

THE ATHLETIC: Anaheim Ducks prospect winger Cutter Gauthier said he received death threats via social media for his decision not to play for the Philadelphia Flyers, who traded him to the Ducks earlier in the week.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s one thing to be upset over Gauthier’s decision. Threatening his life behind the anonymity of social media is beyond the pale.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Members of the Maloof family have sold their interests in the Golden Knights to majority owner Bill Foley.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 17, 2023

by | Jul 17, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 17, 2023

A roundup of the weekend’s notable headlines including the latest on Evander Kane, Tony DeAngelo and Alex Galchenyuk plus the recent contract signings and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

DAILY FACEOFF: Evander Kane is leaving the Hockey Diversity Alliance, an organization he helped to create. In a statement, the Edmonton Oilers winger indicated that he believes the HDA is being led and influenced by members with individual agendas along with a combative approach with other organizations pursuing similar goals.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers placed Tony DeAngelo on waivers on Friday for the purpose of buying out the final season of his contract, which they did on Saturday.

Philadelphia Flyers bought out defenseman Tony DeAngelo (NHL Images).

The club believed they had a trade in place earlier this month that would send DeAngelo back to the Carolina Hurricanes. After it fell through due to a CBA clause, general manager Daniel Briere opted to buy out the final year of the 27-year-old defenseman’s contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The trade with the Hurricanes would’ve seen the Flyer retain 50 percent of DeAngelo’s $5 million average annual value. The buyout counts as $1.666 million against their cap for 2023-24 and 2024-25. He is now an unrestricted free agent.

SPORTSNET: The Arizona Coyotes terminated the contract of Alex Galchenyuk over a material breach of his deal following a report of the 29-year-old winger being arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona, on a number of different charges, including private property hit and run, disorderly conduct, failure to obey, resisting arrest and threatening or intimidating.

ARIZONA SPORTS: Details were released on Friday on what led the Coyotes to terminate Galchenyuk’s contract. The winger was heavily intoxicated when apprehended and made a series of threats and racial slurs toward the arresting officer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL Players’ Association is reportedly reviewing the matter. Galchenyuk could receive treatment and counseling via the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Whatever the outcome, this is likely the end of Galchenyuk’s playing career.

DAILY FACEOFF: Speaking of the Coyotes, they have signed winger Matias Maccelli to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $3.425 million. When it expires, he’ll be 25 years old, eligible for arbitration and two years away from UFA eligibility.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maccelli had a solid rookie performance in 2022-23, netting 49 points in 64 games to finish fourth in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year.

ARIZONA SPORTS: The Coyotes signed forward Zach Sanford to a one-year, two-way contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sanford replaces Galchenyuk on the Coyotes roster.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: The Lightning avoided arbitration with winger Tanner Jeannot, signing him to a two-year contract with an annual average value of $2.665 million.

SPORTSNET: The St. Louis Blues avoided arbitration with Alexey Toropchenko by reaching an agreement on a two-year, $2.5 million contract. They also signed 2023 first-round pick (10th overall) Dalibor Dvorsky to a three-year entry-level contract.

TWINCITIES.COM: The Minnesota Wild avoided arbitration with winger Brandon Duhaime by signing him to a one-year, $1.1 million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The signings of Jeannot, Toropchenko and Duhaime bring the number of players who re-signed with their clubs before their scheduled arbitration hearings to eight.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: New York Islanders winger Oliver Wahlstrom and goaltender Jakub Skarek elected not to accept the club’s qualifying offers. They both have until Dec. 1 to sign contracts with the Isles or face missing the remainder of the 2023-24 season.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils signed forward Chris Tierney to a one-year, two-way contract.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins re-signed defenseman Ty Smith to a one-year, one-way contract worth $775K.

SEATTLE HOCKEY INSIDER: The Kraken signed 2023 first-round pick (20th overall) Eduard Sale to a three-year entry-level deal.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Anaheim Ducks re-signed goaltender Lukas Dostal to a two-year contract. It’s a two-way deal for 2023-24 with an AAV of $775K at the NHL level, becoming a one-way agreement for 2024-25 with an AAV of $850K.

CBC NEWS: Former NHL player and coach Billy MacMillan passed away on Friday at age 80. The Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island native had 151 points in 446 NHL games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Atlanta Flames and New York Islanders from 1970-71 to 1976-77. He also won a Memorial Cup in 1961 and was a bronze medalist for Canada in 1968.

MacMillan won a Stanley Cup with the New York Islanders as an assistant coach in 1979-80. He was also coach of the Colorado Rockies in 1980-81 and was the first head coach in New Jersey Devils history from 1982 to 1984. He also coached the Fort Worth Texans to a CHL championship in 1977-78.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacMillan had a successful, well-rounded career as a player and coach. Inducted into the PEI Sports Hall of Fame in 1985, he was an inspiration for young Islanders pursuing their hockey dreams. My condolences to MacMillan’s family, friends, former teammates, and those who played for him during his coaching days.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 18, 2023

by | Apr 18, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 18, 2023

Recaps from the opening night of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Brad Treliving departs as the Flames GM, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Los Angeles Kings overcame 2-0 and 3-1 deficits to defeat the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 on an overtime goal by Alex Iafallo. Anze Kopitar scored the game-tying goal in the dying seconds of the third and Adrian Kempe tallied two goals as the Kings take a 1-0 lead in this best-of-seven first-round series. Leon Draisaitl scored twice for the Oilers.

Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kopitar finished with a goal and three assists to take the early lead among playoff scorers. Penalties proved costly in the third period for the Oilers. The game-tying and winning goals by the Kings came on the power play.

Minnesota Wild center Ryan Hartman scored in double overtime in a 3-2 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 1 of their first-round series. Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson kicked out 52 shots for the win while Sam Steel had a goal and an assist. Jake Oettinger made 45 saves for the Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars also lost winger Joe Pavelski following a late hit from Wild defenseman Matt Dumba in the second period. Pavelski was helped from the ice and Stars coach Pete DeBoer said he wasn’t confident about the winger’s return for Game 2.

Dumba initially received a five-minute major for roughing but it was reduced to a minor penalty. Stars winger Max Domi received two minutes for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct when he confronted Dumba and threw several punches at the Wild blueliner.

The Boston Bruins drew first blood in their series with the Florida Panthers with a 3-1 victory in Game 1. Brad Marchand scored what proved to be the winning goal and Linus Ullmark stopped 31 shots for his first NHL playoff win. Matthew Tkachuk scored for the Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins played without captain Patrice Bergeron as he was battling stomach flu. Nick Foligno returned to the Bruins lineup for his first game since being sidelined on Feb. 27.

The Carolina Hurricanes nipped the New York Islanders 2-1 to take Game 1 of their opening-round series. Sebastian Aho and Stefan Noesen scored for the Hurricanes. Ryan Pulock replied for the Islanders, who got a 35-save performance from Ilya Sorokin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This game wasn’t as close as the score suggests. The Islanders were outplayed by the Hurricanes, whose margin of victory would’ve been wider if not for Sorokin’s solid goaltending.

HEADLINES

CALGARY HOCKEY NOW: The Flames and general manager Brad Treliving announced they have agreed to part ways. He had turned down a contract extension last year. Don Maloney was promoted to president of hockey operations and holds the role of interim general manager until a permanent replacement is found.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports a deteriorating relationship with head coach Darryl Sutter is believed to have played a role in Treliving’s departure. Sources believe Sutter, who has two years remaining on his contract, will return as head coach.

CALGARY SUN: John Bean, the president and CEO of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corp., rejected the notion that there’s something bigger going on behind the scenes that led to three notable names departing the Flames.

Treliving’s announcement comes nine months after winger Johnny Gaudreau’s departure as a free agent and Matthew Tkachuk forcing a trade to Florida when he declined to sign a long-term contract extension. On Friday, centers Elias Lindholm and Mikael Backlund were non-committal about signing contract extensions before their UFA eligibility next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those departures may be merely coincidental but that’s not going to dispel speculation of bigger issues going on that are forcing some key people to leave. Lindholm’s and Backlund’s comments only stoke concerns among Flames followers regarding the uncertainty swirling around this team following this season’s disappointing performance.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar participated in full practice yesterday and declared himself ready to go for Game 1 of his club’s first-round series tonight against the Seattle Kraken. Blueliner Josh Manson is also expected to play tonight for the Avs.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Golden Knights captain Mark Stone will return to action for his club’s opening-round series tonight against the Winnipeg Jets. He’d been sidelined for the past three months by back surgery.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning winger Tanner Jeannot returned to practice yesterday for the first time since suffering a leg injury two weeks ago. He won’t be suiting up for Game 1 of his club’s first-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs but is now listed as day-to-day.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin is very optimistic about signing Elias Pettersson to a long-term contract extension. Pettersson, 24, has a year remaining on his three-year bridge deal with an average annual value of $7.35 million. He finished 10th among NHL scorers with a career-best 102 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll likely cost the Canucks well over $10 million annually to re-sign Pettersson. 100-point forwards entering their playing prime don’t come cheap. And no, he won’t accept a hometown discount.

OTTAWA SUN: Winger Alex DeBrincat will let the Senators know before the NHL Draft in June if he’s willing to sign a long-term extension. If he’s not, it will provide the Senators with time to shop him in the trade market leading up to the opening round of the draft.

The 25-year-old winger is a restricted free agent who’s a year away from UFA status. Senators GM Pierre Dorion has stated his club will make a qualifying offer of $9 million to DeBrincat if there is no contract in place.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Don’t be surprised if Dorion starts quietly laying the groundwork for a potential trade in the coming weeks. He’ll have to work fast to find a suitable trade if DeBrincat declines a long-term extension.

TSN: Speaking of the Senators, Dorion confirmed they won’t offer a new contract to pending UFA goalie Cam Talbot.

NBC SPORTS WASHINGTON: There’s mutual interest between Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan and winger Tom Wilson in a long-term extension. Wilson, 29, has a year remaining on his current six-year, $31 million contract. He prefers to spend the remainder of his career with the Capitals.

In other Capitals news, they’ve parted ways with assistant coaches Kevin McCarthy and Blaine Forsythe.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson revealed he played with multiple broken bones in his left hand trying to help his club reach the playoffs. A sprained MCL factored into the decision to end his season when the Sabres were officially eliminated from contention in the 80th game of their schedule.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings forward Michael Rasmussen is on pace for a full recovery after suffering a season-ending knee injury on Feb. 25.