NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 24, 2026

by | Feb 24, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 24, 2026

The regular-season schedule resumed on Feb. 25. Check out the latest on Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Mikko Rantanen, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TRIBLIVE.COM: It remains to be seen if Sidney Crosby will be in the Pittsburgh Penguins’ lineup when they resume their post-Olympic schedule on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Crosby remains hobbled by a right-leg injury that he suffered playing for Canada in the Olympic Men’s hockey tournament. He was sidelined from the final two games of the tournament, which the United States won with a 2-1 victory over Canada in the gold-medal game.

The Penguins recalled winger Avery Hayes from their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. During Monday’s practice, Hayes skated at left wing alongside right winger Rickard Rakell, who was filling in for Crosby at center. Head coach Dan Muse said this was largely a contingency plan in case the Penguins’ captain can’t play.

Muse offered no update on Crosby’s status. The long-time Penguins superstar was still trekking back from Italy with several of his Team Canada teammates on Monday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby was considered day-to-day during those final days of the Olympic tournament. He was close to playing in the gold-medal game, but took himself out of the lineup because he felt he wasn’t sufficiently recovered to help his team.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers captain Connor McDavid isn’t expected to rejoin his teammates right away when they resume their regular-season schedule.

The Oilers return to action on Wednesday against the Ducks in Anaheim, followed by a game against the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday.

Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch felt that playing 23-24 minutes in back-to-back games after travelling back from Europe wouldn’t put McDavid in the right position to help the team.

McDavid was named the most valuable player of the Olympic Men’s hockey tournament, setting a single-tournament record with 13 points. He also took over the captaincy of Team Canada with Sidney Crosby sidelined for its final two games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Knoblauch didn’t say if McDavid would miss the first game of the back-to-back series or both. We’ll learn more about his status by Wednesday.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Star winger Mikko Rantanen was placed on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury suffered playing for Finland in the Olympics. That opens up a roster spot to activate defenseman Lian Bichsel (lower-body) from IR. Bichsel had been sidelined since Nov. 30.

Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger won’t play in Wednesday’s game against the Seattle Kraken due to travel logistics. Forward Radek Faksa’s status remains uncertain after he was injured playing for Czechia in the Olympics.

DAILY FACEOFF: Stars center Roope Hintz is a game-day decision as he recovers from an illness.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey will reportedly miss “a good chunk of time” with an upper-body injury suffered playing for Canada in the Olympics.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Critics of NHLers skating in the Olympics will point to these injuries and travel delays as reasons why the players shouldn’t participate in these tournaments.

However, the players want to take part in the Olympics, and most NHL fans want to see them in international best-on-best tournaments. This will not prevent their participation in the 2030 Olympics or the 2028 World Cup of Hockey.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Philip Broberg’s performance for Sweden in the 2026 Winter Olympics demonstrated why he’s the St. Louis Blues’ top defenseman.

Skating alongside veteran blueliner Erik Karlsson. The 24-year-old Broberg played big minutes for Sweden in key matches. He played on the second pairing, but wound up seeing more playing time as the tournament went on, including 24:57 of ice time in their 2-1 loss to the United States.

Broberg finished the tournament with a plus/minus of plus-2 and wasn’t on the ice for any 5-on-5 goals against.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Veteran defenseman Nick Leddy was recalled from the San Jose Sharks’ AHL affiliate, but it remains to be seen when he’ll see NHL action.

Leddy, 34, was claimed off waivers by the Sharks from the Blues last July. He began the season among their top-four defenseman, but was sidelined for several weeks by an upper-body injury, and struggled to regain his place in the lineup. Leddy was placed on waivers on Jan. 18 but went unclaimed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leddy’s been the subject of some trade speculation. He could end up being moved by the March 6 trade deadline.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Las Vegas Motor Speedway would like to host an outdoor NHL game. The Speedway’s vice president of sales, Aaron Crowley, said the track hosts a large number of events each year, including music festivals and large corporate events.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 6, 2026

by | Feb 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 6, 2026

The latest on Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault, Flames center Nazem Kadri, Sabres winger Alex Tuch, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

KINGS WERE INTERESTED IN VINCENT TROCHECK

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Los Angeles Kings’ recent acquisition of winger Artemi Panarin doesn’t diminish their need for a center. They reportedly tried to get Vincent Trocheck included in the deal with Panarin, but his preference is to remain in the Eastern Conference. Kings general manager Ken Holland is also looking to move winger Warren Foegele, who’s been a healthy scratch lately.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

Friedman also mentioned that the Detroit Red Wings attempted to sign Trocheck when he was an unrestricted free agent, but the Rangers beat them to it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck is going to draw plenty of attention leading up to the March 6 trade deadline. The 32-year-old center is signed for three more seasons with an average annual value of $5.625 million and a 12-team no-trade list. Most of the teams on that list could be from the Western Conference.

COULD THE PREDATORS SHOP MARCHESSAULT AND O’REILLY?

Elliotte Friedman believes Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault could be a trade candidate. He has a full no-movement clause, but could waive it to go to a place with a good minor hockey infrastructure for his children.

Friedman believes the Montreal Canadiens are interested in Ryan O’Reilly, but it’s unknown if the Predators center will be traded.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchessault could be available, but his stock is down from two years ago because of the decline in his production. He’s 35 and carries a $5.5 million average annual value through 2028-29.

As for O’Reilly, Predators general manager Barry Trotz said he hasn’t received an offer suitable enough to take to the 34-year-old center. That could change as the trade deadline approaches, but he could be content to stay in Nashville.

THE LATEST ON FLAMES FORWARDS KADRI AND COLEMAN

Elliotte Friedman believes one of the reasons Nazem Kadri’s market slowed is the availability of Trocheck and St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas. He said the Utah Mammoth checked in with the Calgary Flames and believes this could pick up. There is a slight concern about the remaining term in Kadri’s contract, but the Flames are willing to be flexible.

Friedman also mentioned there has been a lot of talk linking winger Blake Coleman to the Montreal Canadiens, but he doesn’t think that’s feasible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames are facing pressure to move Kadri and Coleman because the duo is signed beyond this season. Nevertheless, one of them could be on the move by the March 6 trade deadline.

Coleman seems the most likely candidate because of his versatility, experience, and affordable $4.9 million cap hit.

OTHER TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes some teams will use the Olympic break to engage in contract extension discussions.

He wondered how the Winnipeg Jets and center Jonathan Toews might feel about another year. Meanwhile, there’s been some discussion between the Buffalo Sabres and winger Alex Tuch, but they’re not close to a deal. He noted that the Sabres aren’t interested in making their team worse, which suggests they’re not going to move Tuch. Friedman also thinks they might add a “beefier blueliner, if possible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres are in a good position to end their 14-year playoff drought. They won’t risk upsetting that by moving Tuch even if they can’t agree on a new contract. They’ll hang onto him and revisit those discussions in the offseason.

The Toronto Maple Leafs seek a first-round pick for winger Bobby McMann. What makes it challenging is that several possible suitors, such as the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights, traded away their 2026 first-rounders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs could end up settling for a second-round pick bundled with another pick or a prospect.

The Edmonton Oilers need to move Andrew Mangiapane.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Easier said than done thus far. They have reportedly trying to trade him since December without success.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 1, 2026

by | Feb 1, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 1, 2026

Check out the latest on Rangers winger Artemi Panarin and Blues center Robert Thomas, plus updates on the Maple Leafs and Red Wings in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

UPDATE ON ARTEMI PANARIN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Artemi Panarin still prefers to be traded to a team willing to sign him to a contract extension.

The 34-year-old New York Rangers winger is in the final season of a seven-year deal with an average annual value of $11.64 million. He also has a full no-movement clause, giving him full control over this situation. The Rangers are holding him out of their lineup as they attempt to find a suitable trade partner for Panarin

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Friedman believes the Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, and Detroit Red Wings could be interested in doing the contract extension. However, he indicated there is some question over how the cap-strapped Panthers might pull this off.

The Carolina Hurricanes are interested in Panarin and are willing to be flexible regarding an extension, but it depends on how much they’re willing to pay him.

Friedman indicated that the Anaheim Ducks, Colorado Avalanche, and Dallas Stars are trying to convince Panarin to join them as a playoff rental. He believes that as long as the Stars remain committed to re-signing Jason Robertson, they’ll remain interested in Panarin solely as a rental.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals and Sharks have sufficient trade-deadline cap space to acquire the remainder of Panarin’s contract, though they’re likely to move some salary to the Rangers or request that they retain some of his cap hit to make it happen. The Kings, Red Wings, and Hurricanes have more than enough to take him on.

The Panthers have over $2.562 million in cap space, which might not be enough to absorb the remainder of Panarin’s contract without the Rangers retaining salary in the deal.

Complicating things is the possibility of team captain Aleksander Barkov returning to the lineup before the end of the regular season or in the first round of the playoffs. He was supposed to be out for the season with a knee injury, but has been skating recently with his other sidelined teammates. If it appears that Barkov might return later this season, the Panthers might not be able to pull this off.

INJURY TO ROBERT THOMAS MIGHT SLOW TRADE TALKS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman noted that St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas underwent a minor procedure on one of his legs and will be sidelined until after the Olympic break.

That might slow down any trade conversations involving the 26-year-old center. Friedman said there are “a bunch of teams” that believe there aren’t many clubs that could meet what the Blues want to do here.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thomas is the Blues’ top center. Given the lack of depth of quality centers in this year’s trade market, they’re going to set a high asking price. His contract is also an issue. He carries an average annual value of $8.125 million through 2030-31, and has a full no-trade clause through 2029-30.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Toronto Maple Leafs management had a conversation with Auston Matthews’ camp regarding his future. He reiterated that nothing has changed, that the Maple Leafs captain remains committed to the club despite its struggles this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews has two years left on his contract, which understandably has some Maple Leafs followers concerned about whether he’ll remain part of their long-term plans. There’s no certainty as to whether he’ll still be with the Leafs by the time his current deal expires in 2028, but if the club rebounds from this disappointing performance, the odds improve that he could stay.

Friedman reports the Maple Leafs have started conversations around the league to gauge what other teams think of their roster and what they might be interested in. So far, there’s nothing that Friedman could consider “earth-shattering” being discussed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, the Leafs aren’t shopping their core players such as Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, or Matthews Knies. Players most likely to be discussed include UFA-eligible players such as Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, Calle Jarnkrok, and Troy Stecher, and players due to become restricted free agents like Matias Maccelli and Nick Robertson.

COULD A DEAL BE BREWING BETWEEN THE JETS AND RED WINGS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: On Friday, Jake Tye noted that Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman made mention of a possible trade between the Winnipeg Jets and Detroit Red Wings.

During Friday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast,” Friedman said a source informed him that the Jets and Red Wings could have a match when it comes to a potential trade. He said that he didn’t know what the framework of the deal would be, but it could involve a Jets defenseman such as Luke Schenn or Logan Stanley.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets are eight points out of a playoff berth in the Western Conference and struggling to gain ground. They could start selling pending UFA players such as Schenn or Stanley if they’re no longer part of the club’s plans beyond this season.

Tye observed that the Red Wings have lots of cap space and can draw on their significant draft capital and deep prospect pool for trade bait. A lot could depend on whether they get seriously into the bidding for New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 1, 2026

by | Feb 1, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 1, 2026

Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon scores his 40th goal of the season, Predators captain Roman Josi reaches a goal-scoring milestone, Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson collects his 700th assist, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

NHL.COM: Nathan MacKinnon became the first player to reach 40 goals this season as his club blanked the Detroit Red Wings 5-0. MacKinnon scored twice and collected an assist while Mackenzie Blackwood turned in a 28-save shutout for the league-leading Avalanche (36-8-9), becoming the first team to reach 80 points this season (81). Detroit goalie John Gibson allowed four goals on 17 shots before being relieved by Cam Talbot after the second period. The 32-18-6 Red Wings have one win in their last five games (1-2-2).

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Avalanche winger Martin Necas missed this game with a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day. Long-time Red Wings radio analyst Paul Woods confirmed he will be retiring at the end of this season after 40 years behind the mike.

Nashville Predators’ captain Roman Josi’s 200th career NHL regular-season goal was the game-winner in a 4-3 victory over the New York Islanders. Josi snapped a 3-3 tie with 1:14 remaining in the third period for the 25-23-6 Predators, who also got two goals from Filip Forsberg. Ilya Sorokin stopped 38 shots, Mathew Barzal had a goal and an assist, and rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer scored his 15th goal of the season for the 30-20-5 Islanders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators defenseman Nick Blankenburg missed this game with an illness. Islanders rookie center Calum Ritchie is out until after the Olympic break with a lower-body injury.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson collected an assist to reach 700 career regular-season assists as his club held off the New York Rangers 6-5. Anthony Mantha and Noel Acciari each had two goals for the 28-14-11 Penguins, who picked up their sixth straight win. Alexis Lafreniere and Vincent Trocheck each had three points for the Rangers (22-28-6), who have lost six of their last seven games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins held a pregame ceremony honoring their 2015-16 Stanley Cup championship team, moving Penguins captain Sidney Crosby to tears.

Penguins defenseman Kris Letang missed this game and will be sidelined for four weeks with a fractured foot. Earlier in the day, the Rangers claimed defenseman Vincent Iorio off waivers from the San Jose Sharks.

Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark returned to action with a 26-save performance in a 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Senators captain Brady Tkachuk had a goal and two assists as his club picked up their third straight win and improved to 26-21-7. Timo Meier replied for the Devils (28-25-2), who are 1-3-0 in their last four contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was Ullmark’s first game since taking a leave of absence in late December for mental health reasons. He was mobbed by his teammates at the final horn and named the game’s first star. Teammate Thomas Chabot left this game early for precautionary reasons. Meanwhile, Devils center Jack Hughes missed this game as he’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

An overtime goal by Justin Sourdif lifted the Washington Capitals to a 4-3 comeback win over the Carolina Hurricanes. The Capitals (27-22-7) overcame a 3-0 deficit with Jakob Chychrun and Aliaksei Protas each collecting two points, and call-up goalie Clay Stevenson making 22 saves for his first career NHL win. Frederik Andersen made 38 saves for the 33-15-6 Hurricanes, who hold first place in the Metropolitan Division with 72 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Capitals announced forward Connor McMichael is week-to-week with an upper-body injury. Goaltender Charlie Lindgren (lower-body) is on injured reserve. Goalie Logan Thompson and defenseman Matt Roy are listed as day-to-day.

Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield scored the tying and winning goals in the third period as his club doubled up the Buffalo Sabres 4-2. Caufield finished with three points, and goalie Jakub Dobes kicked out 36 shots for the 31-17-7 Canadiens, who extended their win streak to three games. Owen Power and Noah Ostlund replied for the Sabres (31-18-5) as their five-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens winger Alexandre Texier missed this game with a lower-body injury.

Before the game, the league announced that former Canadiens forward Chuck Lefley had passed away at the age of 76. Lefley spent nine seasons in the NHL with the Canadiens and St. Louis Blues from 1970-71 to 1980-81. He won two Stanley Cups with the Canadiens and tallied a career-best 43 goals and 42 assists for 85 points with the Blues in 1975-76. In 407 regular-season games, Lefley had 128 goals and 164 assists for 292 points, and 13 points in 29 playoff games.

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

The Seattle Kraken nipped the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2. Kaapo Kakko snapped a 2-2 tie early in the third period, Chandler Stephenson collected two assists, and Joey Daccord turned aside 27 shots for the 26-19-9 Kraken, who picked up their fourth straight victory. Jack Eichel assisted on both goals for the Golden Knights (25-15-14), who cling to first place in the Pacific Division with 64 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kraken forward Berkly Catton will be sidelined until after the upcoming Olympic break with an upper-body injury suffered during Thursday’s win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

An overtime goal by Quinton Byfield gave the Los Angeles Kings a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Adrian Kempe tallied twice and picked up an assist for the 23-17-13 Kings. Travis Konecny had a goal and an assist for the Flyers (24-20-10), who are 0-3-1 in their last four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kings captain Anze Kopitar returned to action after being sidelined since Jan. 5 with a lower-body injury. They placed forward Alex Turcotte (upper body) on injured reserve.

The Calgary Flames snapped a five-game winless skid by defeating the San Jose Sharks 3-2. Morgan Frost had a goal and an assist, and Dustin Wolf stopped 23 shots for the 22-26-6 Flames. Alex Nedeljkovic kicked out 39 shots for the Sharks (27-22-4).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks activated forward Philipp Kurashev and defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin off injured reserve for this game.

Meanwhile, the Flames recalled rookie defenseman Zayne Parekh after his conditioning stint with their AHL affiliate. Though he didn’t play in this game, Parekh said his time in the AHL helped improve his confidence. He also enjoyed his time with Team Canada in the 2026 World Juniors, saying it reignited his love of the game.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander returned to action and scored the winning goal in a 3-2 shootout win over the Vancouver Canucks. Joseph Woll stopped 28 shots for the Maple Leafs (25-21-9), snapping a six-game winless skid (0-5-1). Nikita Tolopilo turned aside 39 shots for the 18-31-6 Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly left this game after the second period with an upper-body injury.

The Columbus Blue Jackets extended their win streak to five games by defeating the St. Louis Blues 5-3. Kent Johnson had a goal and an assist, and Jet Greaves made 28 saves for the 27-20-7 Blues Jackets. Jimmy Snuggerud and Jonatan Berggren each had a goal and an assist for the Blues (20-26-9), who are 1-5-1 in their last seven games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blues center Robert Thomas missed this game as he underwent a minor surgical procedure on one of his legs and is sidelined until after the Olympic break. The Blues activated center Pius Suter off injured reserve after he missed 15 games with an injured ankle.

Third-period goals by Cole Perfetti and Mark Scheifele lifted the Winnipeg Jets to a 2-1 win over the Florida Panthers. Eric Comrie made 27 saves for the Jets (22-25-7). Eetu Luostarinen replied for the 28-23-3 Panthers, who dropped their third straight game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers winger Brad Marchand missed this game as he’s day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. He’s unlikely to return to action before the upcoming Olympic break.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt kicked out 39 shots as his club downed the Edmonton Oilers 7-3. Quinn Hughes, Brock Faber, Mats Zuccarello, and Joel Eriksson Ek each had a goal and an assist for the 32-14-10 Wild, who picked up their third straight win. Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Jack Roslovic replied for the Oilers (28-20-8), as their three-game win streak ended.

The Dallas Stars nipped the Utah Mammoth 3-2. Matt Duchene scored to extend his goal streak to four games, and Jamie Benn collected two assists for the 32-14-9 Stars, who have won four straight games. Kailer Yamamoto tallied both goals for the Mammoth (28-23-4).










NHL Rumor Mill – January 28, 2026

by | Jan 28, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 28, 2026

The Senators could be pursuing Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, plus the latest on the Oilers, Red Wings, Jets, Canadiens, and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE SENATORS PURSUE MACKENZIE WEEGAR?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reported league executives claim the Senators and Calgary Flames may have had discussions about Flames right-shot defenseman MacKenzie Weegar.

Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar.

The Senators have been shopping for a right-side defenseman. Garrioch noted the 32-year-old Weegar is an Ottawa native. He carries an AAV of $6.25 million through 2030-31.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames forwards Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman have frequently popped up in recent media trade chatter, but this is the first time Weegar has been mentioned.

Flames GM Craig Conroy is reportedly examining all of his options, but he’s not tearing everything down to the studs. He has been retooling his roster since 2023-24 and would prefer to retain some of his veterans to help the development of the Flames’ promising youngsters.

Weegar carries a full no-trade clause through 2026-27. He has full control over whether he’ll accept being traded and the potential destinations.

THE LATEST OILERS SPECULATION

YARDBARKER: Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman discussed possible moves by the Oilers. Both of them suggested Toronto Maple Leafs winger Bobby McMann might be a great fit in Edmonton.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s no indication that the struggling Maple Leafs are ready to sell, but their recent tumble in the standings is putting them closer to becoming sellers. McMann, 29, is UFA-eligible this summer and could draw attention in the trade market if the Leafs make him available.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Edmonton Oilers continue to have trade discussions with teams regarding Andrew Mangiapane. They’re being open-minded about the return for the 29-year-old winger, who has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $3.6 million.

So far, the Oilers haven’t found a fit. Nevertheless, LeBrun wondered if the Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, or St. Louis Blues might be interested.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun also indicated that the extra year on Mangiapane’s contract has complicated the Oilers’ efforts to move him. However, the biggest sticking point likely remains the decline in his performance over the past couple of years.

RED WINGS SEEKING A CENTER

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Detroit Red Wings are buyers as they jockey for first place in the Eastern Conference. He indicated that GM Steve Yzerman seeks a second-line center and a right-shot defenseman. He would prefer if both players had terms remaining on their contracts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings have plenty of projected trade deadline salary-cap space and tradeable assets to address at least one of those areas by March 6.

LATEST ON THE JETS

TSN: Darren Dreger addressed speculation suggesting the Winnipeg Jets and Seattle Kraken were discussing a deal involving Kraken center Shane Wright. He claimed, “There’s been no conversation between these two clubs about the potential availability of Shane Wright.”

If the Jets become sellers by the March 6 trade deadline, Dreger believes defenseman Logan Stanley could become a player of interest. The 27-year-old Stanley is UFA-eligible this summer, and there have been no contract extension talks between the two sides.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wright has recently surfaced in the rumor mill amid speculation the Kraken could seek a “dynamic scoring forward”. The fourth-overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, he had 44 points last season, but his production and playing time have decreased this season.

NO BIG DEADLINE DEALS FOR THE CANADIENS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has no plans of sacrificing assets for quick fixes before the March trade deadline. In a recent podcast, Hughes said he intends to be prudent in the trade market.

LeBrun believes the Canadiens still want to make hockey trades. He cited their creativity in the trade market, and will be on the lookout for a deal that could improve their top-six forwards.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes could also be in the market for an experienced penalty killer. The Canadiens are 27th in that department.

BLUE JACKETS STILL DETERMINING IF THEY’RE BUYERS OR SELLERS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Columbus Blue Jackets have improved under new head coach Rick Bowness, but they’re still six points out of third place in the Metropolitan Division.

The Jackets could decide by the upcoming Olympic break in February if they’ll be buyers or sellers. If they sell, pending UFAs such as Boone Jenner, Mason Marchment, Charlie Coyle, and Erik Gudbranson would draw interest.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 28, 2026

by | Jan 28, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 28, 2026

Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin nets his first career hat trick, Patrick Kane ties a league record, the Devils and Islanders make a trade, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF TUESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin scored his first career NHL hat trick in a 7-4 drubbing of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Dahlin finished the game with five points, and Mattias Samuelsson collected three assists for the 30-17-5 Sabres, who’ve won four straight games. Auston Matthews and Max Domi each had a goal and two assists for the sagging Maple Leafs (24-20-9), who are winless in their last five games (0-4-1).

Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dahlin’s hat trick is the fifth by a defenseman this season. It’s also the 28th hat trick in the NHL this month, tying February 1981 for the second-most in a calendar month. The record is 29, set in December 1985.

Dahlin’s performance comes during a season when he and his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, have endured a difficult year following her near-death experience last summer when she underwent emergency heart-transplant surgery. On Monday, Matovac revealed on Instagram that Jan. 26 would’ve been the due date for the couple’s first child. It was her concern about the unborn baby last summer that played a vital role in the discovery of her heart failure.

Speaking of the Sabres, goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen left this game in the first period with a lower-body injury.

Detroit Red Wings winger Patrick Kane collected an assist to tie Mike Modano for the most points by a U.S.-born player (1,374) in a 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings. Anton Forsberg stopped 27 shots while Samuel Helenius, Andrei Kuzmenko, and Corey Perry scored for the Kings (22-16-13), who have won three straight games. Alex DeBrincat replied for the 32-17-5 Red Wings.

The San Jose Sharks got a four-point effort from Macklin Celebrini (one goal, three assists) to beat the Vancouver Canucks 5-2. Will Smith had a goal and two assists for the Sharks (27-21-3). Elias Pettersson and Jake DeBrusk each had two assists as the Canucks dropped to 17-31-5.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks received more bad news as they announced that starting goaltender Thatcher Demko will soon undergo season-ending hip surgery.

Winnipeg Jets forwards Mark Scheifele and Gabriel Vilardi each had a goal and an assist in a 4-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Kyle Connor collected two assists for the 21-24-7 Jets. Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes each had two points for the Devils (27-24-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils held winger Ondrej Palat from this game. They subsequently traded him and two draft picks (2026 third-round pick, 2027 sixth-rounder) to the New York Islanders for winger Maxim Tsyplakov.

Palat’s performance has declined in recent years, and he no longer fits into the Devils’ plans. They reportedly attempted to move him earlier this season to clear his $6 million average annual value through 2026-27 from their books. Bundling those two picks into the deal was what it took to convince the Islanders to take his full cap hit.

Tsyplakov needs a fresh start after the Islanders signed him from the KHL last season. He had a promising NHL debut with 35 points in 77 games, but the 27-year-old winger is struggling this season with two points in 27 games.

Seattle Kraken winger Jared McCann scored twice and set up two goals in a 5-1 victory over the Washington Capitals. Matty Beniers and Jordan Eberle each had a goal and an assist for the 24-19-9 Kraken. Alex Ovechkin scored for the Capitals (25-22-7), who are 1-5-1 in their last seven games.

The Boston Bruins got an overtime goal by David Pastrnak to nip the Nashville Predators 3-2. Pastrnak finished with two points to extend his points streak to eight games while Morgan Geekie tallied his 30th goal of the season for the Bruins (31-20-3), who are 9-1-1 in their last 11 contests. Roman Josi and Nick Blankenburg scored for the 24-23-5 Predators, who overcame a 2-0 deficit to force the extra frame.

Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans’ overtime goal lifted his club to a 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. Cole Caufield scored his 30th of the season to extend his goal streak to six games for the Canadiens (29-17-7). Pavel Dorofeyev tallied both goals for the 25-14-3 Golden Knights, who are 1-3-1 in their last five games.

Utah Mammoth goaltender Vitek Vanecek made 25 saves to collect his first win since Oct. 26 as his club upset the Florida Panthers 4-3. Sean Durzi had a goal and an assist for the Mammoth (28-21-4), who are 9-1-1 in their last 11 games. Sandis Vilmanis, Cole Schwindt, and Carter Verhaeghe replied for the 28-21-3 Panthers, as their three-game win streak ended.

Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley scored with 1:07 remaining in the third period to give his team a 4-3 win over the St. Louis Blues. Matt Duchene scored two goals for the 30-14-9 Stars. Brayden Schenn tallied twice for the Blues, who are 0-4-1 in their last five games and dropped to 19-25-9.

The Minnesota Wild overcame a 3-0 deficit to beat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 on a shootout goal by Kirill Kaprizov. Joel Eriksson Ek had a goal and an assist, and Jesper Wallstedt made 29 saves in regulation and overtime for the Wild (30-14-10). Teuvo Teravainen, Ryan Donato, and Ilya Mikheyev scored for the 21-23-9 Blackhawks, who are winless in their last three games (0-1-2).

IN OTHER NEWS…

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins winger Bryan Rust received a three-game suspension from the NHL’s department of player safety for a hit to the head of Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser.

NHL.COM: Penguins defenseman Jack St. Ivany underwent successful surgery on his left hand. His expected recovery time is eight weeks.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche signed defenseman Sam Malinski to a four-year contract extension worth an AAV of $4.75 million.

NHL.COM: Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Johansson and Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm have been added to Sweden’s Men’s Olympic hockey team. They will replace sidelined Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson and Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin.