NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 20, 2025

by | Apr 20, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 20, 2025

The Jets and Avalanche take the opening games of their respective series, the Rangers and Ducks fire their head coaches, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING SATURDAY’S PLAYOFF ACTION

NHL.COM: Kyle Connor scored the winning goal with 1:36 remaining in the third period as the Winnipeg Jets defeated the St. Louis Blues 5-3, taking a 1-0 lead in their best-of-seven opening round series.

Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor (NHL Images).

Connor and Mark Scheifele each had a goal and two assists as the Jets scored three unanswered third-period goals to overcome a 3-2 deficit. Robert Thomas, Oskar Sundqvist and Jordan Kyrou scored for the Blues. Game 2 is Monday, Apr. 21, in Winnipeg starting at 7:30 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Game 1 was anything to go by, this should be a fast-paced, entertaining series. The Blues set a physical tone, outhitting Winnieg 53-33. However, the Jets adapted and took control of the game in the final period.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals and collected an assist to lead his club to a 5-1 win over the Dallas Stars to take a 1-0 lead in their first-round series. Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 23 shots for the win in his first-ever NHL playoff game.

Roope Hintz tallied for the Stars to make it 2-1 in the third period before the Avalanche pulled away with three goals. Game 2 is Monday in Dallas at 9:30 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon was outstanding as usual, but Blackwood was the real star of this one for the Avs, coming up with several big saves to frustrate the Stars.

Avalanche forward Ross Colton left this game in the third period with a lower-body injury. An update on his status is expected Sunday. Meanwhile, sidelined Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen attended Saturday’s morning skate and has been upgraded to day-to-day. He’s been out since undergoing knee surgery in late January.

HEADLINES

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers fired head coach Peter Laviolette on Friday. Hired in 2023, Laviolatte guided the Blueshirts to the 2023-24 Presidents’ Trophy, but the club struggled this season and missed the playoffs. They are seeking their fourth head coach since 2021.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks relieved Greg Cronin of his duties as head coach after two seasons. The rebuilding Ducks improved by 21 points over last season but missed the playoffs for the seventh straight season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Laviolette firing was expected, given his inability to cope with the turmoil within the team as management attempted to remake the roster during this season. However, the Cronin firing was a surprise because of the Ducks’ notable improvement this season.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk was a full participant in practice on Saturday as his club prepares for Game 1 of their first-round series with archrival Tampa Bay Lightning. The power forward has been sidelined with a groin injury since the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning-Panthers series begins on Tuesday. Barring a setback, expect Tkachuk to return to action in Game 1.

DAILY FACEOFF: Speaking of the Lightning, winger Oliver Bjorkstrand will miss that series with the Panthers because of a lower-body injury.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Jake McCabe were back in their usual spots on the blueline during Saturday’s practice. Both rearguards had been sidelined with injuries heading into the postseason.

DAILY FACEOFF: Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson revealed he played the final 12 games of the regular season with a broken fibula after blocking a shot during a March 25 game against the Seattle Kraken.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson kept playing because he was trying to help his club stay in the playoff race. While those efforts were unsuccessful, his toughness and will to win are among the reasons why management hopes to sign him to a contract extension this summer.

NEW YORK POST: Islanders forward Mathew Barzal and goaltender Semyon Varlamov are expected to be ready for training camp in September. Knee surgeries sidelined both players and their absence was partly responsible for the Isles missing the playoffs.

THE SCORE: Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is expected to miss the start of next season after undergoing arm surgery. His last game of this season was March. 11.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen’s improved performance before his injury was among the few bright spots for the Flyers this season.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Sabres defenseman Owen Power won’t require surgery on his injured left knee. He’s been told to stay off the ice for two months, which shouldn’t interfere with his offseason training.

Meanwhile, Sabres forward Josh Norris revealed a torn oblique muscle limited him to just three games with the club following his March 7 trade from the Ottawa Senators.

THE TENNESSEAN: Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault was critical of head coach Andrew Brunette’s offensive system. “Clearly, it didn’t work,” he said, adding that there had to be adjustments before next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators were among this season’s worst offensive teams despite the additions last summer of scoring forwards Marchessault and Steven Stamkos. That inability to score occasionally sparked speculation over Brunette’s job security.

TSN: The Edmonton Oilers signed defenseman Ty Emberson to a two-year, $2.6 million contract extension.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 15, 2025

by | Mar 15, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 15, 2025

Oilers star Leon Draisaitl reaches 100 points, the Jets take sole possession of first overall, the Golden Knights re-sign Adin Hill, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl scored twice in a 2-1 overtime victory over the New York Islanders. Draisaitl became the second player this season to reach 100 points and is one goal away from becoming the first this season to score 50 goals. Bo Horvat replied for the Islanders, who got a 33-save performance from Ilya Sorokin.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl sits two points behind league leader Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche in the point races. The Oilers vaulted one point ahead of the Los Angeles Kings into second place in the Pacific Division with 80 points. With 66 points, the Islanders are four points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

Speaking of Nathan MacKinnon, he was held scoreless as his Colorado Avalanche doubled up the Calgary Flames 4-2. Parker Kelly tallied twice and Scott Wedgewood stopped 22 shots for the Avalanche, who sit third in the Central Division with 83 points. Blake Coleman and Jonathan Huberdeau replied for the Flames, who cling to the final Western Conference wild-card spot with 71 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames have dropped six of their last eight games. They are tied in points with the Vancouver Canucks but hold that wild card with 24 regulation wins. Flames captain Mikael Backlund missed this game as he’s week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor scored two goals and Mark Scheifele collected three assists in a 4-1 win over the Dallas Stars. The Jets regained sole possession of first place in the overall standings with 96 points. Mason Marchment scored for the Stars, who sit 10 points behind the Jets in second place in the Central Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets defenseman Neal Pionk missed this game as he’s week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

The Carolina Hurricanes held off the Detroit Red Wings 4-2 to pick up their sixth straight win. Jack Roslovic had a goal and an assist and Frederik Andersen made 24 saves for the Hurricanes, who are second in the Metropolitan Division with 84 points. Alex DeBrincat and Michael Rasmussen scored for the Wings, who’ve lost seven of their last eight games to sit two points out of the final Eastern wild card with 68 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Just like this point last year, the Red Wings are slumping at the wrong time. With five other clubs jockeying for that final wild card, they’re in danger of extending their franchise-record playoff drought to nine years.

Seattle Kraken forward Eeli Tolvanen scored two goals and collected an assist in a 4-2 victory over the Utah Hockey Club. Kaapo Kakko snapped a 2-2 tie and Philipp Grubauer turned aside 23 shots for the win. Nick Schmaltz and Kevin Stenlund scored for Utah (69 points), who remain two points behind the Flames in the Western wild-card race.

The Anaheim Ducks nipped the Nashville Predators 2-1. Lukas Dostal got the win with a 28-save performance while Troy Terry and Alex Killorn scored for the Ducks (65 points), who are six points out of the final Western wild card. Jakub Vrana replied for the Predators.

HEADLINES

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights signed goaltender Adin Hill to a six-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $6.25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hill has established himself as the Golden Knights’ starting goalie. He has a record of 24-11-4 with a 2.53 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney met with his team’s veteran core twice during this season, warning them that changes would be coming to the roster if things didn’t change on the ice. Three of those players (Brad Marchand, Charlie Coyle and Brandon Carlo) were shipped out by the March 7 trade deadline.

DAILY FACEOFF: Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins is unavailable for personal reasons. They recalled Jet Greaves from their AHL affiliate in Cleveland.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators captain Brady Tkachuk is expected to be in the lineup for Saturday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tkachuk missed the final minutes of the Senators’ 6-3 win over the Bruins on Thursday due to a hip issue.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Sabres forward Josh Norris is dealing with an undisclosed injury unrelated to his surgically-repaired shoulder. Acquired from the Senators last Friday, he has a goal and an assist in three games with the Sabres.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 9, 2025

by | Mar 9, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 9, 2025

The Leafs and Hurricanes discussed a Mitch Marner-for-Mikko Rantanen swap, the Oilers were interested in Rantanen, the reason why Brad Marchand was traded to the Panthers is revealed, and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LEAFS, HURRICANES DISCUSSED MARNER-FOR-RANTANEN SWAP

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos reported Friday that the Toronto Maple Leafs offered up prospects Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten and two first-round picks to the Carolina Hurricanes for winger Mikko Rantanen before the latter was traded to the Dallas Stars.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Multiple sources indicate the Hurricanes instead asked for Mitch Marner in return. Leafs management spoke with Marner, telling the 27-year-old winger that their priority was to re-sign him, but a trade to the Hurricanes was possible if he was more interested in that.

Marner has a full no-movement clause this season. He declined to move, reiterating his intent to stay in Toronto.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would’ve been a major deal for both clubs. The Leafs probably would have signed Rantanen long-term, though that contract likely would’ve been more expensive than the eight-year deal (at $12 million annually) he signed with the Stars. The Hurricanes would’ve received a return that, if they re-signed Marner, would’ve had a more positive, immediate impact than the one they got from Dallas.

OILERS HAD INTEREST IN RANTANEN

TSN: Ryan Rishaug reports the Edmonton Oilers spoke with the Hurricanes about Rantanen before he was traded to Dallas.

Rantanen, 28, was interested in going to the Oilers. There were talks about a contract extension that would’ve been worth more than the deal he signed with the Stars. The deal fell through because the Oilers lacked the trade assets to get it done.

Rishaug indicated they were also interested in Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato and Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ratanen on the same team as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl would’ve been something to see. It wouldn’t have addressed the Oilers’ roster weaknesses, but watching those three play together would’ve been very entertaining.

MONEY GAP LED TO MARCHAND TRADE

ESPN.COM: Emily Kaplan reports the Boston Bruins offered winger Brad Marchand a three-year contract extension. However, the two sides couldn’t agree on the money, prompting the Bruins to trade him to the Florida Panthers on Friday.

The Bruins initially offered the 36-year-old Marchand a two-year deal. They got approval from ownership to make it three years, but he didn’t believe the money was equal to his value.

When the Bruins decided to trade Marchand, they worked on getting him to a location of his choice. Marchand had family considerations and wanted to stay on the East Coast if he couldn’t stay in Boston.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaplan didn’t indicate how much Marchand sought from the Bruins. He’s completing an eight-year contract with an AAV of $6.13 million.

CANUCKS SOUGHT A FIRST-ROUND PICK FOR BOESER

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Vancouver Canucks sought a first-round pick in exchange for Brock Boeser. However, no clubs were willing to meet their asking price.

CANUCKS, PREDATORS AND CANADIENS WERE INTERESTED IN NORRIS

YARDBARKER: The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch told TSN that the Canucks were interested in center Josh Norris before the Senators traded him to the Buffalo Sabres.

He also claimed the Nashville Predators had spoken to the Senators about swapping Ryan O’Reilly for Norris.

CANADIENS KICKED TIRES ON COZENS.

TVA SPORTS: The Montreal Canadiens kicked tires on Dylan Cozens, but they lacked the available roster players necessary to make the deal worthwhile for the Sabres.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE PENGUINS AFTER THE TRADE DEADLINE?

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Jason Mackey believes trading Erik Karlsson in the offseason becomes more plausible for the Pittsburgh Penguins. With the salary cap rising significantly next season, opposing teams can more easily manipulate their cap payrolls to absorb his $10 million cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mackey acknowledged Karlsson must be involved in that process because of his full no-movement clause. The Penguins will likely still be asked by interested clubs to retain part of his cap hit.

Mackey also believes some of the draft picks acquired by the Penguins could be used as trade assets in the offseason to bring in more immediate help.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins have 11 picks in this year’s draft, including two first-rounders, three third-rounders, and two fifth-rounders.

They also have three second-round picks and two third-rounders in 2026 and two second-rounders, three third-rounders, and two fourth-round picks in 2027.

That’s plenty of draft capital to draw on for trade chips.










Notable NHL Trades – March 7, 2025

by | Mar 7, 2025

Notable NHL Trades – March 7, 2025

The Boston Bruins traded Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers for a conditional 2027 second-round pick. The Bruins retained half of Marchand’s $6.13 million cap hit.  

Boston Bruins traded Brandon Carlo to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Fraser Minten and a first-round pick. 

Toronto Maple Leafs trade Conor Timmins and Connor Dewar to the Pittsburgh Penguins. More to follow. 

The Columbus Blue Jackets acquire Luke Kunin from the San Jose Sharks for a 2025 fourth-rounder. 

The Ottawa Senators acquired Fabian Zetterlund, Tristen Robins and a fourth-round pick from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Noah Gregor, Zack Ostapchuk and a second-round pick. 

Philadelphia Flyers trade Erik Johnson to the Colorado Avalanche for Givani Smith.

The Buffalo Sabres shipped Henri Jokiharju to the Boston Bruins. Details to follow.  

The Dallas Stars acquired Mikko Rantanen from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Logan Stankoven and two first-round picks. The Stars sign Rantanen to an eight-year contract extension with an average annual value of $12 million. More details to follow.

New Jersey Devils acquire Cody Glass from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a third-round pick.

The Boston Bruins Trade Charlie Coyle to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Casey Mittelstadt, prospect Will Zellers and a second-round pick.

The Detroit Red Wings Acquire Petr Mrazek and Craig Smith from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Joe Veleno.

The Philadelphia Flyers trade Scott Laughton, a fourth-round pick and a sixth-rounder to the Toronto Maple Leafs for prospect Nikita Grebenkin and a 2027 first-round pick.

The Buffalo Sabres trade Dylan Cozens, Dennis Gilbert and a 2026 second-round pick to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for forward Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker.

The Winnipeg Jets acquire Luke Schenn from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick.

The Jets also acquire Brandon Tanev from the Seattle Kraken for a 2027 second-round pick.

The Pittsburgh Penguins traded Anthony Beauvillier to the Washington Capitals for a second-round pick in 2025.

The Philadelphia Flyers traded Andrei Kuzmenko to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick. Flyers retain 50 percent of Kuzmenko’s $5.5 million cap hit. 










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 12, 2025

by | Jan 12, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 12, 2025

Check out the latest on Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, Dylan Cozens, Ryan O’Reilly, Josh Norris and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE LATEST ON ELIAS PETTERSSON AND J.T. MILLER

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Vancouver Canucks aren’t shutting off Western Conference teams interested in centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. Western clubs that have reached out haven’t been told that the Canucks aren’t interested in dealing with them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It makes sense for the Canucks to consider all options when listening to offers for Pettersson and Miller. This could also mean the offers they’re not getting suitable offers from Eastern Conference clubs. It’ll likely take a substantial offer to tempt the Canucks into moving one of those players.

UPDATE ON DYLAN COZENS

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Friedman said the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings were scouting each other heavily before the holidays. It got out that the Red Wings were looking at Dylan Cozens.

Friedman indicated he didn’t know where things stand or where it will go. However, he said a couple of sources told him they thought a deal had been close.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski cited Friedman reporting the Red Wings interest in Cozens. However, he cites a source close to the Sabres saying they’re not shopping the 23-year-old center but his name is circulating because they’re getting so many calls about him from rival clubs.

Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens (NHL Images).

Cozens’ struggles this season prompted Lysowski to suggest it wouldn’t be wise for the Sabres to sell low, pointing out their depth at center suffered a hit when they traded Casey Mittlestadt to Colorado last season. He doubts the Sabres would get equal value for Cozens right now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been said for months that the Sabres want to add to their roster instead of subtracting. They’re also under no pressure to move Cozens because he’s under contract for five more years whereas Mittlestadt was a pending restricted free agent with arbitration rights last year.

Cozens could be moved if the Sabres get a good young NHL player in return who can provide immediate help to their roster. Otherwise, he’s probably not going anywhere this season.

COULD THE PREDATORS SHOP RYAN O’REILLY?

Friedman pointed out Ryan O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection in his contract with the Nashville Predators. Teams are calling the Predators about the availability of the 33-year-old two-way center.

According to Friedman, the Predators are treating O’Reilly as if he has a no-movement clause. They want to keep the former Conn Smythe Trophy winner, seeing him as a leader on and off the ice.

However, the Predators would consider moving O’Reilly under two conditions: the trade offer has to be something that excites them, and it has to be something O’Reilly would accept. The veteran center has not indicated he wants to move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out the possibility of O’Reilly getting traded by the March 7 deadline or during the offseason. However, the conditions mentioned by Friedman suggest it’s a remote possibility.

SENATORS SHOPPING NORRIS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports league executives say the Senators want to get center Josh Norris and his $7.95 million cap hit through 2029-30 off their books. However, not many teams can afford his contract without giving something back to the Senators in return.

Garrioch also indicated general manager Steve Staios has been working the phones trying to find help for his struggling club, especially on defense. He hasn’t been able to find a suitable deal thus far.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The salary cap for next season is expected to rise by at least $4.5 million to $92.5 million, though some have estimated it could reach $95 million. That would make it easier for interested clubs to take on Norris’ contract but it would likely be an offseason trade instead of a trade-deadline deal.

SOMETHING BREWING WITH THE KRAKEN?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said Seattle Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke traveled to Buffalo to watch his team defeat the Sabres 6-2 yesterday. It was an unusual move by Leiweke and came after his club lost nine of its last 11 games. His presence at that game raises questions over the reason for his attendance.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 14, 2024

by | Dec 14, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 14, 2024

The Senators upset the Hurricanes, injury updates, the Islanders put two players on waivers, an update on Robin Lehner, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark had a 32-save shutout to upset the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0. Shane Pinto scored twice and Nick Jensen also tallied for the Senators (30 points) as they move to within two points of a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. Pyotr Kochetkov stopped 19 shots for the Hurricanes, who’ve lost five of their last seven contests.

Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Score’s Josh Wegman observed the Hurricanes haven’t had an even-strength goal in three straight games. Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho has been struggling to score this season with just seven goals in 29 games.

On Friday, Senators center Josh Norris was fined $2,000.00 by the league’s department of player safety for embellishment during a Dec. 5 game against the Detroit Red Wings.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Minnesota Wild placed defenseman Jake Middleton on long-term injury reserve with an upper-body injury. He underwent surgery on Friday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild claimed defenseman Travis Dermott off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers as a short-term replacement for Middleton.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Speaking of the Oilers, defenseman Evan Bouchard is considered “50-50” to play in Saturday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights. Bouchard was injured late in Thursday’s game against the Wild when he was knocked into the net by forward Ryan Hartman late in the game.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller (upper body) was placed on injured reserve. He’s expected to be sidelined for at least a week and won’t join the team for its upcoming three-game road trip.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings goaltender Cam Talbot left practice on Friday with a lower-body injury. The Wings recalled netminder Jack Campbell on an emergency basis to back up Ville Husso.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. The Leafs recalled Dennis Hildeby on an emergency basis.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: The Islanders placed forwards Pierre Engvall and Oliver Wahlstrom on waivers. The moves come with sidelined forwards Mathew Barzal and Anthony Duclair and defenseman Adam Pelech poised to return to the lineup.

SPORTSNET: Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner publicly opened up about his bankruptcy case. He disputed reports claiming he and his wife were no longer responding to lawyers involved in the case and dropped out of sight after vacating their Las Vegas home.

Lehner called those reports “fake”, claiming communication with his lawyer stopped after he could no longer continue paying him and accusing the lawyer of lying to the court. The netminder said he wasn’t looking for sympathy but had gone through some personal problems he wasn’t ready to divulge. He also blamed the media for sensationalizing his situation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lehner wouldn’t comment about the future of his playing career. He last played in 2022. His contract, which expires at the end of this season, no longer counts against the Golden Knights’ salary cap.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Speaking of the Golden Knights, they signed forward Keegan Kolesar to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $2.5 million.

THE GUARDIAN: Former NHL coach Gerard Gallant was named head coach for Team Canada at the upcoming Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland. His assistant coaches will be Dave Hakstol, Mike Kelly and Johan Lundskog.

DAILY FACEOFF: The driver accused of hitting and killing Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew while intoxicated on Aug. 30 was indicted by a grand jury. He faces charges of second-degree reckless vehicular homicide, first-degree aggravated manslaughter, fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence, and second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident.