NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 3, 2024

by | Aug 3, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 3, 2024

Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov is hungry for another Stanley Cup championship, the notable remaining restricted free agents, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE SCORE: Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov has his heart set on winning the Stanley Cup again.

“We won the Cup, the greatest prize, but you want to feel the same feelings again,” said Barkov. That leaves you hungry. Winning the Cup helps us this coming season, but winning two in a row will no way be easy. Everyone needs to give it their all, everyone has to play his best game and, of course, you need a little bit of luck.”

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Winning consecutive Cups is not an easy feat. Only two teams (the 2016 and 2017 Pittsburgh Penguins and the 2020 and 2021 Tampa Bay Lightning) have accomplished the feat in the salary cap era. Still, it can be done. The Panthers have been to consecutive Cup Finals and return with most of their roster core (including Barkov) intact.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau provides brief profiles of five young restricted free agents still awaiting new contracts from their clubs. He also examines the risks and rewards of signing them to long-term deals.

They include Carolina Hurricanes winger Seth Jarvis, Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley, Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, and Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider, and winger Lucas Raymond.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All but Harley are coming off their entry-level contracts, giving their clubs leverage in their current negotiations. Some could end up with short-term “bridge” deals depending on their team’s salary-cap space. Swayman, meanwhile, opted not to go through arbitration again and is still in negotiations with the Bruins.

These players remaining unsigned at this stage in the offseason suggests they’re not interested in signing offer sheets with other clubs or no rival general managers are willing to go that route.

YARDBARKER: No contract extension talks are planned between the Dallas Stars and forward Evgenii Dadonov. The 35-year-old winger wants to see how this season plays out.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Former Devils forward Michael McLeod signed a one-year contract with KHL club Barys Astana. McLeod is one of five players to be charged with sexual assault in connection with an alleged incident in London, Ontario involving members of Canada’s World Junior team in 2018.

RG.ORG: Montreal Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov has started training with SKA St. Petersburg for the upcoming KHL season with an eye on a possible departure to the NHL next year. He was chosen fifth overall by the Canadiens in the 2024 draft.

Demidov will spend this season in the KHL but will face competition from players such as recent addition Evgeny Kuznetsov. The Canadiens could negotiate a loan if he doesn’t secure a roster spot with SKA St. Petersburg.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 1, 2024

by | Aug 1, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 1, 2024

The reason behind Jeff Marek’s departure from Sportsnet is revealed, an update on Leon Draisaitl’s contract talks, Evgeny Kuznetsov signs with a KHL team, the Canadiens re-sign Kaiden Guhle, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE ATHLETIC: Katie Strang and Dan Robson report Jeff Marek’s departure from Sportsnet was because he came under scrutiny by the NHL for allegedly revealing to a friend which players were being selected in the first round of the 2024 Draft moments before the picks were announced.

Marek was privy to the first-round selections before they were announced. This is common practice for broadcast rights holders, enabling them to prepare graphics and video clips for the chosen players.

The friend was former NHL scout Mark Seidel, who works with the OHL’s Barrie Colts, runs a scouting service and occasionally provides content for ESPN. It’s believed Marek provided Seidel a heads-up on the picks so the latter could be better prepared to provide an analysis of the selections on social media.

The league shared its concerns with the Nevada Gaming Control Board, which probed further.

Neither Marek, Sportsnet, the league, the Gaming Control Board nor Seidel commented.

A source claimed no gambling impropriety was discovered nor was there any intent by Marek to gain financially from what happened. However, sharing the information with someone outside the company put Sportsnet in a difficult situation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve summarized the story’s main point. Please read the report for the full details if you have a subscription to The Athletic.

The NHL’s affiliation with legalized gambling means its broadcast rights holders face scrutiny to ensure none of its personnel benefits from inside information. A hint of impropriety by an on-air personality will raise questions and prompt an investigation.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

Based on this report, Marek simply made a poor decision by sharing info with a friend. He may not have profited by it but it still cost him his job, serving as a preventative warning to his peers.

TSN: Ryan Rishaug reports it sounds like Edmonton Oilers management and Leon Draisaitl’s representatives have been in touch regarding a contract extension. Actual negotiations haven’t started yet but are expected to begin soon. “So any notion that it’s close to done is premature as of today (July 31)”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl can become an unrestricted free agent next July. There’s plenty of time for the two sides to agree on an extension.

TSN: Evgeny Kuznetsov signed a four-year contract with KHL club SKA St. Petersburg.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuznetsov and the Carolina Hurricanes agreed to terminate his contract last month, clearing the path to his new KHL deal. There was speculation suggesting some NHL clubs were interested in the 32-year-old center. However, it appears he wouldn’t get a deal comparable to what SKA St. Petersburg was offering.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: The Canadiens signed defenseman Kaiden Guhle to a six-year, $33.3 million contract extension. Guhle, 22, will earn an average annual value of $5.55 million starting in 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guhle has quickly established himself as a top-four defenseman with the Canadiens over the past two seasons. His injury history is a concern but overall this signing has received positive marks from Montreal fans and pundits. This could turn into an affordable long-term deal for the Canadiens if Guhle develops as projected into a reliable top-pairing blueliner.

TSN: Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet, Vegas Golden Knights bench boss Bruce Cassidy, and Dallas Stars coach Peter DeBoer are part of Team Canada’s coaching staff for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off. They will join Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper, who was named Team Canada’s head coach in June.

DAILY FACEOFF: Kyle Clifford signed an AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies. The 33-year-old forward spent last season with the Marlies while on a one-way NHL contract with the Maple Leafs.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 19, 2024

by | Jul 19, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 19, 2024

Jake Guentzel explains why he signed with the Lightning, Sean Monahan looks forward to reuniting with Johnny Gaudreau in Columbus, Matt Grzelcyk opens up about his disappointing season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Jake Guentzel said the Tampa Bay Lightning’s winning pedigree factored into his decision to sign a seven-year, $63 million contract with them on July 1.

“They all know how to win,” said Guentzel, adding they still have high-end, elite players. He believes they still have a chance to win the Stanley Cup, adding this is an incredible opportunity for himself and his family.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guentzel has some big skates to fill as he’ll be taking over the left-wing position formerly held by departed franchise player Steven Stamkos. The Lightning are betting that the younger Guentzel gives them a better opportunity to remain among the Cup contenders.

NHLPA.COM: Sean Monahan is delighted to reunite with former Calgary Flames linemate Johnny Gaudreau in Columbus. The 29-year-old center signed a five-year, $27.5 million contract with the Blue Jackets on July 1.

Gaudreau and Monahan played together with the Flames for nine seasons before Gaudreau joined the Blue Jackets in 2022. “I am really looking forward to being teammates with Johnny again,” said Monahan, calling Gaudreau “an amazing teammate, person, and friend.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Monahan’s 59-point comeback performance last season with the Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets earned him the multi-year contract with the Blue Jackets and the reunion with Gaudreau.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Matt Grzelcyk said a nagging injury derailed his final season with the Boston Bruins. The 30-year-old defenseman signed a one-year, $2.75 million deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Grzelcyk indicated he struggled to regain his form last season, amassing a career-low two goals and 11 points in 63 games with the Bruins. He was a healthy scratch in all their playoff games. He’s now preparing for the challenge of earning top-four minutes with the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A bounce-back effort by Grzelcyk could boost Pittsburgh’s blueline depth. It could also improve his stock leading up to the March trade deadline if the Penguins are out of playoff contention by then.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Brian Dumoulin requested a trade from the Seattle Kraken to an East Coast team over a month ago. Instead, they shipped the 32-year-old defenseman to the Anaheim Ducks in a cost-cutting move.

Dumoulin said he’s excited about the opportunity to join an up-and-coming team. He’s promising to work hard for his new club even if the situation he finds himself in isn’t what he wanted.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dumoulin is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July and carries a $3.15 million cap hit for this season and a 10-team no-trade list. A solid effort with the Ducks could draw interest from playoff contenders looking for experienced blueline depth at the March trade deadline.

TSN: Maxime Comtois signed a one-year contract with KHL club Dynamo Moscow. The 25-year-old forward spent most of last season in the AHL. He spent the first five seasons of his NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks, scoring 38 goals and 49 assists in 210 career games with the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Comtois was considered a promising left winger after scoring 16 goals and 33 points in 55 games during the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season. However, injuries left him struggling to regain his form.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL player Sheldon Kennedy said he supports Stan Bowman’s bid to return to the NHL.

The former Chicago Blackhawks general manager was suspended for three years by the NHL for his role in burying sexual assault allegations against video coach Bradley Aldrich by player Kyle Beach in 2009-10.

Kennedy, a victim of sexual assault by his former Junior coach, is the co-founder of Respect Group Inc., which helps to empower people to recognize and prevent bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination.

In a statement, Kennedy said he established a relationship with Bowman after he reached out to learn more “about the issues of sexual abuse and the critical role of bystanders to confront and address maltreatment effectively.”

TSN’s Rick Westhead reports Kennedy believes Bowman has done the work to learn and improve since the scandal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kennedy’s endorsement could help Bowman in his efforts to resume his career as an NHL executive. If he doesn’t land another GM job he could end up in a front-office role as an assistant GM, scout or advisor.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 26, 2024

by | Mar 26, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 26, 2024

The latest on the Flames and debunking a Carter Hart rumor in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE FLAMES

DAILY FACEOFF: Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy was a seller in the trade market during this regular season, shipping out Nikita Zadorov, Elias Lindholm, Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin between November 30 and the March 8 trade deadline.

However, Frank Seravalli reported Conroy hinted that his club might be a buyer in this summer’s free-agent market. The Flames have almost $19 million in cap space for next season. Conroy won’t target the big-name unrestricted free agents but could pursue one or two mid-tier UFAs.

Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy.

Conroy said he wants to let his young players have a chance to perform. However, he’d like to add a couple of veterans on two or three-year contracts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given the trade rumors dogging players like goaltender Jacob Markstrom plus the movement of core players like Lindholm, Tanev and Hanifin, this was a difficult year for the Flames

Nevertheless, the Flames were at times in playoff contention during this season, partly because of young players like Yegor Sharangovich, Connor Zary, and Martin Pospisil. With those players improving, Oliver Kylington back in the fold and youngsters like Dustin Wolf, Matt Coronato and Jakob Pelletier getting their chance, perhaps a turnaround won’t take too long.

Adding a couple of affordable veterans to bolster their depth would ease some of the pressure and workload on those younger players.

CALGARY HOCKEY NOW: Trevor Neufeld recently listed “6 spicey free-agent targets” for the Flames this summer.

Bringing back winger Ryan Lomberg could be an option. Former Flames GM Brad Treliving let Lomberg walk following the 2019-20 season. He’s spent the past four seasons with the Florida Panthers where his rugged play has made him a hit with Panthers fans.

Another physical option could be Arizona Coyotes winger Liam O’Brien. Detroit Red Wings forward David Perron could bring skill and experienced leadership to the Flames.

Neufeld also suggested reuniting Flames playmaking winger Jonathan Huberdeau with Tampa Bay Lightning forward Anthony Duclair. The two played well together with the Florida Panthers.

Other options include Colorado Avalanche winger Jonathan Drouin or Edmonton Oilers defenseman Troy Stecher.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see if any of Neufeld’s suggested targets end up on Conroy’s offseason wish list.

CARTER HART TO KHL RUMOR DEBUNKED

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Max Miller reports a rumor from Russian television linking Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart to KHL team AK Bars Kazan has been debunked by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

Hart, along with Calgary Flames winger Dillon Dube, New Jersey Devils forward Michael McLeod and defenseman Cal Foote and Ottawa Senators restricted free agent Alex Formenton, were charged in January with sexual assault by London, Ontario police.

The charges stem from an alleged incident in June 2018 while the five were members of Canada’s World Junior hockey team. Hart, Dube, McLeod and Foote are on indefinite leaves of absence from their NHL clubs. They’re awaiting a trial date.

The Russian report claimed the five players will likely continue their playing careers in the KHL as they won’t be accepted into the European leagues. It also claimed the players must receive judicial permission to leave North America to continue their careers.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jon Bailey doesn’t believe the Russian report passes the smell test.

“Asking a Canadian court to grant permission for a player facing a serious charge to leave the country for a nation on which Canada has imposed 153 sanctions for the invasion of Ukraine makes the prospect of Hart playing in Russia before his trial wildly unrealistic,” writes Bailey.

Bailey noted that Hart will be a restricted free agent following this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman indicated there is no truth to this rumor. I think Bailey also summed up this nonsense quite well.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 2, 2023

by | Sep 2, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 2, 2023

Tage Thompson’s new contract already looks like a bargain for the Sabres, an update on the Coyotes’ future, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski recalled how much of the hockey world questioned the Sabres’ signing center Tage Thompson to a seven-year, $50 million contract extension last August following his 38-goal performance in 2021-22.

Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson (NHL Images).

A year later, the 25-year-old Thompson’s deal looks like a bargain after he tallied a team-leading, career-best 47 goals and 94 points last season. Starting this season, he’ll earn an average annual value of $7.142 million, which is lower than 87 other NHL players.

Among them are those who signed new contracts this year, including New Jersey’s Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt, Detroit’s Dylan Larkin, and the New York Islanders’ Bo Horvat. Each has a longer record of success but none possess the same upside as Thompson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I was among those who questioned the Sabres signing Thompson to that contract. It certainly looks like a savvy move now. It will certainly be a steal for the Sabres if he maintains around the same level of production over the life of that deal.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly recently provided an update on the Arizona Coyotes’ search for a new arena. “They’re committed to finding a place in Arizona and making it work,” said Daly. “They continue to be optimistic about their ability to do so.”

Earlier this month, Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo submitted a letter of intent to purchase a parcel of land in northwest Mesa to potentially construct a new arena and entertainment district for the franchise.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Coyotes will be playing at Arizona State University’s 4,600-seat Mullett Arena for the second straight year. They have a lease there through 2024-25.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers goaltender Ivan Fedotov started Friday for CSKA Moscow in their KHL season opener. It’s an apparent violation of the IIHF ruling regarding the contract dispute that also involves the Flyers and the NHL, which stated that he could not play in Russia until Jan. 1, 2024.

The IIHF last month ruled that Fedotov’s contract with the Flyers, which was tolled forward after he spent a year of service with Russia’s military, was valid for this season. However, CSKA Moscow and the KHL dispute the ruling, claiming it “infringes on the constitutional right of a citizen of the Russian Federation to work.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With Russia considered a pariah in the international athletic community due to their war with Ukraine, Fedotov’s situation could have consequences for NHL clubs with Russian draft prospects. It creates a potential precedent that could make it very difficult for those players to join their NHL clubs if their KHL teams decide they don’t want to let them go.

WASHINGTON HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of the KHL, league president Alexei Morozov said they approached the NHL about hosting interleague exhibition games. Those discussions failed to come to fruition. The last time KHL teams faced off with NHL clubs was in preseason action in 2010.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Russia has been banned from international competition by the IIHF over its’ war with Ukraine, a ruling that the NHL abides by. It could also complicate the NHL’s plans to stage a World Cup of Hockey tournament in 2025.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sam Bennett will throw out the first pitch on Florida Panthers night prior to the Los Angeles Dodgers-Miami Marlins game on Sept. 6. The Marlins are honoring the Panthers’ 30th anniversary season.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Brian Boucher will replace Keith Jones as TNT Network’s “between the benches” in-game NHL analyst. Jones departed the role earlier this year to become the Flyers’ president of hockey operations.

THE ATHLETIC: Long-time Pittsburgh Penguins color commentator Bob Errey will not be returning to that role this season on Penguins TV broadcasts on SportsNet Pittsburgh. He’s held that job since 1999-2000. Steve Mears, his broadcast partner since 2017, is expected to be replaced in the play-by-play role by Josh Getzoff.

Phil Bourque is expected to remain as an analyst while Colby Armstrong is expected to play a bigger role in Penguins broadcasts.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 26, 2023

by | Aug 26, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 26, 2023

Check out the latest on William Nylander, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Andre Burakovsky, Alex Galchenyuk and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby reports Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said his club continues its contract negotiations with William Nylander. “He’s a terrific player and he’s a star,” said Treliving. “You want to keep your good players. We have time.”

Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander (NHL Images).

Hornby also reported the two sides remain $1 million apart. The Leafs prefer signing him for around $9 million annually.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nylander recently said that he prefers to continue playing in Toronto. Whether his camp can overcome that $1 million gulf on his next contract remains to be seen. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

WASHINGTON HOCKEY NOW: Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said Evgeny Kuznetsov remains an important player for the club despite his struggles last season. “What he’s capable of when he’s on his game is world-class and that’s my challenge to help identify parts of his game, things I can help him with, put him in positions to have success.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals reportedly attempted to trade Kuznetsov, who is believed to have requested a trade late last season despite his public denials. His inconsistent play and his $7.8 million annual cap hit through 2024-25 have likely hurt his value in the trade market.

A better performance by Kuznetsov this season could improve his trade stock. On the other hand, it could also ensure he remains with the Capitals if they’re in the playoff hunt this season.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: The Kraken hopes that Andre Burakovsky regains his scoring form following his recovery from a groin injury that prematurely ended his 2022-23 campaign. The 28-year-old winger was leading the Kraken with 39 points in 49 games before he was sidelined.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They missed Burakovsky’s offense during their first postseason in their short franchise history. He could help them maintain their place as a playoff club this season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Alex Galchenyuk has signed a two-year contract with KHL club SKA St. Petersburg. The 29-year-old winger had signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Coyotes in July but that deal was terminated following his arrest for a run-in with local police.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This could signal the end of Galchenyuk’s NHL career after 654 games and 354 points with the Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs and two stints with the Coyotes. His career was already in decline before the incident in July.

Never say never, though. A strong effort in the KHL could act as a springboard for an NHL contract in two years times.

WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets announced a new partnership with the ECHL’s Norfolk Admirals. It’s the first time they’ve had an ECHL affiliate since 2020-21.