NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 11, 2026

by | Sep 11, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 11, 2026

Chris Kreider becomes a free agent, the Kings’ Kevin Fiala undergoes surgery, an update on Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Anaheim Ducks officially terminated Chris Kreider’s contract on Thursday after the 35-year-old winger cleared unconditional waivers. He is now an unrestricted free agent.

Anaheim Ducks winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

The Ducks terminated Kreider’s contract by mutual consent. The move frees up $6.5 million in salary-cap space, which should give the Ducks sufficient room to sign restricted free-agent winger Cutter Gauthier to a new contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kreider reportedly wanted to return to an Eastern Conference team to be closer to his family, who live in the New York City area. It sparked speculation about potential landing spots for the veteran winger, who had a bounce-back season with the Ducks, scoring 22 goals and 50 points during the regular season and seven points in 12 postseason contests.

Kreider might not have to wait long to sign with an Eastern club. His sudden appearance in the UFA market could adversely affect the efforts of currently available wingers like Vladimir Tarasenko, Patrik Laine, James van Riemsdyk, and David Perron to find contracts for the coming season.

TSN: Los Angeles Kings winger Kevin Fiala underwent a procedure related to his initial surgery to repair the season-ending leg fractures he suffered during the 2026 Winter Olympics in February.

Fiala will miss the upcoming start of the Kings’ training camp next week. No timeline has been set for his return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Losing one of their top scorers is an early setback for the Kings, especially if he’s sidelined for a significant period.

CALGARY SUN: Jonathan Huberdeau’s recovery from hip-resurfacing surgery is going well, but he’s still expected to miss the start of the regular season. He will skate on his own during training camp, but there is no timeline for his return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Patrick Kane is the only player to successfully continue his playing career following a similar procedure three years ago. Huberdeau and the Flames want to ensure that he doesn’t jeopardize his career by returning too soon.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Vegas Golden Knights signed forward Braeden Bowman to a six-year contract extension. Bowman, 23, is in the final season of his entry-level contract. His new deal is worth an average annual value of $3.4 million beginning next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bowman was called up last season to replace Mark Stone when the Golden Knights’ captain suffered a broken finger. He played so well that he earned a regular roster spot, netting 26 points in 54 games.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Carolina Hurricanes signed depth defenseman Mike Reilly to a one-year, two-way contract.

NHL.COM: Former NHL stars Phil Kessel, Ryan Suter, and T.J. Oshie are among the five inductees in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.

Phil’s sister, Amanda Kessel, is also being inducted, as is longtime USA Hockey athletic trainer Stan Wong.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to these five inductees for this well-deserved honor. It’s great to see the Kessels being inducted together. Phil and Amanda made their mark on hockey during their playing careers. They are the second brother-and-sister inducted into the US HHoF, joining Tony and Cammi Granato, but they’re the first to be inducted together.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 14, 2026

by | Aug 14, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 14, 2026

Should the Bruins make a pitch to acquire Dylan Larkin from the Red Wings? Which members of the Kings could become trade candidates? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes the Boston Bruins’ biggest area of concern is their talent and depth at the center position.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

The Bruins currently have Pavel Zacha, Elias Lindholm, Fraser Minten, and Sean Kuraly slotted in as their centers for this season. However, Proteau thinks they need an upgrade at that position.

It’s been reported that the Bruins aren’t on Dylan Larkin’s list of preferred trade destinations. However, Proteau feels that general manager Don Sweeney should try to convince the Detroit Red Wings center and his agent that Boston would be a terrific landing spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sweeney could do this by contacting the Red Wings to seek permission to speak with the Larkin camp to see if they could be at least persuaded into adding the Bruins to his list of destinations.

Proteau also mused over the availability of Will Smith of the San Jose Sharks, Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and William Karlsson of the Vegas Golden Knights. He admits all are long shots, but thinks it’s up to Sweeney to get creative to address that need at center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anything’s possible, but you can also bet that other general managers could also have an eye on those centers, and on Larkin. Whether Sweeney will get creative in his search for a first- or second-line center remains to be seen.

What say you, Bruins fans? Let us know in the comments section below.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan O’Hara believes two members of the Los Angeles Kings could become trade candidates this season.

Goaltender Darcy Kuemper struggled last season, losing the starter’s job to Anton Forsberg. Kuemper is in the final season of his contract with a $5.25 million cap hit, which would make him an expensive backup.

O’Hara speculates that a team seeking help in goal could be interested in Kuemper, who was a Vezina Trophy finalist in 2024-25.

Meanwhile, speedy winger Trevor Moore has been unable to nail down a top-six role with the Kings. He has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $4.2 million. He scored 31 goals in 2022-23 and could benefit from more offensive responsibilities with another club.

O’Hara believes the Kings don’t have to move Kuemper or Moore right now. However, they could become trade chips if GM Ken Holland feels the need to shake up his roster again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuemper and Moore could be players worth monitoring if the Kings struggle this season, or if Holland wants to improve his club’s chances for a deep playoff run before the March trade deadline.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 13, 2026

by | Aug 13, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 13, 2026

The questions facing the Kings, the worst decisions from last season, what the Capitals need to bounce back, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: How Quenton Byfield fares as the No. 1 center and Drew Doughty’s future are among the three notable questions facing the Los Angeles Kings this season.

Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield (NHL Images).

Byfield, 23, has big skates to fill as he takes over the first-line center role from Anze Kopitar, who retired at the end of last season. He’s averaged over 53 points in each of the last three seasons, and could see those numbers increase while centering wingers Artemi Panarin and Kevin Fiala.

Doughty is entering the final season of his eight-year contract. The 36-year-old defenseman faces an uncertain future with the Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byfield has been projected for years as the Kings’ future first-line center. That future is now for the youngster. How well he handles the role and the pressure will play a significant part in how this season unfolds for the retooling Kings.

Doughty isn’t the Norris Trophy contender of his youth, but he was still an effective top-four defenseman for the Kings. His performance this season will determine if he gets a contract extension before his eligibility for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

BLEACHER REPORT: Adam Gretz recently looked back at the biggest mistakes of the NHL’s 2025-26 campaign.

The Edmonton Oilers’ trading Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Tristan Jarry was among the notable blunders. So was the Anaheim Ducks’ not getting Leo Carlsson signed before the offseason, and the Winnipeg Jets expecting a fading Jonathan Toews to fill their second-line center role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link for the full list and let us know if you agree or disagree with Gretz’s choices.

Hindsight is 20/20, but for me, the Ducks not re-signing Carlsson to an extension last summer was the biggest mistake. That decision changed the cost of re-signing players considerably, and could adversely affect the Ducks’ roster.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert looked at four things the Washington Capitals need if they’re to rebound from last season’s disappointing performance.

Their offseason investments paying off topped the list. Capitals management hoped to bolster their scoring punch by adding wingers Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres and Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues. They also brought in two-way forward Boone Jenner from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has agreed to return for one more season, but it’s clear that management is preparing their offense for the day when he’ll be moving on. Adding Tuch and Kyrou could help them spread their scoring around while providing more depth in anticipation of Ovechkin’s inevitable retirement.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: The Sabres will induct former forwards Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek into their Hall of Fame before their home game on Jan. 14 against the Colorado Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pominville and Vanek were among the Sabres’ best players between 2005-06 and 2011-12.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Calen Addison has signed a one-year contract with KHL team Shanghai Dragons. The 26-year-old defenseman spent four NHL seasons with the Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks from 2020-21 to 2023-24, netting 50 points in 152 regular-season games. He spent the last two seasons in the AHL.

SPORTSNET: Hockey Canada suspensions remain in place for four of the five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team who were acquitted of sexual assault last year.

Cal Foote’s suspension remains in place until Nov. 10. Carter Hart’s will be lifted on the same date in 2027; Dillon Dube’s in 2028; and Michael McLeod’s in 2030.

Alex Formenton was the only player whose suspension was lifted.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames have signed a five-year radio broadcasting deal with QR Calgary 770 AM.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 11, 2026

by | Aug 11, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 11, 2026

The latest on Canucks center Elias Pettersson and an update on the Oilers’ trade plans in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CANUCKS CONVERSATION: CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal recently dismissed trade speculation linking Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson to the Los Angeles Kings.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

The rumors began when the 27-year-old Canucks center was spotted practicing in Los Angeles. However, Dhaliwal pointed out that Pettersson’s wife is from Los Angeles, which explains why he would be doing some offseason training there.

Dhaliwal also said a trade involving Pettersson has not come close to happening in the last few months. There’s been plenty of conjecture and teams checking in, but nothing reached the point where the Canucks would ask the center or his agent if he would waive his no-movement clause.

Pettersson’s contract remains the sticking point. He has six years remaining on his deal with an average annual value of $11.6 million. Dhaliwal believes the Canucks have no choice but to wait and see how Pettersson plays this season and if it improved their chances of moving him at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring a dramatic change in Pettersson’s circumstances, he’ll start this season (and likely finish it) with the Canucks.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers general manager Stan Bowman has more salary cap space to start this season than he’s had over the previous two offseasons since taking over the role in July 2024.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to PuckPedia, the Oilers have over $4.725 million.

Bowman doesn’t plan on using that extra space for more additions before the regular season begins next month. Instead, he’s going to hang onto it in case any players become available early in the season that could help his club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The longer Bowman holds off using that cap space during the regular season, the more the Oilers will accrue. If he can wait until the March 1 trade deadline, the Oilers would have over $21.8 million available.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 8, 2026

by | Aug 8, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 8, 2026

Check out the latest on Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, former Kings captain Anze Kopitar, Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe commemorated Sidney Crosby’s 39th birthday (August 7) by examining his legacy and what the future could hold for the long-time Pittsburgh Penguins captain.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Yohe noted that Crosby told him in May that he’s not finished with his playing career. He’ll be starting his 22nd NHL season in 2026-27, and Yohe believes the Penguins superstar would like to reach the 25-season milestone if his health allows it. That could put him within range of 750 goals and 2,000 points.

Crosby is poised to become the longest-tenure professional athlete in Pittsburgh sports history, surpassing Pittsburgh Pirates star Willie Stargell (21 years). He’s also ahead of Penguins teammates Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, who will be starting their 21st seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby is unquestionably one of the greatest athletes in Pittsburgh sports history, one of the greatest players in NHL history, and the greatest player of his generation. While he’s not the player he was in his prime, he still performs at a level that exceeds that of his younger peers. While decline is inevitable for Crosby at this stage of his career, it hasn’t reached the point where retirement is unavoidable.

If Crosby reaches 750 goals, he’ll become the fifth player in NHL history to do so. If he tallies 2,000 points, he’ll join Wayne Gretzky as the only two players to reach that plateau.

Crosby is also in the final season of his two-year contract, which will likely result in the resumption of media conjecture about where he’ll continue his playing career, especially if the retooling Penguins miss the playoffs. Until we hear otherwise, expect Crosby to ink a one-year extension with the Penguins at some point before 2027-28.

TSN: The Los Angeles Kings will retire former captain Anze Kopitar’s No. 11 during the 2026-27 campaign. They will also honor him with a bronze statue outside of Crypto.com Arena.

The Kings will unveil the statue and hold the retirement ceremony before their game against the Montreal Canadiens on Feb. 24, 2027.

Kopitar spent his entire 20-season NHL career with the Kings, retiring at the end of the 2025-26 campaign. He helped them win the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014, and is the franchise leader in games played (1,521), assists (864) and points (1,316). He’s third in goals among the Kings’ all-time leaders (452), behind Luc Robitaille (557) and Marcel Dionne (550).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Well-deserved honors for the player I consider to be the greatest in Kings history. He was among the best and most self-disciplined two-way forwards of his generation, winning the Selke Trophy twice and the Lady Byng Trophy three times. Kopitar tied with teammate Dustin Brown for the playoff scoring lead in 2012 (20 points each) and led all postseason scorers with 26 points in 2014.

NHL.COM: Whether Zach Werenski can block out the noise about his future is among the three big questions facing the Columbus Blue Jackets this season.

The 28-year-old Werenski led the Blue Jackets with 81 points last season, becoming the first player in franchise history to win the Norris Trophy as the top defenseman. However, he was dogged by weeks of trade speculation, prompting him to release a statement affirming his commitment to the franchise.

Werenski has two years remaining on his contract, which means his future will remain the subject of conjecture until he signs an extension this summer or is traded.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This season could become a critical one for the current incarnation of the Blue Jackets. Whether they can improve under a full season with head coach Rick Bowness could be a significant factor in determining Werenski’s future in Columbus.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Russell Macias examined why the New York Islanders didn’t bother to buy out the final season of aging winger Ondrej Palat’s contract this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Palat’s performance has steadily declined in recent years. The 35-year-old winger’s contract is a $6 million hit against the Islanders’ salary cap for this season. Buying him out would’ve saved the Isles $3.3 million this season, but it also would’ve resulted in $1.65 million of dead cap space for 2027-28.

The fact the Isles didn’t do it is likely because there was no reason to do so. They have over $2.9 million in cap space for 2026-27, giving them over $13 million in projected accrued cap space by the March 1 trade deadline.

It’s also a signal that Isles management isn’t planning on making any significant roster additions before the start of the regular season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: NHL Hall of Famer Zdeno Chara was involved in a bicycle accident in Slovakia when he accidentally collided with a jogger on a bike path.

Chara remained on the scene, provided first aid to the injured jogger, and cooperated with authorities. It was determined the jogger was at fault, as he wasn’t supposed to be on the bike path.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 3, 2026

by | Aug 3, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 3, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: we take another look at the notable players available in the UFA market, plus an update on the Red Wings search for a new general manager.

DAILY FACEOFF: Winger Patrik Laine, defenseman Logan Stanley, and winger Vladimir Tarasenko top the list of notable players still available in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

Former Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: New York Islanders insider Stefen Rosner recently reported that the Isles had some interest in Laine, but only in signing him to a professional tryout offer. It was also rumored that the Los Angeles Kings were interested, but nothing seems to have come of it.

Stanley was reportedly seeking a four- or five-year contract worth an average annual value of $5 million when the market opened on July 1. It’s doubtful the 27-year-old blueliner will find anything like that now.

Tarasenko had been mentioned as a possible option for the Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators. Some observers wonder if he might attempt to return with the Minnesota Wild for another season.

Forward Michael Bunting and Eeli Tolvanen, goaltender Cam Talbot, and defenseman John Klingberg are also among the top 10 UFAs remaining.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been little speculation linking those four players to any specific teams. Sure, there’s been the occasional suggestion that one of them might be a good fit somewhere, but nothing to suggest they’ve had any meaningful discussions with any clubs.

That doesn’t mean they won’t be signed. Bunting, Tolvanen, and Klingberg still have some value that should earn them one-year contracts with clubs seeking affordable, experienced depth. Given the need for reliable goalies around the league, Talbot might land with someone on a PTO contract.

Other notable veterans still available include forwards James van Riemsdyk, David Perron, Jonathan Drouin and Adam Henrique, defensemen Nick Blankenburg and Carson Soucy, and goaltenders Connor Ingram and James Reimer.

THE DETROIT NEWS: cited NHL analyst John Shannon, who believes the Red Wings’ search for a new general manager “may not be rectified until September.”

Shannon made the remark to Daren Millard during a recent episode of their podcast, 100% Hockey with Millard & Shannon. He also said that he was told the search for a new GM would take “a lot longer than people realize.”

The Red Wings have been searching for a new general manager since announcing on July 15 that Steve Yzerman would be moving out of that role to become a senior advisor to team owner Chris Ilitch. Yzerman is handling the day-to-day management until his replacement is found.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So far, there’s no word regarding who the Red Wings could be pursuing as Yzerman’s replacement. They could also promote from within, with assistant GMs Kris Draper and Shawn Horcoff mentioned as possible candidates.