NHL Rumor Mill – April 23, 2024

by | Apr 23, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 23, 2024

A roundup of recent speculation involving the 16 non-playoff clubs in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton and Ryan S. Clark recently looked at what went wrong for the 16 NHL teams eliminated from playoff contention and their potential plans to address their problems in the offseason.

The Anaheim Ducks will have a projected salary cap space of $34 million next season. They could use some of that to strengthen their core.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks are a young team with promising talent but could use some seasoned depth to help them.

Looking at the former Arizona Coyotes who are moving to Utah, they could use their salary-cap space to replicate what they did in free agency last summer. Part of that was parlaying their cap space into trades with cap-strapped clubs while signing UFAs to one-year contracts knowing they can move them if necessary at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: General manager Bill Armstrong had to go that route last summer because he was dealing with an owner who gave him a shoestring budget. His club’s new owner, Ryan Smith, could be willing to spend to the cap this summer. That could enable Armstrong to pursue more talented players who could improve the club’s long-term fortunes.

Turning to the Buffalo Sabres, there’s a critical need for veteran depth, and consistent players at that.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres GM Kevyn Adams could look at adding a scoring forward after his club’s production declined this season. It’ll be interesting to see how their hiring Lindy Ruff as their head coach affects Adams’ plans.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

The Calgary Flames have eight picks in the first four rounds of this year’s draft. They could use those picks to strengthen their farm system or to acquire some veteran help. It depends on how management approaches things.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames GM Craig Conroy insists he’s retooling rather than rebuilding his roster. He could use some of those picks to bolster his prospect pool and others as trade bait to add a veteran or two.

The Chicago Blackhawks are another team with draft capital to use as trade bait to bring in some immediate help. They have five picks in their first two rounds and seven in the first three of this year’s draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks are rebuilding but management has indicated they want to take steps forward next season. That could include signing one or two veteran free agents to provide additional depth in experience and leadership for their young players. It could also include going the trade route as well.

Hiring a new general manager is the priority for the Columbus Blue Jackets. That new GM must decide if the Jackets will pursue a full rebuild or attempt to build around their core of young talent. They’ll also have to decide what to do with Elvis Merzlikins, who could use a change of scenery after making noises about requesting a trade in January.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Merzlikins has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $5.4 million and a 10-team no-trade clause. The Jackets will have to retain some salary to move him.

Goaltending is an issue the Detroit Red Wings must address. Ville Husso and Alex Lyons each have a year left on their contracts. Shilton wondered if GM Steve Yzerman might attempt to trade Husso and target someone else to work with Lyon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Several notable goaltenders such as Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom, the Boston Bruins’ Linus Ullmark and the Nashville Predators’ Juuse Saros could be available in this summer’s trade market. Maybe Yzerman will take a stab at acquiring one of them.

Buying out Zach Parise and Ryan Suter continues to hamper the Minnesota Wild’s efforts to build up their roster. They have limited cap space for next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Clark wrote this anticipating goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury would depart as an unrestricted free agent with Jesper Wallstedt replacing him. Fleury’s re-signing has instead sparked speculation over Filip Gustavsson’s future in Minnesota.

The Montreal Canadiens are expected to be busy at this year’s draft. They had 12 picks (including two first-rounders) that they can use to continue restocking their prospect pipeline or as trade bait for players who will have a more immediate impact.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens GM Kent Hughes has acknowledged his club’s need for more scoring forwards. It wouldn’t be surprising if he used one of his two first-rounders packaged with one of his many promising defensemen to address that issue.

Goaltending is among the New Jersey Devils’ major needs. They need a wide search for someone with a veteran pedigree as their starting goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: GM Tom Fitzgerald acquired seasoned backup Jake Allen at the trade deadline. He made no secret of his intent to pursue a high-quality starter. Markstrom, Ullmark and Saros will be high on his list of offseason trade targets.

Speaking of goaltending, that’s also an area the Ottawa Senators must address. Shilton also wondered if they’ll trade Thomas Chabot or Jakob Chychrun this summer. Both are left-shot defensemen and the Senators need right-shot depth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It appears the Senators intend to return with their goalie tandem of Joonas Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg, hoping they’ll improve in the offseason. Chychrun could be moved instead of Chabot given the latter’s long-term contract.

The Philadelphia Flyers could also look at improving their goaltending. Most of their improvements could come from within their system.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyer GM Daniel Briere said last year that he’s rebuilding his roster. He is sticking with that long-term plan despite his club exceeding expectations this season. Briere is open to hockey trades that make sense for his club. However, it doesn’t sound like he’s interested in pursuing big-ticket free agents or making a blockbuster move.

Turning to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Shilton wondered what they’d do with their goalie tandem of Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic. Jarry struggled down the stretch and was supplanted by Nedeljkovic. She also believes the Penguins have no choice but to get younger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After this was published, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas and head coach Mike Sullivan gave Jarry a vote of confidence as their starter. It also appears Nedeljkovic will depart as a UFA on July 1.

The San Jose Sharks have a projected cap space of $38 million next season. That should allow this rebuilding club the flexibility to address their weak points. They could opt to sign veterans on one-year contracts that they can flip for draft picks at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: GM Mike Grier acknowledged this season was a low point for his club and they don’t want to go through that again. The rebuild will continue but they need to add some veterans who can help their young players develop and improve.

As for the Seattle Kraken, the cost of re-signing forward Matty Beniers could affect their offseason plans. They could use some of their cap space to bolster their scoring.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: GM Ron Francis acknowledged the decline in his club’s production this season. Improvement could come from within if Beniers and Andre Burakovsky have bounce-back seasons. Still, Francis could shop around in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets for a scoring forward.

Salary cap space was an issue last summer for the St. Louis Blues. They carry four defensemen with no-trade clauses. There’s also the discussion of whether they can get Pavel Buchnevich signed to a contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues have a projected $15.4 million available next season with 17 active roster players under contract. Blueliners Justin Faulk, Colton Parayko, Torey Krug and Nick Leddy eat up $23 million of their cap space and all have no-trade clauses. GM Doug Armstrong attempted to trade Krug last summer to the Flyers but the defensemen spiked the deal. It’ll be interesting to see if he tries moving one of those rearguards again this summer.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 23, 2024

by | Apr 23, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 23, 2024

The Oilers and Golden Knights win the opening games of their first-round series, the Hurricanes rally back to beat the Islanders and the Leafs even their series with the Bruins. Details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid collected five assists in a 7-4 victory over the Los Angeles Kings in Game 1 of their best-of-seven opening-round series with the Los Angeles Kings. Zach Hyman had a hat trick and an assist and Evan Bouchard had four helpers for the Oilers. Adrian Kempe had a goal and an assist for the Kings. Game 2 goes on Wednesday at 10 pm ET in Edmonton.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers took a 4-0 lead and never looked back. The Kings cut the lead in half by the end of the second period but third-period power-play goals by Leon Draisaitl and Hyman put this out of reach.

McDavid became the eighth player in NHL history to pick up five assists in a playoff game. The record is six held by Mikko Leinonen (1982) and Wayne Gretzky (1987).

The Carolina Hurricanes overcame a 3-0 deficit to defeat the New York Islanders 5-3, taking a 2-0 lead in their first-round series. Sebastian Aho and Jordan Martinook scored nine seconds apart in the third period with the tying and winning goals and Seth Jarvis had a goal and two assists for the Hurricanes. Semyon Varlamov made 34 saves for the Islanders. The series heads to UBS Center in Belmont Park for Games 3 and 4 with the third game on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders played well in the first period. However, the momentum shifted in the Hurricanes’ favor in the second period after Teuvo Teravainen’s power-play goal got them on the board. This loss cannot be hung on Varlamov as he did all he could to help his team hang onto their lead. The Isles managed just one shot in the third period while the Hurricanes peppered Varlamov with 17.

Carolina goaltender Frederik Andersen was the hero in his club’s Game 1 victory. He was shaky in this one, giving up three goals on 12 shots. Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce left the game with a lower-body injury. There was no word regarding his status for Game 3.

Islanders forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau returned to action after missing Game 1 with a lower-body injury.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews scored the game-winner and had two assists in a 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins, tying their first-round series at a game apiece. Max Domi had a goal and an assist and Ilya Samsonov stopped 27 shots for the Leafs. Morgan Geekie and David Pastrnak scored for the Bruins and Linus Ullmark made 30 saves. This series shifts to Toronto for Games 3 and 4 starting Wednesday at 7 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A much better effort for the Leafs compared to their debacle in Game 1. Matthews answered his critics as his teammates rallied from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits. Leafs winger William Nylander remains sidelined with an undisclosed injury.

Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery praised Ullmark’s performance, citing several big saves he made during this contest. He blamed the loss on his club’s lack of production.

The defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Dallas Stars 4-3 to take Game 1 of their first-round series. Mark Stone opened the scoring in his first game since Feb. 20 and teammates Jonathan Marchessault and Tomas Hertl netted their first goals of this postseason. Joel Oettinger gave up four goals on 15 shots while Jamie Benn, Jason Robertson and Mason Marchment scored for the Stars. Game 2 is on Wednesday at 9:30 PM ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars spent this game chasing the Golden Knights but ran out of time to get the equalizer. It’s a trend that’s carried over from the regular season. Half of their total wins came after falling behind early. The Golden Knights special teams made the difference, going two-for-two on the power play while killing off both of the Stars’ power-play advantages.

HEADLINES

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: The Sabres announced yesterday that Lindy Ruff will become their next head coach. Ruff previously coached the club from 1997-98 to 2012-13, guiding them to the 1999 Stanley Cup Final.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This isn’t a nostalgia hire by the Sabres. General manager Kevyn Adams said he was looking for a new coach with NHL experience. Few are more experienced than Ruff. He’s fifth all-time in wins with 864 and 1,775 games coached with the Sabres, Stars and New Jersey Devils. Ruff won the Jack Adams Award in 2006 and was a finalist for the award in 2007 and 2023.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Despite Alexandar Georgiev’s poor performance against the Winnipeg Jets in Game 1, the Avalanche starter could get the nod in Game 2. Backup Justus Annunen is battling an illness. Third-stringer Arvid Holm could back up Georgiev if Annunen can’t play tonight.

DAILY FACEOFF: Washington Capitals defenseman Vincent Iorio is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury suffered against the New York Rangers in Game 1 of their opening-round series on Sunday.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kraken general manager Ron Francis said he intends to open contract talks with Matty Beniers and Eeli Tolvanen soon. Both are restricted free agents on July 1. Beniers is completing his entry-level contract while Tolvanen has arbitration rights.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 20, 2024

by | Apr 20, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 20, 2024

Check out the latest on the Flyers, Kings, Blues and Kraken in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE FLYERS?

DAILY FACEOFF: Scott Maxwell reports Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere said his club is open for business if there’s a trade that makes sense.

During his end-of-season press conference on Friday, Briere indicated the Flyers’ competitiveness this season won’t change his plans for a long-term rebuild. However, he’s open to making moves that improve his roster right away.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Jordan Hall reported Briere backed his head coach John Tortorella, claiming the two sides have “a great relationship”.

Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That should snuff out speculation over Tortorella’s future with the Flyers that arose as the club stumbled down the stretch.

Briere provided no immediate update on goaltender Carter Hart, who’s on a leave of absence due to the Hockey Canada sexual assault case. The trial reportedly won’t begin until after the start of the 2024-25 season. For now, the Flyers intend to start next season with Samuel Ersson and Ivan Fedotov as their goaltending tandem.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both young goalies did their best but the additional workload after Hart’s departure in January wore them down, especially Ersson. They might be better prepared for next season but don’t rule out the possibility that they add an affordable veteran on a short-term contract.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Before Briere’s press conference, Sam Carchidi speculated over the Flyers GM’s plans for the offseason.

Carchidi wondered if Briere would trade for a true No. 1 defenseman or attempt to bring back former Flyer Sean Walker as a free agent. He believes their lack of a first-line center is a glaring need. He wondered if Briere might roll the dice on Vancouver Canucks center Elias Lindholm, who’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers only have $3.8 million in projected cap space, though they could get $4 million in cap relief if Ryan Johansen ends up on long-term injury reserve next season. They’ll get another $6.25 million with Ryan Ellis on permanent LTIR.

There’s enough cap room to pursue someone like Lindholm. Based on Briere’s comments, however, he seems more interested in the trade market than signing expensive free agents. Don’t expect Lindholm to suit up for the Flyers next season.

RECENT KINGS SPECULATION

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Spencer Lazary believes the Los Angeles Kings must make improving their goaltending a top priority this summer, especially if they make an early exit from the playoffs.

There were reports that the Kings attempted to acquire goalie Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins before the March 8 trade deadline but he vetoed the trade. Lazary noted there are few options available in this summer’s free-agent market. Current Kings starter Cam Talbot is among them.

Possible trade targets include Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom, St. Louis’ Jordan Binnington, Pittsburgh’s Tristan Jarry and Anaheim’s John Gibson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’d include Nashville’s Jusse Saros depending on his contract extension talks with Predators management. If the Kings stage a deep playoff run I expect they’ll still be in the market for a new starting goalie to replace the 36-year-old Talbot.

Lazary also believes forward Arthur Kaliyev may be in his final season with the Kings. The 22-year-old winger has been slowly phased out of the lineup and isn’t seeing much ice time when he does play.

Barring a strong playoff performance, Kaliyev could become a trade candidate. He’s completing his entry-level contract and might make a good reclamation project as a trade candidate.

LATEST ON THE BLUES AND KRAKEN

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford looked at the St. Louis Blues’ offseason priorities. Finding a second-line center, adding secondary scoring and making a move on the blueline are among the issues facing general manager Doug Armstrong.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues have around $13 million in cap space. That’s going to hamper Armstrong’s efforts to address those issues.

Trading one of his high-salaried defensemen would help but the four (Colton Parayko, Torey Krug, Justin Faulk and Nick Leddy) have no-trade protection. Armstrong tried to trade Krug to Philadelphia last June but the blueliner spiked the deal.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Geoff Baker doesn’t see the Kraken replacing general manager Ron Francis but doesn’t rule out head coach Dave Hakstol losing his job.

Baker raised concerns over the regression of several Kraken players this season, including Jared McCann, Eeli Tolvanen, Andre Burakovsky, Oliver Bjorkstrand and 2023 Calder Trophy winner Matty Beniers.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 19, 2024

by | Apr 19, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 19, 2024

The Oilers and Kings have another first-round series, the Golden Knights face the Stars in the opening round, the Board of Governors approves the relocation of the Coyotes to Salt Lake City, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Los Angeles Kings clinched third place in the Pacific Division following a 5-4 overtime victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Adrian Kempe tallied the game-winner, Viktor Arvidsson scored twice and Quinton Byfield netted his 20th goal of the season for the 44-27-11 Kings (99 points), who’ll face the Edmonton Oilers in the opening round for the third straight year.

The Vegas Golden Knights dropped a 4-1 decision to the Anaheim Ducks to finish in the final wildcard in the Western Conference. Jack Eichel scored his 31st of the season for the 45-29-8 Golden Knights (98 points) as they’ll meet the Dallas Stars in the first round. Ducks winger Frank Vatrano scored a hat trick to finish the season with a career-high 37 goals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Promising Ducks forward Cutter Gauthier collected an assist in his first NHL game.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images)

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon picked up two assists to set the franchise single-season scoring record (140 points) in a 5-1 victory over the Oilers. Valeri Nichushkin scored two goals and Mikko Rantanen netted his 42nd of the season. The Oilers scratched Connor McDavid and Leon Draistaitl to rest them for the upcoming playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avs’ previous single-season points record was 139 points set by Peter Stastny in 1981-82 when the franchise was called the Quebec Nordiques.

The Winnipeg Jets ended the regular season with their eighth straight win by doubling up the Vancouver Canucks 4-2. Cole Perfetti scored twice for the Jets while Canucks winger Conor Garland potted his 20th goal of the season. The Jets will face the Avalanche in the first round of the upcoming playoffs while the Canucks square off against the Nashville Predators.

Seattle Kraken winger Yanni Gourde scored two shorthanded goals in a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild. Kirill Kaprizov scored his 46th of the season for the Wild.

The Calgary Flames defeated the San Jose Sharks 5-1. Flames forward Blake Coleman reached the 30-goal plateau for the first time while teammate MacKenzie Weegar had his first 20-goal season. Fabian Zetterlund scored his 24th of the season for the Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: And with that, the 2023-24 regular season is over. The 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin on Saturday, Apr. 20 with the New York Islander facing off against the Carolina Hurricanes while the Toronto Maple Leafs travel to Boston to meet the Bruins. You can see the updated first-round schedule here.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: The league’s Board of Governors unanimously approved the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City, Utah. The board also approved a plan that renders the Coyotes franchise inactive, with a right to reactivate if owner Alex Meruelo has fully constructed a new, state-of-the-art facility appropriate for an NHL franchise within five years.

Effective at closing, the Coyotes franchise will transfer the totality of its existing hockey assets, including its full reserve list, roster of players and draft picks, and its hockey operations department to the Utah franchise.

Ryan Smith, the owner of Smith Entertainment Group and owner of the NBA’s Utah Jazz, is now the owner of the Utah franchise. While located in Salt Lake City, the club will be named after the state. Smith indicated the team will take time to determine its name, logos and colors.

DAILY FACEOFF: Smith said the Utah franchise has already sold over 11,000 season-ticket deposits in their first few hours on the market.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Coyotes franchise and its history and brand remain in Meruelo’s hands for the next five years. After speaking with governors around the league, LeBrun and colleague Darren Dreger said few have confidence that Meruelo can get that arena built.

The NHL still wants a franchise in Arizona. However, LeBrun isn’t sure it’ll be with Meruelo as the owner.

LeBrun also reported Smith won’t rush to decide on a team nickname. They’re looking for fan reaction and have hired a firm to look into branding. Smith is willing to start next season without a team nickname if that’s how long is needed to find an appropriate one.

Travis Yost explains why an NHL team will work in Salt Lake City. The city only has a quarter of a million residents but the county is five times that size while neighboring Utah County is a 30-minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City. That’s a total population base of nearly 2 million.

Yost also noted Salt Lake City and Utah are booming economically plus its tourism market draws a lot of winter sports enthusiasts. He also pointed out Salt Lake City is expected to win the bid for the 2034 Olympic Winter Games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Salt Lake City still needs a proper NHL-caliber arena but it’s expected that a state-funded one will be built soon to accommodate Olympic hockey and Smith’s Utah franchise.

The success of the NHL in Utah will depend on how much Smith is willing to invest in making this team a winner. It’ll also rely on how well-managed the franchise will be. The shine could come off this Utah franchise if they spend years as a pretender rather than a contender.

Current general manager Bill Armstrong was doing a good job rebuilding the Coyotes with affordable young talent on a shoestring budget. However, they need an infusion of talented veterans who can mentor those youngsters and turn the club into a perennial playoff team.

Armstrong could find some of that talent in the free-agent market if Smith is willing to spend to the salary cap. If he has the cap room, he can draw on his considerable depth in draft picks and prospects for trade bait to land a veteran star or two.

NHL.COM: Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov finished the season with a league-leading 144 points to win the Art Ross Trophy for the second time since 2018-19.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews won his third Maurice Richard Trophy as this season’s goal-scoring leader with 69 goals. He and Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin are the only players to win that award at least three times.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck earned his first career William M. Jennings Trophy as the netminder who played at least 25 games for the team that allowed the fewest goals.

SPORTSNET: The final odds for the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery are confirmed. The San Jose Sharks have the best odds (25.5 percent) while the Buffalo Sabres have the lowest odds (3.0 percent). Click the link provided for the complete list.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said he intends to meet at some point with general manager Kyle Dubas to discuss a contract extension. He has one year remaining on his current deal and his future has become the source of media speculation.

Crosby didn’t indicate how many more years he intends to play. In the shorter term, he’s uncertain if he’ll suit up for Canada in next month’s World Championships in Czechia.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby has plenty of time to sign an extension with the Penguins. He and Dubas will likely want that sorted out before the start of next season to avoid the situation becoming an unnecessary distraction.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen underwent surgery to repair a torn triceps muscle two months following his injury. He’ll require three months of rehab and recovery but is expected to be ready for training camp in September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some are questioning why it took so long for Ristolainen to have surgery and why the Flyers provided no updates on his condition until now.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 18, 2024

by | Apr 18, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 18, 2024

What’s in store during a long offseason for the Devils, Kraken and Wild? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DEVILS FACE A BUSY OFFSEASON

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols looked ahead at what could be a busy offseason for Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald.

First and foremost, Fitzgerald needs to hire a new head coach. Potential candidates could be former NHL bench bosses like Craig Berube and Todd McLellan or two-time NCAA Frozen Four champion David Carle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That means interim head coach Travis Green reverts to associate coach or moves on to another club.

Fitzgerald must also address his goaltending. He addressed part of the problem by acquiring Jake Allen last month at the trade deadline. The Devils GM made it clear he intends to go “big-game hunting” this summer. He could revisit his interest Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom or turn to other options like Boston’s Linus Ullmark, Nashville’s Juuse Saros or St. Louis’ Jordan Binnington.

SPECTOR’S NOTE:  Binnington seems the least likely to be available. Ullmark is the most likely candidate, followed by Markstrom and Saros.

The Devils also need to add a defenseman. Nichols suggested someone like Dallas’ Chris Tanev.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tanev’s shutdown defensive game will make him a popular free-agent target for several teams this summer. However, his age (34) and injury history could make Fitzgerald seek other options for his blueline.

Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright (NHL Images).

PROPOSED OFFSEASON TRADE CANDIDATES FOR THE KRAKEN

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Geoff Baker believes the Kraken must improve by bringing in an elite performer. Finding one means giving up a player other teams want.

Baker believes defensemen like Vince Dunn, Will Borgen and Adam Larsson and goaltender Joey Daccord would be enticing trade chips. If the Kraken believes young center Shane Wright is a good complementary piece rather than a future star, the time to sell high is now.

Kate Shefte noted that Brandon Tanev and Jamie Oleksiak are being mentioned as trade candidates. She doesn’t see Wright getting shopped but wondered if they might offer up promising prospect Jagger Firkus.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see what Kraken general manager Ron Francis has in store for his club this summer. He could remain patient with his club and maybe make depth additions. Perhaps he considers a coaching change rather than a big trade. Francis has made big splashes via free agency and could go that route again. Or he could surprise us with a big trade.

I agree with Shefte regarding Wright but they could consider moving another prospect like Firkus for more immediate help. 

LATEST ON THE WILD

STARTRIBUNE.COM: La Velle E. Neal III noted the Minnesota Wild’s youth movement, bringing up promising Jesper Wallstedt and forwards Liam Ohgren and Marat Khusnutdinov late in the season. They join a core of 20-something talent that includes Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, Marco Rossi and Brock Faber.

The Wild have one more season of carrying over $14.7 million in dead cap space from buying out Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. That will give him the cap flexibility needed when those young players are ready for new contracts.

Neal also suggested the Wild move on from goaltender Filip Gustavsson and defenseman Alex Goligoski. Trading Gustavsson would make room for Wallstedt, who would benefit from being an apprentice to Marc-Andre Fleury next season. Goligoski, 39, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Neal’s suggestion to trade Gustavsson is interesting considering the Wild signed Fleury on Wednesday to a one-year contract extension. Maybe Wild GM Bill Guerin is looking at a Fleury-Wallstedt tandem for next season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 10, 2024

by | Apr 10, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 10, 2024

Alex Ovechkin sets a scoring record, Auston Matthews reaches another goal milestone, hat trick performances by Nathan MacKinnon, Steven Stamkos and Juraj Slafkovsky, and the Predators clinch a playoff berth. The details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin set an NHL scoring record in a 2-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Ovechkin became the first player in NHL history to reach the 30-goal plateau 18 times. The Capitals improved to 37-30-11 and regained the final Eastern Conference wildcard berth. Patrick Kane scored his 20th of the season for the Red Wings, who slipped to 38-32-8 to sit one point back of the Capitals.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin had a slow start to this season with just nine goals in 44 games before the All-Star Break. He’s had 21 goals in his last 31 games. Red Wings forward Andrew Copp suffered a broken cheekbone after being struck by a high stick by Capitals winger Nicolas Aube-Kubel. No penalty was called on the play.

Auston Matthews is the only active NHL player to score 66 goals in a season as his Toronto Maple Leafs beat the New Jersey Devils 5-2. Tyler Bertuzzi scored twice and collected an assist for the Leafs (46-23-9) as they sit ninth in the overall standings with 101 points. Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer each had a goal and an assist for the Devils (37-37-5) as they were officially eliminated from playoff contention.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews is also the first player in the salary-cap era to exceed 65 goals. With four games remaining in the regular season, he has time to become the first player in 31 years to reach 70 goals. Meanwhile, Devils star Jack Hughes missed this game and will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. It’s been that kind of season for the Devils as they struggled through a disappointing follow-up to last season’s promising performance.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon tallied a hat trick to reach the vaunted 50-goal plateau for the first time in a 5-2 win over the Minnesota Wild. Cale Makar and Jonathan Drouin each had three points for the 49-24-6 Avalanche as they sit sixth overall with 104 points. Matt Boldy had a goal and an assist for the 37-32-9 Wild, who were officially eliminated from the playoff race.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 137 points, MacKinnon sits two back of Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov in the race for the Art Ross Trophy. With 51 goals, he’s the fourth player to reach 50 this season.

Speaking of hat tricks, Steven Stamkos scored three goals to lead the Tampa Bay Lightning over the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2. Kucherov picked up three assists to lead the scoring race with 139 points for the Lightning (44-27-7), who hold the first Eastern wildcard spot with 95 points. Kirill Marchenko scored both goals for the Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 39 goals, Stamkos is poised to reach the 40-goal plateau for the seventh time. The Lightning extended their points streak to six games and are 11-2-1 in their last 14 contests.

Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky potted his first career NHL hat trick in a 9-3 rout of the Philadelphia Flyers. Brendan Gallagher and Christian Dvorak each scored two goals for the Canadiens. Owen Tippett and Erik Johnson collected two points each for the Flyers, who slipped to 36-32-11 (83 points) and sit two points out of the final Eastern wildcard.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Canadiens announced defenseman Arber Xhekaj will undergo season-ending surgery on his left shoulder. He had similar surgery last season on his right shoulder. Meanwhile, the Flyers are winless in their last eight games (0-6-2), leaving head coach John Tortorella somberly observing his club has reached “rock bottom.” They overachieved for most of this season but are running out of gas as the schedule winds down.

The Nashville Predators dropped a 4-3 decision in overtime to the Winnipeg Jets but picked up a point to clinch a playoff berth. Kyle Connor scored the game-winner and Connor Hellebucyk kicked out 45 shots for the Jets (48-24-6), as they sit in eighth place in the overall standings with 102 points. Predators captain Roman Josi collected assists on goals by Spencer Stastney and Ryan O’Reilly as they rallied from a 3-1 deficit to force the extra frame. With a record of 45-29-5, the Predators hold the first Western Conference wildcard with 95 points.

A three-goal first period powered the New York Islanders to a 4-2 victory over the New York Rangers. Bo Horvat and Noah Dobson picked up two points each and Semyon Varlamov made 32 saves for the 36-27-15 Islanders, who hold third place in the Metropolitan Division with 87 points. Chris Kreider had a goal and an assist for the Rangers (53-22-4) as they hold first place in the overall standings with 110 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette was furious following the game over a pair of what he deemed “vicious hits” on forwards Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck. The hit on Zibanejad appeared to be accidental but the one on Trocheck was deliberately hit from behind by Dobson. Both players escaped injury but Zibanejad was shaken up after the collision with Adam Pelech.

The Dallas Stars moved to within one point of the league-leading Rangers by nipping the Buffalo Sabres 3-2, eliminating the latter from postseason contention. Jake Oettinger made 19 saves for his eighth straight win while Jason Robertson, Wyatt Johnston and Joe Pavelski scored for the 50-20-9 Stars. Rasmus Dahlin and Alex Tuch replied for the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres set the NHL record for the longest playoff drought. Buffalo is a great hockey town but their fans continue to be disappointed by years of mismanagement and bad coaching.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Andrei Svechnikov tallied a lacrosse-style goal and collected an assist in a 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins. Teuvo Teravainen, Jake Guentzel and Seth Jarvis also scored for the 50-22-7 Hurricanes (107 points), who moved ahead of the Bruins into third place in the overall standings. Charlie McAvoy replied for the 46-18-15 Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the third straight season the Hurricanes have reached the 50-win mark.

The Florida Panthers blanked the Ottawa Senators 2-0. Anthony Stolarz made 25 saves for the shutout. Anton Lundell and Nick Cousins were the goal scorers as the Panthers improved to 49-24-6 and sit seventh overall with 104 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators will finish the schedule on a high note in terms of attendance. Despite another disappointing season, they enjoyed the fourth-highest change in attendance (5.9 percent). They’ve played to 95 percent capacity, averaging 17,536.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal stopped 36 shots in a 3-1 upset of the Los Angeles Kings. Frank Vatrano, Alex Killorn and Trevor Zegras were the goal scorers. Akil Thomas netted the only goal for the 41-26-11 Kings (93 points) as they hold third place in the Pacific Division.

The Seattle Kraken blanked the Arizona Coyotes 5-0. Philipp Grubauer made 39 saves while Matty Beniers and Oliver Bjorkstrand each picked up two assists. Earlier in the day, the Coyotes announced defenseman Travis Dermott will miss the remainder of the season with an upper-body injury.

An overtime goal by Andrei Kuzmenko gave the Calgary Flames a 3-2 decision over the San Jose Sharks. Kuzmenko and Nazem Kadri each had two points for the Flames. Mackenzie Blackwood turned aside 37 shots for the Sharks.

IN OTHER NEWS…

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers captain Connor McDavid is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury. The club recalled forward Dylan Holloway as McDavid will decide if he’ll play on Wednesday against the Vegas Golden Knights. His injury is not the same one that forced him to miss two games earlier this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid is one assist away from becoming the fourth player in NHL history to reach that plateau. Nevertheless, the priority for the Oilers is to ensure their captain is healthy for the upcoming playoffs. They have six games left in the regular season.

STLTODAY.COM: Blues defenseman Justin Faulk could miss the remainder of the regular season with an upper-body injury.