NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 13, 2026

by | Sep 13, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 13, 2026

The Canadiens sign Chris Kreider, the Golden Knights extend Mark Stone’s contract, Mason McTavish hopes to reset with the Blues, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens signed left wing Chris Kreider to a one-year contract.

Montreal Canadiens sign winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

Kreider, 35, became an unrestricted free agent last week after he and the Anaheim Ducks agreed to terminate the final season of his contract. His deal with the Canadiens is a $2.15 million base salary, with performance bonuses that could take him to $5.4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m surprised Kreider signed with the Canadiens because he reportedly wanted to be closer to his family in the New York area. I expected him to sign with an American-based team, like the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, or Philadelphia Flyers.

Kreider’s ties with Canadiens hockey ops president Jeff Gorton, head coach Martin St. Louis, and director of sports medicine Jim Ramsay factored into his decision. It also suggests that Montreal could become a prime destination for stars who want to play for a potential Stanley Cup contender.

Some Canadiens fans might be uncomfortable with signing Kreider, given his accidental collision with goaltender Carey Price in the 2014 playoffs resulted in the knee injury that eventually shortened the Hall of Famer’s career. However, Price said last year that he doesn’t blame Kreider for the incident, and Canadiens fans will likely forgive him if he plays well this season.

Once again, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes’ patience has paid off. Kreider is an affordable addition that doesn’t require giving up any roster players or prospects in return. He should be a solid, short-term solution to bolster their second-line depth, bringing size, scoring experience, leadership, and physicality.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Vegas Golden Knights signed right winger and team captain Mark Stone to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $9 million. The deal also has a full no-movement clause.

Stone, 34, is in the final season of an eight-year contract with a $9.5 million AAV.

“I think it’s reflective of what we think of Mark, and how much Vegas means to Mark and his family,” general manager Kelly McCrimmon said. “It’s a peace of mind for Mark so it’s not hanging over him as the season starts. Same for the hockey club.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stone is among the longest-serving active players on the Golden Knights. He leads the club with 396 points since joining them in 2019. Despite being hampered by injuries since 2021-22, he led them to the Stanley Cup in 2023 and remains among the league’s best two-way forwards.

Given Stone’s age and injury history, that contract extension probably won’t age well. Nevertheless, the Golden Knights are comfortable taking that gamble, especially with the salary cap expected to rise rapidly in the coming years.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Lou Korac reports center Mason McTavish hopes to have a bounce-back performance with the St. Louis Blues after struggling through his final season with the Anaheim Ducks.

The Ducks traded the 24-year-old McTavish to the Blues this summer, leaving him with something to prove this season.

“Yeah, I think I have a chip on my shoulder, for sure,” McTavish said. “I’m not happy with the way things went in Anaheim. I mean I enjoyed my time there, it was awesome, guys were great, but at the same time, they traded me, and that’s something I’m passionate about and want to get better. I’m looking forward to doing that here.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish is projected to be the Blues’ second-line center. If getting traded provides additional motivation to improve, it could put his career back on track and perhaps push the Blues into playoff contention this season.

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby reports the Maple Leafs invited defenseman Nick Blankenburg to training camp on a professional tryout offer.

Blankenburg, 28, was among the few notable players remaining in what was a thin free-agent market. The 5’9”, 177-pound blueliner split last season between the Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hornby believes Blankenburg will have a difficult time earning a roster spot when the Maple Leafs already have a comparable player in Emil Andrae, whom they acquired from the Flyers earlier this summer. However, a solid performance in training camp and preseason play could earn him a contract with another club.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 12, 2026

by | Sep 12, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 12, 2026

Check out the latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Chris Kreider, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: During Thursday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said he believes the Buffalo Sabres remain interested in Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. He also felt the Utah Mammoth and Carolina Hurricanes were “still around it.”

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Hellebuyck, 33, recently revealed that he requested a trade. Friedman said his list of preferred destinations is “much, much wider” than some other NHL players who have requested trades

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hello there, Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings. Friedman didn’t indicate how wide Hellebuyck’s trade list is, but it could be 10 teams, as that’s what his no-movement clause reverts to after this season.

Friedman also indicated he’s had “very mixed messaging” on the New Jersey Devils. He’d heard for a time that they weren’t interested in Hellebuyck, but some people believe they are.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: What I’ve read and heard is that the Devils intend to stick with the trio of Jake Allen, Nico Daws, and David Rittich to start the season and see how things unfold. The Sabres, Mammoth, and Hurricanes also have more cap space and tradeable assets.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie believes free agent Chris Kreider could greatly help the Montreal Canadiens. The 35-year-old left winger became an unrestricted free agent this week after he and the Anaheim Ducks agreed to terminate his contract.

Lavoie believes the Canadiens have several factors that could entice Kreider. He has ties to the Habs president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton, head coach Martin St. Louis, and director of sports medicine Jim Ramsay from their days with the New York Rangers.

Kreider could quickly fill the void left by Brendan Gallagher’s departure and could be an affordable signing on a bonus-laden contract. Lavoie doubted there would be any bad blood regarding Kreider accidentally injuring Carey Price during the 2014 playoffs, especially since none of the Habs players involved at that time remain with the team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s no secret the Canadiens seek a second-line forward (preferably a center) to skate alongside budding superstar Ivan Demidov. Kreider might be a solid short-term addition, but he may prefer to sign with a team closer to New York, where his family lives.

LA PRESSE: Speaking of the Canadiens, Mathias Brunet recently previewed the Canadiens’ top prospects ahead of their rookie camp this week.

Among them was right-shot defenseman Bryce Pickford, who tallied 45 goals and 83 points in 55 games last season with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers. The 20-year-old blueliner will play for the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate in Laval, but will miss the opening months of the season recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.

Brunet acknowledged Pickford’s offensive gifts, but believes he’ll be stuck behind Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, and Mike Matheson, and a defensive specialist role doesn’t suit him. He speculated that Pickford could be used as trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unsubstantiated rumors earlier this year suggested Pickford may have been part of the Canadiens’ pitch to the Toronto Maple Leafs for winger Matthew Knies. Whether management intends to peddle him for immediate roster help remains to be seen.

THE ATHLETIC’s Aaron Portzline suggested Cam Talbot as a replacement for Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins, who could miss the start of this season with an injured shoulder.

Talbot, 39, is an unrestricted free agent after spending the last two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. Portzline proposed signing him to a low-salary contract with performance bonuses. He also pointed out that Talbot was a teammate of Blue Jackets netminder Jett Greaves on Team Canada at this year’s World Championships.










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 – September 10, 2026

by | Sep 10, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 10, 2026

Sabres star Tage Thompson would love to have Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck as a teammate, the latest Blue Jackets speculation, and suggested landing spots for Chris Kreider in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TAGE THOMPSON STUMPS FOR CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael Traikos reports Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson made no secret that he’d love for his club to acquire Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Thompson said he and his Team USA teammates regularly text with Hellebuyck in their group chat. Since the Jets goaltender’s trade request has gone public, Thompson said he’d love to have him in Buffalo.

“He’s the best in the world,” Thompson said of Hellebuyck. “There’s things that are out of your control. We’d love to have him, but if that doesn’t happen, then we just move forward with the group we got.”

The Sabres and Jets reportedly held trade discussions involving Hellebuyck before the 2026 NHL Draft, but the two sides failed to find common ground on a deal. However, it’s believed the two sides have re-engaged in their talks as the regular season approaches. Traikos believes any potential deal would have to include one of the Sabres’ goaltenders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Where the Sabres and Jets have better luck reaching a deal remains to be seen. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman last week indicated that trade options open to the Jets in June might not be available to them now.

In case you’re wondering, Thompson’s comments and his texting with Hellebuyck don’t violate the NHL’s anti-tampering rules. Those restrictions apply to coaches, general managers, team owners, and other team executives.

THE LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

THE SICK PODCAST: Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell acknowledged that he’s received trade offers for Kirill Marchenko. However, he hasn’t received one yet that would convince him to part with the 26-year-old scoring winger.

Marchenko is reportedly unwilling to sign a contract extension, and his agent has made that clear on social media. However, Waddell indicated he won’t move the winger for less than his desired return.

THE HOCKEY WRITERS: Mark Scheig reports Waddell remains “100% confident” that a new contract for center Adam Fantilli will get done. “It’s not imminent, but we’re talking on a pretty regular basis now. I talked to his agent over the weekend and going to talk again here today or tomorrow.”

Fantilli, 21, is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchenko was the subject of trade speculation from late June into late July. That speculation faded throughout August, but his absence from the club’s annual golf tournament earlier this week has resurrected them. However, he’s contractually bound to report to training camp unless someone meets Waddell’s asking price.

Fantilli also skipped the golf tournament, prompting some to wonder if it’s time to worry about the status of his contract negotiations. The young center has little leverage except withholding his services, a tactic that rarely ends well for players who’ve gone that route.

WHERE COULD CHRIS KREIDER LAND?

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman listed what he considers to be the five best landing spots for Chris Kreider. The 35-year-old winger is on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Kreider reportedly wants to return to the Eastern Conference to be closer to his family in the New York area. Wegman listed the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff listed why adding Chris Kreider might make sense for the Red Wings and why he wouldn’t.

The Red Wings need more scoring. However, they’re not geographically close to the New York area, and they haven’t been in the playoffs for a decade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In case you’re wondering why there are no Canadian teams on that list, it’s down to geography. Kreider probably prefers remaining in the United States.

The Bruins and Flyers are more in the market for top-six centers, but they could opt for a scoring winger in the short term. The Sabres are more likely to give their young players more ice time. The Hurricanes and Lightning could be too far from home for Kreider’s liking.

Kreider could be a good short-term fit for the New York Islanders. Yes, I appreciate the rivalry between the Isles and Rangers, but the Isles need more scoring and didn’t really address that issue this summer.

It’s doubtful Kreider lands with the New Jersey Devils after their offseason acquisitions of Evan Rodrigues, Anthony Mantha, and Luke Evangelista. They also have Timo Meier, Jesper Bratt, and Arseny Gritsyuk as their top three left wingers.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 10, 2026

by | Sep 10, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 10, 2026

The Wild’s Quinn Hughes talks about his contract negotiations, the Ducks and Chris Kreider agree to terminate his contract, plus the latest on Leo Carlsson, Zach Werenski, Cole Caufield, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Quinn Hughes said he’s not in a rush to sign a contract extension with the Minnesota Wild. The 26-year-old defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Hughes stated that it would be done whenever he feels it needs to be done. “I don’t feel backed against a wall. I’m very thoughtful. I want to make sure I’m taking my time on everything and make sure I’m making a decision that is going to be good for everyone. That’s kind of where my head has been at,” Hughes said.

The superstar blueliner still believes in the Wild, claiming he has a strong relationship with the coaching staff and general manager Bill Guerin and that Minnesota has been a great fit for him. However, he won’t feel pressure if his negotiations carry over into the regular season. Hughes declined to publicly discuss details of his extension talks, saying it was between him and Guerin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes seems to be taking a cautious approach in his negotiations with the Wild. Understandably, he wants what’s best for his future. He could wait to see how this season unfolds before committing to the Wild beyond 2026-27. Nevertheless, the longer he goes without a contract, the more speculation about his future in Minnesota.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks placed winger Chris Kreider on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract.

Kreider, 35, is in the final season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million, but his actual salary for this season is $4 million. The Ducks acquired him from the New York Rangers in June 2025. Kreider was fourth among Ducks scorers last season with 22 goals and sixth with 50 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kreider wants to be closer to his family, who live in the New York area. By terminating his contract, he can sign with any Eastern Conference team as an unrestricted free agent. It’s rumored he could refuse to report if claimed by a team that he doesn’t wish to join, but that scenario is unlikely because he’s expected to clear waivers later today.

This move could be a precursor to the Ducks signing restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier. They currently have $9.07 million in cap space, but the 21-year winger reportedly rejected a four-year deal worth $13 million last month. Clearing Kreider’s $6.5 million for this season should free up sufficient space for Gauthier’s new contract, which could come in at around $15 million annually.

SPORTSNET: Speaking of the Ducks, center Leo Carlsson said players are thanking him for signing a five-year offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers on July 3 worth $18 million AAV. The Ducks matched the offer six days’ later.

Carlsson acknowledged that his contract was “a huge deal for the league,” which is sure to have ripple effects for young, promising stars hoping to cash in as the salary cap rises.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those ripples have already been felt around the league.

Within three weeks of Carlsson’s new contract, San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini signed a five-year extension worth $18.8 million AAV. Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard inked a five-year deal worth $15 million. Carlsson’s deal also affected the Ducks’ efforts to re-sign Cutter Gauthier.

It’s not just rising young stars who benefited from Carlsson’s contract. Colorado Avalanche superstar defenseman Cale Makar recently signed an eight-year contract with a league-record $20.4 million AAV.

TSN: Florida Panthers winger Brady Tkachuk said it wasn’t an easy decision for him to request a trade from the Ottawa Senators.

“It was a really, really hard decision, and something that was emotional. It took a lot of time to get to that,” Tkachuk said, who was shipped to the Panthers in June.

Tkachuk’s first game back in Ottawa will be on Oct. 21. He’s not sure what kind of reception he’ll get from Senators fans. Whatever the reaction, he believes it’ll demonstrate how great the fan base is in Ottawa.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As a team, the Senators are tired of talking about Tkachuk’s departure and want to move on. To his credit, Tkachuk has spoken respectfully about his time in Ottawa, but it’ll be interesting to see the fans’ reaction when he returns in October.

NHL.COM: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski insists that he wants to stay in Columbus following an offseason of trade rumors.

Werenski believes the Blue Jackets will be in a good place this season, where people won’t question his future in Columbus. However, he admits that speculation will likely persist until next summer, when he can sign a contract extension.

Offseason reports indicated Werenski asked for a trade and that the Blue Jackets were close to moving him to the Dallas Stars. Werenski vetoed the trade, and he and general manager Don Waddell issued statements about his desire to stay in Columbus.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Werenski maintains it was all a misunderstanding, insisting that he wants to stay and help Columbus become a winner. Nevertheless, he’s right about the conjecture regarding his future will continue throughout this season.

SPORTSNET: Despite the recent trend of American stars like Brady Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes, and Connor Hellebuyck requesting trades out of Canadian markets, Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield doesn’t see himself following that path.

“Only speaking for myself, I think being in Montreal, if you love hockey and have a passion for it, there’s no better place or city to teach you lessons through the good and the bad. You learn to embrace it throughout those bad times that there’s brighter days ahead,” Caufield said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It can be difficult to play in high-pressure Canadian markets, and not everyone can handle that harsh spotlight. However, it’s easier to handle when the teams play as well as the rising Canadiens did last season.

We should note that Hughes and Hellebucyk made their trade requests after their clubs declined. Tkachuk’s request followed after back-to-back first-round playoff exits by the Senators. Those may be merely coincidences, but one wonders if those players would’ve made those requests if their Canadian clubs played as well as the Habs last season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi is expected to miss training camp and the start of the regular season because of complications from offseason surgery.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers signed former Ottawa Senators winger Alex Formenton to a one-year, $850,000 contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the second controversial decision by Oilers management, having hired Mike Babcock as head coach earlier this summer. Formenton is one of five players from the 2018 Canadian world junior team found not guilty of sexual assault in London, Ontario last summer.

TORONTO SUN: NHL insider Elliotte Friedman and game analyst Kevin Bieksa have agreed to new contracts with Sportsnet.

DAILY FACEOFF: NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said expansion to Houston or Austin is not a done deal. The league is currently in the middle of a six-month review period with the Friedkin Group regarding a potential expansion franchise in Texas. It would require a $3.5 billion bid, part of which would go toward building a state-of-the-art arena.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not a done deal yet, but there’s a strong sense that it’s going to happen.

ESPN: Former NHL player, coach, and hockey analyst Barry Melrose died Wednesday at age 70.

Melrose played 480 professional games with the NHL and WHA from 1976-77 to 1985-86. He turned to coaching soon afterward, winning championships with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers (1987-88) and the AHL’s Adirondack Red Wings (1991-92). He spent three seasons as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings (1992-93 to 1994-95), guiding them to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final. He also did a brief stint as head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008-09.

For over 25 years, Melrose was a well-known NHL analyst with ESPN. He stepped down from his duties in 2023 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Former Canadiens forward Andre Pronovost passed away at the age of 90.

Pronovost played nine seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, and Detroit Red Wings from 1956-67 to 1964-65. He spent the rest of his career in the minors except for a brief stint with the Minnesota North Stars in 1967-68.

In 556 regular-season games, Pronovost had 94 goals and 104 assists for 198 points. He also scored 22 points in 70 playoff games and won four Stanley Cups with the Canadiens. He was also the grandfather of current NHL winger Anthony Mantha.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of Melrose and Pronovost.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 18, 2026

by | Aug 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 18, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we take a look at the salary cap decisions facing the Ducks, Canadiens, Stars, Avalanche, and Sharks.

SPORTSNET: Emily Sadler recently looked at five teams that face intriguing salary-cap decisions.

The Anaheim Ducks have $9 million in cap space after matching the Philadelphia Flyers’ five-year offer sheet ($18 million average annual value) to Leo Carlsson last month. However, they must also re-sign restricted free agent winger Cutter Gauthier, who led the Ducks last season with 41 goals and 69 points.

Anaheim Ducks winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

Sadler noted that the Ducks will get cap relief next summer when Chris Kreider and Alex Killorn become unrestricted free agents. However, she wonders what they’ll do in the meantime. Sadler also noted that Gauthier’s new contract could affect winger Beckett Sennecke’s contract extension talks next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s unlikely the Ducks will get Gauthier signed to anything under $9 million. That means they’ll have to shed some salary to become cap-compliant when the regular season opens next month.

The Ducks can get some short-term cap relief by placing sidelined winger Troy Terry on long-term injury reserve to start the season. However, a cost-cutting trade or two will be necessary once Terry is ready to return to action, possibly involving Kreider or Killorn.

The Montreal Canadiens have young core players Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Lane Hutson signed to affordable long-term contracts under $9 million AAV, and recently signed Ivan Demidov to an eight-year extension worth $9.15 million annually.

Sadler pointed out that the Canadiens will have considerable salary-cap flexibility for the next several years. She wonders if general manager Kent Hughes has a big swing in store after a quiet offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It wasn’t for lack of trying on Hughes’ part. The Canadiens were linked to Toronto Maple Leafs power forward Matthew Knies at the March trade deadline and to Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko during this summer.

The Canadiens are pursuing a top-six forward, preferably a second-line center to skate alongside Demidov. Hughes is being patient in his quest for the right return, but at some point this season, he’ll likely pull the trigger on a major trade.

The Dallas Stars re-signed Jason Robertson to a one-year, $12 million contract, but it did little to quiet the trade rumors swirling around the 26-year-old winger, who is UFA-eligible next summer.

Sadler noted that the Stars remain above the $104 million salary cap. She also thinks how this season plays out will have “massive implications” for the Stars and Robertson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson reportedly wants to stay in Dallas, and the Stars want to keep him. His one-year contract buys management time to re-sign him next summer when they’ll have more cap space, while giving him another season to prove his worth as a first-line winger.

PuckPedia indicates the Stars are above the cap by $1.36 million. Adam Proteau of The Hockey News suggested trading or demoting defenseman Kyle Capobianco and winger Colin Blackwell to free up the necessary space.

Colorado Avalanche superstar Cale Makar is slated to become a UFA next summer. Sadler wondered what moves they could make to ensure the 27-year-old defenseman remains in Colorado.

The Avalanche have four other contracts set to come off their books next summer, with Brent Burns, Nicolas Roy, Artturi Lehkonen, and Scott Wedgewood also UFA-eligible. While that frees up around $10 million, it creates other roster gaps to be addressed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche have over $32 million in projected salary-cap space for 2027-28, with 17 active roster players under contract. However, $20 million of it could go toward re-signing Makar. With salaries on the rise, the remaining $12 million might not be enough to replace their other UFAs adequately.

Sadler noted the expensive extension that Macklin Celebrini recently signed with the San Jose Sharks. His league-leading $18.8 million AAV has set the market for the next wave of young talent. She wondered how much Sharks teammates Will Smith and Michael Misa could command on their next contracts?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Smith had 45 points in 74 games as a rookie and 59 points in 69 games as a sophomore. He’ll be in line for a substantial raise if he continues to improve, likely over $12 million annually. A strong sophomore campaign for Misa could also put him within that range.