Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 24, 2026

by | May 24, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 24, 2026

Check out the latest on the Golden Knights, Stars, Canucks, and Kings in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

CAP SPACE AN OFFSEASON ISSUE FOR THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS AND STARS

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal listed seven teams that could face a salary-cap crunch in 2026-27. Two of the more interesting were the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars.

The Golden Knights have a projected $12.5 million in salary-cap space if sidelined defenseman Alex Pietrangelo remains on LTIR for next season. That won’t leave much to re-sign restricted free agent winger Pavel Dorofeyev and pending unrestricted free-agent defenseman Rasmus Andersson.

Vegas Golden Knights forward Tomas Hertl (NHL Images).

Dayal speculated that forward Tomas Hertl could become a salary-cap casualty. The Golden Knights are carrying $6.75 million of his $8.137 million average annual value (with this former club, the San Jose Sharks, carrying the rest) through 2029-30.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dorofeyev’s RFA status would make him an enticing offer-sheet candidate if he’s willing to consider that option. Because he has arbitration rights, interested teams will have from the start of free agency on July 1 until the July 5 arbitration filing deadline to make their pitch, assuming he doesn’t file between those dates. If he goes to arbitration, he’s ineligible to sign an offer sheet.

The Golden Knights acquired Andersson from the Calgary Flames in January. Some observers wondered why they haven’t re-signed him yet. It’s believed they’re waiting until July 1 to do so. On that date, they’ll be allowed to exceed the salary cap by 10 percent during the offseason. It will also give them time to determine if Pietrangelo will remain on LTIR for next season.

Hertl has a modified no-trade clause, but there are no details as to how limiting it might be. Dayal suggested that the high demands for centers could create plenty of opportunities for the Golden Knights to move him.

The Stars’ limited cap space has created speculation over how they’ll free up room to re-sign RFA winger Jason Robertson. Dayal also mentioned that it could make center Mavrik Bourque a tempting offer-sheet target. He suggested that the Stars could have difficulty matching a $4.775 million offer sheet for Bourque, and it would only cost a second-round pick in compensation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson’s situation has been well-documented. However, the Bourque offer sheet scenario could be intriguing.

Bourque is completing a one-year deal with an AAV of $950,000 and, like Robertson, has arbitration rights. The versatile 24-year-old can play center or wing, lacks no-trade protection, and had a career-best 20 goals and 21 assists for 41 points this season.

As with Hertl, the demand for centers could tempt a rival club to try to sign Bourque to an offer sheet, assuming he’s interested in doing so. Signing him to between $4.776 million and $7.163 million would cost a first and a third-round pick, so it’s understandable why Dayal suggested the $4.775 million AAV offer.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma suggested the Vancouver Canucks should be buoyed by the Montreal Canadiens’ swift rise to ensure long-term competitiveness. As the Canucks embark on a rebuild, they can draw lessons from the Canadiens’ efforts, which turned them from a last-overall team to an Eastern Conference finalist within four years.

Kuzma observed that one of the ways the Canadiens rebuilt quickly was by identifying roster players with market value to acquire assets, while targeting players who hadn’t yet hit their stride with other clubs.

Winger Jake DeBrusk and defenseman Filip Hronek could be marketable players for the Canucks.

DeBrusk, 29, wants to win now. His goal production and his affordable $5.5 million AAV for the next five seasons could be attractive in the trade market.

The 28-year-old Hronek is a big-minute, lead-by-example defenseman who finished second in scoring on the Canucks this season. He has a full no-movement clause, but Kuzma speculated he could fetch a first-round pick, a prime prospect, and perhaps more.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk has indicated he’s not keen about a rebuild, which makes him the more likely of the two to be traded this summer. He also has a full no-movement clause, but will be open to waiving it to join a playoff club.

Management will have to determine whether Hronek wants to be part of the rebuild. If he does, he can provide leadership and skilled experience to their young defense corps. Otherwise, they’ll find out where he wants to be traded and go from there.

UPDATE ON THE KINGS

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens recently listed who stays and who goes from the Los Angeles Kings this summer.

Stephens included Darcy Kuemper among those he believes are “staying put, almost certainly”. He noted that the 35-year-old goaltender’s struggles this season cost him his job as the team’s starting goalie.

Kuemper has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5.25 million. Stephens believes he could be a comeback candidate or put on the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuemper also has a 10-team no-trade list. Despite that and his struggles this season, the limited market for goaltenders could make him a trade target for clubs desperate for help between the pipes.

Stephens thinks Trevor Moore could stay put, but he noted that the 31-year-old forward has been up-and-down in recent years. He also observed that he has two years left on his contract without trade protection.

They could face a tough decision with pending UFA Scott Laughton. His departure would leave them thin at center if they can’t find a suitable replacement. He will draw interest in the free-agent market. Forwards Mathieu Joseph and Andrei Kuzmenko are UFA-eligible and unlikely to be back.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 17, 2026

by | May 17, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 17, 2026

Will the Penguins attempt to move one of their long-time veterans? What’s the latest speculation on the Bruins? Could the Kings make Darcy Kuemper a cost-cutting trade candidate? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WILL THE PENGUINS MOVE ON FROM THEIR AGING CORE?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe believes the time has come for Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas to make some decisions that could upset the fanbase, suggesting that it’s time to distance himself from nostalgia.

That means parting ways with Evgeni Malkin. Yohe believes the Penguins badly need young players to assert themselves. Giving Malkin a lesser role won’t solve the issue if he’s not good enough for his current one.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

If Dubas brings back Malkin and Kris Letang, then it makes no sense to support their “Big Three” (which includes Sidney Crosby, whose star continues to shine at age 38) with aging players. In that scenario, Yohe suggested shopping the 34-year-old forward Bryan Rust and the 33-year-old winger Rickard Rakell while their value remains high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Malkin returns, Rust and/or Rakell could hit the trade block. Rust lacks no-trade protection, while Rakell has an eight-team no-trade list. Both would draw interest from playoff contenders looking for experienced depth among their top-six forwards.

In a recent mailbag segment, Yohe was asked if the Penguins could be in the sweepstakes for Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews or Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid if they became available in the trade market.

Yohe doesn’t see either player landing in Pittsburgh. Nevertheless, he believes the Penguins could have a chance given the allure of playing with Crosby. Their deep prospect pool could also help their cause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews and McDavid have reached the point in their careers where they need to win the Stanley Cup to cement their legacies among the game’s elite superstars. They’ll want to join teams that give them the best opportunity to achieve that goal. Given where the Penguins are right now in their rebuilding process, they’re unlikely to be on either player’s list of preferred trade destinations.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski listed Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, Andrei Svechnikov of the Carolina Hurricanes, Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues, and Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks as potential trade targets for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson could become the best player in this summer’s trade market if he and the Stars are unable to agree on a new contract. However, Stars management has made re-signing him a priority, making it unlikely that he’ll be available.

Svechnikov is also unlikely to be available. He’s signed through 2028-29 with an affordable AAV of $7.75 million and a 10-team trade list. The 26-year-old winger is the Hurricanes’ first-line left winger. They have no reason to move him.

Kyrou and Boeser have frequently surfaced in the rumor mill over the past two years and are on rebuilding teams. However, Kyrou has a full no-trade clause and Boeser a full no-move, giving them full control over their situations.

THE LATEST BRUINS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa looked at what a dream offseason would look like for the Boston Bruins.

They include signing Pavel Zacha to a contract extension; re-signing pending unrestricted free-agent winger Viktor Arvidsson; trading backup goaltender Joonas Korpisalo to the New York Rangers for a fifth-round pick; shipping Mason Lohrei, Matthew Poitras, and Christopher Pelosi to the Calgary Flames for Zach Whitecloud, and signing Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh to a long-term deal if he becomes available in this summer’s UFA market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Re-signing Zacha and trading Korpisalo seem the more likely to occur, although the latter could end up with another team besides the Rangers. They could re-sign Arvidson, but perhaps they’ll explore other options first. The Flames appear intent on retaining Whitecloud, and Raddysh could prove far too expensive.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley believes the Bruins face a decision with their backup goaltenders. Korpisalo isn’t a bad netminder, but his contract is. He has two more years left on his deal, with the Bruins paying him $3 million of his $4 million annual cap hit.

Meanwhile, promising Michael DiPietro was named the AHL’s MVP and the top goaltender. He carries an affordable $812,500 cap hit through 2026-27, but he’s UFA-eligible next July and must clear waivers to be sent back to their AHL affiliate in Providence.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The lack of goaltending depth in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets could help the Bruins find a new home for Korpisalo this summer. His 10-team no-trade list could complicate things a bit.

COULD THE KINGS TRADE DARCY KUEMPER?

MAYOR’S MANOR: Scott Coffman recently observed that the Los Angeles Kings face a salary cap crunch this summer. While the salary cap is rising to $104 million for 2026-27, the Kings aren’t expected to spend to that ceiling.

The Kings need to re-sign restricted free-agent defenseman Brandt Clarke, potentially re-sign UFA-eligible forward Scott Laughton, and find a legitimate second-line center via a trade or free agency.

Trading Darcy Kuemper could be one way to free up salary cap space to address those needs. He has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5.25 million. Backup Anton Forsberg played well this season, supplanting Kuemper as their starter in the playoffs. They also have Erik Portillo in their system, giving them three goalies under NHL contracts.

Demoting Portillo and his $833,333 would provide the least amount of cap relief. Trading Kuemper would free up $1.45 million after adding Portillo to replace him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuemper’s inconsistency in recent years could affect attempts to trade him if the Kings wish to go that route. He also has a 10-team no-trade list. Nevertheless, the limited number of quality goalies available in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets could improve the Kings’ chances of finding a suitable trade partner.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 21, 2026

by | Jan 21, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 21, 2026

The Lightning’s points streak reaches 14 games, Senators goalie Linus Ullmark talks about his leave of absence, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING TUESDAY’S ACTION

NHL.COM: The Tampa Bay Lightning extended their points streak to 14 games (13-0-1) with a 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Brandon Hagel scored twice and collected an assist. Nikita Kucherov had three assists for the 31-13-4 Lightning, who hold first place in the Eastern Conference with 66 points, holding two games in hand over the Carolina Hurricanes (66 points). Tyler Toffoli replied for the Sharks (25-21-3).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning center Anthony Cirelli suffered an injury early in the third period. He will be reevaluated on Wednesday.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel (NHL Images).

Ottawa Senators forwards Tim Stutzle and Ridly Greig each had a goal and an assist as their club defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1. Jame Reimer stopped 21 shots as the Senators improved to 23-19-7. Sean Monahan scored for the Blue Jackets (22-20-7) as their four-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, TSN published an interview with Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark, who is currently on a leave of absence. Ullmark explained that he stepped away for mental health reasons after suffering panic attacks before and after the Senators’ game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Dec. 27. There is no timetable for his return.

Ullmark also addressed the rumors circulating on social media regarding his absence, prompting the Senators to release a statement on January 8, condemning the unfounded speculation.

“And people wonder why hockey players – professional athletes – are not talking. Why we’re not showing any sort of emotions. Why mental health in men and in women are a stigma,” Ullmark said.

Referring to the trolls on social media, he said that it took them 24 hours from the announcement of his leave of absence to come up with reasons why he stepped away. “Saying I’m a homewrecker, a person no one likes on the team. And I can’t defend myself.”

Ullmark said the rumors prompted family and friends to contact him and his wife to find out if they were okay. “They send text messages asking, ‘Hey, are you guys good?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, why?’ And then they tell you about the rumors, and you’re like, ‘What the f**k is wrong with people?’”

Speaking of the Senators, defenseman Jake Sanderson said he apologized to now-demoted Leevi Merilainen for publicly criticizing the goaltender’s performance in a 6-5 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. Sanderson said he still feels embarrassed about making those comments and feels bad about his teammate.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson scored twice to beat the Boston Bruins 6-2, ending the latter’s six-game win streak. Justin Hryckowian and Miro Heiskanen each had three points for the 28-13-9 Stars, ending a three-game losing skid. Morgan Geekie and Fraser Minten scored for the Bruins (28-20-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of Robertson, he recently changed agents amid contract extension talks with the Stars. He’s slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Meanwhile, Stars winger Mikko Rantanen missed the game due to illness.

Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield scored with 15 seconds remaining in regulation to nip the Minnesota Wild 4-3. Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov each had two points for the 28-15-7 Canadiens. Vladimir Tarasenko tallied twice for the Wild (28-14-9).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens winger Alexandre Texier missed this game as he’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin will miss the upcoming Winter Olympics with a lower-body injury. Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson could also miss that tournament as he recovers from a procedure on his left thigh. Both players were selected for Sweden’s Men’s Hockey Team.

The Los Angeles Kings got 27 saves from Anton Forsberg in a 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers, ending a four-game winless skid. Kevin Fiala had a goal and an assist for the Kings, who improved to 20-16-13. J.T. Miller scored two goals for the Rangers, who slipped to 21-24-6.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Forsberg took over late in the first period as Darcy Kuemper left the game with an upper-body injury.

New Jersey Devils forwards Arseny Gritsyuk and Cody Glass scored to defeat the Edmonton Oilers 2-1. Jake Allen made 22 saves for the 26-22-2 Devils, who have won four of their last five games. Matt Savoie replied for the Oilers (25-18-8).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils defenseman Luke Hughes missed this game after suffering an apparent shoulder injury against the Calgary Flames on Monday.

Buffalo Sabres rookie forward Konsta Helenius had a goal and two assists for his first NHL points in a 5-3 win over the Nashville Predators. Noah Ostlund scored twice to open the scoring for the Sabres (27-17-5). Ryan O’Reilly and Filip Forsberg each had three points for the Predators, who dropped to 23-22-4.

The Winnipeg Jets downed the St. Louis Blues 3-1. Mark Scheifele had two goals and an assist, and Josh Morrissey had a goal and two assists for the 20-23-6 Jets. Jordan Kyrou tallied for the Blues (19-23-8).

IN OTHER NEWS…

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was sent to the club’s AHL affiliate on a conditioning stint. It’s the next step in his return to the lineup after being sidelined with an upper-body nerve issue since Nov. 11.

CBS SPORTS: Vegas Golden Knights forward Brett Howden (lower body) was placed on injured reserve.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins acquired defenseman Ilya Solovyov from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for winger Valtteri Puustinen and a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 31, 2025

by | Dec 31, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 31, 2025

Recapping Tuesday’s games, Sharks sophomore Macklin Celebrini could make Canada’s Men’s Olympic hockey team, Flames re-sign Devin Cooley, and more in the final NHL Morning Coffee Headlines for 2025.

RECAPS OF TUESDAY’S ACTION

NHL.COM: The injury-depleted Toronto Maple Leafs got a 33-save shutout from Joseph Woll to blank the New Jersey Devils 4-0. Bobby McMann and Nicolas Roy each had a goal and an assist for the Maple Leafs, who extended their points streak to four games (3-0-1) and improved their record to 18-15-6. Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom allowed three goals on 29 shots for the slumping Devils (20-17-2), who are winless in their last four contests (0-3-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs played without Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Chris Tanev, and Dakota Joshua, who are currently sidelined by injuries. Following the game, Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe called out his players’ “lack of balls” after team captain Nico Hischier lost a lopsided scrap to Leafs power forward Matthew Knies in the third period.

Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki (NHL Images).

Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki scored the tying and winning goals to lead his club to a 3-2 overtime victory over the Florida Panthers. Cole Caufield also scored for the Canadiens (21-12-6), who overcame a 2-0 deficit to extend their points streak to six games (4-0-2). Brad Marchand and Sam Reinhart tallied for the 21-15-3 Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers honored Marchand for his 1,000th career NHL regular-season game in a pregame ceremony. He also took a roughing penalty in overtime that led to Suzuki’s game-winning goal.

A shootout goal by Bo Horvat lifted the New York Islanders over the Chicago Blackhawks by a score of 3-2. Horvat also scored in regulation, and rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer collected an assist for the 22-14-4 Islanders. Oliver Moore collected two assists for the Blackhawks, who slipped to 14-18-7.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shaefer’s assist made him the youngest defenseman in NHL history to reach 25 career regular-season points.

Goalie Stuart Skinner made 27 saves for his first win with the Pittsburgh Penguins as his club downed the Carolina Hurricanes 5-1. Anthony Mantha tallied two goals while Erik Karlsson, Bryan Rust, and Justin Brazeau each had two points for the Penguins (17-12-9). Mark Jankowski netted the only goal for the Hurricanes (24-12-3), who remain in first place in the Eastern Conference with 51 points.

The Philadelphia Flyers got two-point performances from Noah Cates, Bobby Brink, Trevor Zegras, and Travis Konecny in a 6-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. David Kampf and Drew O’Connor each had a goal and an assist for the Canucks, who dropped to 16-20-3. The Flyers (20-11-7) have won three of their last four games.

HEADLINES

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: According to a report by ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, Sharks sophomore center Macklin Celebrini had made Canada’s Men’s Olympic hockey team. The formal announcement of Canada’s roster will be made on Dec. 31.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be a well-deserved honor for Celebrini. The 19-year-old Sharks center is having an outstanding season, sitting third among NHL scorers with 60 points in 39 games. He’s on pace to eclipse Joe Thornton’s single-season franchise record of 114 points in 2006-07.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports that sidelined Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson will not be available for Sweden’s Men’s Olympic hockey team. He has been absent since Nov. 8 with a lower-body injury.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames signed goaltender Devin Cooley to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $1.35 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cooley’s been a solid backup for Dustin Wolf in the Flames’ crease this season. He has a record of 4-4-2 with a 2.40 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers could get Adam Fox back in the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Washington Capitals. The 27-year-old defenseman has been sidelined since Nov. 29 with a shoulder injury.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Golden Knights center Jack Eichel could return to action against the Nashville Predators on Dec. 31. He’s missed six games with an illness and a lower-body injury.

SPORTSNET: The Los Angeles Kings activated goaltender Darcy Kuemper from injured reserve.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Sabres goalie Alex Lyon is being evaluated for a lower-body injury suffered on Monday against the St. Louis Blues.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 17, 2025

by | Dec 17, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 17, 2025

Oilers star Leon Draisaitl reaches 1,000 points, Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon continues his high-scoring ways, Sharks center Macklin Celebrini moves up in the scoring race, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF TUESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Leon Draisaitl collected four assists to surpass 1,000 career NHL regular-season points as his Edmonton Oilers defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-4. Connor McDavid scored two goals and set up two others for the 16-12-6 Oilers. Erik Karlsson had a goal and an assist for the 14-9-9 Penguins, who are winless in their last six games (0-2-4).

Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers are the only team in NHL history to have five players reach the 1,000-point plateau as Draisaitl joined McDavid, Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Jari Kurri. Meanwhile, McDavid continues his surge in this season’s scoring race, sitting second with 56 points.

This was the first game between the two clubs since they swapped starting goaltenders last Friday. The Oilers’ Tristan Jarry made 26 saves for the win, while the Penguins’ Stuart Skinner turned aside 17 shots.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon tallied twice and collected an assist in a 5-3 victory over the Seattle Kraken. Cale Makar, Martin Necas, and Valeri Nichushkin each had two assists, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 34 saves as the league-leading Avalanche (24-2-7) picked up their third straight win. Shane Wright, Jordan Eberle, and Chandler Stephenson replied for the Kraken (12-13-6) as they’ve dropped nine of their last 10 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon leads all NHL scorers with 28 goals and 58 points. He’s on pace to reach 70 goals. The last players to reach that milestone were Hall of Famers Teemu Selanne and Alexander Mogilny, who each had 76 goals in 1992-93.

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini had two goals and two assists to lead his club over the Calgary Flames by a score of 6-3. Barclay Goodrow scored twice and had an assist, and winger Tyler Toffoli the 300th regular-season NHL goal for the 17-14-3 Sharks, who’ve won three straight contests. Blake Coleman, Ryan Lomberg, and Nazem Kadri scored for the 13-17-4 Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Celebrini is third in this season’s scoring race with 51 points. Earlier in the day, the Sharks deemed forward Philipp Kurashev as week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

The Minnesota Wild got a 25-save performance from Filip Gustavsson to shut out the Washington Capitals 5-0. Vladimir Tarasenko and Danila Yurov each had three points, and Quinn Hughes collected an assist in his second game with the Wild, who picked up their fifth straight win and improved to 20-9-5. Charlie Lindgren stopped 27 of 32 shots for the 18-11-4 Capitals, who drop to 1-3-2 in their last five contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild forward Marcus Foligno returned to action after being sidelined since Nov. 26 with a lower-body injury.

Boston Bruins winger Morgan Geekie scored twice in a 4-1 win over the Utah Mammoth. David Pastrnak had two assists for the 20-14-0 Bruins, who’ve won five of their last six games. Barrett Hayton replied for the Mammoth, who dropped to 16-16-3 on the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Geekie sits second among league scorers this season with 24 goals. Before this game, the Bruins placed defenseman Jonathan Aspirot (upper body) on injured reserve, and claimed blueliner Vladislav Kolyachonok off waivers from the Dallas Stars.

The Philadelphia Flyers downed the Montreal Canadiens 4-1. Trevor Zegras scored to extend his goal streak to four games, and Travis Konecny had a goal and an assist for the 17-9-6 Flyers, who extended their points streak to five games (2-3-0). Alexandre Texier scored for the Canadiens, who dropped to 17-12-4.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson missed this game with an upper-body injury and is listed as day-to-day. They also sent goaltender Sam Montembeault to their AHL affiliate on a two-week conditioning stint. Meanwhile, Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen made his season debut after recovering from triceps surgery in March

Two goals in eight seconds by Auston Matthews and Dakota Joshua late in the third period rallied the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Matthews and William Nylander finished with two points each, and Joseph Woll stopped 23 shots for the 15-12-5 Maple Leafs. Wyatt Kaiser and Jason Dickinson scored for the Blackhawks, who’ve lost three straight games and slipped to 13-14-6.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks defenseman Artyom Levshunov was scratched from this game after being late for practice on Monday.

Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat netted two goals in the third period as his club nipped the New York Islanders 3-2. Lucas Raymond collected three assists for the Red Wings (19-12-4). Emil Heineman and Scott Mayfield replied for the Islanders (19-12-3) as their three-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the win, the Red Wings regained first place in the Atlantic Division with 41 points.

An overtime goal by Adam Fantilli gave the Columbus Blue Jackets a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Zach Werenski had two goals and an assist as the 14-13-6 Blue Jackets snapped a five-game losing skid. Mikael Granlund and Ryan Poehling each had two points for the Ducks (20-12-2), who have dropped three of their last four games (1-2-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 42 points, the Ducks cling to first place in the Pacific Division, one point ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Vancouver Canucks blanked the New York Rangers 3-0. Thatcher Demko kicked out 23 shots for the shutout while Evander Kane, Liam Ohgren, and Conor Garland scored for the 13-17-3 Canucks. The Rangers (16-15-4) have one win in their last six games (1-3-2).

IN OTHER NEWS…

TSN: The Los Angeles Kings placed goaltender Darcy Kuemper on injured reserve and recalled netminder Pheonix Copley.

The St. Louis Blues claimed winger Jonatan Berggren off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings.

THE TENNESSEAN: Former US college football coach Nick Saban purchased a minority stake in the Nashville Predators.

TORONTO SUN: Former NHL forward Paul Gagne passed away at age 63 after battling cancer. Gagne spent eight seasons 1980-81 to 1989-90) with the Colorado Rockies, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Islanders. He had 110 goals and 101 assists for 211 points in 390 games.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Veteran TSN broadcaster Michael Whalen passed away earlier this week at age 82. Whalen was TSN’s bureau reporter for Montreal and Quebec from 1986 to 2007.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to the family and friends of Gagne and Whalen.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 16, 2025

by | Dec 16, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 16, 2025

A notable hat trick by Predators winger Filip Forsberg, the Ducks’ Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba return to New York, the Sabres make a management change, the three stars of the week, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF MONDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: A hat-trick performance by Filip Forsberg carried the Nashville Predators to a 5-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Roman Josi and Ryan O’Reilly each collected two assists for the 13-15-4 Predators, who have won seven of their last 10 games. Dalibor Dvorsky netted both goals for the Blues, who dropped to 12-15-7.

Nashville Predators winger Filip Forsberg (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Forsberg picked up his 11th career hat trick, tying Markus Naslund for the second-most NHL hat tricks by a Swedish player. Kent Nilsson is the leader with 14.

Before this game, the Blues announced that winger Dylan Holloway would miss at least six weeks with an ankle injury.

Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier scored twice, and goalie Lukas Dostal stopped 26 shots to defeat the New York Rangers 4-1. Ryan Poehling had two assists for the Ducks (20-12-1), as they ended a two-game losing skid. Matthew Robertson replied for the Rangers (16-14-4), who have dropped four of their last five games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the first game back in New York for former Rangers Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba, who received ovations from the fans at Madison Square Garden during tribute videos for both players. Both were traded to the Ducks in separate trades last season.

Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad was benched from this game for missing a team meeting.

Florida Panthers winger Sam Reinhart tallied two goals in a 5-2 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Carter Verhaeghe had a goal and an assist, and Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 26 shots for the 17-13-2 Panthers, who’ve won five of their last six contests. Brayden Point had two assists for the Lightning (18-12-3), who hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 39 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning forward Brandon Hagel left this game in the third period after a questionable hit by Panthers defenseman Seth Jones. Earlier in the day, the Lightning announced that defenseman Emil Lilleberg will miss several weeks with an injury, while sidelined goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy could return to the lineup before Christmas.

The Dallas Stars beat the Los Angeles Kings by a score of 4-1. Mikko Rantanen, Matt Duchene, and Wyatt Johnston each had a goal and an assist, and Casey DeSmith made 27 saves for the 22-7-5 Stars. Andrei Kuzmenko scored for the Kings (14-9-9), who are 0-1-2 in their last three games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper left the game in the first period with an upper-body injury following a collision with Rantanen.

An overtime goal by Brady Tkachuk gave the Ottawa Senators a 3-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Tim Stutzle had three assists, and Jake Sanderson scored the tying goal late in the third period for the Senators (15-13-4). Neal Pionk and Logan Stanley replied for the 15-15-2 Jets, who have three wins in their last 10 games.

HEADLINES

TSN: The Buffalo Sabres fired general manager Kevyn Adams, replacing him with Jarmo Kekalainen on a full-time basis.

Adams was in his sixth season as the Sabres’ general manager. He was criticized for mismanaging the team’s assets, his inability to secure a franchise goaltender, and his failure to address a lingering leadership void within the team.

In June, Adams hired Kekalainen as a senior advisor. He spent 10 seasons as general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A recent report in The Athletic indicated the Sabres were internally discussing replacing Adams. During his tenure, the Sabres’ postseason drought stretched to a league-record 14 seasons and counting. His two biggest blunders were trading Jack Eichel to the Vegas Golden Knights and Sam Reinhart to the Florida Panthers. Both players flourished with their new teams, becoming Stanley Cup champions.

Adams lacked management experience when he was hired for the job. He did his best, but he had no business being in that role. It was yet another example of the ineptitude of the club’s ownership, which has gone through five general managers, eight head coaches, 28 goaltenders with more than one game played, and seven team captains since 2011.

Kekalainen has considerable management experience. He guided the Blue Jackets through their most successful period in franchise history from 2016 to 2020, reaching the playoffs in four straight seasons. However, things fell apart soon afterward, leading to his firing last year. Whether he fares better than his four predecessors remains to be seen.

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson, and Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek are the league’s stars for the week ending Dec. 14, 2025.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: The Blackhawks placed center Connor Bedard (upper body) on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 12.

DAILY FACEOFF/DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane will miss the next two games with an upper-body injury. The Wings also placed forward Jonatan Berggren on waivers.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Former Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner and defenseman Brett Kulak joined the Pittsburgh Penguins’ active roster after resolving their immigration status over the weekend. On Friday, the Oilers traded Skinner and Kulak to the Penguins for goalie Tristan Jarry and forward Sam Poulin.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Sharks placed forwards Will Smith and Philipp Kurashev on injured reserve.

TSN: The Vancouver Canucks agreed to a two-year contract extension with center Max Sasson. He will earn an average annual value of $1 million.

RG.ORG: Prospect winger Gavin McKenna is hoping for redemption at the 2026 World Junior Championship. He was part of Canada’s junior team that failed to medal last season.

McKenna believes his move from the CHL to the NCAA with Penn State University this season has improved his decision-making, defensive play, and physical growth. He thinks those attributes will help his performance in this year’s tournament.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McKenna said his focus is on winning gold, and he’s not looking at this tournament as an opportunity to elevate his status in the 2026 NHL Draft. Nevertheless, he has slipped from the top spot in some recent draft rankings. A strong performance at the WJC could help him regain that placement.