NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 19, 2026

by | Feb 19, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 19, 2026

The semifinals of the Olympic Men’s hockey tournament are set following a dramatic day of quarterfinal action, and the latest news as NHL teams resume practicing in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines.

CANADA, FINLAND, SLOVAKIA, AND THE UNITED STATES ADVANCE TO THE OLYMPIC SEMIFINALS

NHL.COM: Canada overcame 2-1 and 3-2 deficits to defeat Czechia 4-3 on an overtime goal by Mitch Marner.

Team Canada winger Mitch Marner (NHL.com)

Nick Suzuki tied the game 3-3 late in the third period for Canada after Czechia took the lead with too many men on the ice, which went unnoticed by the officials. Macklin Celebrini had a goal and two assists, and Connor McDavid collected two assists to tie an Olympic record for the most points in a single tournament with 11.

Lukas Dostal made 37 saves while Lukas Sedlak, David Pastrnak, and Ondrej Palat scored for Czechia.

Canada will face Finland in the semifinals on Friday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This game was the most dramatic of the four quarterfinal matchups. The Canadians’ victory was overshadowed by the loss of team captain Sidney Crosby with a lower-body injury suffered during the second period following a hit from Czechia defenseman Radko Gudas and another awkward one along the boards.

Crosby limped off the ice and didn’t return. He underwent an MRI following the game, leaving fans and pundits speculating about whether they had seen the last of him in this tournament.

Czechia played a tremendous game against a Canadian team that had blown them out earlier in the tournament, but head coach Radim Rulik wasn’t happy about the officiating. Following the game, Rulik complained about missed penalty calls during this tournament.

However, the Czechs also benefited when they scored that crucial goal with six skaters on the ice that the officials somehow overlooked. In fairness, both teams had justifiable cause to complain about the officiating in this contest.

An overtime goal by Artturi Lehkonen completed a three-goal comeback by Finland for a 3-2 win over Switzerland. Damien Riat and Nino Niederreiter gave the Swiss a 2-0 lead after two periods, but third-period goals by Sebastian Aho and Miro Heiskanen set the stage for Lehkonen’s overtime heroics.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A thrilling comeback by the Finns and a heartbreaking loss for the Swiss, who haven’t medaled in Olympic Men’s hockey since 1948.

The United States will face Slovakia in the semifinals following a 2-1 overtime win over Sweden. Quinn Hughes tallied in overtime after Mika Zibanejad tied the game for the Swedes late in the third period. Dylan Larkin also scored, and Connor Hellebuyck stopped 28 shots for Team USA. Jacob Markstrom made 38 saves for Sweden.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom kept Sweden in this game as the Americans peppered him with 20 shots in the second period. They also played without defenseman Victor Hedman, who suffered an injury during warmups and spent the entire game on the bench.

This game felt like a chapter closing for the Swedes. Long-time stars such as Hedman, Markstrom, Erik Karlsson, and Gabriel Landeskog are in their mid-thirties, and this game was probably their final appearance in Olympic competition.

Slovakia advanced to the semis with a dominant 6-2 victory over Germany. Pavol Regenda tallied twice, Dalibor Dvorsky and Oliver Okulier each had a goal and an assist, and Samuel Hlavaj kicked out 25 shots for the Slovaks. Lukas Reichel had a goal and an assist for the Germans.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Slovakia continues to impress in this tournament. Their dismantling of Germany was a complete team effort. However, they’re about to face their biggest test of the tournament against a deep, star-studded American squad.

Finland vs Canada is on Friday at 10:30 ET, while Slovakia vs the USA is at 3 pm ET. The winner of those games will face off in the Gold Medal Game on Sunday, Feb. 22.

NHL NEWS

FOREVER BLUESHIRTS: New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin and defenseman Adam Fox were full participants at practice on Tuesday. There’s a good possibility the sidelined duo will return to the lineup when the Rangers resume action on Feb. 26.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers have brought back Paul Coffey to their coaching staff in an effort to improve their defensive game. Their defense was the league’s fifth-best last season under Coffey’s guidance.

SPORTSNET: Anaheim Ducks goaltender Petr Mrazek underwent hip surgery on Tuesday and is out for the rest of the season.

THE PROVINCE: Oft-injured Vancouver Canucks center Filip Chytil was struck in the face by a puck during practice on Wednesday. He will undergo X-rays to determine the extent of the injury.

YARDBARKER: Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine was back on the ice with his teammates on Wednesday after skipping practice on Tuesday with a lower-body injury.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson’s absence from the lineup was revealed to be a minor knee procedure. He’s participating in practice, but has not yet taken part in contact drills.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Bruins forward Pavel Zacha returned to practice on Wednesday in a non-contact jersey. He’d been sidelined since Jan. 29 with an upper-body injury.

TAMPA BAY 28: Lightning defenseman Maxwell Crozier will be sidelined for 10 weeks after undergoing core muscle surgery.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 18, 2026

by | Feb 18, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 18, 2026

The quarterfinal matchups are set for Olympic Men’s hockey, Jeff Skinner becomes a free agent, Patrik Laine is injured again, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

QUARTERFINAL MATCHUPS SET FOLLOWING QUALIFICATION ROUND ACTION

NHL.COM: Switzerland blanked Italy 3-0 in qualification round action on Tuesday to advance to the quarterfinal round against Finland.

Nico Hischier had a goal and two assists while goaltender Leonardo Genoni made 20 saves for the shutout. Damian Clara stopped 48 shots for Italy.

Sweden will meet the United States in the quarterfinal after defeating Latvia 5-1.

Team Sweden winger Lucas Raymond (The Hockey News).

Lucas Raymond had three assists, while William Nylander, Mika Zibanejad, and Gabriel Landeskog each had a goal and an assist for the Swedes. Eduards Tralmaks replied for Latvia.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Following Tuesday’s action, Raymond sat second to Canada’s Connor McDavid in tournament scoring with eight points. The Swedes raised eyebrows by scratching defenseman Rasmus Andersson and Jesper Bratt from this game. Some observers believe they’re saving them for the quarterfinal.

Germany beat France 5-1 to face Slovakia in the quarterfinal.

Leon Draisaitl had a goal and two assists, and Philipp Grubauer stopped 30 shots for the Germans. Pierre-Edouard Bellemare scored for France in what proved to be his final game as the former NHL forward announced his retirement following this contest.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I write this, Germany is down 4-1 to Slovakia after two periods in their quarterfinal game.

Bellemare’s teammate Pierre Crinon faces prosecution back home in France for punching a goaltender in the face during a game last November. Earlier this week, he was suspended from the remainder of the tournament by the French National Olympic and Sports Committee for fighting Canada’s Tom Wilson during Sunday’s games between the two nations.

Czechia will face Canada for the second time in this tournament after holding off Denmark by a score of 3-2.

Martin Necas and Roman Cervenka each had a goal and an assist while Lukas Dostal turned aside 24 shots for Czechia. Frederik Andersen made 28 saves for Denmark.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Czechia forward Radek Faksa suffered an upper-body injury in this game and will not be in the lineup for today’s game against Canada.

OLYMPIC MEN’S HOCKEY NOTES

TSN: Team Canada forwards Nathan MacKinnon and Sam Bennett skipped practice on Tuesday. Head coach Jon Cooper said they were taking time for maintenance, adding that there wasn’t any cause for concern. Both players are expected to be in the lineup for their quarterfinal game against Czechia.

DAILY FACEOFF: Team USA winger Kyle Connor is expected to be a healthy scratch from today’s game against Sweden. His ice time steadily diminished in his first two games, and he was scratched from their game against Germany.

IN NHL NEWS…

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Jeff Skinner is no longer with the Sharks. He cleared unconditional waivers on Tuesday, resulting in his contract being terminated by mutual agreement. The 33-year-old winger is now an unrestricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see if he signs with another NHL club this season. He’ll have to do so before the March 6 trade deadline to be eligible to skate in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson resumed practice with his teammates on Tuesday. He’d missed their last seven games before the Olympic break with a lower-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Edvinsson, 23, has been an invaluable part of the Red Wings’ blueline. As the article observed, they’re 3-5-2 in the 10 games he’s missed during this season.

TSN: Patrik Laine missed practice on Tuesday as he’s listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury. The 27-year-old Montreal Canadiens winger has been sidelined since Oct. 16 after undergoing core muscle surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine has surfaced recently in the rumor mill as a trade candidate. However, his ongoing injury issues could ensure that he finishes the season in Montreal.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 12, 2026

by | Feb 12, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 12, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest speculation on Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, and a look at possible trade targets for the Penguins.

WHERE COULD THE RANGERS SEND VINCENT TROCHECK AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano recently listed potential trade destinations for Vincent Trocheck.

The 32-year-old New York Rangers winger is under contract for three more years, with an average annual value of $5.625 million. He also has a 12-team no-trade list.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Several of the teams listed (Minnesota, Carolina, Detroit, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Colorado) have been previously mentioned and analyzed. Baugh and Mercogliano also listed the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Utah Mammoth, and New York Islanders.

The Penguins are more interested in acquiring younger talent to fit into their long-range plans. They’re unlikely to go after Trocheck. Sending him to the Islanders would be an entertaining swerve, but given the rivalry between the two clubs, don’t hold your breath waiting for that one to occur.

The Mammoth have the cap space and plentiful trade assets (draft picks, prospects, young players) to make a competitive bid for Trocheck. However, they might not be among his preferred destinations, and they could prefer adding a player who isn’t closing in on his mid-thirties.

Trocheck might not fit into the Bruins’ retooling plans as they appear to favor younger talent.

WHAT WILL THE PENGUINS DO AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski recently reported “multiple reports and confirmations” indicating Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is attempting to acquire more young NHL players.

Kingerski also pointed out that the Penguins could use a right-handed defenseman and a scoring top-nine winger if they hope to clinch a berth in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Luke Schenn of the Winnipeg Jets or Erik Gudbranson of the Columbus Blue Jackets could be options on the blueline if those teams remain out of playoff contention. Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner or Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine could be available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets surged in the standings in the weeks leading up to the Olympic break. If they pick up where they left off, they could be buyers instead of sellers.

Schenn could be an option, but he will also draw interest from other clubs. The Canadiens are expected to peddle Laine and are reportedly willing to retain half of his $8.7 million cap hit. He has a 10-team no-trade list, but the Penguins might not be on it.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 9, 2026

by | Feb 9, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 9, 2026

What kind of moves could the Maple Leafs make by the March 6 trade deadline? Will the Wild use Jesper Wallstedt as a trade chip for a first-line center? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples recently took note of speculation linking the Oilers to Toronto Maple Leafs center Nicolas Roy and defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine.

According to Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, there were rumors circulating in Edmonton before the Olympic trade freeze claiming the Oilers had spoken with the Maple Leafs. While there has been plenty of rumors lately regarding Leafs winger Bobby McMann, Pagnotta believes the Oilers were more interested in Roy and Ekman-Larsson.

Staples also pointed out that Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos recently speculated about the Oilers making a move for Laine.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Bobby McMann (NHL Images).

Insiders such as Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and Bob Stauffer of “Oilers Now” claim the Oilers seek a third-line winger. Friedman and Stauffer believe McMann’s size, speed, and affordable $1.35 million cap hit would be a good fit for the cap-strapped Oilers. However, Staples believes other clubs will also be interested in McMann and will likely outbid the Oilers.

Staples dismissed the possibility of the Oilers pursuing Laine, who carries an $8.7 million cap hit this season. He noted that the 34-year-old Ekman-Larsson carries an average annual value of $3.5 million for two more seasons, suggesting it’s a coin flip whether he’ll remain a solid NHL defenseman over that period.

The Oilers must move winger Andrew Mangiapane and his $3.6 million AAV through next season. Staples suggested sending Mangiapane to the Maple Leafs for Roy and his $3 million cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers must move out salary if they intend to make any significant acquisitions by the March 6 trade deadline. They have reportedly been trying to move Mangiapane since December. It’s unlikely the Leafs would take him for Roy, McMann, or Ekman-Larsson without a significant sweetener attached.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen wondered if the Avalanche should target Roy or Scott Laughton of the Maple Leafs to center their third line.

Laughton is 31, and accounts for just $1.5 million of the Maple Leafs’ salary cap. He’s on an expiring contract, while Roy is signed through next season.

Deen believes Roy would be a better fit, especially on the penalty kill and in the faceoff circle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs could hang onto Roy for another season if they believe they can bounce back from their current disappointing performance. Nevertheless, they’ll likely be open to offers. Whether the Avalanche could outbid other clubs remains to be seen.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos observed that Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh is playing well in his contract year and is set to cash in. He believes the 29-year-old right-handed defenseman with the booming shot would be a perfect upgrade to the Maple Leafs’ power play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Raddysh is in the final season of a two-year contract with an AAV of $975,000. He had a 33-point performance in 2023-24 and 37 points last season, but has exploded into a scoring star with 17 goals and 35 assists for 52 points.

Raddysh is playing with more confidence this season, partly because he stepped up when team captain Victor Hedman was sidelined. He’s poised for a substantial raise, which the Lightning can afford if they wish. He might not be available for the Leafs (or anyone else) when free agency begins on July 1.

WILL THE WILD TRADE JESPER WALLSTEDT FOR A CENTER?

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith recently responded to questions from their readers regarding the possibility of the Minnesota Wild trading Jesper Wallstedt for a center.

Wallstedt, 23, has paired with Filip Gustavsson to give the Wild one of the better goaltending tandems in the league this season. He leads this season’s rookie goalies with a 2.72 goals-against average, a .914 save percentage, and four shutouts.

With Gustavsson signed through 2030-31, Wallstedt could be expendable. Trying to acquire a first-line center without including him in the deal would be difficult because of the limited trade chips the Wild have left.

It would reportedly take more than Wallstedt for the Wild to land someone like Robert Thomas. That’s because the St. Louis Blues have set a high asking price for the 26-year-old center.

Russo and Smith don’t believe the Wild could land Jack Hughes by using Wallstedt in a package deal. It’s hard to imagine embattled New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald trading his franchise player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild GM Bill Guerin is preaching patience, but it’s no secret he’s in the market for a scoring forward, preferably a first-line center. A deal involving Wallstedt by the March 6 trade deadline is possible, but it’s more likely that kind of blockbuster occurs in the offseason when teams have more cap room and a willingness to make big trades.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 8, 2026

by | Feb 8, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 8, 2026

Will the Canadiens trade Patrik Laine? Could the Red Wings or the Mammoth make big moves before the trade deadline? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WILL THE CANADIENS MOVE PATRIK LAINE AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels reported Thursday that Jeff Gorton, the executive vice-president of hockey operations for the Montreal Canadiens, said his club is exploring all options ahead of the NHL’s March 6 trade deadline.

“We’d like to be aggressive, and we will be, if necessary,” Gorton said. However, the Canadiens will balance that need against avoiding anything that could impede their long-term goal of becoming a perennial contender. If they don’t find a suitable fit by March 6, they’ll be content to wait.

Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

The Canadiens also have some injured players returning to action soon that could help them. One is Patrik Laine, who’s been out for the last 14 weeks recovering from abdominal surgery. The 27-year-old winger could return to action following the Olympic break, but Engels believes it could be with another club.

Engels cited the Canadiens’ offense improved this season, meaning they no longer need Laine’s goal-scoring ability as much as they did last season. He believes management is willing to retain half of the winger’s prorated $9.1 million salary to get the remainder of his expiring $8.7 million cap hit off their books. However, league sources claim the Canadiens won’t sacrifice an asset to move Laine.

RATINGS.ORG: Marco D’Amico looked at several possible trade destinations for Laine.

The Calgary Flames have some cap space open with winger Jonathan Huberdeau undergoing season-ending hip surgery. The Carolina Hurricanes have significant cap space and have two of Laine’s best friends (Sebastian Aho and Nikolaj Ehlers) on their roster. The Los Angeles Kings and Seattle Kraken seek more firepower.

D’Amico pointed out the market for scoring wingers could thin out with teams like the Kraken, Utah Mammoth, and Columbus Blue Jackets remaining in the playoff chase by the trade deadline. That could work to the Canadiens’ advantage.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine could draw interest from contenders seeking help on the power play. The Canadiens must retain salary or take back a high-salaried player in return. Given his long absence from the lineup, they still might have to include a mid-range draft pick in the deal.

The Flames are out of contention, so it’s unlikely that they’ll waste their time acquiring a pending UFA. The Hurricanes will likely pursue a player who can have a bigger impact on their Stanley Cup aspirations.

The Kings’ recent addition of Panarin addresses their need for more scoring. What they need now is depth at center. The Kraken are in the market for a scorer, but they could prefer a more reliable one with term left on his contract.

THE RED WINGS COULD BE BUSY IN THE POST-OLYMPIC TRADE MARKET

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman reported on Thursday that the Red Wings’ biggest need is a second-pairing defenseman, preferably on the right side. He felt they needed someone who could play tough minutes and take some pressure off rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka, who’s been filling the second-pairing right-side role alongside veteran Ben Chiarot.

Bultman believes Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues would be the best fit. Other options include Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils and Braden Schneider.

Those three have term remaining on their contracts. That could appeal to Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman, who is usually hesitant about parting with assets for rental players.

RATINGS.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports the Detroit Red Wings are evaluating options for a center in the trade market.

Sources claim the Red Wings seek a veteran top-six center with term remaining on their contract. They’re believed to be willing to pay a high price. The Wings recently moved Marco Kasper to the wing, leaving Andrew Copp as their second-line center.

D’Amico suggested Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers as a trade target. The 32-year-old center is signed through 2028-29 with an average annual value of $5.625 million. He also has a 12-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers are sellers and shipped superstar Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings last week. The limited number of quality centers in the trade market could make Trocheck a prized trade option for playoff contenders like the Red Wings.

The Wings have plenty of cap space to take on the remainder of Trocheck’s contract. They also have the depth in draft picks, prospects, and promising young players to make a competitive offer to the Rangers. That’s assuming Detroit isn’t on Trocheck’s no-trade list.

If the Red Wings make a big splash for a defenseman, Bultman doubts they’ll have the assets left to pursue a top-six center. They’ll have to decide which is the more pressing need for the trade deadline and address the other in the offseason.

THE MAMMOTH COULD MAKE A SPLASH BEFORE THE TRADE DEADLINE

RATINGS.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports the Utah Mammoth have been looking to make another big move in the trade market since acquiring winger JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres last summer.

The Mammoth are jockeying for a playoff berth in the Western Conference. Sources told D’Amico that they’ve been in talks for a top-six forward to bolster their scoring, which has declined since center Logan Cooley was sidelined on Dec. 5 with a lower-body injury. 

It’s believed they’ve kicked tires on several centers, including Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames. Speculation suggests they could take a big swing in the market, with centers such as Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks and Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues said to be available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Red Wings, the Mammoth have the cap space and depth in tradeable assets to pursue a big-ticket center. However, Kadri carries a 13-team no-trade list, Pettersson has a full no-movement clause, and Thomas has full no-trade protection.

Kadri might be the easiest to acquire if Utah isn’t on his no-trade list, but the Mammoth might prefer somebody younger.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 19, 2026

by | Jan 19, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 19, 2026

What’s next for the Flames after trading Rasmus Andersson to the Golden Knights? Does Patrik Laine still fit into the Canadiens’ plans? Could the Blackhawks trade Connor Murphy? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE FLAMES TRADE NAZEM KADRI AND BLAKE COLEMAN?

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin wondered what’s next for the Flames after trading Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

He believes that if the Flames can acquire young assets or draft picks and give players like Nazem Kadri or Blake Coleman the chance to join a contender, it might be time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri’s been the subject of trade speculation for two years. The 35-year-old center is signed through 2028-29 with an average annual value of $7 million, and carries a 13-team no-trade list.

Kadri has put up decent numbers this season with the struggling Flames and has a Stanley Cup ring on his resume. However, his age and cap hit could be stumbling blocks in the path toward a trade.

Coleman, 34, is a versatile two-way forward who won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning earlier in this decade. He’s signed through next season with a more affordable AAV than Kadri ($4.9 million), but has a more restrictive 10-team trade list. The Flames reportedly prefer not to move him, but that doesn’t mean they won’t if the right offer comes along.

WHAT WILL THE CANADIENS DO WITH PATRIK LAINE?

NHL.COM: Dan Rosen was recently asked where Patrik Laine fits into the Montreal Canadiens’ lineup upon his return from injury. The 27-year-old right wing has been out since Oct. 16, recovering from core muscle surgery. He has resumed skating with his teammates.

Laine is in the final season of his contract with an AAV of $8.7 million. Rosen believes it’s difficult to determine where he’ll fit into their lineup right now, though an injury or a slump by one of their top-nine forwards could open up a spot for him.

Rosen doesn’t rule out the possibility of the Canadiens attempting to move Laine before the March 6 trade deadline. Otherwise, they’ll retain him for the rest of the season as an expensive depth forward.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan was also asked about where Laine might fit within the Canadiens’ lineup. He doesn’t see him filling a bottom-six role or moving onto the second line.

Cowan speculates the Canadiens could give him some games at right wing on the top line and on their power-play unit to showcase him for a trade before March 6.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given Laine’s injury history and his cap hit, the Canadiens might have to retain salary to move him. Their asking price could be a draft pick or a prospect.

WILL THE BLACKHAWKS TRADE CONNOR MURPHY?

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus wondered if this season could be the end of Connor Murphy’s nine-season tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks.

The 32-year-old blueliner is UFA-eligible in July, completing a four-year contract with an AAV of $4.4 million. He also has a 10-team no-trade list.

Murphy and his family live year-round in Chicago. He loves the city, but Lazerus speculated that the rebuilding Blackhawks could peddle him by the March trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy won’t fetch a big return for the Blackhawks. Moving him to add another draft pick would seem like a waste. They could consider re-signing him if he wants to stay, but he might not fit into their plans.