NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 13, 2024

by | Aug 13, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 13, 2024

The Leafs to name Auston Matthews as captain, Oilers winger Evander Kane could start this season on LTIR, plus the latest on Patrik Laine, Nikolaj Ehlers, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TORONTO STAR: The Maple Leafs are expected to call a press conference on Wednesday to name center Auston Matthews as their new captain.

Matthews, 26, will take over from John Tavares, who has held the captaincy since Oct. 2, 2019. The 33-year-old center reportedly was heavily involved in the process and approves of the move.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The move is seen as shaking up the leadership and providing a fresh perspective. It’s also worth noting that Tavares is in the final season of his contract and could depart next July as an unrestricted free agent.

Cynical observers, such as the Star’s Dave Feschuk, believe the Leafs are making this move because the no-trade protection enjoyed by Matthews, Tavares, Mitch Marner and William Nylander makes it impossible to shake up their failing core by trading one of them.

What do you think, folks? Let me know in the comments below.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cites Oilers insider Bob Stauffer reporting that there is a “very good chance” that Oilers winger Evander Kane starts this season on long-term injury reserve. Stauffer indicated the 33-year-old winger “may require surgery”.

Kane claimed he was hampered last season by a sports hernia. Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson recently said he was dealing with a hip issue.

Staples noted Stauffer’s report contradicted recent rumors claiming Kane would be good to go for the start of training camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staples points out Stauffer is the ultimate Oilers insider so this report should be considered credible unless we hear otherwise. Kane carries a $5.125 million annual cap hit through 2025-26.

This could explain why the Oilers haven’t signed restricted free agents Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg yet. They are over the $88 million cap but could sign Holloway and Broberg for the start of the season with Kane on LTIR without having to trade or demote players to free up cap room.

They’ll have to shed salary to be cap-compliant once Kane’s ready to return to action this season. In the short term, this would give them the relief they need and buy them time to find a way to prepare for Kane’s return.

TSN: Patrik Laine and his fiance, Jordan Leigh, have launched a mental health initiative called “From Us To You”.

Laine, 26, missed most of last season in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program receiving treatment for his mental health. The couple said they decided to start this initiative after people reached out to Laine to share their stories and the importance of speaking out while dealing with mental health issues.

TSN: Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers will be suiting up for his native Denmark in Olympic qualifying later this month.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Ilya Samsonov lashed out at Ottawa Senators netminder Linus Ullmark in response to comments by the former Boston Bruins goalie earlier this year when Samsonov played for the Maple Leafs.

After Boston eliminated Toronto from the opening round of the 2024 playoffs, Ullmark said he was surprised the Leafs stuck with Samsonov as long as they did. He claimed the Bruins found Leafs netminder Joseph Woll more challenging.

Samsonov’s Golden Knights are scheduled to face Ullmark’s Senators on Nov. 21. The Vegas netminder took to Instagram to note the date, telling Ullmark to “keep your a** shut or will you be injured again?” Samsonov soon deleted the comment but not before fans took screenshots.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Circle your calendars, Golden Knights and Senators fans. Things could get spicy if Samsonov and Ullmark are the starting goalies for that game.

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie shed some light on why Oliver Kylington didn’t re-sign with the Calgary Flames in a recent mailbag segment.

McKenzie indicated the Flames approached Kylington with a one-year contract offer but the 27-year-old defenseman wanted a two-year deal. Ultimately, the Flames wouldn’t give him more than a year and let him depart as a UFA.

Kylington’s agent claimed his client was willing to sign a one-year contract with the Flames once he hit the open market but the club had moved on by then. The blueliner recently signed a one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils signed Nolan Foote to a one-year, two-way contract worth $825K at the NHL level. The 23-year-old forward missed all but four games last season with a lower back injury.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 8, 2024

by | Aug 8, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 8, 2024

Check out the latest on Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Patrik Laine in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATES ON CROSBY AND MALKIN

THE ATHLETIC: Rob Rossi reports multiple sources said Sidney Crosby’s birthday (Aug. 7) was never a target date for the new contract that and the Pittsburgh Penguins are working on. Both sides remain confident of agreeing to a new deal.

Crosby has told close friends that he intends to re-sign with the Penguins and that his camp and general manager Kyle Dubas remain largely aligned about the details of his new contract. His focus right now is training for the upcoming season. A league source also said there are no issues between Crosby and the Penguins.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Both sides agree that a delay in finalizing the deal will generate speculation. There’s also some concern on the Penguins’ business side that it could affect sponsorship deals and season ticket sales.

A team source said the actual money isn’t an issue. Because Crosby’s next contract is a 35-plus deal, there are strict limitations on signing bonuses (none beyond the first year of a multiyear deal) plus the year-to-year salary cannot decrease. The player’s full cap hit will continue to apply should he retire before the end of his contract.

Rossi cites a source close to Crosby claiming he’s unsure how long he wants to keep playing and wants to avoid putting the Penguins in a difficult spot if he retires early.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Term seems to be the issue. It’s been speculated the 37-year-old Penguins captain could sign a three-year deal.

I guessed that Crosby might sign on his birthday because of his superstitious attachment to No. 87. However, I’m not surprised yesterday passed without a deal.

Plenty of time exists for Crosby to sign his extension with the Penguins. It’s important to him and the team that they get this right. It’s garnered so much attention because of who he is and the lack of real hockey news during the dog days of the offseason.

It will get done, either before the start of training camp or soon afterward. I don’t see this dragging on into this season becoming an unnecessary distraction for Crosby and the team.

Rossi also reports Evgeni Malkin intends to honor the remaining two years of his contract. It was rumored he would retire at the end of this season. “Not true,” said Malkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin made it clear he intended to play out the full term of his contract when he signed it. So did Kris Letang when he signed his deal. Malkin might return to Russia at the end of his deal and finish his playing career there, but he and Letang want to finish their NHL careers together with Crosby in Pittsburgh.

THE LATEST ON PATRIK LAINE

WINNIPEG SUN: In a recent mailbag segment, Scott Billeck was asked whether the Jets might bring back Patrik Laine. The Jets traded him to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Pierre-Luc Dubois in January 2021.

Billeck doesn’t see a fit for Laine with the Jets. He pointed out they lack the cap space to make it work even if the Blue Jackets retained half of his $8.7 million cap hit without shipping out someone. The Jets’ top-six forward lines are more or less set, with head coach Scott Arniel planning to give more playing time to Cole Perfetti.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Billeck suggested moving Nikolai Ehlers and his $6 million cap hit but pointing out Arniel likes the Danish winger. Laine returning to Winnipeg seems unlikely to me.

TVA SPORTS: cited Sportsnet’s Eric Engels dismissing the notion of the Montreal Canadiens acquiring Laine. Appearing on “The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro”, he said it made him laugh to see posts on X.com claiming the Canadiens were the front-runners.

“I would say the interest is pretty minimal,” said Engels. He pointed out that Laine’s game isn’t up to par in every aspect that excludes goal scoring. It’s unlikely that Laine will want to go to the lion’s den that is the Montreal market after exiting the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine went into the program seeking help for his mental health. Facing the unrelenting pressure of Montreal’s hockey hothouse is probably not high on his “to-do” list.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Anthony Larocco thinks Laine could be a good fit with the Carolina Hurricanes as a replacement for the departed Teuvo Teravainen. He would improve their depth on the wings, helping them further solidify their chances of contending for first place in the Metropolitan Division.

Turning to the Washington Capitals, Sammi Silber believes a trade for Laine doesn’t make sense for them right now. Laine’s contract and the Capitals’ limited cap space makes it difficult to pull off that deal. Finding a suitable spot on their roster is another factor.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 6, 2024

by | Aug 6, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 6, 2024

Could the Wild acquire Patrik Laine? When will Sidney Crosby re-sign with the Penguins? Are the Rangers interested in Ducks forward Trevor Zegras? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILD INTERESTED IN PATRIK LAINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith and Michael Russo believe Patrik Laine is the type of player Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin would take a chance on if he could afford him.

NHL Network’s Mike Rupp believes the Wild could “kick the tires” on the 26-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets winger, who requested a trade this spring. He felt they needed the “star power” that Laine could bring. “They need somebody else that can help carry the workload as far as putting up big numbers,” said Rupp.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

However, Rupp also expressed concern over how well Laine would fit into the Wild’s system. He noted their style is that of a hardworking, lunchpail group all pulling in the same direction while the Blue Jackets winger is more of a freelancer.

Smith and Russo suggest it might make sense if they can get Laine at half his $8.7 million annual cap hit. However, the cap-strapped Wild have just $1.531 million available, which drops by $1 million if they carry goaltender Jesper Wallstedt.

The Wild could include goaltender Filip Gustavsson in the deal as his cap hit ($3.75 million) almost lines up with Laine’s half-salary. However, former Wild coach Dean Evason is now the Blue Jackets bench boss and couldn’t get good goaltending from Gustavsson before he was fired as the Wild’s coach last fall.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be a bold move by Guerin but would involve plenty of moving parts, such as a third team getting involved to spread Laine’s cap hit around. It could prove too complicated to pull off for the Wild.

MORE MUSINGS OVER THE STATUS OF SIDNEY CROSBY’S CONTRACT EXTENSION.

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: Tim Benz cited Mark Madden expressing his belief that Sidney Crosby will sign his contract extension on his birthday (Aug. 7). “If he doesn’t, I think we can start wondering,” said Madden, suggesting the Penguins should consider trading their captain to avoid the situation becoming a distraction if it drags through the season. However, he stressed he doesn’t see it coming to that.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Jason Mackey also thinks the superstitious Crosby could sign on his birthdate (8/7), pointing out the long-time Penguins star wears that number on his jersey and his current AAV is $8.7 million. Nevertheless, he admits it could become a concern if he doesn’t sign that extension soon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Rob Rossi last week cited sources claiming the two sides were comfortable enough in the direction of those negotiations that they felt comfortable enough to engage in their summer plans and enjoy some downtime.

They may have reached an agreement that could be announced on Aug. 7 or at the latest before the start of training camp. However, if training camp starts without an extension in place, then it’s time to start worrying about the situation.

RANGERS NOT INTERESTED IN TREVOR ZEGRAS

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, Arthur Staple was asked about trade rumors linking New York Rangers winger Kaapo Kakko to someone like the Anaheim Ducks’ Trevor Zegras.

Staple replied he doesn’t think the Rangers have ever been interested in Zegras, “much as the local kid would love to be a Ranger. If they were, it would take more than Kakko to pry him away from the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple was also asked about Kakko being linked to the Buffalo Sabres’ Alex Tuch. He doesn’t believe the Sabres have ever seriously considered moving Tuch but Kakko wouldn’t be enough to entice them.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines and Rumors – August 5, 2024

by | Aug 5, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines and Rumors – August 5, 2024

It’s a holiday Monday in Canada so there’s little hockey news to report. Here’s a brief look at the notable remaining unrestricted free agents plus a look at whether Patrik Laine would be a fit with the Bruins.

DAILY FACEOFF: recently listed the top remaining players in this summer’s unrestricted free agent market.

Right wing James van Riemsdyk tops the list, followed by defensemen Tyson Barrie and Tony DeAngelo.

Former Nashville Predators defenseman Tyson Barrie (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barrie was in his hometown of Victoria, BC, on Saturday hosting a charity concert featuring Grammy Award winner Sarah McLaughlan. There’s no word if he’s in discussions with any NHL teams for next season.

As for DeAngelo, SI.com cited Hockey News Hub claiming the blueliner was reportedly signing with SKA St. Petersburg. No official word yet from him or the club.

Right wings Tyler Johnson, Kevin Labanc and Mike Hoffman, defenseman Oliver Kylington, left wings Max Pacioretty and Jakub Vrana, and blueliner Justin Schultz rounded out the top 10.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: These players have occasionally surfaced in free agent rumors over the past month as options for NHL clubs seeking affordable depth. However, no reports suggest any of them are close to signing.

Other notables include defenseman John Klingberg, goaltender Kevin Lankinen, left wing Nick Cousins, goalie Antti Raanta, and wingers Cal Clutterbuck and Filip Zadina.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been no updates on Klingberg since he underwent season-ending hip surgery in December. The latest on Cousins is he’ll be having his day with the Stanley Cup on Aug. 20 but nothing on talks with NHL teams.

THE BOSTON GLOBE: Kevin Paul Dupont pondered the possibility of the Bruins looking into acquiring Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine. With the offseason departure of Jake DeBrusk, he believes the 26-year-old Laine could be a good fit among the Bruins’ top-six forwards.

Laine’s contract, however, is a significant obstacle. He has two years remaining on his deal with an average annual value of $8.7 million. The Bruins currently have $8.6 million in cap space but most of that will be taken up signing goaltender Jeremy Swayman.

To bring Laine to Boston, the Blues Jackets would have to retain some of Laine’s cap hit. Doing so, however, means the Bruins would be forced to ship out equal bucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dupont believes Laine will most likely suit up with a club that has the cap room to acquire him. He suggested the San Jose Sharks and Detroit Red Wings as the best bet given their depth of exciting young prospects.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 2, 2024

by | Aug 2, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 2, 2024

Check out the latest on Patrik Laine, Sidney Crosby, Igor Shesterkin and Artemi Panarin in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger reported earlier this week that Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said it’s been a slow trade market thus far for Patrik Laine.

According to Waddell, only one team had reached out to express an interest in the 26-year-old winger. He’s not surprised given this stage of the offseason, suggesting this could play out for a while.

Laine requested a trade this spring. He emerged a week ago from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. That allowed Waddell to speak directly with the winger about his preferred trade destinations. Laine and his agent were also permitted to contact other teams.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine’s contract is a major stumbling block. He carries an average annual value of $8 million through 2025-26 and a 10-team no-trade list. Many teams invested much of their cap space in the trade and free-agent markets once he emerged from the player assistance program.

Laine’s health is likely another concern. It was reported he was rehabbing a shoulder injury he suffered last season.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

The lack of interest thus far won’t stop the speculation about potential destinations. The Hockey News’ Remy Mastey cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli recently suggesting the New York Rangers as a possibility.

THE ATHLETIC: Rob Rossi provided an update on the status of Sidney Crosby’s contract extension talks with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Rossi reported a month ago that multiple sources indicated the two sides were closing in on a deal with both sides confident it would be completed soon. It was speculated the deal would be three years with an AAV of $10 million.

So far, that extension has yet to materialize. Rossi followed up with his sources, indicating both sides were comfortable with where the negotiations stood and that everyone felt comfortable going about their summer plans and taking some downtime.

Rossi noted that Crosby was born on Aug. 7, 1987. The superstitious Penguins captain honors that date by wearing No. 87 and earning an AAV of $8.7 million on his current contract. “Read into that last sentence what you will.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It wouldn’t be surprising if Crosby’s new contract is announced next Wednesday. Stay tuned…

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh was asked if New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin would accept a “hometown discount” to help the club when Alexis Lafreniere and K’Andre Miller are restricted free agents next summer.

Baugh cited colleague Arthur Staple speculated recently that Shesterkin’s starting point in negotiations could be 14 percent of the salary cap, which would be $12.94 million annually. While he might not necessarily get that much, it’s hard to see him accepting a hometown discount.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is Shesterkin’s opportunity to cash in big as an unrestricted free agent. He’s established himself among the league’s elite netminders and is crucial to the Rangers’ hopes for a Stanley Cup. They have to pay him top dollar. If the Blueshirts balk, he’ll get it from another club on the open market.

Another reader asked Baugh about the possibility of trading Artemi Panarin, pointing out that his offensive game doesn’t translate in the playoffs.

Baugh noted that Panarin has a full no-movement clause giving him complete control. Even if he agreed to a trade, the Rangers won’t get equal “win-now” value in return. His production would be almost impossible to replace.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 1, 2024

by | Aug 1, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 1, 2024

Proposed trade destinations for Patrik Laine plus the latest on the Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PROPOSED DESTINATIONS FOR PATRIK LAINE

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman listed what he believes are the five best fits as trade destinations for Patrik Laine.

The 26-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets winger requested a trade two months ago. Interested teams can speak with him directly since his recent exit from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. He carries an $8.7 million average annual value through 2025-26 with a 10-team no-trade list.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

Wegman considers the Pittsburgh Penguins the best fit for Laine to rejuvenate his career. They need someone with his scoring touch on their power play. They carry $3.5 million in cap space and could create more room by adding a depth forward like Lars Eller or Noel Acciari in the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wegman pointed out this is the type of deal general manager Kyle Dubas must make to give his aging club one last chance at a playoff run. Whether Dubas believes that’s the case remains to be seen. His attitude seems to have changed since his big acquisition of Erik Karlsson last summer failed to provide the expected big boost to their roster.

The Colorado Avalanche could be a good fit if wingers Gabriel Landeskog (knee surgery) and Valeri Nichushkin (serving a six-month suspension as part of Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program) fail to return this season. He could slot in alongside center Casey Mittelstadt and fellow Finn Artturi Lehkonen on their second line.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avs will need more clarity on the status of Landeskog and Nichushkin before pulling the trigger. Even then, Laine could prove too expensive for them to acquire.

The Vegas Golden Knights are known as big-game hunters in the trade market. They have limited cap space but sending someone like Nicolas Roy and/or Brett Howden in the deal might make it work.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule anything out with the Golden Knights. However, they’re facing a serious cap crunch, sitting above the $88 million cap by over $3.6 million. That’ll be offset by placing permanently sidelined goaltender Robin Lehner and his $5 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve. Nevertheless, it could prove too expensive for the cap-strapped Golden Knights to pull off.

The Seattle Kraken could use someone with Laine’s game-breaking offensive ability. They have over $6.4 million in cap space but most of it will be used to re-sign Matty Beniers. They possess plenty of mid-size contracts that they could presumably move out for Laine.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be a bold move by Kraken GM Ron Francis but he already made his big addition up front by signing Chandler Stephenson on July 1.

The Buffalo Sabres possess plenty of promising young wingers but none of them have Laine’s goal-scoring upside. GM Kevyn Adams has shown a willingness to draw from his prospect pool for trade bait to improve his roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wegman wondered how well Laine would perform under Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff. The Sabres could also be on his 10-team no-trade list.

LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports sources suggesting the Montreal Canadiens could be well-positioned to shop for a scorer after re-signing their restricted free agents.

The Canadiens have $5.4 million in cap space and if needed could get an additional $10.5 million by placing permanently sidelined netminder Carey Price on LTIR. Should GM Kent Hughes seek to pursue a top-six forward like Patrik Laine or the Winnipeg Jets’ Nikolaj Ehlers, Price’s contract will be of utmost importance.

D’Amico’s source said the Canadiens are attempting to weaponize their cap space by calling teams looking to shed salary. They indicate GM Kent Hughes is “looking to do something, but not at the expense of next summer or the coming years.”

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: D’Amico also pointed out that the Canadiens have two first-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft. In addition to their own, they have the Calgary Flames’ first-rounder. If the Flames struggle this season, the Habs could use that pick as a trade chip to land a more proven asset.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keep an eye on the Canadiens for the rest of the offseason. I have a feeling that Hughes isn’t done tinkering with his roster.

D’Amico pointed out Hughes has made some surprising moves over the past two summers. In August 2022, he acquired Sean Monahan from the Calgary Flames and last summer was part of the three-team deal that saw Erik Karlsson land with the Penguins.