NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 4, 2026

by | Sep 4, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 4, 2026

Concerns over the Red Wings’ search for a new GM, Flyers coach Rick Tocchet regrets harsh comments toward Matvei Michkov, the Senators plan a tribute for former captain Brady Tkachuk, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports the urgency for the Detroit Red Wings to hire a new general manager is rising as training camp approaches in less than two weeks.

While the search continues, the Red Wings have two significant unaddressed issues. They must address center Dylan Larkin’s trade request and must re-sign restricted free-agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

Khan considers it highly unlikely that Larkin is traded before camp opens on Sept. 17. He believes it’s in the Wings’ best interest if the new GM can convince the 30-year-old center to rescind his request. If he still wants out, he must decide if he’ll report to training camp or hold out until he’s traded.

Edvinsson, 22, is due for a significant raise after completing his entry-level contract. If they hope to sign him to an eight-year deal, they must do so before Sept. 15. After that, the maximum terms for NHL contracts drop to seven years for re-signing players and six years for unrestricted free agents.

Kahn reports that interim general manager Shawn Horcoff and assistant GM Kris Draper have both interviewed for the position. Team owner Chris Ilitch wants the next GM to be analytics and data-driven.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings have had over six weeks to find a suitable new GM. They’re running out of time to fill that position before training camp opens.

The club could announce the hiring before Sept. 17. If this search continues through training camp, there will be more uncertainty about the status of Larkin and Edvinsson. It will also call into question the competency of those conducting the search.

THE ATHLETIC: Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet believes reports of a difficult relationship with Matvei Michkov last season were overblown. Nevertheless, Tocchet said he regrets his harsh criticism of the young winger’s preseason conditioning and hopes to reset the relationship this season.

Tocchet’s criticism of Michkov immediately raised questions about the promising winger’s future with the Flyers, prompting GM Daniel Briere to give the youngster a vote of confidence.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tocchet could’ve handled that situation differently, but Michkov took the criticism well. He reportedly worked hard on his conditioning this summer, which could lead to a bounce-back performance from his disappointing sophomore season.

THE SCORE: The Ottawa Senators plan to air a video tribute for Brady Tkachuk when the former captain returns to Canadian Tire Center on Oct. 21. Tkachuk was traded to the Florida Panthers in June after requesting a trade to reunite with his older brother, Matthew.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see how Senators fans react to Tkachuk’s return. Regardless of how his tenure ended, he played a significant role in the club’s rebuild, helping them to end a long postseason drought. He was active in the community in charity events and never badmouthed the team or the city of Ottawa.

Tkachuk took some heat for denying the trade rumors. However, keeping his request quiet avoided the unnecessary drama currently dogging Red Wings center Dylan Larkin and Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck after their public trade requests.

TORONTO STAR: Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev is awaiting clearance from team doctors to play this season. He missed most of last season recovering from surgery to repair a groin and core-muscle injury.

Tanev spent the summer working out with longtime trainer Gary Roberts and has been skating with a group of NHLers that includes Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Chris’ younger brother, Brandon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs’ defense suffered last season without Tanev. Whether the 36-year-old shutdown blueliner can regain his form in his 17th NHL season remains to be seen.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Quebecor, Rogers, and the NHL announced Thursday that TVA Sports will renew its national broadcast rights for another 12 years.

TVA Sports will have national broadcast French-language rights to 32 of the Montreal Canadiens’ 84 regular-season games. They also have the rights to any playoff games involving the Canadiens. TVA Sports will also broadcast 22 regular-season Ottawa Senators games, and up to 350 NHL games a season overall.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 2, 2026

by | Sep 2, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – September 2, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest takes on Quinn Hughes, Connor Hellebuyck, Dylan Larkin, Zachary Bolduc, and Arber Xhekaj.

THE LATEST TAKES ON QUINN HUGHES, CONNOR HELLEBUYCK, AND DYLAN LARKIN

SPORTSNET: Frank Seravalli believes the Minnesota Wild should act quickly and re-sign Quinn Hughes or trade him if the two sides fail to agree to a new contract. He believes it would be a mistake to let the team and the season be held hostage by this storyline.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

If the Wild decide to trade him, Seravalli believes the New Jersey Devils remain Hughes’ destination of choice, reuniting him with his brothers Jack and Luke.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I still believe Hughes and the Wild will agree to a short-term contract extension. However, Seravalli is right that they can’t allow this to become an unnecessary distraction this season.

If Hughes doesn’t want to sign, the Wild should move him to the team of his choice for the best possible return and move on. He lacks no-trade protection, but since everyone believes he wants to play with his brothers in New Jersey, it’s unlikely other suitors will emerge to bid for a player who will walk next summer.

Seravalli also weighed in on Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck’s trade request. He believes the Jets are content to slow-play this situation. They could either get close to an acceptable return for the three-time Vezina Trophy winner, or Hellebuyck honors his contract and starts this season with the Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers, like TSN’s Martin Biron, believe Hellebuyck might not report to the Jets for training camp and might even sit out the entire season to force a trade. However, it’s a big risk that could backfire.

Withholding his services would be seen as a breach of contract, enabling the Jets to suspend him without pay, fine him, and toll his contract forward a year if he sits out the season. Trading him would avoid all this, but not for pennies on the dollar.

Holding out for a year also wouldn’t do Hellebuyck’s playing career much good. He’s 33 now and doesn’t have many quality years left to chase the Stanley Cup, so he cannot afford to risk an entire season at this stage.

The Jets were reportedly close to a deal in June that would’ve sent Hellebucyk to the Buffalo Sabres. Perhaps those two clubs will revisit those discussions if they haven’t already.

Turning to Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin’s trade request, Seravalli wondered if a trade would happen now that Steve Yzerman is no longer the general manager.

Larkin is a Michigan native who loved playing for the Red Wings, but didn’t get along with Yzerman. With the latter out of the picture, Seravalli suggested it could give Larkin a chance to save face by rescinding his request and giving it another year with the Wings under new management.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some pundits wondered if Larkin would pull his trade request after Yzerman’s was removed as GM, but Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reported he hadn’t changed his mind.

Larkin’s status remains in limbo until the Wings hire a new general manager. His camp has kept quiet about this situation for months, but he’ll have to face questions in two weeks when training camp opens.

UPDATES ON THE CANADIENS’ ZACHARY BOLDUC AND ARBER XHEKAJ

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels believes Montreal Canadiens forward Zachary Bolduc could sign a new contract before the players arrive for their training camp physicals on Sept. 16.

The 23-year-old winger completed his entry-level contract last season. Engels speculated that he could receive a three-year contract with an average annual value of around $4 million. He believes the young forward will take a considerable step forward in his development now that he’s had a full season under head coach Martin St. Louis.

Meanwhile, there’s been no word from the Canadiens or Arber Xhekaj’s camp regarding the status of the 25-year-old defenseman’s contract talks. He completed a two-year deal worth $1.3 million annually, but his ice time was reduced, and he was a frequent healthy scratch last season.

Engels reports Xhekaj wants to stay in Montreal and the Canadiens prefer to keep him. However, he speculates that Xhekaj might not be ready to commit yet until he has more certainty about his role with the Canadiens. He knows that the club could draw from its overcrowded blueline to address its need for a top-six forward. Such a move could involve Xhekaj or clear room for him to get more runway in Montreal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s no secret that the Canadiens have been shopping for a forward to play alongside budding superstar Ivan Demidov on their second line.

The contract situations involving Bolduc and Xhekaj prompted Stu Cowan of The Montreal Gazette to speculate that both could be part of a “sign-and-trade” scenario to bring in a top-six forward. With training camp two weeks away, we should find out soon what’s in store for both players.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 30, 2026

by | Aug 30, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 30, 2026

Could Dylan Larkin accept a trade to the Mammoth or Canadiens? Could the latter attempt to trade Samuel Montembeault to the Oilers? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LARKIN TO THE MAMMOTH OR CANADIENS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan O’Hara believes the Utah Mammoth makes the most sense for Dylan Larkin if the Detroit Red Wings center is serious about chasing the Stanley Cup.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

The Mammoth are an up-and-coming team who recently added veteran forwards Anders Lee and Vincent Trocheck. They have the draft capital to make an enticing offer and have a bit of a trade history with the Red Wings after acquiring goalie Sebastian Cossa earlier this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin’s trade list includes the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers, though it’s rumored the Dallas Stars are also on his list. So far, the 30-year-old center hasn’t indicated that he’s willing to widen that list, though he might have to if he seriously wants to be moved before the start of the regular season in four weeks.

The Mammoth tick the right boxes, but whether they seriously want him or if he’s willing to include them on his list of preferred destinations remains to be seen.

NHL NETWORK: Mike Johnson suggested the Montreal Canadiens as a landing spot for Larkin. The Canadiens are stacked with young talent that Johnson believes makes them a legitimate Stanley Cup contender over the next four or five years.

Johnson noted that the Canadiens can draw on their “boatload” of young prospects to build a trade package for the Red Wings, including University of Michigan winger Michael Hage. He acknowledged the Canadiens weren’t on Larkin’s four-team trade list. However, if it’s about winning for Larkin, the Habs are on the precipice of winning for the next half-decade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin would be a terrific addition to the Canadiens, but he doesn’t seem interested in joining a Canadian club.

MONTEMBEAULT TO THE OILERS?

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan believes the goalie market should start heating up with Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets requesting a trade and Frederik Andersen of the Edmonton Oilers to miss training camp after suffering an injury during offseason training.

That could make it possible for the Canadiens to trade Samuel Montembeault. Cowan doesn’t expect they’ll start the season carrying Montembeault, Jakub Dobes, and Jacob Fowler. He believes Montembeault can regain his form after struggling through injury and inconsistency last season, but he will have a short leash.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Karine Haines wondered if Andersen’s injury might create an opportunity for the Canadiens to ship Montembeault to the Oilers. She noted Montembeault has a cap hit of $3.15 million and the Oilers have $2 million in cap space, which would mean the Canadiens would have to take back some salary in such a deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said last week that he wasn’t too concerned over the rash of early injuries plaguing his club. He’ll likely look at internal options first (such as offseason acquisition Devon Levi) or a dip into free agency where a few affordable veterans are available, including former Oiler Cam Talbot.

Montembeault could be a trade target for the Oilers, but he’ll probably be further down Bowman’s list.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 16, 2026

by | Aug 16, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 16, 2026

Check out the latest on Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes and Red Wings center Dylan Larkin in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith polled Minnesota Wild fans on a variety of topics. They included whether the fans were confident the Wild can get Quinn Hughes signed to an extension.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Most still believe Wild general manager Bill Guerin can get the 26-year-old superstar defenseman under contract. However, they’re also underwhelmed by the Wild’s offseason moves thus far.

Russo indicated that multiple league sources believe Hughes still intends to re-sign with the Wild, but the market has turned upside-down this summer, making it more difficult than the club expected.

It’s believed that Hughes’ next contract will “almost certainly” be five years or less with an average annual value in the $19 million range.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Talks have been ongoing this summer between Guerin and the Hughes camp. The Wild GM has preached patience, reminding fans that they didn’t get superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov under contract until late September of last year. It wouldn’t be surprising if they announce Hughes’ next contract at some point next month.

Meanwhile, most Wild fans don’t believe the club will be able to land Dylan Larkin, who requested a trade from the Detroit Red Wings.

It’s believed the Wild top Larkin’s four-team list of preferred trade destinations. However, things are at a standstill as the Red Wings search for a new general manager after relieving Steve Yzerman of that role last month. Once that’s settled, however, the Wings are expected to maintain a high price for Larkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild reportedly offered up a package of draft picks and prospects for Larkin, but the Wings want a return that will provide immediate help to their roster, including a top-six-forward, preferably a center.

Some observers believe the Red Wings will bend and accept a lesser deal from the Wild because things have reached the point of no return with Larkin. However, the next Wings GM will likely try to mend fences with Larkin. If that fails, he could retain Larkin until a better offer is made, which could prompt the 30-year-old center to expand his trade list.

And speaking of Larkin…

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff dismissed the possibility of Dylan Larkin holding out and not reporting to training camp to put pressure on Wings management to trade him.

Duff pointed out that Larkin has 8.7 million reasons not to stage a holdout. That’s how much his average annual value is, and Duff doesn’t believe Larkin will give the Red Wings a reason not to pay him.

Staging a holdout won’t improve Larkin’s value in the trade market. Duff pointed out that the Red Wings could suspend him without pay if he withholds his services because he’d be breaching his contract. They would then toll the contract forward so that the term doesn’t run out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staging a holdout to force a trade stands as much of a chance of happening as threatening to retire unless he gets traded. Larkin isn’t going to sacrifice part (or all) of a season and damage his reputation.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 15, 2026

by | Aug 15, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 15, 2026

The latest on the Red Wings and an update on Patrik Laine in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MLIVE.COM: Whether the Detroit Red Wings retain or trade Dylan Larkin, Ansar Khan believes they still must improve their offense.

Larkin requested a trade following the end of last season. The Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, and Dallas Stars are his preferred destinations, with the Wild as the prime landing spot.

However, the Wild lack the necessary assets (“minimum, a top-six forward, preferably a center”) to deal for Larkin, and the Red Wings aren’t interested in draft picks and prospects in return. Meanwhile, the other three clubs on his list either have little interest, insufficient salary-cap space, or no desire to meet the Wings’ high price.

Even if Larkin returns, the Red Wings must bolster their scoring depth. They lost Patrick Kane (16 goals last season) and James van Riemsdyk (15 goals) to free agency, although signing Viktor Arvidsson (25 goals with Boston last season) will offset part of it.

The Wings also need more production from younger players like Marco Kasper and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard. Still, they have to add another experienced scoring forward.

Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat (NHL Images).

Few options remain in the unrestricted free-agent market. Former Wing Vladimir Tarasenko is available, but he wasn’t a good fit in Detroit. Eeli Tolvanen, Michael Bunting, and Patrik Laine are the other notables still on the market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Acquiring a top-six forward in a trade could require parting with a promising young player or two, something former general manager Steve Yzerman seemed reluctant to do. The Red Wings’ woes could also make it difficult to convince a scorer with any form of no-trade protection to accept a move to Detroit.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau recently wondered if Larkin’s future in Detroit would affect Alex DeBrincat’s willingness to re-sign with the Red Wings.

A Michigan native, the 28-year-old DeBrincat scored 41 goals last season, marking the third time in his career that he’s reached that milestone. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Proteau pondered whether DeBrincat would move on if the Red Wings trade Larkin. If so, the Wings could get a solid return for him by peddling him before the March 1 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now believes DeBrincat wants to stay with the Red Wings regardless of Larkin’s situation, provided they make him a fair contract offer. Nevertheless, the longer he’s unsigned, the more his name will surface in trade rumors this season, especially if the Wings are still struggling by the March deadline.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: David Alter recently noted that the Toronto Maple Leafs are among five clubs linked to former Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine.

Laine, 28, is among the few notable players remaining in this summer’s free-agent market. Alter noted that Laine still has an elite shot. Meanwhile, his injury-shortened 2025-26 season made him eligible for a performance-bonus contract this season, which could make him a low-risk, high-reward addition for the Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs are above the $104-million salary cap by $2.752 million. However, they could become cap-compliant by placing forward Max Domi and his $3.75 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve. Domi remains uncertain to play following complications from back surgery.

That could free up sufficient wiggle room to sign Laine, especially if there’s any concern about how well rookie winger Gavin McKenna will adjust to the NHL pace. Still, it seems unlikely that the Leafs will consider adding Laine given his injury history and lack of speed.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 14, 2026

by | Aug 14, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 14, 2026

Should the Bruins make a pitch to acquire Dylan Larkin from the Red Wings? Which members of the Kings could become trade candidates? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes the Boston Bruins’ biggest area of concern is their talent and depth at the center position.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

The Bruins currently have Pavel Zacha, Elias Lindholm, Fraser Minten, and Sean Kuraly slotted in as their centers for this season. However, Proteau thinks they need an upgrade at that position.

It’s been reported that the Bruins aren’t on Dylan Larkin’s list of preferred trade destinations. However, Proteau feels that general manager Don Sweeney should try to convince the Detroit Red Wings center and his agent that Boston would be a terrific landing spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sweeney could do this by contacting the Red Wings to seek permission to speak with the Larkin camp to see if they could be at least persuaded into adding the Bruins to his list of destinations.

Proteau also mused over the availability of Will Smith of the San Jose Sharks, Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and William Karlsson of the Vegas Golden Knights. He admits all are long shots, but thinks it’s up to Sweeney to get creative to address that need at center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anything’s possible, but you can also bet that other general managers could also have an eye on those centers, and on Larkin. Whether Sweeney will get creative in his search for a first- or second-line center remains to be seen.

What say you, Bruins fans? Let us know in the comments section below.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan O’Hara believes two members of the Los Angeles Kings could become trade candidates this season.

Goaltender Darcy Kuemper struggled last season, losing the starter’s job to Anton Forsberg. Kuemper is in the final season of his contract with a $5.25 million cap hit, which would make him an expensive backup.

O’Hara speculates that a team seeking help in goal could be interested in Kuemper, who was a Vezina Trophy finalist in 2024-25.

Meanwhile, speedy winger Trevor Moore has been unable to nail down a top-six role with the Kings. He has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $4.2 million. He scored 31 goals in 2022-23 and could benefit from more offensive responsibilities with another club.

O’Hara believes the Kings don’t have to move Kuemper or Moore right now. However, they could become trade chips if GM Ken Holland feels the need to shake up his roster again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuemper and Moore could be players worth monitoring if the Kings struggle this season, or if Holland wants to improve his club’s chances for a deep playoff run before the March trade deadline.