NHL Rumor Mill – January 14, 2025

by | Jan 14, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 14, 2025

What type of player could the Leafs target at the trade deadline? Are the Kraken ready to become sellers in the trade market? What’s the latest on Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LEAFS SEEKING DEPTH AT CENTER

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran reports Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said his club would like to improve their depth at the center position.

“We, probably along with 15 or 18 other teams, are looking at center depth,” said Treliving, calling it “the position du jour” around the league this season.

The Leafs are using Max Domi as their third-line center but he’s better suited for the wing. They’ve also tried Pontus Holmberg, David Kampf and Fraser Minten at that position.

Could the Toronto Maple Leafs target Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton in the trade market? (NHL Images).

McGran speculated possible trade targets could include Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers, Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators, Ryan Strome of the Anaheim Ducks, and Nick Bjugstad of the Utah Hockey Club. He also said Treliving doesn’t sound keen to move a prospect like Minten or Easton Cowan to address that need.

THE ATHLETIC: Joshua Kloke also included Laughton, O’Reilly and Bjugstad among his list of possible Leafs trade targets. He also mentioned Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken.

Kloke observed the Leafs lack a first-round pick in his year’s draft to use as trade barter. They have their second-rounder in this year’s draft plus their first-rounders for 2026 and 2027. He agrees that Minten and Cowan probably aren’t going anywhere.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs are in “win-now” mode but not at the expense of the youngsters within their system. Treliving could part with his second-rounders and his future firsts for the right center, preferably one with term remaining on their contract.

KRAKEN COULD BECOME TRADE-DEADLINE SELLERS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman speculates the Seattle Kraken could make some roster changes by the trade deadline as the losses mount. That could include moving some players other than their pending UFAs by the deadline.

Friedman said he’s heard forwards Andre Burakovsky and Oliver Bjorkstrand are “out there” in the trade market. The 29-year-old Burakovsky is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $5.5 million. Bjorkstrand (also 29) is signed through 2025-26 with an AAV of $5.4 million. Both players have 10-team no-trade lists.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman mentioned the Kraken’s prospect pool isn’t deep enough because the franchise hasn’t been around long enough. They could seek draft picks and prospects if they move Burakovsky and Bjorkstrand.

ANDERSSON WANTS TO REMAIN WITH THE FLAMES

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson reports Rasmus Andersson has been the subject of debate among Flames fans. Some believe the 28-year-old defenseman is a key piece of the club’s future while others think he could command a significant return in this season’s trade market.

Andersson said he hopes he stays in Calgary. He acknowledged he has little say apart from his six-team no-trade list. However, no one in management has indicated yet that he won’t be with the club after March 7.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson would draw plenty of attention if he becomes available in the trade market.

Flames GM Craig Conroy showed a willingness last season to make bold moves even if it cost his club a playoff berth. He’s also proven willing to retain players who want to stay and be part of the club’s future.

Conroy could listen if a rival GM makes an incredible offer, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he keeps Andersson and signs him to a contract extension in July.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 13, 2025

by | Jan 13, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 13, 2025

Could the Avalanche peddle Mikko Rantanen if he remains unsigned by the trade deadline? Are the Blue Jackets interested in Canucks center Elias Pettersson? Should the Maple Leafs target Flyers center Scott Laughton? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE AVALANCHE TRADE RANTANEN?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau cited TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie reporting last week that Mikko Rantanen would likely be traded if the Colorado Avalanche fail to re-sign him before the March 7 trade deadline.

Colorado Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

Proteau suggests the Avalanche would be better off re-signing Rantanen. The 28-year-old forward is enjoying a banner year offensively, sitting fourth among NHL scorers with 60 points in 44 games. Proteau doubts the Avs would get equal value in return.

Rantanen is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Considering all he’s done for the Avs, his current average annual value of $9.25 million has been a bargain.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Limited cap space could hamper the Avs’ attempts to re-sign Rantanen. If the cap rises to $92.5 million, they’ll have around $12.5 million with 17 active roster players under contract.

A new contract for Rantanen could use up that cap space unless they can shed salary. They could continue getting $7 million in cap relief if captain Gabriel Landeskog’s comeback attempt fails. Otherwise, they’ll have to make a cost-cutting move or two.

The Avs could trade Rantanen by March 7 but they’re more likely to retain him as an “own rental” and deal with his contract negotiations in the offseason. They’ll need him if they hope to stage a Stanley Cup run this spring.

BLUE JACKETS LINKED TO PETTERSSON

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports of recent speculation linking the Columbus Blue Jackets to center Elias Pettersson. The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly gauging the trade market for Pettersson and fellow center J.T. Miller. 

“The internet buzz suggested that a Pettersson trade has been discussed with the Blue Jackets, but a team source told The Athletic on Friday that no such trade talks have taken place.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jackets’ depth at center was an issue but they’ve recently addressed that with the addition of Sean Monahan and the ongoing development of Adam Fantilli.

That doesn’t mean general manager Don Waddell wouldn’t be interested in further upgrades. He was GM of the Hurricanes last season when they reportedly discussed a Pettersson trade with the Canucks before the 26-year-old center signed his contract extension. However, it doesn’t sound like he’s among the suitors now.

If Waddell were interested in Pettersson the Canucks will likely want the promising Fantilli as part of the return. That could be a deal breaker for the Blue Jackets.

SHOULD THE LEAFS PURSUE LAUGHTON?

THE ATHLETIC: James Mirtle noted that Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers tends to be atop the lists of proposed trade targets for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs want to add more talent down the middle. and Mirtle believes his “versatility, feistiness, and grit” would make him a perfect fit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mirtle goes through the pros and cons of pursuing Laughton. However, it doesn’t appear that the Flyers will trade him. Mirtle’s colleague Kevin Kurz reported last week that a team source said they don’t have much interest in moving Laughton.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 9, 2025

by | Jan 9, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 9, 2025

Check out the latest on the Flyers, Blackhawks and Jets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: With the March 7 trade deadline two months away, Kevin Kurz, Scott Powers and Murat Ates recently reported the latest speculation about the Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets.

Kurz looked at trade options for the Flyers to bolster their goaltending. If they go the trade route he suspects they’d pursue a veteran with past NHL success. Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets, James Reimer of the Buffalo Sabres, and Louis Domingue of the New York Rangers are among those who might be available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Merzlikins carries an average annual value of $5.4 million through 2026-27. Kurz suggested he might be more enticing if the Blue Jackets retained some salary. However, the Jackets are also thin between the pipes and are jockeying with the Flyers in the race for an Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (NHL Images).

Kurz considers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen the most likely to be traded, suggesting the Detroit Red Wings as a destination. Center Scott Laughton has popped up on some trade boards but Kurz cites a team source saying management doesn’t have much interest in moving him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen’s performance has improved but his contract remains an obstacle. He has a $5.1 million AAV through 2026-27. The 30-year-old could become a summer trade candidate if the Flyers aren’t willing to retain part of his salary.

Powers believes Taylor Hall is the Blackhawk most likely to move by the trade deadline. He’s producing at the same rate he was with a strong Boston Bruins club two years ago. Powers cites sources suggesting Hall could fetch a third-round pick.

Ryan Donato’s been one of the Blackhawks’ better players but Powers believes he’d be a checking-line forward on a better club. His sources suggest he could fetch a third or fourth-round pick. The Blackhawks could also get some calls about defenseman Alec Martinez.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks don’t have much to offer up for rental players this season. Pat Maroon and Craig Smith are their other pending UFAs.

Ates suggests the Jets should add a big, mobile right-shot defenseman as an upgrade to Dylan DeMelo on their top defense pairing.

The Jets liked Rasmus Ristolainen before he resuscitated his career in Philadelphia. He believes they could revisit that interest.

Other options include Marcus Pettersson of the Pittsburgh Penguins, David Savard of the Montreal Canadiens and Cody Ceci of the San Jose Sharks. Ates acknowledged that most of these options aren’t ideal but they wouldn’t cost a first-round pick to acquire.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ceci expressed an interest in re-signing with the Sharks. They’ll have plenty of cap space to keep him but that depends on whether they see him as a long-term fit with their rebuilding roster.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 8, 2025

by | Jan 8, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 8, 2025

The latest on Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, proposed trade targets for the Leafs, updates on the Rangers, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATES ON PETTERSSON AND MILLER

TSN: Chris Johnston reports sources claim the Vancouver Canucks remain active in trade discussions with rival clubs regarding center Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. Management is gauging the trade market on both players before determining a course of action.

Johnston believes the Canucks are giving serious consideration toward moving Pettersson. Multiple teams have shown interest in the 26-year-old center. The Canucks and Hurricanes had discussions about Pettersson last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those talks between the Canucks and Hurricanes took place before Pettersson signed his eight-year contract extension.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman also reports the Canucks are gauging the market value of Pettersson and Miller, stressing there is no certain outcome.

New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (NHL Images).

Friedman cited The Athletic’s Josh Yohe reporting the Canucks turned down an offer of Zibanejad from the Rangers for Miller, but doesn’t know if Zibanejad was approached about waiving his no-movement clause. Friedman also believes the Canucks were interested in defenseman Braden Schneider but the Rangers don’t want to part with him.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports an NHL executive claims the Boston Bruins are talking to the Canucks about Pettersson and Miller. The source indicated the Bruins want to get younger, which suggested they’re more interested in Pettersson, but it’s not about who they want but which center the Canucks intend to move.

Another source told D’Amico that the Canucks would want a top-six center or a top-four defenseman and a top prospect or a first-round pick in return.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma weighed in on the recent trade speculation about Pettersson and Miller. General manager Patrik Allvin could trade one or the other or both, but either scenario would be a difficult sell to Canucks ownership. Miller would also have to waive his NMC.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Talking to other teams is one thing. Finding a suitable return is another. Pettersson’s expensive contract ($11.6 million annually for seven more seasons) and Miller’s no-movement protection could complicate things.

The Leafs and Bruins would love to have Pettersson or Miller. However, they lack the cap space and tradeable assets to pry either guy away from the Canucks. The Hurricanes have players that would entice the Canucks (hello there, Martin Necas and Seth Jarvis) but they’re also hampered by limited cap room this season.

The Zibanejad-for-Miller proposal works cap-wise because the former carries an average annual value of $8.5 million and the latter $8 million. However, their respective no-movement clauses are obstacles that could be too difficult to overcome.

PROPOSED CENTER TRADE TARGETS FOR THE LEAFS

TSN: Darren Dreger doesn’t believe the Toronto Maple Leafs are involved in the Pettersson trade talks. He considers Pettersson, Miller, Mika Zibanejad of the New York Rangers and Dylan Cozens of the Buffalo Sabres in the “high-rent district”. He also noted a lot of teams are interested in New York Islanders center Brock Nelson.

The Leafs are believed to have identified a more diverse group of centers to target in the trade market. Dreger suggested Ryan Strome of the Anaheim Ducks, Mikael Granlund of the San Jose Sharks, Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken, and Nick Bjugstad of the Utah Hockey Club.

Dreger also wondered about bringing back Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators. He noted Scott Laughton is also out there but the Philadelphia Flyers seek a first-round pick in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Diverse is another way of saying “affordable”. The Leafs must go bargain-hunting to add a center unless they’re looking at a dollar-in, dollar-out scenario. That’s assuming they don’t put Auston Matthews on LTIR before the March 7 trade deadline if he becomes sidelined again by his nagging upper-body injury.

O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection, but the 33-year-old has two more years left on his contract, with an AAV of $4.5 million. He turns 34 in February, and his best seasons are behind him.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes the Leafs want a center with term remaining on his contract. “Might not be what ends up happening, but it’s what they prefer,” he writes.

“32 THOUGHTS” RUMOR TIDBITS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the following in his latest “32 Thoughts” column:

He believes the Detroit Red Wings were (are?) looking at Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Line forms to the left, Red Wings. Lots of teams have looked (or are looking) at Cozens. However, the Sabres are trying to add to their roster instead of subtracting. That doesn’t mean he won’t be traded but they’ll probably want a good player in return instead of draft picks and prospects. That offer has yet to emerge.

The New York Rangers gave unhappy defenseman Zac Jones permission to speak with other teams. There’s interest but teams with a smallish blueline are unlikely destinations.

Vincent Trocheck is the most coveted Ranger in the trade market but they’re not interested in moving him. Friedman believes he could become their next captain.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have indicated they have forwards, defensemen and goaltenders available. They’re willing to use their cap space to retain salary provided they get young players, prospects and draft picks in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Josh Yohe reports Penguins GM Kyle Dubas doesn’t feel any extreme desire to trade Rickard Rakell. They love how he and Bryan Rust are playing as they give the Penguins a couple of wingers worthy of playing alongside Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Yohe claims the Canucks and Edmonton Oilers are interested in Marcus Pettersson. The 28-year-old defenseman is UFA-eligible on July 1. Given his expiring contract, Yohe will be surprised if Pettersson isn’t moved by the March 7 trade deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 2, 2025

by | Jan 2, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 2, 2025

Could the Canucks trade Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller? What’s the latest Leafs speculation? Could the Penguins attempt to trade Jesse Puljujarvi? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE CANUCKS FACE A CHOICE BETWEEN PETTERSSON AND MILLER?

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston observed Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin’s recent comments about Elias Pettersson during his year-end interview with Sportsnet.

Allvin said he believes Pettersson has the tools to become a No. 1 center but needs more maturity and accountability. He also didn’t dismiss the possibility of a trade.

Johnston suggests Allvin could be trying to encourage improvement from Pettersson, or perhaps signal to his team that everyone must be held accountable. Another option could be trying to re-set the trade market for Pettersson, whose hefty contract and recent struggles could be difficult to move.

“Will they trade (Pettersson)? Almost certainly not,” writes Johnston. “But that doesn’t mean they won’t”.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos believes Canucks management is leaning closer toward making a major roster change, citing the feud between Pettersson and J.T. Miller. “Don’t be surprised if we start hearing the Canucks are willing to take calls on Miller,” writes Kypreos.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In the middle of this speculation came recent remarks by former Canucks forward Brad Richardson regarding Miller’s interactions with Pettersson.

Richardson said he loves Miller but felt the veteran center was being too hard on Pettersson. “Listen, J.T., he’s the man. But there is a lot of tension. And something’s gonna give. I’m not saying you’re going to love every guy on your team – it helps – but something’s gonna give here. We’ll see.”

Johnston believes Richardson’s remarks jibe with what others have said about the relationship between Miller and Pettersson. He considers both players demanding and exacting but Miller’s brash, outspoken personality hasn’t sat well at times with the introverted Pettersson.

Both players recently denied a rumored rift. However, Allvin’s and Richardson’s remarks add fuel to the fire. It could come down to Allvin and president of hockey ops Jim Rutherford having to choose between them.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos took note of Auston Matthews’ nagging upper-body injury and its potential effect on the remainder of the season for the Maple Leafs captain.

If the setbacks continue, Kypreos speculates the Leafs could place him on long-term injury reserve before the March 7 trade deadline to help him get healthy for the playoffs. They could use the salary-cap savings ($13.25 million) to trade for another top center and give them a healthy boost when Matthews returned for the postseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Putting Matthews on LTIR for the remainder of the regular season would enable Leafs management to add more than a center. They could also buttress their blueline, especially on the right side. Whether they go that route remains to be seen and requires sufficient medical evidence to pass muster with league HQ.

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons believes the Leafs should attempt to acquire Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders. He thinks they need a second or third-line center to provide additional depth at that position for the playoffs.

Nelson, 33, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. With the Islanders struggling, he could be shopped by the trade deadline if he hasn’t signed a contract extension.

Simmons acknowledged the cost of acquiring Nelson won’t be cheap. A source suggested acquiring a player like him could cost a first-round pick plus other pieces. More affordable trade targets could include Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken, Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers, Alexander Wennberg of the San Jose Sharks, or Ryan Strome of the Anaheim Ducks.

Nelson’s cap hit is $6 million but he also has a 16-team no-trade list that could affect where he ends up if the Isles attempt to move him before the deadline.

SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN: Elliotte Friedman recently said the Maple Leafs are trying to improve their roster. It’s been reported they’re trying to add a center, preferably one with term remaining on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton, Wennberg and Strome would fit the bill. Laughton and Wennberg each have a year remaining on their contracts while Strome has two years.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes the Leafs will have to clear some cap space to make additions before the March 7 trade deadline. He recommends forwards Pontus Holmberg, David Kampf, Ryan Reaves, Nick Robertson and defenseman Conor Timmins as trade candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson was a fixture in last summer’s rumor mill when he requested a trade rather than re-sign with the Leafs. His lack of leverage forced him to ink a one-year deal before training camp opened in September. The 23-year-old could have the most value of that bunch but that’s not saying much.

WHAT NEXT FOR JESSE PULJUJARVI?

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel reports Jesse Puljujarvi may have asked Penguins GM Kyle Dubas to be moved to a place where he can play. He was placed on waivers Tuesday but went unclaimed.

Puljujarvi is in the final season of a two-year contract. He’s been a healthy scratch since Dec. 7, during which the Penguins went 5-4-1. Having cleared waivers, he can be sent to their AHL affiliate but the Penguins are keeping him on their roster as injury insurance as they prepare to face the Florida Panthers on Friday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A team could attempt to acquire Puljujarvi via trade since he cleared waivers and wouldn’t have to go on them again to be sent to the minors. That seems unlikely given his struggles throughout his NHL career.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 13, 2024

by | Dec 13, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 13, 2024

A four-goal performance for Scott Laughton, a six-point game for Nikita Kucherov, and much more as we recap a busy Thursday night in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Scott Laughton tied a Philadelphia Flyers record with a four-goal performance to defeat the Detroit Red Wings 4-1. Travis Konecny collected two assists for the Flyers, who hold the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 32 points). Ben Chiarot replied for the Red Wings, who’ve dropped six of their last seven games (1-4-2).

Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton became the 17th player in Flyers history to score four times in a game and the first to do so since John LeClair in 2002-03. He also passed the 100-goal milestone.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov had a six-point performance (one goal, five assists) in an 8-3 victory over the Calgary Flames. Jake Guentzel tallied a hat trick, Anthony Cirelli had a goal and two assists, and Andrei Vasilevskiy made 19 saves as he became the first Lightning goaltender to play 500 regular-season games. Jonathan Huberdeau had a goal and an assist and Nazem Kadri got his 10th of the season for the Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning captain Victor Hedman missed this game with a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day. The Bolts hold the first Eastern wild-card berth with 32 points while the Flames (33 points) sit one point behind the Colorado Avalanche for the final Western wild-card spot.

Six unanswered third-period goals powered the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Montreal Canadiens 9-2. Bryan Rust had a hat trick and picked up an assist while Rickard Rakell scored twice and collected two helpers. Nick Suzuki and Joel Armia scored for the Canadiens as they remain in last place in the Eastern Conference with 25 points.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl had a goal and three assists as his club thumped the Minnesota Wild 7-1. Connor McDavid, Evan Bouchard, Darnell Nurse and Vasily Podkolzin each had two assists for the Oilers and Calvin Pickard made 20 saves for the win. Frederick Gaudreau replied for the Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bouchard left the game late in the third period after being knocked into the goal post by a dirty hit from Wild forward Ryan Hartman. Earlier in the day, the Oilers placed defenseman Travis Dermott on waivers. Meanwhile, Wild defenseman Jake Middleton left this game in the first period with an upper-body injury.

The Vancouver Canucks blanked the Florida Panthers 4-0 on a 27-save shutout performance by Kevin Lankinen. J.T. Miller collected two assists as he returned to the Canucks following a leave of absence. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 15 shots for the Panthers as their three-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks forward Teddy Blueger’s mother Jana was also a winner, taking home over $100K as she won the Canucks nightly 50-50 draw. She’s visiting from Latvia and attended last night’s game to watch her son.

San Jose Sharks rookie center Macklin Celebrini scored two goals and an assist in a 4-3 win over the St. Louis Blues. Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev stopped 17 shots and Nikolai Kovalenko collected three assists in their Sharks debut as their new club snapped a three-game losing skid. Blues forward Jake Neighbours had a goal and an assist.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks forward Klim Kostin left the game with an undisclosed injury. Blues forward Radek Faksa missed this contest with a groin injury.

The Toronto Maple Leafs nipped the Anaheim Ducks 3-2. Max Pacioretty led the way with two goals and an assist and Joseph Woll turned aside 19 shots for the win. Jackson Lacombe had a goal and an assist for the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Woll replaced Anthony Stolarz as he left the game after the first period with a lower-body injury. He’ll be reevaluated on Friday. Before this game, the Leafs activated defenseman Jake McCabe (upper body) from injured reserve. Meanwhile, the Ducks announced that sidelined forward Trevor Zegras will miss six weeks following knee surgery. They also activated forward Robby Fabbri (knee surgery) off injured reserve.

New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes had a goal and two assists in a 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings, snapping the latter’s six-game win streak. Ondrej Palat had a goal and an assist for the Devils, who sit second overall in the Eastern Conference with 41 points. Jordan Spence replied for the Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils scratched forward Tomas Tatar in favor of getting Kurtis MacDermid into the lineup.

Washington Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas tallied twice, including the winner in overtime, to lead his team over the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1. Jakob Chychrun had two assists and Charlie Lindgren kicked out 32 shots as the Capitals (42 points) hold first place in the Eastern Conference. Zach Werenski scored for the Blue Jackets as they’ve dropped five of their last six.

New York Islanders forward Simon Holmstrom had a goal and two assists as his club held on for a 5-4 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Ilya Sorokin made 26 saves and Jean-Gabriel Pageau had three assists for the Islanders. Tyler Bertuzzi tallied twice and Connor Bedard had a goal and two assists for the Blackhawks, who’ve dropped seven of their last 10 contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Isles head coach Patrick Roy was fuming over his club’s performance in the final eight minutes of the third period as the Blackhawks scored three goals to make it interesting. “In my day, if my team would have done that to me, I would break a stick in that room,” said Roy. “Our goalie (Sorokin) deserved more respect than this from ourselves.”

The Nashville Predators got two goals and an assist from Ryan O’Reilly in a 4-1 victory over the Dallas Stars. Justus Annunen made 35 saves for his first win with the Predators as they snapped an eight-game winless skid (0-5-3). Stars rookie Lian Bichsel tallied his first NHL goal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators played without defensemen Alexandre Carrier and Roman Josi. Carrier is week-to-week with an upper-body injury while team captain Josi (lower body) is day-to-day. Stars defenseman Matt Dumba missed this game with an upper-body injury.

An overtime goal by Ivan Barbashev lifted the Vegas Golden Knights over the Winnipeg Jets 3-2. Victor Olofsson tied the game late in the third for Vegas while teammate Shea Theodore collected two assists. Connor Hellebuyck stopped 33 shots for the Jets, who hold first place in the Central Division with 43 points.

The Utah Hockey Club rolled to a 4-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Dylan Guenther had two goals and an assist and Karel Vejmelka stopped 23 shots for his club’s fifth straight road win. Nathan MacKinnon scored for the Avalanche as their three-game win streak ended. They’re clinging to the final Western Conference wild-card spot with 34 points.

Seattle Kraken forward Oliver Bjorkstrand scored twice to beat the Boston Bruins 5-1. Philipp Grubauer stopped 33 shots as the Kraken are 4-1-1 in their last six games. Bruins captain Brad Marchand scored on a penalty shot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins center Elias Lindholm left this game with an upper-body injury.