NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 3, 2025

by | Oct 3, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 3, 2025

Devils defenseman Luke Hughes joins his teammates after signing his new contract, the Ducks re-sign Jackson LaCombe, the Panthers re-up Niko Mikkola, the Flames re-sign coach Ryan Huska, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Luke Hughes joined his Devils teammates in practice after signing a seven-year deal. The 22-year-old defenseman missed most of training camp and preseason as a result of those contract talks.

Hughes said he appreciated the advice of his older brother Quinn Hughes (captain of the Vancouver Canucks) during his negotiations with the Devils.

“He said just stay patient, even keel, and get what you want,” Luke said. “As a family, we decided the deal, and we’re really happy with the outcome and really excited to be here for the next seven years.”

Like his brother and teammate Jack, Luke said that he’d like to play with Quinn one day, but added that his older brother loves living and playing in Vancouver. He also stated that his offseason shoulder surgery was successful and that he’s prepared for the upcoming season. “My body feels great, my shoulders are strong, and I’m ready to go.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes’ new contract ties him with veteran defenseman Dougie Hamilton with the highest average annual value ($9 million) among his teammates. He will be under pressure to meet the expectations that come with his expensive new contract. Hughes could feel the effects of missing training camp and preseason play heading into the regular season. How long it takes him to adjust could be a factor for the Devils.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks signed defenseman Jackson LaCombe to an eight-year, $72 million contract extension. The AAV is $9 million commencing in 2026-27, and is the most lucrative contract in franchise history.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe (NHL Images)

LaCombe, 24, is in the second season of a two-year contract with an AAV of $925K. He had a breakout performance with the Ducks last season, tallying 11 goals and 43 points in 75 games.

The AAV is the same as what Jack Hughes recently received from the Devils. However, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said it was coincidental, claiming Hughes’ contract had no bearing on LaCombe’s contract talks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The significant pay raise received by LaCombe shows how much confidence the Ducks’ front office has in his development and the role he’ll play on their blueline as they emerge from their rebuilding process.

Unlike Mason McTavish, LaCombe got this contract without a long negotiation period. That’s because he had arbitration rights next summer.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers and defenseman Niko Mikkola agreed to an eight-year, $40 million contract extension. Mikkola, 29, was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. The AAV on his new deal is $5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers have locked up another core player to a long-term contract that might not age well in its final seasons. However, they’re willing to deal with that down the road if Mikkola can help them win more Stanley Cups.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames signed head coach Ryan Huska to a two-year contract extension. He has proven to be popular with his players, implementing a relentless forechecking style that maximizes the potential of a roster currently short on offensive talent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames have performed well under Huska’s coaching, narrowly missing the playoffs last season.

The Flames also placed goaltender Ivan Prosvetov on waivers, meaning Devin Cooley will be the backup for starting netminder Dustin Wolf.

TSN: The Tampa Bay Lightning claimed goalie Pheonix Copley off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is an insurance move by the Lightning. Starter Andrei Vasilevskiy missed most of training camp with an undisclosed injury, and it’s uncertain if he’ll play in their final preseason game on Saturday.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins winger Bryan Rust will be sidelined for the next two weeks with a lower-body injury. Defenseman Jack St. Ivany (lower body) will be out for six weeks.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers winger Artemi Panarin participated in the club’s morning skate on Thursday but was not in the lineup for their 3-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils. He remains day-to-day for precautionary reasons with a lower-body injury.

Meanwhile, Islanders prospect Cal Ritchie suffered a lower-body injury in his club’s 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. The 20-year-old center is day-to-day.

RG.ORG: Edmonton Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin was surprised by the value of his new three-year, $2.9 million contract extension. “I thought the number would be lower,” Podkolzin said, praising his agents for securing the deal.

DAILY FACEOFF: 22 players were placed on waivers Thursday. They included Utah Mammoth defenseman Scott Perunovich, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Danton Heinen, and Vancouver Canucks forward Vitali Kravtsov.

THE PROVINCE: A woman has filed a lawsuit against former NHL defenseman Willie Mitchell, claiming he sexually assaulted her at his Tofino, BC, home in 2022.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 2, 2025

by | Oct 2, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 2, 2025

The latest Penguins speculation, possible moves by the Devils after re-signing Luke Hughes, and the latest on Carter Hart in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST PENGUINS SPECULATION

BLEACHER REPORT: Frank Seravalli suggested the Florida Panthers as a trade destination for Evgeni Malkin if the long-time Pittsburgh Penguins center is willing to move by the March trade deadline.

Malkin, 39, is in the final season of his contract and has a full no-movement clause. Seravalli noted that the Panthers are among the league’s most successful teams, and Malkin makes his offseason home in the Miami area.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said he intends to wait until the Olympic break in February before talking with Malkin about his future. That will depend on his performance this season.

The Panthers are taking a wait-and-see approach regarding how they’ll replace sidelined captain Aleksander Barkov. They could have younger trade options in mind.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe believes Dubas isn’t against moving veterans like Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and Erik Karlsson.

Some observers felt that may have changed based on recent comments made by Sidney Crosby’s agent, suggesting his client wouldn’t be happy if Rust and Rakell were moved. However, Yohe felt that Dubas would pull the trigger if he received a significant offer that made sense for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So far, the Penguins haven’t received any offers that would tempt Dubas to move any of those players. That could change over the course of the upcoming regular season.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE DEVILS AFTER RE-SIGNING LUKE HUGHES?

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols looked at the short and long-term questions facing the Devils in the wake of their re-signing defenseman Luke Hughes on Wednesday.

Hughes, 22, inked a seven-year contract worth an average annual value of $9 million. That AAV ties him with fellow blueliner Dougie Hamilton as the highest on the team this season.

The Devils are nearly $4 million over the $95.5 million salary cap ($3.983 million) and must become cap-compliant when their regular-season schedule begins next week.

One option is placing sidelined defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic and his $4 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve (LTIR). They could also put forward Stefan Noesen ($2.75 million) on LTIR for additional cap flexibility. However, the Devils will have to free up cap room when they’re ready to return to action.

Nichols also wondered about Hamilton’s future, pointing to trade speculation that surfaced during the offseason. He recently said that he loves being with the Devils and wants to help them win the Stanley Cup. However, his full no-trade protection has been downgraded to a 10-team trade list.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Chris Johnston also wondered about Hamilton’s future with the Devils in the aftermath of Hughes signing his new contract. They don’t need to trade him now, but could reach the point where they no longer need to carry two $9 million AAV defensemen, especially when only one can run the power play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton is signed through 2027-28, and his cap hit could be difficult to move despite the rising salary cap. Having a 10-team trade list significantly narrows the number of potential trade partners. His age (32), performance, and injury history are other factors that could hurt his trade value.

CARTER HART COULD JOIN THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston reports it is “almost certain” that Carter Hart will be signing with the Vegas Golden Knights. He believes the former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender is close to signing a contract with them.

Hart is among the five former Hockey Canada players acquitted of sexual assault charges stemming from an incident in London, Ontario, in 2018. They are now eligible to sign NHL contracts, effective Oct. 15, and can participate in games once their league suspensions expire on Dec. 1.

Johnston also noted recent reports suggesting forward Michael McLeod could sign with the Carolina Hurricanes. However, a league source claimed that’s no longer certain given the pushback the organization has received since word of their interest leaked to the media.










Devils Sign Luke Hughes to a Seven-Year Contract

by | Oct 1, 2025

Devils Sign Luke Hughes to a Seven-Year Contract

The New Jersey Devils and defenseman Luke Hughes agreed to a seven-year, $63 million contract.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (NHL Images).

Hughes, 22, will earn an average annual value of $9 million, tying him with fellow blueliner Dougie Hamilton for the highest AAV on the Devils. PuckPedia indicates that the deal also includes a 10-team no-trade list in the final two years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes is getting a substantial raise. He’s coming off his entry-level contract with an AAV of $925K.

A skilled puck-moving defenseman, Hughes was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2023-24. He’s missed most of their training camp and could struggle through the early weeks of this season as he tries to get back into game shape.

Nevertheless, the Devils see him as their future No.1 blueliner. If he does well in that role, his annual cap hit could turn into a bargain over the long term.

Hughes’ new contract pushes the Devils above the $95.5 million salary cap by over $3.9 million. In the short term, they can offset that by placing sidelined defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic and his $4 million AAV on long-term injury reserve to start the season. Forward Stefen Noesen ($2.75 million) could also end up on LTIR.

Kovacevic and Noesen aren’t expected to be out for the season. That means the Devils will have to free up cap room when they return.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 27, 2025

by | Sep 27, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 27, 2025

Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson is still drawing interest from other clubs, a theory as to why Luke Hughes’ contract talks with the Devils remain stalled, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

R.ORG: James Murphy reports Rasmus Andersson hasn’t closed the door on a possible contract extension with the Calgary Flames. However, that hasn’t stopped some insiders from suggesting that the 28-year-old defenseman will likely be moved by the March trade deadline.

According to an NHL source, the Flames have been taking calls from teams looking into Andersson’s availability. They include the Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (NHL Images)

The Detroit Red Wings, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Boston Bruins were also interested in Andersson around the draft. Murphy’s source isn’t sure how much they’re still pushing, but thinks it makes sense if they were.

It had also been reported that the Vegas Golden Knights had a deal in place for Andersson before the draft, but it ultimately fell through. Murphy’s source doesn’t know if they may have circled back.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Teams may be calling about Andersson, but it’s obvious that the Flames haven’t received any tempting offers thus far. That could change once the calendar flips to January and the trade deadline approaches. Some of those teams mentioned by Murphy could be among the suitors by then.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the overlooked factor in Luke Hughes’ stalled contract talks with the Devils is the defenseman’s agent, Pat Brisson.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby are two of Brisson’s clients. MacKinnon was once considered to have one of the best value contracts in the league, and his current one (with a $12.6 million annual cap hit) could make that list again as the salary cap rises. Meanwhile, Crosby’s contract is also a little light on his wallet, with a $2 million surplus value.

Jack Hughes, Luke’s brother and teammate, is another Brisson client. His contract is considered the No. 1 bargain deal in the league today ($8 million AAV).

Luke’s next contract could be an eight-year deal, but the AAV is the sticking point. His camp could seek a figure starting at $9 million or more to ensure he remains well-paid throughout the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby’s $8.7 million AAV is based on his superstition over his No. 87. Nevertheless, Nichols does raise an interesting point.

The Hughes camp sees their client as a future No. 1 defenseman. With the salary cap projected to rise significantly, they want to ensure he’ll be compensated as one throughout the tenure of his next contract.

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes recently reported that Washington Capitals goaltender Clay Stevenson’s impressive play during training camp and preseason action has drawn interest from several teams. He could become a potential waiver claim.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren are locks as the Capitals’ goalie tandem this season. Stevenson has to pass through waivers before being sent to their AHL affiliate in Hershey. They could avoid that by carrying all three goalies, but that creates difficulty in finding suitable playing time for everyone.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 24, 2025

by | Sep 24, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 24, 2025

Check out the latest on Jets winger Kyle Connor, Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, Devils blueliner Luke Hughes, and Predators winger Luke Evangelista in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports Winnipeg Jets chairman Mark Chipman doesn’t envision Kyle Connor moving on to another club after this season. The 28-year-old left winger is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1.

Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor (NHL Images).

Chipman said he’s not directly involved in contract talks, as general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff handles that issue. Nevertheless, he pointed out that Connor is part of their roster core, and those players are very close.

“I think it would be my expectation that we’ll get something done sooner rather than later,” Chipman said. “My instincts are telling me that this is likely going to get done.”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This isn’t a rumor on Connor’s contract situation, but it’s worthwhile including here because he’s bound to come up in media chatter the longer he remains unsigned this season.

Connor’s offensive skills would make him a highly-prized player in next summer’s free-agent market, especially if Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov, Vegas’ Jack Eichel, and the New York Rangers’ Artemi Panarin end up re-signing with their current clubs.

Some observers might question whether the small-market Jets can afford to retain Connor, especially after losing Nikolaj Ehlers to free agency this summer. However, they were able to re-sign Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele two years ago despite speculation that they might test the open market. It wouldn’t be surprising if they keep Connor in the fold.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes there’s a chance the Calgary Flames might be able to re-sign defenseman Rasmus Andersson, but he still considers it unlikely.

Andersson, 28, is UFA-eligible on July 1. The Flames are happy to have him back, and he’s willing to play his best for them this season. Neither side wants to totally close the door on contract talks.

LeBrun said Andersson was nearly traded to the Vegas Golden Knights this summer, but it failed to materialize. He thinks the blueliner might listen if an eight-year offer is on the table, but it doesn’t seem like the Flames are willing to go there.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson turns 29 next month, which explains why the Flames are reluctant to offer up an eight-year deal. Unless he’s willing to accept a shorter term, he’s likely to be moved by the March 6 trade deadline.

LeBrun also reported that New Jersey Devils’ management and representatives for Luke Hughes met on Monday to try to find some leeway in contract talks.

Hughes, 22, is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. LeBrun stated that the two sides remain far apart and still must find more common ground. They are both focused on a long-term contract but can’t agree on the average annual value. He indicated the tone remains amicable, but a deal isn’t imminent.

THE CHRIS JOHNSTON SHOW: provided an update on Luke Evangelista’s contract talks with the Nashville Predators. Johnston indicated the Predators are offering up a two-year deal worth an AAV of $2 million. Meanwhile, the Evangelista camp seeks around $3.25 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 23, 2025

by | Sep 23, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 23, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Luke Hughes’ contract talks with the Devils, potential suitors for free-agent goalie Carter Hart, and Alex Wennberg’s future with the Sharks. 

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the wedge between the Devils and Luke Hughes is growing more concerning as training camp continues. 

New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (NHL Images).

Hughes, 22, is a restricted free agent completing his entry-level contract. He’s missed nearly the entire first week of Devils training camp. Both sides seek a long-term deal, but cannot find common ground on the dollars. 

Nichols cited recent speculation by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggesting general managers around the league are doing their best to hold their ground so as not to be taken advantage of with the rising salary cap. 

Hughes’ agent, Pat Brisson, sees his client as a future No. 1 defenseman and believes he should be paid accordingly. He also doesn’t want to see Luke’s contract land on the “best bargain” list, like his brother, Jack Hughes. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils also have $5.2 million in cap space, which would also explain why negotiations have stalled over money. 

They could get some short-term cap relief if sidelined defenseman Johnathan Kovecevic ($4 million average annual value) lands on LTIR to start the season. However, they must be cap-compliant when the season begins, which could lead to a cost-cutting trade if the AAV on Hughes’ new contract exceeds their current cap hit. 

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston reports sources are claiming the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights are among several teams still in the mix for free-agent goaltender Carter Hart. 

Hart won’t be returning to his former team, the Philadelphia Flyers. He seeks a destination where he’ll have a clear path to playing time on a team built for success. 

It’s expected he’ll sign a two-year contract and could play some tune-up games in the AHL in mid-November before his first NHL start in early December. 

The Utah Mammoth had internal discussions about bidding for Hart, but is out of the process. The Edmonton Oilers have decided not to pursue him. 

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports Alex Wennberg faces an uncertain future with the San Jose Sharks. 

The 31-year-old center is in the second season of a two-year contract with the rebuilding Sharks. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. 

Pashelka noted that the Sharks have promising centers such as Will Smith, Michael Misa, and Filip Bystedt on their roster or within their system.