NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 27, 2026

by | May 27, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 27, 2026

The Golden Knights advance to the Stanley Cup Final, the latest on the Hurricanes and Canadiens, the Penguins re-sign Evgeni Malkin, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Colorado Avalanche 2-1 in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final, sweeping the series and advancing to the Stanley Cup Final.

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone (NHL Images).

Mark Stone and Cole Smith scored, and Carter Hart stopped 20 shots for the Golden Knights. Gabriel Landeskog replied for the Avalanche.

The Golden Knights await the winner of the Eastern Conference Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens. The Hurricanes hold a 2-1 lead in that best-of-seven series.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the Golden Knights’ third trip to the Stanley Cup Final in their nine-year history. Their first trip was in their inaugural season (2017-18) and their second came in 2022-23, when they won their first Cup.

Vegas winger Mitch Marner leads all scorers in this postseason with 21 points and is considered among the favorites to win the Conn Smythe Trophy. It’s the first time Marner has reached the Stanley Cup Final.

Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella credited his team’s tight-checking style for their success thus far in this postseason. That system played a crucial role in shutting down the heavily-favored Avalanche, who won the Presidents’ Trophy as the top team during the regular season.

Colorado center Nathan MacKinnon played despite a knee injury suffered in Game 3. The Avs also changed things up between the pipes by replacing Scott Wedgewood with MacKenzie Blackwood, who made 24 saves. However, it couldn’t prevent what felt like an inevitable victory for the Golden Knights.

Martin Necas, Brock Nelson, Cale Makar, and MacKinnon were the notable Avalanche stars who failed to score during this series. Injuries to MacKinnon and Makar hampered their performances, but that doesn’t detract from the fact that the Golden Knights did a masterful job of shutting down the vaunted Avalanche offense.

It will be interesting to see how the Avalanche front office reacts to this disappointing end to a dominant regular season. I’ll have more about that in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Carolina Hurricanes aren’t fazed by the pressure of overtime. They are 5-0 in overtime games in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Winger Andrei Svechnikov credits his club’s mentality. “We love tight games. Every time, we love that,” Svechnikov said. It was his overtime goal in Game 3 that lifted the Hurricanes to a 2-1 series lead over the Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens have been outshot by a wide margin in this series with the Hurricanes.

The reduction of shot production from stars Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky is expected because of the extra focus they’ve received from their opponents in this postseason. However, that hasn’t led to any significant increase in shots from the rest of the lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After being dominated in Game 1, the Hurricanes did a terrific job taking away time and space for the Canadiens to create plays and generate shots in Games 2 and 3. If that trend continues, the Hurricanes will face the Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins re-signed long-time star Evgeni Malkin to a one-year, bonus-laden contract on Tuesday.

Malkin, 39, will be returning for his 21st season with the only NHL team he’s ever played for. The contract is worth $5.5 million against the Penguins’ cap. He receives a base salary of $2.5 million and a $3 million signing bonus on July 1. He will also receive $3.5 million performance bonuses that could take him up to $9 million, though it’s unlikely that he’ll achieve all of them.

The contract also comes with a no-movement clause, but he must present a three-team trade list in January.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It seemed uncertain for months whether the Penguins would re-sign Malkin. However, recent comments by general manager Kyle Dubas and team captain Sidney Crosby suggested that he would be back for one more season.

Malkin had a bounce-back performance this season with 61 points in 56 games and three points in six playoff contests.

Dubas recently indicated that the Penguins had no one in their system who could step up and replace Malkin in the lineup. That’s the main reason why they’ve brought him back. The Penguins’ exceeding expectations to make the playoffs under first-year coach David Muse also likely factored into this decision.

OTTAWA SUN: Claude Giroux wants to return for another season. The 38-year-old Senators forward pondered retirement, but his agent said his client would like to play in 2026-27.

Giroux told reporters following Ottawa’s elimination from the 2026 playoffs that his priority would be to re-sign with the Senators. While there hasn’t yet been any discussion with management, there’s little reason to believe that they don’t want him back.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators GM Steve Staios praised Giroux last month during the club’s end-of-season media availability. It will be surprising if Staios doesn’t bring him back for what will be his 20th NHL campaign.

THE SCORE: cited a report from The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, who claimed the Los Angeles Kings held preliminary talks with former New York Rangers coach Peter Laviolette about their head-coaching position.

CBC PEI: Former NHL forward Forbes Kennedy passed away on Monday at age 90.

Kennedy spent 11 seasons in the NHL from 1956-57 to 1968-69 with the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. In 603 regular-season games, he had 70 goals and 108 assists for 178 points and 888 PIMs. He also has six points in 12 playoff contests with 64 PIMs.

After his playing career, Kennedy went on to a long junior coaching career in the Maritimes, most of which was spent in his native Prince Edward Island. Summerside native and former NHL player and coach Gerard Gallant said Kennedy was a mentor for many Island players who hoped to reach the NHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: “Forbie” was a trailblazer for aspiring players from Prince Edward Island. He became the first Islander to play over 500 NHL games, and finished fourth in Calder Memorial Trophy voting in 1956-57. My condolences to his family, friends, former teammates, and the players whom he coached.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 23, 2026

by | May 23, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 23, 2026

The Golden Knights go up 2-0 over the Avalanche in the Western Conference Final, plus the latest on Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Vegas Golden Knights took a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Final with a 3-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 2. Carter Hart stopped 29 shots, Jack Eichel tied the game, and Ivan Barbashev tallied the winning and insurance goals for the Golden Knights. Ross Colton scored, and Scott Wedgwood made 22 saves for the Avalanche.

Vegas Golden Knights forward Ivan Barbashev (NHL Images).

The series shifts to Las Vegas for the next two games with Game 3 on Sunday at 8 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Colorado pressed to expand on their 1-0 lead, but Hart shut the door while his teammates frustrated the Avalanche by blocking shots and taking away the shooting lanes. This was the first loss in 46 games this season when the Avs took a lead into the third period.

Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar and Golden Knights winger Mark Stone remained sidelined with injuries. While both clubs have felt their absences in this series, the Avalanche are truly suffering without Makar on their blueline.

The Avalanche’s top-five scorers (Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas, Gabriel Landeskog, Devon Toews, and Nazem Kadri) have combined for one goal and three assists in this series. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights’ top scorers (Mitch Marner, Jack Eichel, Pavel Dorofeyev, Ivan Barbashev, and Brett Howden) combined for five goals and six assists.

THE ATHLETIC: Barry Svrluga looked at why Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin might return for one more season, and why he might not.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin is no longer the dominant force he once was, but he put up a respectable 32 goals and 64 points in 82 games this season, averaging a team-leading 4:29 of power-play time per game. However, his total time on ice per game dropped to a career-low 17:27. He could end up becoming more of a power-play specialist next season as his even-strength ice time continues to decline.

Ovechkin must be honest with himself this offseason. While trying to chase the Stanley Cup one more time may be suitable motivation to return, the physical demands of that long, difficult road will be tough on a player who will be 41 next season.

Time inevitably catches up with all players. It could finally overtake the greatest goal scorer in NHL history next season.

THE ATHLETIC: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said he believes the contract talks between Penguins management and teammate Evgeni Malkin are in a good place.

“I’ve just always expected to be playing with him,” Crosby said. “I don’t know. After talking with everyone at the end of the year, it felt like it was in a good place in terms of getting something done.”

Crosby is optimistic, but he stressed that he’s not making assumptions or forecasting what could happen. “I’ve found out many times that doing that can be a bad idea.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby obviously wants his friend and long-time teammate back for one more year. Ultimately, it comes down to what Malkin and Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas are comfortable with for a contract and his role with the club next season. We’ll find out by July 1.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon, who admitted there were problems in the club’s dressing room this season.

Appearing on the “Donnie and Dhali Show”, Dillon said there were “a lot of those elephants in the room this year.”

Nichols believes one of those issues involved former GM Tom Fitzgerald’s publicly asking Ondrej Palat and Dougie Hamilton to waive their no-trade clauses amid his failed attempt to acquire Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. Young defenseman Simon Nemec and center Dawson Mercer also surfaced in trade rumors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichols believes new GM Sunny Mehta has a big job ahead of him as he attempts to resolve these issues. His efforts will determine whether the Devils can bounce back as a playoff contender next season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL head coach Bob Hartley announced his retirement.

Hartley, 65, spent parts of 13 seasons coaching the Colorado Avalanche, Atlanta Thrashers, and Calgary Flames from 1998-99 to 2015-16. He won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2001 and took home the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year in 2015 as the Flames ended a six-year playoff drought.

Since 2016, Hartley has coached in the KHL and in Switzerland.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In 944 regular-season NHL games, Hartley has a record of 463 wins, 361 losses, 61 ties, and 59 overtime losses. He’s 35th all-time in wins. In 95 playoff games, his record is 54 wins and 41 losses.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 17, 2026

by | May 17, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 17, 2026

Will the Penguins attempt to move one of their long-time veterans? What’s the latest speculation on the Bruins? Could the Kings make Darcy Kuemper a cost-cutting trade candidate? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WILL THE PENGUINS MOVE ON FROM THEIR AGING CORE?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe believes the time has come for Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas to make some decisions that could upset the fanbase, suggesting that it’s time to distance himself from nostalgia.

That means parting ways with Evgeni Malkin. Yohe believes the Penguins badly need young players to assert themselves. Giving Malkin a lesser role won’t solve the issue if he’s not good enough for his current one.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

If Dubas brings back Malkin and Kris Letang, then it makes no sense to support their “Big Three” (which includes Sidney Crosby, whose star continues to shine at age 38) with aging players. In that scenario, Yohe suggested shopping the 34-year-old forward Bryan Rust and the 33-year-old winger Rickard Rakell while their value remains high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Malkin returns, Rust and/or Rakell could hit the trade block. Rust lacks no-trade protection, while Rakell has an eight-team no-trade list. Both would draw interest from playoff contenders looking for experienced depth among their top-six forwards.

In a recent mailbag segment, Yohe was asked if the Penguins could be in the sweepstakes for Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews or Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid if they became available in the trade market.

Yohe doesn’t see either player landing in Pittsburgh. Nevertheless, he believes the Penguins could have a chance given the allure of playing with Crosby. Their deep prospect pool could also help their cause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews and McDavid have reached the point in their careers where they need to win the Stanley Cup to cement their legacies among the game’s elite superstars. They’ll want to join teams that give them the best opportunity to achieve that goal. Given where the Penguins are right now in their rebuilding process, they’re unlikely to be on either player’s list of preferred trade destinations.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski listed Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, Andrei Svechnikov of the Carolina Hurricanes, Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues, and Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks as potential trade targets for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson could become the best player in this summer’s trade market if he and the Stars are unable to agree on a new contract. However, Stars management has made re-signing him a priority, making it unlikely that he’ll be available.

Svechnikov is also unlikely to be available. He’s signed through 2028-29 with an affordable AAV of $7.75 million and a 10-team trade list. The 26-year-old winger is the Hurricanes’ first-line left winger. They have no reason to move him.

Kyrou and Boeser have frequently surfaced in the rumor mill over the past two years and are on rebuilding teams. However, Kyrou has a full no-trade clause and Boeser a full no-move, giving them full control over their situations.

THE LATEST BRUINS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa looked at what a dream offseason would look like for the Boston Bruins.

They include signing Pavel Zacha to a contract extension; re-signing pending unrestricted free-agent winger Viktor Arvidsson; trading backup goaltender Joonas Korpisalo to the New York Rangers for a fifth-round pick; shipping Mason Lohrei, Matthew Poitras, and Christopher Pelosi to the Calgary Flames for Zach Whitecloud, and signing Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh to a long-term deal if he becomes available in this summer’s UFA market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Re-signing Zacha and trading Korpisalo seem the more likely to occur, although the latter could end up with another team besides the Rangers. They could re-sign Arvidson, but perhaps they’ll explore other options first. The Flames appear intent on retaining Whitecloud, and Raddysh could prove far too expensive.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley believes the Bruins face a decision with their backup goaltenders. Korpisalo isn’t a bad netminder, but his contract is. He has two more years left on his deal, with the Bruins paying him $3 million of his $4 million annual cap hit.

Meanwhile, promising Michael DiPietro was named the AHL’s MVP and the top goaltender. He carries an affordable $812,500 cap hit through 2026-27, but he’s UFA-eligible next July and must clear waivers to be sent back to their AHL affiliate in Providence.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The lack of goaltending depth in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets could help the Bruins find a new home for Korpisalo this summer. His 10-team no-trade list could complicate things a bit.

COULD THE KINGS TRADE DARCY KUEMPER?

MAYOR’S MANOR: Scott Coffman recently observed that the Los Angeles Kings face a salary cap crunch this summer. While the salary cap is rising to $104 million for 2026-27, the Kings aren’t expected to spend to that ceiling.

The Kings need to re-sign restricted free-agent defenseman Brandt Clarke, potentially re-sign UFA-eligible forward Scott Laughton, and find a legitimate second-line center via a trade or free agency.

Trading Darcy Kuemper could be one way to free up salary cap space to address those needs. He has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5.25 million. Backup Anton Forsberg played well this season, supplanting Kuemper as their starter in the playoffs. They also have Erik Portillo in their system, giving them three goalies under NHL contracts.

Demoting Portillo and his $833,333 would provide the least amount of cap relief. Trading Kuemper would free up $1.45 million after adding Portillo to replace him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuemper’s inconsistency in recent years could affect attempts to trade him if the Kings wish to go that route. He also has a 10-team no-trade list. Nevertheless, the limited number of quality goalies available in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets could improve the Kings’ chances of finding a suitable trade partner.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 13, 2026

by | May 13, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 13, 2026

The latest on Auston Matthews and Morgan Rielly of the Maple Leafs, Evgeni Malkin of the Penguins, and Matvei Michkov of the Flyers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE MAPLE LEAFS TRADE OR RETAIN MATTHEWS AND RIELLY?

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos recently examined what’s next for the Toronto Maple Leafs and team captain Auston Matthews.

Matthews has surfaced in the rumor mill amid reports claiming the 28-year-old superstar center isn’t sure if he’ll return to the Maple Leafs this fall. He’s under contract for two more seasons, and Kypreos noted that Matthew’s agent, Judd Moldaver, hasn’t spoken out against the rumors.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Kypreos noted the Maple Leafs have yet to confirm if head coach Craig Berube will be back. He believes they’ll conduct due diligence on Matthews before committing to a coach. He also believes the Leafs must act quickly to confirm Matthews’ status. The longer Matthews remains silent on this matter, the louder the speculation becomes.

**UPDATE** The Maple Leafs fired Berube this morning. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews likely wants to find out first what the Leafs’ plans are under their management. John Chayka, the Leafs’ new general manager, is expected to meet with his team captain soon.

If Matthews is on board with Chayka’s vision, he won’t be going anywhere. If he’s not, that could lead to a blockbuster trade this summer. For now, we have to wait.

TSN: During a May 11 appearance on “First Up with Korolnek and Colaiacovo”, NHL insider Darren Dreger said that Maple Leafs management is expected to meet with Morgan Rielly to discuss the possibility of the 32-year-old defenseman waiving his no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rielly said that he wanted to stay with the Maple Leafs and be part of their retooling process, but he also acknowledged the possibility of a new Leafs general manager asking him to waive his clause.

However, it might not be easy to move Rielly. He’s signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $7.5 million and has a full NMC through 2027-28. His production has declined, and he seems to have lost a step over the past couple of seasons.

PENGUINS COULD BRING BACK MALKIN, BUT MIGHT NOT SPEND TO THE CAP MAXIMUM

THE SCORE: Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said his club would love to bring back Evgeni Malkin next season. The 39-year-old forward completed his 20th season with the club and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Dubas cited Malkin’s resilience and ability to bounce back after a down year. He also indicated that the Penguins currently have no one in their prospect pipeline who can step up and replace the future Hall of Famer in their lineup for next season.

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: Tim Benz reported Dubas hinted he might not spend to next season’s salary cap of $104 million.

The Penguins have over $42 million in cap space for next season, the highest among all NHL clubs. However, Dubas cautioned that he might not be spending as much as people think come July. He said that he didn’t want to burn through all that cap space and have nothing left in a year or two when better trade and free-agent options might become available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The lack of quality talent in this summer’s UFA market could partly explain why Malkin might be back next season, and why Dubas is cautioning Penguins followers not to get their hopes up for some major additions this summer.

That doesn’t mean Dubas won’t be eyeing the trade market to see who’s available who might improve the Penguins. Instead of acquiring established NHL stars, it could be more affordable to acquire short-term options or younger players with potential. That might not be a bad thing, as he brought in Egor Chinakhov, Samuel Girard, Elmer Soderblom, and Arturs Silovs that way.

If Dubas goes the trade route, Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now suggested the Penguins’ best trade chips are winger Rickard Rakell, prospects such as Tristan Broz, Owen Pickering, and Rutger McGroarty, and their 19 picks in the first three rounds of the next four NHL drafts.

FLYERS WON’T GIVE UP ON MICHKOV

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco weighed in on the speculation about Matvei Michkov’s future with the Philadelphia Flyers.

The 21-year-old winger had a difficult sophomore campaign, reporting to training camp out of shape, and at times having his playing time reduced or being benched by new head coach Rick Tocchet for his inconsistent play.

The Flyers aren’t in a hurry to run Michkov out of town. He remains a valuable part of their rebuild. Besides, trading him during a down year wouldn’t be the best asset management. Nevertheless, he’s no longer considered “untouchable”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: William James of Philly Hockey Now noted that Michkov was in a positive mood while talking to reporters during his end-of-season media availability. He cited the youngster’s appreciation of the Flyers fans and his determination to improve.

We can’t fully dismiss the possibility of Michkov getting traded this summer if the Flyers receive an irresistible offer, such as an established first-line center. However, it’s more likely that he’ll return to the club next season in better shape and motivated to silence his critics.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 11, 2026

by | May 11, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 11, 2026

What is the top offseason priority for the Bruins and Flyers, and how can they address it? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BRUINS COULD HAVE DIFFICULTY FINDING A FIRST-LINE CENTER

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley recently reported that Bruins team president Cam Neely believes his club needs more talent and more speed to compete with the top teams in the league.

Neely believes the Bruins need a first-line center. Studley noted that promising forwards Fraser Minten and James Hagens are candidates to fill that role at some point in their careers. The Bruins felt they had one two years ago when they signed Elias Lindholm to a seven-year, $54.25 million contract, but his offensive output is not what is expected of a first-line center.

The Bruins are projected to have over $16.3 million in cap space for 2026-27. They also have another future first-round draft pick to work with if they choose to explore trade partners.

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa believes the Bruins have limited options to find a No. 1 center in the offseason.

Boston Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei (NHL Images).

The Bruins have the cap room to add one, and they have tradeable assets such as three 2028 first-round draft picks, forward Matthew Poitras, and defenseman Mason Lohrei.

However, the few centers potentially available, such as Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks and Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, could be outside the Bruins’ price range.

The pickings are slim in the free agent market. Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins is 39, spent as much time this season on right wing as he did at center, and isn’t a good match. Former Bruin Charlie Coyle of the Columbus Blue Jackets could also be available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins might be forced to return with Pavel Zacha centering the first line and Lindholm the second. They could also see how Poitras, Minten, and Hagens develop next season, but it’s doubtful either of them will be ready to fill that role.

THE FLYERS COULD TRADE A WINGER FOR A CENTER THIS SUMMER

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sam Carchidi believes the Philadelphia Flyers must find a high-end center and a defenseman to anchor their power play during the offseason.

The free-agent market is thin on center, prompting Carchidi to speculate that general manager Daniel Briere could turn to the trade market by peddling a winger.

Carchidi noted the Flyers have over $38 million in projected salary-cap space for next season. However, that will be reduced by new contracts for Trevor Zegras, Jamie Drysdale, Emil Andrae, and perhaps Samuel Ersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As with the Bruins, the asking price for Pettersson and Thomas (if they’re available) could be too high for the Flyers. The same goes for Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews, who has recently surfaced in trade rumors amid speculation over his future.

Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers might be a more affordable option. He has three seasons remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $5.625 million. However, he’s best suited in a second-line role.

Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken has also popped up in rumors. He seemed poised for a breakout performance after a promising 44-point performance last season, but he struggled under head coach Lane Lambert this season. The 22-year-old was projected to become a first-line, two-way center during his draft year. He hasn’t established himself in that role yet, but he might benefit from a change of scenery.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 6, 2026

by | May 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 6, 2026

Check out the latest on the Penguins, Bruins, Blue Jackets, and Sharks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT WILL THE PENGUINS DO WITH EVGENI MALKIN?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports sources with Evgeni Malkin’s management team say they have not yet spoken with Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas about a contract extension. Dubas is currently handling end-of-season interviews and focusing on their AHL affiliate during the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

Malkin’s camp intends to reach out to Dubas later this week to set a date for an in-person meeting to discuss a new contract. Yohe believes the Penguins GM has not yet offered Malkin a new contract. Sources within the 39-year-old center’s camp say he’s not seeking a raise from his current $6.1 million average annual value.

Yohe cited sources with the Penguins last summer, claiming that Dubas had no intention of re-signing Malkin once his contract expired. However, the veteran star exceeded expectations this season, and team captain Sidney Crosby has said he’d like Malkin to return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Opinion seems divided among the Pittsburgh media regarding Malkin. Some, like Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now, believe it’s time for the Penguins to part company with Malkin and focus on the future. Others, like Mark Madden of TribLive.com, see no problem with bringing back Malkin, though he acknowledged it would mean another year or two of being no better than they were this season.

Dubas seems reluctant to re-sign Malkin. It would surprise me if he inks the aging star to a new contract.

SOME OFF-SEASON PROPOSALS FOR THE BRUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa proposed several options for Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney’s off-season “to-do” list.

Checking into Brady Tkachuk’s trade availability is his most notable suggestion. He wondered if the Ottawa Senators might be concerned about whether their captain wants to stay after his contract expires in two years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators GM Steve Staios shot down the notion of Tkachuk getting traded this summer, while the 26-year-old left winger insisted that he wants to stay in Ottawa. Maybe that changes by this time next year if the Senators fail to improve in 2026-27. For now, he’s not going anywhere.

Other suggestions by Shinzawa include trading backup goalie Joonas Korpisalo, defenseman Mason Lohrei, and center Casey Mittelstadt. He also thinks Sweeney should keep an eye on New Jersey Devils restricted free-agent defenseman Simon Nemec and on Tampa Bay Lightning pending UFA blueliner Darren Raddysh.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Korpisalo, Lohrei, and Mittelstadt have surfaced in trade rumors since last year. One of them could be used as a trade chip to add to their roster. Nemec would be an expensive addition via trade, while Raddysh could cost over $8 million annually on a long-term deal.

THE LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reported earlier this week that the Blue Jackets’ management sees re-signing pending unrestricted free-agent forwards Charlie Coyle and Mason Marchment as priorities. Losing both to free agency would be tough losses and could prompt other moves.

Portzline rules out the possibility of the Blue Jackets targeting a restricted free agent star from a rival club.

GM Don Waddell is likely to go the trade route to improve his club this summer. Waddell has indicated that the Blue Jackets’ 2026 first-round pick (14th overall) could be in play for the right offer.

The Blue Jackets could be in the market for a reliable backup goaltender. However, they would first have to attempt to move Elvis Merzlikins, who has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $5.4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The limited number of decent goalies available in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets could make Merzlikins easier to move, but there’s still no certainty the Jackets will find any takers. They might have to retain part of his salary or bundle him with a draft pick or prospect to make him more enticing.

SHARKS OPEN TO TRADING THEIR 2026 FIRST-ROUND PICK

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier said he’s open to trading his 2026 first-round pick, which sits second overall following Tuesday’s NHL Draft Lottery.

Grier said he’d consider moving that pick for the right offer. However, he also has no problem using it to add another promising youngster to his deep prospect pipeline.