NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 31, 2026

by | Mar 31, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 31, 2026

Recaps of Monday’s action, the Maple Leafs fire general manager Brad Treliving, the three stars of the week are revealed, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING MONDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini became the sixth teenager in NHL history to record a 100-point season in a 5-4 win over the St. Louis Blues. Celebrini had two goals and an assist, and Adam Gaudette scored the winning goal with 22 seconds remaining in the third period for the 34-31-7 Sharks (75 points), who moved within two points of the Nashville Predators for the final Western Conference wild-card berth. Jake Neighbours picked up two assists for the Blues (31-31-11), who are four points out of that wild-card spot.

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Celebrini joined Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby, Jimmy Carson, Mario Lemieux, Dale Hawerchuk, and Wayne Gretzky among the teenage 100-point players, with Crosby the only one to do it twice. Celebrini is also the third player in Sharks history to reach the 100-point plateau, joining Joe Thornton and Erik Karlsson.

An eight-goal second period between the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins resulted in the latter overcoming a 3-1 deficit for an 8-3 victory. Anthony Mantha scored twice and collected an assist, Rickard Rakell tallied two goals, and Justin Brazeau picked up three assists for the 37-21-16 Penguins, who vaulted over the Islanders into second place in the Metropolitan Division. Mathew Barzal had a goal and an assist for the Isles (42-28-5), who sit one point behind the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby picked up two assists in his return to action after missing a game with a lower-body injury. It was his 1,100th career regular-season assist, joining Hall of Famer Raymond Bourque as the only players to reach that milestone with one team.

A five-goal first period carried the Colorado Avalanche to a 9-2 drubbing of the Calgary Flames. Colorado center Nazem Kadri scored twice against his former club while Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Martin Necas, Jack Drury, and Parker Kelly each collected three points for the Avalanche (49-14-10), who lead the league with 108 points. Brennan Othmann and Ryan Strome replied for the 31-35-8 Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Makar left this game after the second period with an upper-body injury. An update on his condition is expected on Tuesday.

The Vegas Golden Knights doubled up the Vancouver Canucks 4-2, giving interim coach John Tortorella his first win with his new club. Shea Theodore and Rielly Smith scored 1:17 minutes apart in the second period to give the 33-26-16 Golden Knights the win. With 82 points, they hold third place in the Pacific Division. Evander Kane scored in his 1,000th NHL regular-season game as the 21-44-8 Canucks sit last in the overall standings.

An overtime goal by John Tavares lifted the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 5-4 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Tavares finished with two goals and an assist, and William Nylander had a goal and three assists for the Maple Leafs (32-30-13). Leo Carlsson tallied twice for the 41-28-5 Ducks, who sit in first place in the Pacific Division with 87 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs forward Max Domi got a measure of revenge for sidelined captain Auston Matthews by beating Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas in a first-period fight. Gudas injured Matthews earlier this month with a knee-on-knee hit. The Ducks blueliner seemed resigned to his fate, not bothering to throw any punches while Domi landed 12. Maple Leafs forward Michael Pezzetta was handed a game misconduct in the second period for shoving a linesman.

Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier left this game midway through the first period with an upper-body injury. He will be reevaluated on Tuesday. Gauthier leads the Ducks with 38 goals and 65 points this season.

HEADLINES

TORONTO SUN: Before last night’s game, the Maple Leafs announced that they relieved Brad Treliving of his duties as general manager.

Treliving had been in the role since May 2023. He had a record of 139-92-27, and a 10-10 postseason record.

The fate of head coach Craig Berube is unknown, but it’s expected that Treliving’s replacement will want to hire their own bench boss.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Treliving was in the final season of his contract. Given the club’s disappointing downturn this season, it’s not surprising that he was given his walking papers.

The Maple Leafs’ decline this season was mostly Treliving’s fault. He failed to re-sign Mitch Marner, resulting in the winger’s departure last summer, and didn’t find any suitable replacement. He also didn’t improve the Maple Leafs’ defensive depth, especially on the right side of their blueline. 

Treliving made a pair of short-sighted moves at last year’s trade deadline that will hamper the Leafs’ efforts to restock their prospect pipeline. He shipped top prospect Fraser Minten and the Leafs’ 2026 first-round pick to Boston for struggling defenseman Brandon Carlo at last year’s trade deadline. He gave up the Leafs’ 2027 first-rounder to Philadelphia as part of the return for Scott Laughton, who now plays for the Los Angeles Kings.

It’s rumored that the Maple Leafs could attempt to woo Doug Armstrong away from the St. Louis Blues. He’s indicated that he intends to hand over the management role to Alexander Steen and remain with the Blues as team president.

NHL.COM: Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes, Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha, and Anaheim Ducks defenseman John Carlson are the league’s three stars for the week ending March. 29, 2026.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 28, 2026

by | Mar 28, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 28, 2026

The Red Wings move closer to a wild-card berth, injury updates, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING FRIDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Detroit Red Wings regained some ground in the race for a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference by defeating the Buffalo Sabres 5-2. Alex DeBrincat had a goal and two assists, Patrick Kane scored and picked up an assist, and John Gibson made 28 saves for the 39-25-8 Red Wings (86 points), who moved to within one point of the New York Islanders for the final Eastern wild card. Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin replied for the Sabres (44-21-8), who hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 96 points.

Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres missed an opportunity to take over sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference from the Carolina Hurricanes, who hold two games in hand. Red Wings goalie Cam Talbot missed this game with an undisclosed injury and is listed as day-to-day. The Wings called up Michal Postava to back up Gibson.

New York Rangers rookie goalie Dylan Garand stopped 27 shots for his first NHL win as his club beat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-1. Rookie winger Adam Sykora tallied his first NHL goal, J.T. Miller had a goal and two assists, and Jonny Brodzinski tallied twice for the 29-35-9 Rangers. Nick Lardis scored for the 27-33-13 Blackhawks.

HEADLINES

SPORTSNET: The date for the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery was officially confirmed for Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

DAILY FACEOFF: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Damon Severson suffered an upper-body injury during Thursday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens. He is listed as week-to-week.

CALGARY SUN: Flames forward Samuel Honzek has returned to practice with his teammates for the first time since suffering an upper-body collision after colliding with teammate Mikael Backlund. However, the 21-year-old will not return to action this season.

TORONTO STAR: The Maple Leafs returned forward Bo Groulx to their AHL affiliate. If he played one more game with the Leafs, he couldn’t return to the Marlies without passing through waivers. The Leafs want Groulx to take part in this year’s Calder Cup playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Groulx played well during his brief call-up. The 26-year-old center had three goals and two assists for five points in nine games, which could earn him a permanent spot with the Maple Leafs next season. He has 50 points in 52 games with the Marlies.

CBS SPORTS: The Colorado Avalanche reassigned winger Gavin Brindley to their AHL affiliate. With the Avalanche finally sporting a healthy roster, Brindley had been a recent healthy scratch. He’ll get more playing time with their farm club.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Peter Chiarelli and Kevin Maxwell are leaving the St. Louis Blues organization. Chiarelli was their vice president of hockey operations, and Maxwell served as a pro scout.

Chiarelli is reportedly among the candidates to replace Barry Trotz as general manager of the Nashville Predators. Maxwell is returning to the Rangers in a management role.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars promoted Rich Peverley to assistant GM. He’d served as their director of player personnel.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 27, 2026

by | Mar 27, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 27, 2026

Check out the latest on Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies and Canucks center Elias Pettersson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols recently looked at what it might cost the Devils if they were to acquire winger Matthew Knies from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthews Knies (NHL Images).

Knies, 23, was the subject of trade speculation before the March 6 trade deadline. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Devils were among a handful of suitors with “serious interest” in the young Maple Leafs power forward.

Knies would be the perfect complementary winger to skate alongside Devils center Jack Hughes. It could cost the Devils defenseman Simon Nemec, who would immediately move up the Maple Leafs’ blueline depth chart.

Nichols also wondered whether the Leafs would be interested in a trade package including center Dawson Mercer, or perhaps a deal that includes prospect defenseman Seamus Casey and the Devils’ 2026 first-round pick. He doesn’t anticipate Devils veteran blueliner Dougie Hamilton being involved in this type of deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier this month, James Mirtle of The Athletic expressed his belief that the Maple Leafs shouldn’t trade Knies unless it’s for an elite first-line center or a top-pairing defenseman.

Mercer would not fill that need at center. However, Nemec has the potential to become a top-two blueliner. If the Devils make a pitch, the 22-year-old defenseman would have to be part of the return to draw any interest from the Leafs.

Meanwhile, Adam Proteau of The Hockey News considers Knies among a handful of untouchables on the Maple Leafs. If they’re going to rebuild, they need someone like Knies on their roster.

CANUCKS ARMY: Stephan Roget recently looked at several teams that might be willing to take struggling center Elias Pettersson off the Vancouver Canucks’ hands this summer.

The Carolina Hurricanes seem the most obvious choice, as it’s well-known that they attempted to acquire him from the Canucks. It was rumored that the two sides were close to a Pettersson-for-Martin Necas swap two years ago. They still need skilled scoring depth at center, and they have the cap space to take on Pettersson’s expensive contract.

Pettersson was also linked to the Detroit Red Wings before the March 6 trade deadline. Like the Hurricanes, they need additional scoring depth at center. The Los Angeles Kings could be in the market for a top-six center with Anze Kopitar retiring at the end of this season.

The New York Islanders could be a possibility as it would reunite Pettersson with former Canucks teammate Bo Horvat, especially with Mathew Barzal becoming more of a winger. The rebuilding Philadelphia Flyers also need help at center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some interesting possibilities here, but Pettersson’s recent performance and his contract remain major sticking points in trade negotiations. He’s struggled to meet the lofty expectations that come with his hefty deal, failing to come anywhere close to his career-high 102 points in 2022-23.

Pettersson carries an average annual value of $11.6 million for six more years with a full no-movement clause, giving him full control over potential trade destinations. Even teams with a lot of salary-cap space could insist on the Canucks retaining salary to facilitate a trade.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 26, 2026

by | Mar 26, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 26, 2026

The Bruins defeat the Sabres, the Rangers are officially eliminated from the playoff race, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Pavel Zacha lifted the Boston Bruins over the Buffalo Sabres 4-3. David Pastrnak had a goal and two assists for the 40-24-8 Bruins, who hold the first Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 88 points. Jason Zucker tallied twice for the Sabres (44-20-8), who remain in second place in the conference standings with 96 points.

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin’s fiancée, Carolina Matovac, attended her first Sabres game since her heart transplant last year. She’s spent the seven months recovering in the couple’s native Sweden.

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll kicked out 40 shots in a 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers, officially eliminating the latter from this season’s playoff race. Dakota Joshua had a goal and an assist for the 31-29-13 Maple Leafs. Alexis Lafreniere had a goal and two assists, and Mika Zibanejad tallied twice for the 28-35-9 Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers are the first Eastern Conference team, and the second overall, to be eliminated from the postseason chase. On Sunday, the Vancouver Canucks’ postseason hopes were ended.

HEADLINES

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning captain Victor Hedman has taken a temporary leave of absence from the club for personal reasons. He missed the last three games with an ailment.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Another member of the Panthers has been sidelined by an injury. Center Anton Lundell could miss the rest of this season with an injured rib. He’s not expected to require surgery, but his recovery time could be between two and six weeks.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators might have to continue their playoff push without Thomas Chabot. The 29-year-old defenseman suffered an injured arm after being cross-checked by New York Rangers captain J.T. Miller on Monday. It’s speculated that Chabot could be out of the lineup for six weeks.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins winger Anthony Mantha is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: The Red Wings signed defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of $1.6 million.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Jacob Winterton, brother of Kraken forward Ryan Winterton, died Tuesday at age 25 following a battle with cancer. Jacob spent two seasons in the OHL from 2018-19 and 2019-20 with the Flint Firebirds and Oshawa Generals, followed by four seasons playing for the University of Guelph

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to the Winterton family and Jacob’s friends and former teammates.

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal recently examined why NHL goaltending has become one of the most volatile positions in all major sports.

Several reasons explain this problem. One is that offenses have improved while goalies haven’t caught up. There’s also been a generational loss of workhorse goalies in recent years, as stars such as Roberto Luongo, Henrik Lundqvist, Carey Price, and Marc-Andre Fleury have retired.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dayal’s column is behind a paywall, but it’s well worth the read if you have access to it.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 22, 2026

by | Mar 22, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 22, 2026

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest speculation about Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, and some suggested offseason trade targets for the Flyers.

MORE SPECULATION OVER AUSTON MATTHEWS FUTURE WITH THE MAPLE LEAFS

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston raised the possibility that the knee-on-knee hit that ended Auston Matthews’ season, and the lack of reaction from his Maple Leafs teammates, might be “the final act in Toronto” for arguably the greatest player in franchise history.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Leafs management was bound to have a discussion with Matthews during the offseason about his future before the 28-year-old center was sidelined. The club has suffered the biggest year-over-year points decline in franchise history, forcing management to become sellers at the recent trade deadline.

The Maple Leafs face an offseason of uncertainty in the front office and among the coaching staff. More changes could be coming to the roster. Johnston speculated that it might not be until June before Matthews and the Maple Leafs have a clearer picture of the club’s direction.

Matthews has two more seasons remaining on his contract. His full no-movement clause would severely limit the Maple Leafs’ efforts to get full value if they attempt to trade him. Punting next season is out of the question because they have already traded their 2027 first-round pick, and potentially their 2028 first-rounder, depending on trade conditions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently reported that the Matthews camp spoke with Leafs management before the Olympic break. Everything seemed fine then despite the club’s sagging fortunes. Following Matthews’ injury, Friedman speculated the two sides could revisit those discussions within the next couple of months.

Matthews could decide to see how next season turns out before getting into more serious talks about his future.

A bounce-back performance by himself and the Maple Leafs could make him amenable to another short-term contract extension. Another season like this one, and he could decide to test the free-agent market in 2028, forcing the Leafs to start shopping him in the summer of 2027.

WHO COULD THE FLYERS TARGET IN THIS SUMMER’S TRADE MARKET?

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco recently looked at what centermen the Philadelphia Flyers might target in this summer’s trade market.

The Flyers were rumored to have made an offer to the Boston Bruins for prospect centers Dean Letourneau and Matthew Poitras. Neither has established themselves as NHL players yet, but they have the potential to become middle-six pivots.

Di Marco noted that the Seattle Kraken were open to trading Shane Wright, but couldn’t find any takers. He wondered if they might consider moving Matty Beniers, noting they have Chandler Stephenson signed long-term and that promising Jake O’Brien is on the way.

Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues could be available. However, the asking price is rumored to be the equivalent of four first-round picks, which may scare off the Flyers. However, they might get into it if the Blues lowered the price a little.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Acquiring a center is a priority for the Flyers this summer. Of Di Marco’s suggested options, landing Letourneau and/or Poitras seems the more likely.

The Kraken aren’t likely to move Beniers despite his offensive difficulties. He’s their first-line center and is in the second season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7.142 million. At 23, he still has time to improve, especially if they find a suitable scoring winger for his line.

Thomas might be an option if the Blues lower their price. However, he has a full no-movement clause and might not waive it to go to Philadelphia.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 20, 2026

by | Mar 20, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 20, 2026

Check out the latest on Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies, Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, Sabres winger Alex Tuch, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” RUMOR TIDBITS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the lack of depth in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market could generate more activity in this summer’s trade market. That’s one of the reasons the New York Rangers didn’t move Vincent Trocheck at the March 6 trade deadline. Teams reluctant to meet the Rangers’ asking price at the deadline could be more open to doing so in the offseason.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers (including me) questioned the Rangers’ decision not to move Trocheck at the deadline when his trade value was perceived to be at its peak. A more active summer trade market would give them a good chance of finding a trade partner willing to meet their asking price. 

Friedman reports the Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Utah Mammoth showed serious interest in Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies before the recent trade deadline.

Everyone has denied that the Canadiens “went far down the road” pursuing Knies, but Friedman seems skeptical, saying “we’ll see”. There were rumors linking the Habs to a defenseman, or something else they could revisit this summer. He also noted that they “definitely explored moving money.” There were talks of shipping Patrik Laine to the Philadelphia Flyers or Toronto Maple Leafs, but nothing came of it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens and Mammoth were also believed to have been interested in St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas. The Habs also had an interest in Blues winger Jordan Kyrou last summer.

As for the Canadiens attempting to move money, Laine was likely the player they were trying to move. He’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and he no longer fits into their plans.

It’s believed Sergei Bobrovsky’s camp at one point sought a contract comparable to what Brad Marchand signed with the Florida Panthers (six years, $5.25 million AAV). Bobrovsky is 37, the same age Marchand was when he inked that deal last year. However, the Panthers weren’t willing to do it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bobrovsky is finishing a seven-year deal with an AAV of $10 million. He’s obviously not getting anything similar to that again. The Panthers are probably objecting to the length of the deal, but they could find the $5.25 million AAV acceptable. Maybe they get something done on a two or three-year contract.

A big playoff performance by Alex Tuch could force the Buffalo Sabres’ hand in contract negotiations with the 28-year-old power forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tuch has put up good numbers during the last four seasons. The last time he was in the postseason was in 2020-21 with the Vegas Golden Knights. It’s rumored that he’s seeking a deal comparable to the eight-year, $85 million contract that Adrian Kempe signed with the Los Angeles Kings last fall ($10.625 million AAV). Helping the Sabres stage a deep playoff run would probably go a long way toward convincing management that he’s worthy of a similar deal.

Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell said he’ll discuss Rick Bowness’ future with the coach after this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets hired Bowness on an interim basis in mid-January, and the players have responded well. When the hiring was made on Jan. 12, they were last in the Eastern Conference with a record of 19-19-7 for 45 points. They’ve surged up the standings since then, moving into third place in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 36-21-11 for 83 points.

If Bowness wants the job full-time, it’s his for the taking.

It wasn’t a certainty that the Minnesota Wild would include prospect forward Charlie Stramel in a package deal. That’s not to say they wouldn’t have done so, but the return would have to be significant. The same goes for the Carolina Hurricanes with young defenseman Alexander Nikishin.