NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 12, 2018

by | Jul 12, 2018

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 12, 2018

Updates on John Tavares and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, the latest notable contract signings and more in your NHL morning coffee headlines.

Former New York Islanders captain John Tavares apologized to Isles fans regarding his decision to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo via NHL Images)

  NEWSDAY: In a recent Players Tribune article, former New York Islanders captain John Tavares apologized to Islanders fans for things not working out regarding his decision to depart via free agency. He signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1.

Tavares also apologized for the club falling short of winning the Stanley Cup during his captaincy, expressing his gratitude for their support. He described how he agonized over trying to decide if he’d stay or join the Leafs, his hometown team.

ARIZONA SPORTS: Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson donated $125,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale.

DETROIT NEWS: The Red Wings re-signed forward Anthony Mantha to a two-year, $6.6-million contract.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: The Lightning re-upped left wing Adam Erne to a one-year, $800K deal.

SPORTSNET: The Toronto Maple Leafs signed forward Frederik Gauthier to a two-year, two-way deal worth $675K annually at the NHL level.

NBC SPORTS: With his playing career drawing to a close, NHL winger Brian Gionta is contemplating his future, which could include coaching.

WGR 550: The Buffalo Sabres have hired Steve Smith as an assistant coach. He spent the past four seasons as an assistant coach with the Carolina Hurricanes.

BOSTON HERALD: With long-time anthem signer Rene Rancourt retired, the Bruins are taking applications for his replacement.

 

 











NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 7, 2017

by | Dec 7, 2017

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 7, 2017

Game recaps, injury and waiver updates and more in your NHL morning coffee headlines. 

NHL.COM: Alex Ovechkin scored a goal and set up three others to lead the Washington Capitals to a 6-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (one goal, two assists) ended a 21-game goalless drought while teammate Tom Wilson scored twice, handing the Blackhawks their fifth consecutive loss. 

Wayne Simmonds had a goal and an assist as the Philadelphia Flyers collected their second straight win by doubling up the Edmonton Oilers 4-2. Flyers captain Claude Giroux picked up two assists. Meanwhile, Philadelphia defenseman Brandon Manning (right hand, wrist injury) will miss three-to-four weeks while goalie Michal Neuvirth will be sidelined one-two weeks with a lower-body injury. 

Ryan Miller made 29 saves for his 40th career shutout and teammate Adam Henrique scored twice as the Anaheim Ducks blanked the Ottawa Senators 3-0. The Sens have only one victory in their last 10 games.

William Nylander’s shootout goal gave the Toronto Maple Leafs a 2-1 victory over the slumping Calgary Flames. Frederik Andersen made a season-high 47 saves for the Leafs, handing the Flames their third straight defeat. The Flames were playing without Jaromir Jagr (day-to-day) 

SUN-SENTINEL.COM: Florida Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo will be sidelined for several weeks with a suspected groin injury. He could be out for up to eight weeks. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers need backup James Reimer to be at his best if they harbor any hope of climbing back into the playoff race during Luongo’s absence. 

THE MERCURY NEWS: San Jose Sharks defenseman Paul Martin could return to action tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes. He’s been sidelined since Oct. 8. 

THE PROVINCE: Retired Vancouver Canucks forward Derek Dorsett said he was perhaps one hit away from suffering a catastrophic spinal injury. He underwent neck fusion surgery earlier this year and recently brought his playing career to an end after experiencing two neck bulges above and below the fusion. “If they got worse, they could have started pushing into my spinal cord,” he said. “It could have been bad. It could have been catastrophic.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dorsett said he has to avoid contact and must continue rehab but he’s looking forward to living a healthy life. If he still wants a career in hockey, I’m sure there are options available in coaching, scouting or management. Here’s hoping he finds something to his liking. 

TSN: The Pittsburgh Penguins placed center Greg McKegg on waivers. 

SPORTSNET: The New York Rangers signed goaltender Marek Mazanec to a one-year, two-way contract after he cleared waivers yesterday and assigned him to their AHL affiliate in Hartford. 

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Carolina Hurricanes opened this season hoping to get offense from their defensemen. However, only three blueliners – Noah Hanifin, Justin Faulk and Jaccob Slavin – have goals this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If this trend continues, Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis could be pressured into parting with one of his notable blueliners for a scoring forward. 

NEW YORK POST: Former NHL pest Sean Avery was slapped with a restraining order over a dispute with his mother-in-law. 

 











NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 28, 2017

by | Feb 28, 2017

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 28, 2017

Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Galchenyuk celebrates his overtime goal against the New Jersey Devils with teammate Max Pacioretty.

Game recaps, stars of the week, trade and waiver updates and more in your NHL morning coffee headlines. 

NHL.COM: Alex Galchenyuk’s overtime goal completed the comeback for the Montreal Canadiens as they overcame 2-0 and 3-1 deficits to beat the New Jersey Devils 4-3. Alexander Radulov also scored and collected three assists and Max Pacioretty scored twice for the Habs.

Before the game, the Canadiens acquired defenseman Jordie Benn from the Dallas Stars in exchange for blueliner Greg Pateryn and a fourth-round pick in the 2017 NHL draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Benn should provide some veteran experience and depth to the Canadiens’ blueline as they gear up for the stretch run. He’s signed through 2019 at an an affordable $1.1 million annually but will likely be exposed in the expansion draft. The little-used Pateryn will get an opportunity with the Stars to become a full-time NHL defenseman, though the 26-year-old will be jockeying with younger rearguards to crack the Dallas blueline. 

Three consecutive power-play goals by Nikita Kucherov carried the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 5-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Earlier in the day, the Senators announced demoted goalie Andrew Hammond will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn right labrum. They also signed winger Chris DiDomenico to a two-year contract. The 28-year-old was playing in Switzerland, meaning he’ll have to pass through waivers before he can join the Sens.

Mikael Granlund’s overtime goal gave the Minnesota Wild a 5-4 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Ryan White, recently acquired from the Arizona Coyotes, scored a goal and set up another for the Wild, who were playing without wingers Zach Parise and Jason Pominville (mumps). 

Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg, Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews and Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau are the NHL’s three stars for the week ending Feb. 26. 

PHILLY.COM:  Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Brandon Manning received a two-game suspension for a late hit on Pittsburgh Penguins rookie Jake Guentzel. 

DETROIT NEWS: The Red Wings re-signed defenseman Nick Jensen to a two-year deal worth $1.625 million. 

NBC SPORTS: The Tampa Bay Lightning claimed Greg McKegg off waivers from the Florida Panthers. The Columbus Blue Jackets claimed Zac Dalpe from the Minnesota Wild. 

ARIZONA SPORTS: The Arizona Coyotes acquired forward Teemu Pulkkinen from the Minnesota Wild for future considerations.