NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 25, 2019

by | Sep 25, 2019

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 25, 2019

Auston Matthews faces a disorderly conduct charge, Connor McDavid plays his first preseason game, plus updates on Josh Morrissey, Brock Boeser, Robin Lehner, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews is facing a charge of disorderly conduct over an incident in his hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona, on May 28.

Matthews and several friends allegedly attempted to get into a security guard’s car. When she confronted the group, Matthews is said to have pulled down his pants, bent over and “grabbed his butt cheeks” through his underwear. The guard claimed the group appeared to be intoxicated. A pre-trial conference is set for today in Scottsdale but Matthews doesn’t have to appear in person.

A disorderly conduct charge could jeopardize Auston Matthews’ chance of being named captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo via NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs issued a statement last night indicating they were aware of the situation. Neither they or Matthews will comment further.

The 22-year-old center was considered among the candidates for the Leafs’ captaincy. This incident could derail his chances. The allegations haven’t been proven in court but more than one Toronto pundit has taken Matthews to task over his behavior. 

SPORTSNET: Speaking of the Leafs, they released goaltender Michal Neuvirth from his professional tryout offer.

NHL.COM: Connor McDavid made his preseason debut as the Edmonton Oilers fell 4-2 to the Coyotes. It was the Oilers’ captain’s first game since tearing a ligament in his left knee in the final game of the 2018-19 regular season in April.

TSN: Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey missed the third period of his club’s 2-0 loss to the Calgary Flames as a precautionary measure. Coach Paul Maurice said Morrissey was “tightening up”, adding his exit wasn’t related to blocking a shot earlier in the game.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Bruins center Patrice Bergeron could return to action in the club’s final preseason contest on Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks. He’s recovering from a nagging groin injury.

VANCOUVER SUN: Canucks winger Brock Boeser and defenseman Oscar Fantenberg were placed in concussion protocol following Monday’s preseason contest against Ottawa. It’s uncertain how long they’ll be absent from the lineup.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Blackhawks goaltender Robin Lehner left practice yesterday with an undisclosed health issue. No word on how long he could be out of the lineup. 

TSN: Former Edmonton Oilers coach Craig MacTavish was fired by the KHL”s Lokomotiv Yaroslavl after just eight games.

TRIBLIVE.COM: The Pittsburgh Penguins hired Duane Sutter and Kevin Stevens as professional scout. Former NHL forward Jay McClement also joined their scouting department.