NHL Rumor Mill – June 13, 2024

by | Jun 13, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 13, 2024

Patrik Laine and the Blue Jackets are working on a trade, plus updates on Jacob Markstrom, Mitch Marner, Nikolaj Ehlers, Martin Necas, Valeri Nichushkin and more in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.

LAINE AND THE BLUE JACKETS ARE WORKING ON A TRADE

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports there is a mutual agreement between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Patrik Laine that he needs a fresh start with a new team. The 26-year-old winger has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8.7 million and a 10-team no-trade list.

Injuries have hampered Laine’s production since joining the Blue Jackets in 2021. He also entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in January. While those factors could affect his value in the trade market, he could also bounce back and regain his scoring form with a new club.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Interested clubs could insist on the Blue Jackets retaining part of Laine’s cap hit. However, only two years remain on his contract, so that might not be a deal breaker for teams with cap space seeking additional scoring. The Jackets won’t get much in return but clearing his cap hit from their books frees up money to invest in other players through trades or free agency.

THE LATEST ON MARKSTROM, MARNER, EHLERS AND NECAS

TSN: Chris Johnston feels the Calgary Flames are at a point where they want a certain return for Jacob Markstrom. He thinks the New Jersey Devils are the most motivated to get a trade done but they’re only going to go so far in terms of return. Markstrom has two years left on his contract with an AAV of $6 million and a full no-movement clause.

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson reports the Flames are quietly trying to move Markstrom. He cited Kevin Woodley of Sportsnet’s 960 The Fan expressing his belief that Markstrom has no intention of returning to the Flames.

Gilbertson noted reports claiming the Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ottawa Senators have been linked to Markstrom. However, he doesn’t think Flames general manager Craig Conroy will rush into trading the 34-year-old goalie if he doesn’t find any suitable offers.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman saying he believes the Flames haven’t given up on retaining Markstrom. He said they’re prepared to trade him but won’t do it simply for the sake of making a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom is difficult to move because of his NMC and cap hit. The Flames will understandably seek the best possible return. Nevertheless, there seems a greater possibility of moving him now than there was leading up to the trade deadline. We’ll find out soon enough if that’s the case.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the trade rumors keep swirling around Mitch Marner but there’s been nothing new to report about the 27-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs winger. He continues to train and prepare to return with the Leafs for the final season of his contract.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Max Miller cited Sporstnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently suggesting the Vegas Golden Knights as a destination for Marner. Friedman pointed out the Golden Knights always seem to be around any good player in the trade market. He said he’s had people suggesting trade offers for Marner involving defenseman Shea Theodore and Logan Thompson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs management appears willing to listen to offers but those could be few and far between this summer. Marner carries an AAV of $10.9 million which is difficult to move even with the salary cap rising by $4.5 million for next season. His full NMC gives him complete control over whether he’ll accept a trade, plus the Leafs will seek a significant return. It wouldn’t be surprising if he’s still a Leaf when the regular season begins in October.

TSN: Dreger also mentioned the Winnipeg Jets are willing to entertain offers for Nikolaj Ehlers. He’s going into the final year of his contract (with an AAV of $6 million). It’s more of a financial issue for the Jets, as they’re looking ahead to re-signing winger Kyle Connor. He has two years left on his contract and will be expensive to retain.

WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck mentioned trading Ehlers as one way the Jets could garner some salary-cap relief to re-sign RFAs Cole Perfetti, David Gustafsson and Logan Stanley, and attempt to re-sign pending UFAs Sean Monahan and Dylan DeMelo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dreger mentioned Ehlers is tied to the Carolina Hurricanes as they’re looking at trading winger Martin Necas.

THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun said the Hurricanes have heard from five to seven teams expressing general interest in Necas. They include the Jets, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, and Boston Bruins.

The Hurricanes are also prepared to retain Necas if they don’t receive suitable offers. He’s a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights coming off a two-year contract with an annual cap hit of $3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes reportedly want “star power” in return. That could take most of the team mentioned by LeBrun out of the running.

BLACKHAWKS ARE NOT INTERESTED IN NICHUSHKIN

THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun reported there was a rumor that the Chicago Blackhawks considered taking a look at suspended Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin. However, he said they were not interested. “Just too much unknown and risk for their liking.”

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios is listening to offers for his club’s first-round pick (seventh overall) in the upcoming 2024 NHL Draft (June 28-29) in Las Vegas. The club has two first-rounders in this year’s draft, including the 25th overall that originally belonged to the Boston Bruins.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 7, 2024

by | Jun 7, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 7, 2024

The latest on the Oilers and Panthers as the Stanley Cup Final approaches plus updates on Nikita Zadorov, Valeri Nichushkin, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK

SPORTSNET: The Edmonton Oilers aren’t concerned about the Florida Panthers’ supposed physicality edge in the upcoming Stanley Cup Final.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

“We can play any style and we can win any type of hockey game. We’ve shown that over the last numerous months,” said Oilers star Leon Draisaitl. “We’re very comfortable in any situation that’s thrown at us. Whether it’s high scoring, or low scoring, defending and grinding one out. We can win games in any form.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The piece also noted the Oilers overcame the Dallas Stars’ depth advantage in the Western Conference Final.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Alan Greenberg looked at the moves made by Panthers general manager Bill Zito since last summer that built his club into a powerhouse this season. They include the addition of backup goaltender Anthony Stolarz, defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Dmitry Kulikov, and forwards Vladimir Tarasenko and Kyle Okposo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zito’s done a tremendous job building up the Panthers into a Stanley Cup contender since taking over as general manager in 2020. He’s made bold moves like swapping Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar for Matthew Tkachuk and affordable ones like those noted above.

SPORTSNET: The WWE will make a commemorative Stanley Cup champion legacy belt available for purchase following the Final. NHL teams were previously given custom WWE championship belts for winning the Cup but this is the first officially licensed title belt.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE PROVINCE: Player agent Dan Milstein shot down a report by Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre claiming contract negotiations between the Vancouver Canucks and his client, Nikita Zadorov, were making progress. “Fake news,” replied Milstein on social media. He also said that contract talks had not been happening with the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zadorov is looking for a long-term deal after playing for four teams (the Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames and the Canucks) since 2019-20. The report speculated he could seek $5 million annually on a six-year deal.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Valeri Nichushkin is reportedly set to play in Russia’s Media Hockey League. The 29-year-old Avalanche winger is currently in the NHL-NHLPA player assistance program and is serving a six-month suspension from the NHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report suggests this Russian summer league is closer to a beer league or Minnesota’s “Da Beauty League”, which involves active and former NHL players during the summer. It doesn’t appear to violate the conditions of the assistance program.

THE SALT LAKE CITY TRIBUNE: The NHL’s Utah Franchise has narrowed down its potential team name to six possibilities following the first round of fan voting. They are the Utah Blizzard, Utah Hockey Club (HC), Utah Mammoth, Utah Outlaws, Utah Venom and Utah Yeti.

Round two of the selection process runs through June 20.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m partial to Utah HC. It has a nice EPL (English Premier League) feel to it.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at their club’s rebuilding process this season. The eight-part docuseries “The Rebuild: Inside The Montreal Canadiens” will stream on Crave TV in English and French later this year.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 24, 2024

by | May 24, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 24, 2024

The Oilers win Game 1 of the Western Conference Final in double overtime, the GM of the Year finalists are announced, the Hurricanes allow GM Don Waddell to speak to other teams, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAP

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid scored in double overtime to lift his club to a 3-2 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final.

The Oilers jumped to a 2-0 lead on goals by Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman, but Dallas winger Tyler Seguin scored twice to tie the game and send it into overtime. The Stars had a golden opportunity to win it early in the first overtime when McDavid was assessed a double-minor for high-sticking Matt Duchene but his teammates successfully killed it.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner got the win with 31 saves. Stars netminder Jake Oettinger turned aside 33 shots, including an impressive stick save on McDavid and a strong pad save on a Dylan Holloway breakaway.

McDavid and Draisaitl each finished the game with two points, with Draisaitl extending his playoff points streak to 13 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dallas keeps having difficulty winning the opening game of a postseason series. Their previous one was in 2020 and their last series-opening home win was in 2016.

The Stars were supposed to have the depth advantage over Edmonton but it wasn’t apparent in this game. They couldn’t keep most of the Oilers’ top scorers (McDavid, Draisaitl, Hyman and defenseman Evan Bouchard) off the score sheet in Game 1. The Stars managed to contain the Oilers’ lethal power play but struggled against their penalty killers. Edmonton has the best penalty-killing percentage (92.5) in this postseason thus far.

Dallas center Roope Hintz remains sidelined with an upper-body injury. Oilers forward Adam Henrique remains out with a nagging ankle injury.

Game 2 of this series is in Dallas on Saturday, May 25, at 9 pm EDT.

PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK

NEW YORK POST: Adam Fox’s health remains a concern for the Rangers heading into Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final on Friday against the Florida Panthers. The former Norris Trophy-winning defenseman has struggled since a knee-on-knee collision with Washington’s Nick Jensen in the first round. Fox has been held pointless in his last five games.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Matthew Tkachuk continues to come up big for the Panthers in postseason play. He scored the winning goal in his club’s 3-0 series-opening win against the Rangers. Tkachuk has scored goals in each Game 1 of his club’s previous two series and is the first player in NHL history with four game-winning goals in his first five conference final games.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Patrik Allvin of the Vancouver Canucks, Jim Nill of the Dallas Stars, and Bill Zito of the Florida Panthers are the finalists for the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award.

This is the fourth time Nill has been a finalist for the award, winning it last season. It’s Zito’s third time as a finalist and Allvin’s first.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the three finalists for their fine work with their respective teams this season.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Carolina Hurricanes president and general manager Don Waddell’s contract will soon expire. Reports from TSN’s Pierre LeBrun and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicate Waddell has been granted permission to speak to other teams. He was interviewed on Thursday for the open GM position with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Waddell has been in his current position since 2018. He played a big role in turning the Hurricanes into a perennial playoff contender and one of the top teams in the NHL. Waddell was a finalist for the GM of the Year award in 2018-19.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This comes at an awkward time for the Hurricanes. Nine of their players are eligible to become unrestricted free agents on July 1, including Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce.

LeBrun reported the Hurricanes are serious about signing Guentzel but Waddell’s interviewing with other clubs could affect those negotiations. His potential departure could leave them scrambling to find a replacement but they could swiftly address that by promoting assistant GM Eric Tulsky.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog said he has no plans to retire and hopes to return to action next season. Knee surgeries have sidelined him for the past two years. Landeskog didn’t indicate when he expects to be back. “Mid-September and star of April, I feel pretty good about,” he joked.

THE DENVER POST: Landeskog and Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland expressed their support for Valeri Nichushkin. He is serving a six-month suspension after being forced back into the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program for the third time in 13 months. However, they both stated that it’s up to Nichushkin regarding his future with the Avalanche once his treatment is completed.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson revealed he played with a nagging knee injury since January. “The longer it went, the more pain I felt,” he said. Pettersson indicated that it won’t require surgery but needs time to heal. Head coach Rick Tocchet said Pettersson was dealing with “tendonitis”, adding the Canucks brass and medical staff felt “it was fine to keep going…We didn’t feel we had to shut him down.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Pettersson’s play was obvious as the second half of the season unfolded, especially in the playoffs when he managed six points in 13 games.

The Canucks frequently denied Pettersson was playing hurt, with Tocchet suggesting more than once that he had to play harder. It did Pettersson no favors, creating the perception that he wasn’t elevating his game in the playoffs, making him the subject of some unwarranted criticism.

Meanwhile, Canucks winger Brock Boeser was crushed that a blood-clotting issue sidelined him from Game 7 of their second-round series with the Oilers. “I asked if I could play and tried to push them, but the risks were too big. I had to protect my future,” said Boeser.

The non-life-threatening blood clot was the result of a bruised leg suffered in Game 1 of that second-round series. Boeser is on blood thinners and will be able to train during the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks medical staff made the right decision here. Boeser’s desire to return to action is admirable but it could’ve put him at risk of serious medical consequences.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 14, 2024

by | May 14, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 14, 2024

What’s the latest Leafs speculation? Could the Avalanche part ways with Valeri Nichushkin? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST MAPLE LEAFS SPECULATION

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes whoever becomes the next head coach of the Maple Leafs will want to know what the team will look like entering training camp in September. They’ll want to know how serious the club could be about potential roster changes, which could include trading winger Mitch Marner if he agrees to waive his no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Koshan suggested prospective Leafs coaches might want a chance to work with Marner. That could affect who becomes their next head coach as well as their roster plans for next season.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Nate Brown looked at whether the Blackhawks could afford to acquire Marner if he becomes available in the trade market.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

One rumor making the rounds is the Marner-for-Seth Jones narrative. While the Leafs could use a defenseman of Jones’ caliber, they’re also trying to simplify their salary-cap situation. Taking his $9.5 million annual cap hit for the next six years isn’t optimal even with John Tavares’ cap hit coming off their books at the end of next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jones’ contract is the issue I have with the proposed trade that would send the 29-year-old defenseman to Toronto as part of the return for Marner. When the Columbus Blue Jackets were shopping him in 2021, it was rumored the Canadian teams were on his 10-team no-trade list. If so, Jones won’t waive the NMC on his current deal to join the Leafs.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox wonders where the Leafs and team captain John Tavares go from here. The 33-year-old center has a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $11 million and a full NMC.

Tavares has shown no inclination that he wants out of Toronto. However, his base salary for next season will be $910 after receiving his $7.04 million signing bonus on July 1. Fox believes that could make Tavares enticing to clubs like Chicago, Anaheim, San Jose and Buffalo that would prefer saving real dollars and have cap space to spare.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Tavares won’t waive his NMC it won’t matter what his actual salary is and whether budget teams would be interested in him. At his age, he wants a Stanley Cup as soon as possible. He won’t win it by joining a rebuilding club.

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons claims there is interest in Marner and Tavares around the league. “What they’re willing to give up, to take on an $11 million player, that’s the better question.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs won’t get equal value for Marner or Tavares if they agree to be traded. That doesn’t mean they’ll have to accept scraps and castoffs, but they won’t get a comparable talent in return.

Marner or Tavares probably won’t accept a move to a rebuilding club. They could prefer playing out next season in Toronto and trying their luck in next summer’s free-agent market.

Even if Marner or Tavares accepts a trade, the receiving team will want assurances they’ll sign a contract extension. No club will give up valuable trade assets for either guy if they’re going to depart next summer.

COULD THE AVALANCHE PART WAYS WITH VALERI NICHUSHKIN?

THE DENVER POST: Sean Keeler thinks it’s time for the Colorado Avalanche to part company with Valeri Nichushkin after he entered Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. He is suspended without pay until November when he can apply for reinstatement.

This is the second straight postseason that Nichushkin has needed a leave of absence to deal with personal issues. Keeler believes the Avalanche need a winger they can rely on to keep their Stanley Cup window open.

Keeler acknowledged Nichushkin’s issues that sent him into his second stint in the assistance program. However, he wondered if the Avalanche could trust him again after this. He considers the winger too unreliable and too much of a risk to be a pillar of the club’s core.

Nichushkin has six seasons remaining on his eight-year, $49 million contract. His 12-team no-trade clause kicks in next July.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes there is no easy answer for the Avalanche.

A league source confirmed Nichushkin’s $6.125 million AAV won’t count against the Avs’ cap payroll next season while he’s serving his suspension. It will apply once he’s reinstated and returns to the lineup.

Entering Stage 3 of the player assistance program isn’t grounds for contract termination.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: What’s important right now is that Nichushkin receives the necessary treatment and support. What happens with his playing career will have to wait until after he’s exited Stage 3 of the program.

The Avalanche could attempt to move Nichushkin once he’s served his suspension. Despite his skills, his trade value will be low after this. Any club willing to take the chance will want to see how well he performs over the remainder of next season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 14, 2024

by | May 14, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 14, 2024

The Hurricanes force Game 6 with the Rangers, the Stars push the Avalanche to the brink of elimination, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Carolina Hurricanes erupted for four unanswered third-period goals to defeat the New York Rangers 4-1 in Game 5 of their best-of-seven second-round series. Jordan Staal, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Jordan Martinook and Martin Necas found the back of the net as the Hurricanes avoided elimination for the second straight game. Jacob Trouba opened the scoring for the Rangers in the second period. This series returns to Carolina for Game 6 on Thursday, May 16 at 7 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A series that seemed all but done after Game 3 has become more intriguing and entertaining.

The Rangers looked sluggish in this contest while the Hurricanes were again determined to avoid the end of their season. They didn’t fall apart after Trouba’s shorthanded goal gave the Blueshirts the early lead. Staal’s tying goal following his impressive drive to the net seemed to suck the life out of the Rangers.

Heading back to Carolina, the Rangers remain in control with a 3-2 series lead. However, if the Hurricanes take Game 6, it’ll force a seventh and deciding game back in New York with all the pressure on the Blueshirts.

Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston (NHL Images).

The Dallas Stars are poised to advance to the Western Conference Finals following a dominating 5-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 4 of their second-round series. Wyatt Johnston scored twice and collected an assist while Miro Heiskanen had a goal and two assists for the Stars, who’ve taken a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. Casey Mittelstadt replied for the Avalanche. The series returns to Dallas for Game 5 on Wednesday, May 15 at 8 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars stormed from the gate in this game, outshooting Colorado 16-2 in the first period. They had a 3-0 lead midway through the second before the Avalanche finally got on the board.

Johnston continues to thrive in this postseason. The 21-year-old sophomore forward set a franchise record by scoring his 10th career playoff goal, the most of any Stars player before the age of 21, eclipsing Mike Modano’s previous record of nine. He added another to make it 11 goals. Johnston turns 21 today.

Stars forward Roope Hintz left this game in the first period with an upper-body injury after blocking a shot by Avs defenseman Scott Walker. There was no immediate update on his condition.

Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews was sidelined by illness. Meanwhile, winger Jonathan Drouin returned for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury during their regular-season finale.

PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin’s postseason is over after entering Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reports the 29-year-old winger failed a drug test.

Nichushkin entered the program in January and returned to the Avalanche in March. He will now be suspended without pay for a minimum of six months and can apply for reinstatement in November.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche learned about Nichushkin on Monday morning. His teammates attempted to put a brave face on the situation but his absence affected their performance against the Stars in Game 4. Nichushkin’s nine goals in this postseason ties him with Edmonton’s Zach Hyman for the goal-scoring lead.

This is a major setback for the Avalanche and the second straight postseason that Nichushkin has required time away from the team to deal with personal matters. However, the important thing right now is he receives the treatment and support he needs to regain control of his health and his life.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks defenseman Carson Soucy received a one-game suspension and blueliner Nikita Zadorov was fined $5,000.00 by the NHL department of player safety for cross-checking Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid at the end of Game 3 on Sunday.

NHL.COM: The Oilers aren’t revealing their starting goaltender for Game 4 against the Canucks on Tuesday. Stuart Skinner started the previous three games but was replaced by Calvin Pickard following the second period of Game 3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner has struggled against the Canucks with a .793 save percentage in those three games. Pickard could get the nod for Game 4.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Bruins general manager Don Sweeney believes the league and on-ice officials should go before the media to answer questions about controversial calls. His comments come after his club was on the wrong end of a couple of calls in their second-round series against the Florida Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sweeney has a point but don’t hold your breath expecting the NHL to follow his advice. Commissioner Gary Bettman believes his league has “the best officials in the world.” Try not to let your eyes roll too far back into your head after reading that. 

IN OTHER NEWS…

DAILY FACEOFF: The Fontainebleau Las Vegas will host the 2024 NHL Awards on June 27.

NJ HOCKEY NOW: New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier suffered a facial laceration playing for Switzerland against Czechia on Monday in the 2024 IIHF World Championships. He received stitches and returned to action as the Swiss won the game 2-1.

CITY NEWS: cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports the Toronto Maple Leafs have interviewed former St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube for their vacant head-coaching position. They’re also expected to speak with former Los Angeles Kings bench boss Todd McLellan this week. They’ve also been interviewed by the New Jersey Devils.

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: The Sabres promoted Seth Appert as an assistant coach. He was the head coach of their AHL affiliate in Rochester.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 27, 2024

by | Feb 27, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 27, 2024

Oilers captain Connor McDavid reaches two milestones, the three stars of the week are unveiled, Valeri Nichushkin returns to the Avalanche, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid collected two assists in a 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings to reach the 90-point plateau for the eighth consecutive season. Evan Bouchard, Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins each had a goal and an assist for the 34-20-2 Oilers, who sit third in the Pacific Division with 70 points. Trevor Moore and Alex Laferriere replied for the Kings (29-18-10) as they hold the first Western Conference wild-card berth with 68 points.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid is the sixth player to reach 90 points in eight straight seasons, sitting in a tie for the third-most all-time with Jari Kurri, Dale Hawerchuk and Marcel Dionne. Wayne Gretzky is the all-time leader with 13 followed by Mike Bossy with nine.

The Oilers’ superstar also netted 70 assists for the fourth straight season to become the sixth player to reach that milestone. Gretzky is the all-time leader in that category with 13, followed by Bobby Orr (six), Adam Oates (five) Peter Stastny and Guy Lafleur (four each).

By the way, McDavid also stretched his home points streak to 23. With 91 points, he’s third among this season’s leading scorers.

The Seattle Kraken upset the Boston Bruins 4-3 on a shootout goal by Kailer Yamamoto. Philipp Grubauer made 29 saves for the Kraken as they improved to 25-22-11 (61 points) and sit five points out of the final Western Conference wild-card spot. David Pastrnak scored twice and collected an assist for the Bruins (34-12-14) as they collected a point to move into second place in the overall standings with 81 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the sixth straight game that has gone to overtime or a shootout for the Bruins, winning just two of those. Speaking of the Bruins, defenseman Derek Forbort was a healthy scratch after missing a team meeting.

An overtime goal by Bo Horvat gave the New York Islanders a 3-2 win over the Dallas Stars. Ilya Sorokin kicked out 30 shots for the 24-20-14 Islanders. Rookie Logan Stankoven scored his first NHL goal and collected his first assist for the Stars (35-16-9), who hold first place in the Central Division with 79 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Stars announced that forward Tyler Seguin is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

The Washington Capitals defeated the Ottawa Senators 6-3. Hendrix Lapierre tallied twice while Aliaksei Protas had a goal and two assists for the 27-21-9 Capitals. Brady Tkachuk and Shane Pinto each had a goal and two assists for the 25-28-3 Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals’ John Carlson reached a franchise milestone by moving past Calle Johansson into first place for most games played by a defenseman with 984. He’s also third all-time on their games-played list behind Alex Ovechkin (1,401) and Nicklas Backstrom (1,105).

Earlier in the day, the Capitals announced winger T.J. Oshie is week-to-week with an upper-body injury while Nic Dowd (upper body) is day-to-day.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov, Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner, and New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin as the league’s three stars for the week ending Feb. 25, 2024.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Valeri Nichushkin has been cleared to return to practice with the Avalanche. The 28-year-old winger entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program on Jan. 15 and is now in the follow-up care phase.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No word yet as to when Nichushkin will be cleared to resume playing but it’s good news for the Avalanche that he’s a step closer to doing so.

STLTODAY.COM: The Blues activated defenseman Justin Faulk (lower body) off long-term injured reserve. He could be in the lineup for Tuesday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale is reportedly week-to-week with an upper-body injury.