NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 25, 2025

by | Sep 25, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 25, 2025

The latest on Islanders captain Anders Lee, Stars captain Jamie Benn, Senators winger Drake Batherson, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NEW YORK POST: Islanders captain Anders Lee will be sidelined for one to two weeks with an upper-body injury. The timeline is precautionary, and there’s little concern that he’ll miss their season opener on Oct. 9.

DAILY FACEOFF: Speaking of the Islanders, goaltender Semyon Varlamov is not close to rejoining his teammates. His last game was in November 2024, and he underwent knee surgery in December. He’s been skating individually during training camp.

New York Islanders captain Anders Lee (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders signed goalie David Rittich this summer to a one-year contract as insurance in case Varlamov remained out of the lineup.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars captain Jamie Benn is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He was held out of practice on Wednesday as a precautionary measure, but there’s no indication that the injury is serious.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators winger Drake Batherson has been ruled out for two weeks after pulling an upper-body muscle. He could miss their season-opening game on Oct. 9.

TSN: Milan Lucic is day-to-day with a suspected groin injury. He’s attending the St. Louis Blues training camp on a professional tryout offer. Head coach Jim Montgomery suggested the 37-year-old winger could get into a couple of preseason games next week if he returns to the lineup by then.

THE TENNESSEAN: Nashville Predators defenseman Nicolas Hague will miss the next four to six weeks with an upper-body injury. He left the second game of a doubleheader against the Florida Panthers on Sept. 21 and didn’t return. The Predators acquired the 26-year-old Hague in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights and signed him to a four-year contract on July 1.

SPORTSNET: Vancouver Canucks forward Nils Hoglander left Wednesday’s game with the Calgary Flames after suffering a lower-body injury. He was wearing a walking boot after the game and will be evaluated on Thursday.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins goalie Joel Blomqvist is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: Edmonton Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin is taking a leave of absence after his father, Alexander, died suddenly on Tuesday. Earlier this week, Podkolzin signed a three-year contract extension with the Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Podkolzin on the passing of his father.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 24, 2025

by | Sep 24, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 24, 2025

Check out the latest on Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, Jets center Jonathan Toews, Blues defenseman Torey Krug, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports that defenseman Alex Pietrangelo’s recent comments about a possible return with the Vegas Golden Knights were met with “too much optimism”.

Pietrangelo, 35, is expected to be placed on long-term injury reserve this season with a lingering hip injury. Earlier this week, he left the door open for a possible return with the Golden Knights later in the season.

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (NHL Images).

Dreger stated that those close to Pietrangelo claim it was difficult for him to play last season. “Now, he’s just trying to get a place, lifestyle-wise, where he is a healthy and happy husband and father. He is not playing this year, and as we know, he’s got two years remaining on his contract.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pietrangelo mused about possibly returning in time for the 2026 playoffs. Dreger’s report suggests that could be wishful thinking.

SPORTSNET: Jonathan Toews made his debut with the Winnipeg Jets in preseason action against the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. The 37-year-old center played 18:36 and finished minus-one with no shots on goal.

It was Toews’ first game since Apr. 23, 2023, with the Chicago Blackhawks. “I felt like I made some plays and, as the game went on, just relaxed a little bit,” Toews said. He admitted he was still getting used to playing with a different team and getting his conditioning and timing back, but he’s happy to be back in action again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s unlikely that Toews will regain the form that made him one of the best two-way centers in the league. Nevertheless, the Jets hope that he’ll play well enough to fill the second-line center position.

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford did a feature on Torey Krug, who underwent career-ending ankle surgery last year. The 34-year-old defenseman is now at peace and getting on with his life.

A 13-year NHL veteran with the Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues, Krug had to adjust to no longer being a player over the course of last season as he recovered from surgery. He is considering coaching, but for now, he’s easing into retirement and enjoying time with his family as his health improves.

Krug has two years remaining on his contract. He will be placed on long-term injury reserve this season. He thanked the Blues’ organization for their support and their belief in him when they signed him in 2020.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers signed winger Vasily Podkolzin to a three-year contract extension with an average annual value (AAV) of $2.95 million.

Podkolzin’s offensive numbers aren’t great (eight goals and 16 assists last season), but head coach Kris Knoblauch and center Leon Draisaitl praised his versatility, his defensive play, forechecking, and physical style.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll has taken a leave of absence to attend to a personal family matter. There is no timetable for his return.

Dennis Hildeby is expected to fill in for Woll during his absence.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood engaged in a light workout on his own with some of the coaches on Tuesday. He’s week-to-week with an undisclosed injury, and it’s uncertain if he’ll return in time for their season opener on Oct. 9.

Defenseman Samuel Girard remains sidelined but is expected to be in the lineup for their first game of the season.

TSN: Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson left practice early on Tuesday with an undisclosed injury. Head coach Travis Green said that he “pulled something” and provided no update on his status.

DAILY FACEOFF: San Jose Sharks forward Colin White will be out “a couple of weeks” with an upper-body injury. Defenseman John Klingberg (upper body) is listed as day-to-day.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins will enshrine Scotty Bowman, Ron Francis, Kevin Stevens, and Eddie Johnston in their restarted Hall of Fame on Oct. 25.

THE ATHLETIC: James Mirtle looked at possible loopholes in the NHL’s new playoff salary-cap system.

One could be replacing the backup goaltender with a more affordable third-string netminder. Mirtle doubted that this move would cost a team a playoff game, since second goalies are rarely used in those games, and when they are, it’s in a game that’s already lost.

Another option could be sitting an overpaid player who is underperforming. He cited New Jersey Devils forward Ondrej Palat as an example, noting that his AAV is $6 million but the aging winger’s performance is well below that pay level.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NHL general managers and capologists have always found ways to circumvent salary-cap rules legally. Don’t be surprised if they employ some of the potential tactics mentioned by Mirtle.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 23, 2025

by | Sep 23, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 23, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Luke Hughes’ contract talks with the Devils, potential suitors for free-agent goalie Carter Hart, and Alex Wennberg’s future with the Sharks. 

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the wedge between the Devils and Luke Hughes is growing more concerning as training camp continues. 

New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (NHL Images).

Hughes, 22, is a restricted free agent completing his entry-level contract. He’s missed nearly the entire first week of Devils training camp. Both sides seek a long-term deal, but cannot find common ground on the dollars. 

Nichols cited recent speculation by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggesting general managers around the league are doing their best to hold their ground so as not to be taken advantage of with the rising salary cap. 

Hughes’ agent, Pat Brisson, sees his client as a future No. 1 defenseman and believes he should be paid accordingly. He also doesn’t want to see Luke’s contract land on the “best bargain” list, like his brother, Jack Hughes. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils also have $5.2 million in cap space, which would also explain why negotiations have stalled over money. 

They could get some short-term cap relief if sidelined defenseman Johnathan Kovecevic ($4 million average annual value) lands on LTIR to start the season. However, they must be cap-compliant when the season begins, which could lead to a cost-cutting trade if the AAV on Hughes’ new contract exceeds their current cap hit. 

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston reports sources are claiming the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights are among several teams still in the mix for free-agent goaltender Carter Hart. 

Hart won’t be returning to his former team, the Philadelphia Flyers. He seeks a destination where he’ll have a clear path to playing time on a team built for success. 

It’s expected he’ll sign a two-year contract and could play some tune-up games in the AHL in mid-November before his first NHL start in early December. 

The Utah Mammoth had internal discussions about bidding for Hart, but is out of the process. The Edmonton Oilers have decided not to pursue him. 

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports Alex Wennberg faces an uncertain future with the San Jose Sharks. 

The 31-year-old center is in the second season of a two-year contract with the rebuilding Sharks. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. 

Pashelka noted that the Sharks have promising centers such as Will Smith, Michael Misa, and Filip Bystedt on their roster or within their system.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 22, 2025

by | Sep 22, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 22, 2025

Updates on Ducks center Mason McTavish, Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, Avalanche forward Martin Necas, Stars winger Jason Robertson, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen looked at some notable things to keep in mind for all 32 NHL clubs as preseason play gets underway.

Among them is Mason McTavish’s contract impasse with the Anaheim Ducks. The 23-year-old restricted free-agent center has missed training camp thus far. He is a key part of their playoff hopes this season.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish? (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Eric Stephens recently reported that it’s believed the McTavish camp isn’t seeking something comparable to the $8.4 million annual average value (AAV) that Wyatt Johnston got from the Dallas Stars on a five-year extension. Stephens thinks they might be receptive to something similar to Matthew Knies’ $7.7 million AAV on his six-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Rasmus Andersson will be moved at some point this season. The Calgary Flames defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The two sides might work out an extension, but the odds are slim at this point. The expectation is that Andersson will be moved by the March 6 trade deadline.

The Colorado Avalanche face a big decision with Martin Necas. They acquired him from the Carolina Hurricanes as part of the return in the Mikko Rantanen trade last January. The 28-year-old Necas is UFA-eligible next summer. He averaged just under a point per game last season, and another performance like that could see him seek around $10 million annually on his next contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas didn’t have much to say about the situation when asked about it last week. Both sides seem willing to see how this season unfolds.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov requested a trade this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Over the weekend, it was reported that Chinakhov might have a change of heart after meeting with head coach Dean Evason to discuss the “misunderstandings” that prompted the trade request.

Jason Robertson has an interesting contract situation. He’s eligible for RFA status with arbitration rights next summer, but a one-year deal would take him to UFA status in 2027. The Stars are still eyeing a Stanley Cup this season with their current group, but Boylen doesn’t rule out a Robertson trade at some point, depending on how the season goes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars GM Jim Nill last week denied offseason reports claiming he’d looked into moving Robertson. He seems willing to see how this season pans out with Robertson.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid’s UFA status next summer and his willingness to sign an extension have dominated headlines. Boylen suggests the play of rookies Isaac Howard and Matt Savoie could be a factor in whether he opts to re-sign.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boylen points out the play of those two rookies won’t be the deciding factor, but solid performances by both of them could convince McDavid that the club has a bright future.

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is UFA-eligible next July. Boylen wonders what kind of contract the 37-year-old could get from the Panthers, and what their succession plan is between the pipes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers GM Bill Zito prefers to keep his core intact as they chase multiple Stanley Cup championships. If Bobrovsky plays well, they’ll work something out to keep him in the fold while buying time to find a proper successor.

Jacob Markstrom of the New Jersey Devils is another UFA-eligible goalie next summer. He turns 36 in January, and losing him would be a setback for the Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Contract extension talks have reportedly started between the two sides.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin is another player eligible for UFA status next summer. He turns 34 in October, but remained their leading scorer throughout the club’s tumultuous 2024-25 campaign. Boylen wonders what number might make sense for both sides now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panarin’s AAV is $11.642 million on his current deal. The two sides are keeping mum regarding contract talks, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they take a wait-and-see approach to the coming season.

This may be the last season of the Sidney Crosby-Evgeni Malkin era in Pittsburgh. Malkin is in the final season of his contract, and at age 39, he may not remain with the Penguins after this season, given the team is in rebuild mode.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin recently surfaced in the rumor mill amid reports that several clubs inquired about his availability since the 2024 offseason. He said he wants to stay in Pittsburgh, but doesn’t know what he’d do if asked to waive his no-movement clause. GM Kyle Dubas said he’d meet with Malkin during the Olympic break to discuss his future.

Elias Pettersson’s performance could be a determining factor in whether Quinn Hughes stays with the Vancouver Canucks. Hughes has two years left on his contract, but the club will want clarity on his future by next summer. If Pettersson can regain the form that made him a 102-point performer in 2022-23, it could go a long way toward convincing Hughes to sign an extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A strong season by Pettersson, combined with Hughes’ usual brilliance, could propel the Canucks up the standings and into the playoffs again.

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel is also eligible for UFA status next summer. Boylen wonders how his contract extension would fit in alongside Mitch Marner’s $12 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eichel’s current AAV is $10 million. He loves living and playing in Vegas and doesn’t appear too concerned about getting a deal done. The Golden Knights have a projected $20.375 million in cap space for 2026-27, and will get another $8.8 million in cap relief if Alex Pietrangelo remains on LTIR. That will give them enough room to sign Eichel.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 21, 2025

by | Sep 21, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 21, 2025

Are teams calling about Penguins center Evgeni Malkin? Are the Oilers interested in Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov? What’s the latest on the Red Wings and Avalanche? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

RG.ORG: An NHL executive source told James Murphy that the Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers looked into the availability of Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin since the 2024 offseason.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

The answer from Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas was always “a hard no.” He’s letting Malkin and Penguins captain Sidney Crosby dictate their futures. “They haven’t asked out, but they haven’t ruled out asking out either.”

Malkin, 39, is entering his 20th NHL season, all of them with the Penguins. He’s in the final year of his contract and eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. His contract also has a full no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas recently said he intended to meet with Malkin during the Olympic break in February to discuss the future Hall of Famer’s future. If a trade takes place, it will likely occur between February 25 (when the regular season resumes following the Olympic break) and the March 6 trade deadline.

Malkin and Crosby have expressed their wish to stay in Pittsburgh, and that might be fulfilled. Still, we can’t rule out the possibility of a change of heart from either player if things don’t go well for the Penguins this season. Time will tell if the Canadiens, Panthers, or Lightning will revisit their rumored interest in Malkin. 

If Malkin becomes available, it remains to be seen how much interest he’ll draw. His performance has declined in recent years as age and injuries have taken a toll.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff believes the Red Wings would part with promising defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka to acquire Vancouver Canucks blueliner Quinn Hughes if the opportunity arose.

Duff pointed out that the Canucks aren’t shopping Hughes. “Not yet.” But the situation could change before the end of this season. While it’s believed he’d want to join his brothers, Jack and Luke, with the New Jersey Devils, Quinn has ties to Michigan, having played with the USNTDP in Plymouth and for the Michigan Wolverines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If a reunion with his brothers in New Jersey isn’t possible, Hughes could prefer going to a contender, which the Red Wings haven’t been for a long time. He lacks no-trade protection, so the Canucks could ship him to Detroit if the Wings made the best offer, but whether he’d re-sign with them is another matter.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen cited a report from The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun claiming Matt Grzelcyk rejected a one-year, $1 million contract offer from a Western Conference team.

Deen indicated it’s unclear if the offer came from the Avalanche. He pointed out that LeBrun stated the Avalanche is among four teams that could be an option for Grzelcyk, who is on a professional tryout offer (PTO) with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard is currently nursing a lower-body injury. If he remains out when the regular season begins, Deen speculated that Grzelcyk might be an option for them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche has over $1.3 million in cap space for the coming season. There’s enough to squeeze in Grzelcyk if he doesn’t land a contract with the Blackhawks or another team. LeBrun also mentioned the Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, and Anaheim Ducks as possible destinations for the veteran defenseman.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins reports on speculation linking the Oilers to Yegor Chinakhov. The 24-year-old forward requested a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets last month.

Chinakhov is in the final season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.1 million. However, the Oilers are pressed against the salary cap, Chinkhov has injury issues, and Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell isn’t giving away a former first-round pick for free.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chinakhov hasn’t rescinded his trade request, but he recently sounded like he might be having a change of heart after meeting with head coach Dean Evason to address their differences.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 20, 2025

by | Sep 20, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 20, 2025

Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin reveals his fiancée underwent a heart transplant, Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl hopes to be in the Selke Trophy conversation, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin revealed that his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, underwent heart transplant surgery earlier this summer while the couple was on vacation in France.

Dahlin said Matovac suffered “major heart failure” requiring life-saving CPR. She was placed on life support “for weeks” before undergoing a heart transplant, and is currently recovering in Sweden.

Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin (NHL Images).

“I see my fiancée work hard every day, and that makes me very motivated,” Dahlin said. “I’m good right now.” He went on to thank the club and his teammates for their support, as well as the medical staff in France and Sweden who saved Matovac’s life.

Dahlin continues to train with his teammates in preparation for the upcoming 2025-26 season. He asked for privacy as Matovac continues her rehab in Sweden before joining him in Buffalo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to Dahlin and Matovac as she continues her recovery.

THE SCORE: Leon Draisaitl said he hopes to be in the running for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, which honors the NHL’s top defensive forward. The 29-year-old Edmonton Oilers center finished sixth among Selke voters last season, the highest finish of his career.

Draisaitl acknowledged there are aspects of his game that need improvement to win the Selke, but he also pointed out that there are parts of it that he does well. “Just looking to chip away at it and get even better,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl is already among the league’s elite offensive forwards. Improving the defensive side of his game will not only make him a more well-rounded forward but also improve the Oilers’ chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

Draisaitl is drawing inspiration from Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar, who announced this week that the coming season will be his last. Kopitar is considered among the NHL’s top two-way forwards, winning the Selke Trophy twice in his long career.

NEW YORK POST: Adam Fox hopes to get his game back on track after struggling through the worst season of his career.

Winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2020-21, the 27-year-old Rangers defenseman is considered to be among the league’s best blueliners. However, he seemed a step slower in 2024-25 and was prone to losing ice battles. Those issues affected his performance with Team USA during the 4 Nations Face-Off, resulting in a reduction of his playing time during the tournament.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A bounce-back effort by Fox will be crucial to the Rangers’ hopes of rebounding from last season’s disappointing effort. He’s projected to be paired with offseason acquisition Vladislav Gavrikov, who could be a steadying influence.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins forward Kevin Hayes is expected to miss the start of the upcoming season after suffering an upper-body injury during the opening day of training camp. The injury occurred after being hit by defenseman Ryan Graves, sidelining him for at least one month.

DAILY FACEOFF: Utah Mammoth forward Alex Kerfoot is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks center Macklin Celebrini missed practice during the second day of training camp due to an illness. However, it’s not considered serious and he should return soon.

TSN: Montreal Canadiens center Kirby Dach was absent from training camp on Friday, but is expected to play preseason games. The 24-year-old underwent his second knee surgery in February and is hoping to be ready for the start of the season next month.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens envisioned Dach as their second-line center when they acquired him three years ago, but knee injuries have hampered his development. Nevertheless, they intend to give him another opportunity to establish himself in that role.

OTTAWA SUN: Contract extension talks have begun between the Senators and center Shane Pinto. However, those discussions could be shelved if an agreement isn’t reached when they open their season next month. The 24-year-old Pinto is in the second season of a two-year deal with an average annual value of $3.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pinto is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next July. He’s indicated that he wants to focus on his play during the upcoming season and not have his contract situation become a distraction.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Ray Shero is the 2025 winner of the Lester Patrick Trophy. The award is given to a person based on their outstanding contributions to hockey in the United States.

Shero passed away in April at age 62. He served as an assistant GM with the Nashville Predators and Ottawa Senators. He went on to become the GM of the Penguins from 2006 to 2014, building the team that won the Stanley Cup in 2009.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A well-deserved posthumous honor for Shero, who also drafted several players (Jake Guentzel, Matt Murray, Bryan Rust, and Olli Maatta) who went on to play key roles in the Penguins’ two Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and 2017.