NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 30, 2026

by | Aug 30, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 30, 2026

The questions facing the Mammoth this season, the latest on Canadiens defenseman Noah Dobson, Chicago Blackhawks blueliner Kevin Korchinski, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Logan Cooley’s performance and those of offseason additions Vincent Trocheck, Anders Lee, and Sebastian Cossa are among the questions facing the Utah Mammoth this season.

Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley (NHL Images).

The biggest question is whether the 22-year-old Cooley will have his breakout season. He seemed poised to do so entering the 2025-26 campaign, but a lower-body injury limited him to 54 games.

Trocheck could help Cooley reach that goal. The Pittsburgh natives train together during the offseason. Trocheck, 33, and the 37-year-old Anders Lee will bring experience and leadership to the young Mammoth roster.

Cossa, 23, is a highly touted goaltender acquired from the Detroit Red Wings. He’s almost guaranteed to fill the backup role behind starter Karel Vejmelka, and has the potential to take over that spot one day.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Mammoth are among the promising young teams poised to rise in the Western Conference. After reaching the playoffs and throwing a scare into the Stanley Cup finalist Vegas Golden Knights last spring, they could challenge for a top-four Conference spot if Cooley stays healthy and Trocheck, Lee, and Cossa have a positive impact on their roster.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan profiled Canadiens defenseman Noah Dobson’s Prince Edward Island roots. The 26-year-old Dobson returns to his Summerside, PEI hometown every summer for his HockeyFest fundraiser billed as the world’s largest street hockey event.

The fourth annual event, held over three days in June, attracted 167 teams and raised $45,000 for Community Connections, a non-profit organization in Summerside that provides support for adults with intellectual disabilities.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Chicago Blackhawks signed defenseman Kevin Korchinski to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.325 million.

Korchinski, 22, split last season between Chicago and their AHL affiliate in Rockford, playing 13 games with the Blackhawks.

TSN: The Edmonton Oilers hired Misha Donskov as a coaching consultant on Thursday.

Donskov joined the Vegas Golden Knights as director of hockey operations before their 2017-18 inaugural season. He was one of their assistant coaches when they won the Stanley Cup in 2022-23. He spent the next two seasons as an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars.

Donskov was part of the coaching staff for Canada at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off and the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

THE ATHLETIC: NHLPA executive commissioner Marty Walsh believes it won’t be difficult to convince NHL players to participate in future Winter Olympics. He believes the experience of the 2026 Winter Games was so positive that it will convince all stakeholders to work out a deal in time for the 2030 Games in France.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 29, 2026

by | Aug 29, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 29, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: more proposed trade destinations for Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

BLEACHER REPORT: Joe Yerdon looked at eight potential landing spots for Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The 33-year-old three-time Vezina Trophy winner publicly admitted this week that he requested a trade earlier in this offseason.

Yerdon’s list included the Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils, Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers and San Jose Sharks.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those five clubs were also among the landing spots suggested by Murat Ates of The Athletic, Ryan Lambert of The Hockey News, and Sportsnet’s Emily Sadler. You can read my reaction to those selections by following this link.

Yerdon also included the Edmonton Oilers, Detroit Red Wings, and Chicago Blackhawks on his list. He acknowledged the difficulty the Oilers would face in putting together a suitable offer and in getting Hellebuyck to waive his no-movement clause to join them. Still, the possibility of him on the same team as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl is incredible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be amazing, but as Yerdon noted, the odds of it happening are low.

Hellebuyck returning to Michigan to backstop the Red Wings would also be an amazing, but unlikely story. The Wings aren’t making any moves until they hire a new general manager, and their first order of business is sorting out center Dylan Larkin’s trade request. And no, Larkin wouldn’t be swapped straight up for Hellebuyck because they’re not on his three-time trade list.

The Blackhawks are probably an unsuitable destination for Hellebuyck. They’re a rebuilding club, but he wants to play for a contender.

THE ATHLETIC: Jesse Granger included the Utah Mammoth and Dallas Stars on his list of potential destinations for Hellebuyck.

Granger noted the Mammoth have plenty of future assets and top-six forwards to compile an enticing trade package. He also suggested adding goalie Karel Vejmelka to the deal.

As for the Stars, Granger suggested a one-for-one swap of Hellebuyck for Jake Oettinger. However, he admitted that’s unlikely to happen because the latter also has a full no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Mammoth could be a dark horse in the Hellebuyck sweepstakes if he’s willing to go there and if they’re willing to make that investment. Forget about the Stars; they’re sticking with Oettinger, and he won’t want to move anyway.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon noted the Sabres were close to a deal that would’ve landed Hellebucyk in June. While it ultimately fell through, Dixon believes there’s a deal to be had between the two clubs.

Dixon proposed a deal that sends goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, forwards Jiri Kulich and Konsta Helenius to Winnipeg for Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets would do that deal in a heartbeat. As for the Sabres, I’ll leave the last word with Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards dismissed the notion of the Panthers as a trade destination for Hellebuyck. Having acquired Jacob Markstrom from the New Jersey Devils to replace the departed Sergei Bobrovsky, the Panthers have moved on.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some of you might suggest the Panthers could pursue Hellebuyck if Markstrom has a poor start to this season. However, even if Hellebuyck is still available in the trade market later this season, the Panthers lack the cap space to absorb his contract and the tradeable assets to make a tempting offer.

No, the Jets won’t want Markstrom in return, and he probably has Winnipeg on his 20-team no-trade list. And no, the Jets won’t retain salary to facilitate a trade. If you want Hellebuyck, you’re taking on his full $8.5 million average annual value.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Jame Nichols doesn’t see the Devils getting into the bidding for Hellebuyck.

Nichols believes Sunny Mehta, the Devils’ new GM, already made his goaltending moves by sending Markstrom to the Panthers earlier this summer, adding free agent David Rittich, and re-signing Nico Daws to a two-year contract. He’s sticking with the trio of Rittich, Daws and Jake Allen, with Daws expected to push for the starter’s job this season.

Hellebuyck’s contract would also take up a significant chunk of the Devils’ salary-cap space. That could complicate efforts to acquire Quinn Hughes if the Minnesota Wild defenseman becomes available in this season’s trade market or next summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes is expected to re-sign with the Wild, but if he doesn’t, the Devils could be keen to bring him to New Jersey for a reunion with his brothers Jack and Luke. Adding Hellebuyck (assuming he’d accept a trade to New Jersey) would throw a spanner in the works.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James believes the Flyers shouldn’t attempt to acquire Hellebuyck. He believes the asking price would be too high, plus the Flyers signed current starter Dan Vladar to a five-year contract extension that begins next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers weren’t on the suggested trade destinations for Hellebuyck. However, they already signalled what their biggest need was by their failed attempt to land Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson with an offer sheet last month. They won’t waste their cap space and valuable trade assets on a need they believe they’ve already addressed.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 27, 2026

by | Aug 27, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 27, 2026

The questions facing the Lightning this season, four Oilers will miss training camp, the top Vezina Trophy candidates for 2026-27, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Whether Victor Hedman can return to form as an elite No. 1 defenseman is among the big questions facing the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2026-27.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman (NHL Images).

The 35-year-old Lightning captain appeared in just 33 games last season, including missing the final 22 games of the regular season and all seven of his club’s playoff games. He revealed that he took a leave of absence to prioritize his mental health.

Hedman said he has no regrets about taking that leave of absence, saying that he was dealing with performance anxiety, which in part was related to injuries that hampered his play. The long-time Lightning star claims he’s “feeling great” now and has been skating regularly during the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A bounce-back season for Hedman would be a significant factor in the Lightning’s performance this season.

Whether John Carlson can replace the departed Darren Raddysh and whether young players such as Conor Geekie and Sam O’Reilly can make an impact are other notable questions for the Lightning this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Raddysh parlayed a career-best 70-point season with the Lightning into a lucrative contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Carlson is older than the 30-year-old late-blooming Raddysh, but the 36-year-old is an experienced puck-moving defenseman who had 60 points in 71 games with the Washington Capitals and Anaheim Ducks last season. He should have enough left in the tank to replace Raddysh’s offense.

As for Geekie and O’Reilly, the jury remains out. Geekie is entering his third NHL season while O’Reilly is entering his first pro season after four seasons of junior hockey.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Goaltender Frederik Andersen is among four Oilers who will miss training camp for medical reasons.

Andersen and winger Matt Savoie are still rehabilitating injuries that occurred during offseason training. Forward Mattias Janmark and defenseman Alec Regula are still recovering from surgeries performed last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The absence of Andersen and Savoie could be the most concerning for the Oilers.

Andersen, 36, was signed to a one-year, $2.8 million contract. He helped the Carolina Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup last season, but has been sidelined frequently by injuries. TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reported Andersen could be sidelined until late October. Meanwhile, the 22-year-old Savoie is coming off a promising 37-point rookie campaign.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Former Sharks defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin said he wasn’t happy during his final season in San Jose.

“In the games I played, I thought I played well,” Mukhamadullin said. “There was some misunderstanding with the coaching staff. I won’t spell it out clearly, but there were some disagreements.”

Mukhamadullin, 24, was traded by the Sharks to the Oilers in July as part of the return for blueliner Darnell Nurse.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The trade to Edmonton gives Mukhamadullin the chance to reset his NHL career after struggling to crack the Sharks’ roster over the past three seasons. He could become a key part of the Oilers’ blueline if he can make the most of this opportunity.

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin listed his top Vezina Trophy candidates as the NHL’s top goaltender for 2026-27.

Logan Thompson of the Washington Capitals sits atop his list, with 2025-26 Vezina winner Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning in second place and Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders in third.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link for the full listing. Feel free to share your thoughts on that list in the comments section below.

NHL.COM: The league released its US television schedule for 2026-27. 172 games will be broadcast on TNT Sports and ESPN this season, beginning with the season-opening triple-header on Sept. 29.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 23, 2026

by | Aug 23, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 23, 2026

The Lightning could face difficult extension talks with Nikita Kucherov, Leon Draisaitil weighs in on new Oilers coach Mike Babcock, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPORTSNET: Michael Amato recently suggested that Nikita Kucherov’s contract extension talks with the Tampa Bay Lightning could get complicated.

Kucherov is coming off a 130-point performance in 2025-26, including a remarkable stretch in which he netted 107 points in a 53-game stretch. That effort earned the 33-year-old winger his second Hart Memorial Trophy.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (NHL Images).

Eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July, Kucherov can now sign an extension with the Lightning. He’s in the final season of an eight-year contract worth an average annual value of $9.5 million.

Amato doesn’t think it’s unreasonable for Kucherov to seek an $18 million AAV on his next contract. However, his age suggests he’s unlikely to accept a modest raise over his current salary. He suggested something comparable to the $14 million AAV that Leon Draisaitl is currently earning with the Edmonton Oilers.

Given Kucherov’s age, he’ll likely try to get as much term as possible, while the Lightning could prefer a shorter term. However, Amato speculated that the Bolts could entertain a league-maximum seven-year deal if signed before the maximum is shortened by a year after Sept. 15 or a six-year deal if signed after Sept. 15 if it’ll reduce the AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see how this plays out. The Lightning have $30.675 million in projected cap space for 2027-28, with 14 active roster players (including all core players except Kucherov) under contract.

A new contract for Kucherov could take up half that cap space, but it should leave enough for the Lightning to fill out their roster and ice a competitive team.

Being in a no-tax state could also work in the Lightning’s favor as in the past. Nevertheless, Kucherov will get a lucrative new deal, either with Tampa Bay or another club if he goes to market next summer.

NHL.COM: Leon Draisaitl is looking forward to playing under Mike Babcock, the controversial new head coach of the Edmonton Oilers.

“I think he’s got a very clear plan, and I think he holds guys accountable, and I think to him, it’s not about who it is when it comes to accountability, you know?” Draisaitl said. “Like, we’re looking to be coached. We’re looking to get better, and I sometimes deserve (to be yelled at) too, just like anyone else does. I don’t think Babs is going to care overly much who we are in terms of that. I think sometimes that’s needed.”

Draisaitl also said that he believes Babcock will bring a different attitude and mentality to the Oilers. He claimed that everyone on the team is excited about the coming season and is looking forward to playing for their new coach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is gambling that Babcock can help the Oilers return to Stanley Cup contention. If it pays off, he’ll look like a genius for taking that risk. But if this gambit fails, it could have far-reaching consequences for the Oilers, especially the future of superstar Connor McDavid, who is in the first season of a two-year contract.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael Traikos dismissed recent speculation suggesting Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper might leave at the end of this season to coach the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Traikos pointed out that Cooper won the Jack Adams Award as the league’s top coach for the first time last season. He also noted that Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois intends to keep him around for a long time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Traikos also noted that the Maple Leafs hired Jim Hiller this spring as their new bench boss. Unless the Maple Leafs repeat last season’s disappointing performance, they’re unlikely to seek a replacement next summer.

Anything’s possible, of course, and maybe Cooper decides he needs a change and a new challenge, or maybe he and the Bolts won’t agree to a new contract. Ending the Maple Leafs six-decades-and-counting Cup drought would be the ultimate test of his coaching abilities. Nevertheless, it seems more likely that he stays in Tampa Bay.

BOSTON HERALD: Bruins head coach Marco Sturm said conversations are ongoing with management and the front office about selecting a suitable player as the club’s next captain. They were without one last season, spreading the duties between alternate captains David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Hampus Lindholm.

Sturm also believes that Michael DiPietro will do a good job as the Bruins’ new backup goaltender. He pointed out that DiPietro was outstanding for their AHL affiliate in Providence over the last two seasons.

The Bruins coach also hasn’t decided yet which of his centers will skate alongside Pastrnak, but feels he has some good options. He noted that Pavel Zacha had a solid season in that role, and believes Elias Lindholm has proven he can play with Pastrnak.

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin listed five NHL teams that he believes improved during the offseason.

The Florida Panthers are on Larkin’s list as he cited what should be a healthier roster this season and the addition of winger Brady Tkachuk. Larkin also included the Nashville Predators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Utah Mammoth, and Washington Capitals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I believe the Capitals’ addition of Jordan Kyrou, Alex Tuch and Boone Jenner will make them the most improved on Larkin’s list.

Do you agree with this list? Is there another team that you think should be here? Let us know in the comments section below.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 22, 2026

by | Aug 22, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 22, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: suggested destinations for Oilers captain Connor McDavid as the offseason silliness continues, and a look at the Red Wings’ cap space.

BLEED OIL BLUE: NHL Network’s E.J. Hradek recently discussed hypothetical destinations for Connor McDavid if he were to leave the Edmonton Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid, 28, is entering the first season of his two-year contract extension with the Oilers. That has generated speculation about what the superstar center might do if the club fails to return to Stanley Cup contender status after last season’s disappointing performance.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images)

Hradek said he doesn’t have a close relationship with McDavid. However, speaking with “a couple of different sources,” he said that if McDavid were to leave Edmonton, perhaps the Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings were locations that he might be amenable to.

The New York Rangers come up “because the Rangers are gonna have a lot of cap space, and it is New York, after all.” Hradek suggested that seeing the outpouring of love for the New York Knicks after winning the NBA championship could influence someone to join the Rangers.

Hradek ultimately believes that if McDavid leaves, it’ll be to join a club where he can win the Stanley Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With all due respect to Hradek and his sources, the Flyers, Red Wings, and Rangers won’t give McDavid the best chances to win hockey’s holy grail.

The Flyers are a promising team, and they definitely need a first-line center. They exceeded expectations last season by reaching the playoffs and advancing to the second round. However, even the most die-hard Flyers fan knows that their team is still several years away from Cup contention.

Meanwhile, in Detroit, the Red Wings have become a soap opera. A decade-long playoff drought prompted team captain Dylan Larkin to request a trade, forcing ownership to relieve franchise icon Steve Yzerman of his duties as general manager and sparking speculation about his eventual replacement. Of the teams Hradek mentioned, the Wings are the furthest from Cup contention.

As for the Rangers, GM Chris Drury has been attempting to retool his roster on the fly over the past two years. While this season’s edition is bound to be better than last season’s, they are no closer to regaining their Cup contention status from two years ago.

I realize I’m noting where these teams are now and that a lot can change by the time McDavid’s contract expires in 2028, assuming he departs as a free agent and doesn’t push for a trade beforehand.

Nevertheless, I don’t see those three clubs improving over that period to become certain Cup contenders, which I believe is what it would take to entice McDavid.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen recently reported that whoever becomes the next general manager of the Red Wings will be swimming in salary-cap space this season.

According to PuckPedia, the Red Wings have a league-leading $19,572,084 of cap space for 2026-27. That will go down once restricted free agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson is re-signed. Assuming he gets an average annual value of $9 million, it would still leave the Wings with over $10 million to work with. They could also gain another $8.7 million, depending on what they gain if they trade Dylan Larkin.

Allen noted that the Red Wings could have over $40 million in projected cap space for 2027-28. Next summer’s free-agent pool could be deep. Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild are among the stars who could be available. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Having lots of salary-cap space won’t matter if the top players in next summer’s UFA market aren’t willing to sign with your club. The Red Wings’ current status suggests they could have a difficult time wooing the best free-agent talent.

They could put that cap space to better use in the trade market, provided they target players lacking no-trade protection or those who would be willing to waive their clauses to come to Detroit.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 20, 2026

by | Aug 20, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 20, 2026

Notable questions facing the Rangers, regular-season games to be played in Germany in 2027-28, the latest on Sergei Bobrovsky, Jaccob Slavin, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The New York Rangers entered 2026-27 facing the prospect of how to replace Vincent Trocheck and who centers offseason addition Pavel Dorofeyev among their notable questions to be addressed.

The Rangers traded Trocheck to the Utah Mammoth on July 1, leaving them without a reliable second-line center and key contributor to their power play. Alexis Lafreniere could replace Trocheck on their first PP unit. J.T. Miller could take over as a primary center at even strength.

The New York Rangers acquired Pavel Dorofeyev from the Vegas Golden Knights on June 26. (NHL Images).

Dorofeyev was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights on June 26, signing a seven-year, $77 million contract. The 25-year-old winger could be on the Rangers’ top PP unit with Miller and Mika Zibanejad.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This season could be a critical one for the Rangers as their retooling process enters its third year. Failure to qualify for the playoffs could lead to more changes, perhaps starting in their front office.

NHL.COM: The NHL and NHLPA announced that Munich and Cologne will host NHL regular-season games during the 2027-28 campaign as part of the league’s annual Global Series. It’s the first time regular-season games will be played in Germany.

The Boston Bruins will play two games in JJ Peterka’s home city of Munich, while the Edmonton Oilers will play two games in Leon Draisaitl’s native city of Cologne.

The league is also partnering with FC Bayern for a first-of-its-kind multiyear partnership to accelerate the growth of hockey in Germany and the development of FC Bayern in North America.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL continues to make strides in its efforts to promote its brand into European markets. It could be setting the stage for a potential expansion into Europe, though that appears to be years away. For now, it will continue to grow the game there, ensuring a steady stream of the best European talent makes its way to the NHL.

TORONTO SUN: Former NHL goaltender Glenn Healy downplayed concerns among Maple Leafs followers about whether Sergei Bobrovsky’s best years are behind him. He believes the 37-year-old netminder can still be an effective starter for the Leafs, whose experience could be an inspiration for the retooling club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bobrovsky’s struggles last season with the injury-ravaged Florida Panthers raised concerns that he’s past his prime. A bounce-back performance on his part will be crucial to the Maple Leafs’ hopes of regaining playoff contention this season following their own disappointing performance.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin will use his day with the Stanley Cup this weekend to help raise funds, in part, to support the Grayson Murray Foundation.

Murray, a Raleigh native, was a two-time winner on the PGA Tour who died by suicide two years ago. The nonprofit foundation, which has support from the PGA, raises greater awareness and support for mental health and addiction challenges while advancing and funding innovative research and services.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers signed defenseman Scott Morrow to a one-year, two-way contract worth $850,000 at the NHL level. Morrow, 23, played 29 games with the Rangers last season.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Bill Hoppe recently reported Radim Mrtka was praised by his WHL coach over how the Sabres prospect defenseman handled rumors linking him to the St. Louis Blues before the March trade deadline.

Mrtka was reportedly part of the return to the Blues if defenseman Colton Parayko waived his no-movement clause. The deal died when Parayko refused to do so.

According to Seattle Thunderbirds coach Matt O’Dette, Mrtka handled the speculation well, calling him unflappable. “He just kind of goes about his business and kind of shrugged off that distraction a little bit,” O’Dette said.

Mrtka finished what was likely his final season with the Thunderbirds before joining the Sabres’ AHL affiliate in Rochester.

AZ HOCKEY INSIDER: Craig Morgan reports NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told him that the league continues to have an interest in having a franchise return to Phoenix.

The Coyotes played in the Phoenix area from 1996-97 to 2023-24, relocating to Salt Lake City, Utah, in April 2024.

Daly indicated that there is interest among “a number of people in Arizona to bring an NHL franchise back to the Phoenix area.” He indicated that the league has been open and honest that, given the right circumstances, they continue to believe it would be a good market for a successful NHL franchise.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the league considering another expansion attempt into Atlanta, it shouldn’t be surprising that they would maintain an interest in Phoenix. Part of the “right circumstances” would be stable, deep-pocketed ownership and the construction of a new NHL-worthy arena in Phoenix. Without either one, there won’t be a return to Phoenix anytime soon.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks radio broadcasts will reportedly be moving to Rogers-owned Kiss Radio. The news comes six weeks after the demise of Sportsnet 650.