NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 13, 2026

by | Aug 13, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 13, 2026

The questions facing the Kings, the worst decisions from last season, what the Capitals need to bounce back, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: How Quenton Byfield fares as the No. 1 center and Drew Doughty’s future are among the three notable questions facing the Los Angeles Kings this season.

Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield (NHL Images).

Byfield, 23, has big skates to fill as he takes over the first-line center role from Anze Kopitar, who retired at the end of last season. He’s averaged over 53 points in each of the last three seasons, and could see those numbers increase while centering wingers Artemi Panarin and Kevin Fiala.

Doughty is entering the final season of his eight-year contract. The 36-year-old defenseman faces an uncertain future with the Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byfield has been projected for years as the Kings’ future first-line center. That future is now for the youngster. How well he handles the role and the pressure will play a significant part in how this season unfolds for the retooling Kings.

Doughty isn’t the Norris Trophy contender of his youth, but he was still an effective top-four defenseman for the Kings. His performance this season will determine if he gets a contract extension before his eligibility for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

BLEACHER REPORT: Adam Gretz recently looked back at the biggest mistakes of the NHL’s 2025-26 campaign.

The Edmonton Oilers’ trading Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Tristan Jarry was among the notable blunders. So was the Anaheim Ducks’ not getting Leo Carlsson signed before the offseason, and the Winnipeg Jets expecting a fading Jonathan Toews to fill their second-line center role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link for the full list and let us know if you agree or disagree with Gretz’s choices.

Hindsight is 20/20, but for me, the Ducks not re-signing Carlsson to an extension last summer was the biggest mistake. That decision changed the cost of re-signing players considerably, and could adversely affect the Ducks’ roster.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Lambert looked at four things the Washington Capitals need if they’re to rebound from last season’s disappointing performance.

Their offseason investments paying off topped the list. Capitals management hoped to bolster their scoring punch by adding wingers Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres and Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues. They also brought in two-way forward Boone Jenner from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has agreed to return for one more season, but it’s clear that management is preparing their offense for the day when he’ll be moving on. Adding Tuch and Kyrou could help them spread their scoring around while providing more depth in anticipation of Ovechkin’s inevitable retirement.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: The Sabres will induct former forwards Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek into their Hall of Fame before their home game on Jan. 14 against the Colorado Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pominville and Vanek were among the Sabres’ best players between 2005-06 and 2011-12.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Calen Addison has signed a one-year contract with KHL team Shanghai Dragons. The 26-year-old defenseman spent four NHL seasons with the Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks from 2020-21 to 2023-24, netting 50 points in 152 regular-season games. He spent the last two seasons in the AHL.

SPORTSNET: Hockey Canada suspensions remain in place for four of the five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team who were acquitted of sexual assault last year.

Cal Foote’s suspension remains in place until Nov. 10. Carter Hart’s will be lifted on the same date in 2027; Dillon Dube’s in 2028; and Michael McLeod’s in 2030.

Alex Formenton was the only player whose suspension was lifted.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames have signed a five-year radio broadcasting deal with QR Calgary 770 AM.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 11, 2026

by | Aug 11, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 11, 2026

The latest on Canucks center Elias Pettersson and an update on the Oilers’ trade plans in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CANUCKS CONVERSATION: CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal recently dismissed trade speculation linking Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson to the Los Angeles Kings.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

The rumors began when the 27-year-old Canucks center was spotted practicing in Los Angeles. However, Dhaliwal pointed out that Pettersson’s wife is from Los Angeles, which explains why he would be doing some offseason training there.

Dhaliwal also said a trade involving Pettersson has not come close to happening in the last few months. There’s been plenty of conjecture and teams checking in, but nothing reached the point where the Canucks would ask the center or his agent if he would waive his no-movement clause.

Pettersson’s contract remains the sticking point. He has six years remaining on his deal with an average annual value of $11.6 million. Dhaliwal believes the Canucks have no choice but to wait and see how Pettersson plays this season and if it improved their chances of moving him at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring a dramatic change in Pettersson’s circumstances, he’ll start this season (and likely finish it) with the Canucks.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers general manager Stan Bowman has more salary cap space to start this season than he’s had over the previous two offseasons since taking over the role in July 2024.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to PuckPedia, the Oilers have over $4.725 million.

Bowman doesn’t plan on using that extra space for more additions before the regular season begins next month. Instead, he’s going to hang onto it in case any players become available early in the season that could help his club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The longer Bowman holds off using that cap space during the regular season, the more the Oilers will accrue. If he can wait until the March 1 trade deadline, the Oilers would have over $21.8 million available.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 11, 2026

by | Aug 11, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 11, 2026

 

Lingering offseason questions remain to be answered. Check out the latest in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

YAHOO! SPORTS/USA TODAY: Mike Brehm recently looked at five offseason questions still to be answered before the 2026-27 NHL regular season begins next month.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

The Detroit Red Wings’ search for a new general manager tops the list, followed by Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was reported last week that the Red Wings hired a search firm to help them find a new general manager. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicated the search is ongoing.

For now, Larkin’s trade request will have to wait until a new GM is in place. Even then, there is no certainty that he’ll be moved quickly, if at all. A reconciliation is possible, though there’s currently no indication that a change of management will prompt Larkin to rescind his request.

Quinn Hughes’ contract extension negotiations with the Minnesota Wild must be resolved.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not for lack of trying by the Wild. General manager Bill Guerin said he’d been in ongoing discussions with the Hughes camp thus far, and recently met with them in Michigan. Guerin is preaching patience, pointing out that it’s a big decision for both sides.

Several notable restricted free agents remain to be signed. They include Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier, Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli, Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson, and Carolina Hurricanes blueliner Alexander Nikishin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some Blue Jackets and Red Wings fans remain concerned that Fantilli or Edvinsson could sign an offer sheet with another club. It’s possible but unlikely, given that the Jackets and Red Wings have plenty of salary cap space to match an offer.

Gauthier is ineligible to sign an offer sheet, but the Ducks could be forced to make a cost-cutting trade or two to free up cap sroom for his new contract. Meanwhile, speculation persists over whether the Hurricanes will sign or trade Nikishin.

Unrestricted free agents still available include forwards Vladimir Tarasenko, Michael Bunting, and Eeli Tolvanan, defensemen John Klingberg, Logan Stanley, and Nick Blankenburg, and goalie Connor Ingram and Cam Talbot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s now mid-August with no indication that those remaining UFAs are any closer to getting new contracts. Most could be signed before training camps open in September, but others might have to sign professional tryout offers to prove their worth during training camp.

NHL.COM: Speaking of questions, the Edmonton Oilers have three facing them for the coming season.

Mike Babcock’s impact as head coach is the main questions. They hired the controversial coach this spring, hoping he’ll be able to get them back into Stanley Cup contention following last season’s early playoff exit.

Goaltending depth and defensive play are the other questions that must be addressed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The defensive game should improve under Babcock, but the goaltending could remain their Achille’s heel if Frederik Andersen and Devon Levi struggle to adjust with their new club. Andersen’s injury history and Levi’s development remain concerning issues.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Carolina Hurricanes will be holding a yard sale of game-used gear and signed collectibles at the Lenova Center on August 15.

OTTAWA SUN: A year after the Senators signed their agreement with Ottawa’s National Capital Commission for a new arena at LeBreton Flats, the club says there is plenty of activity behind the scenes to make the new venue a reality.

Senators ownership has agreed to pay $37 million for the 11 acres, with the option to purchase for additional acres. There is no firm date when construction will begin. Cleaning the site of more than 514,000 cubic acres of contaminated soil still has to take place.

The Senators have also held several meetings with Indigenous groups to secure a financial agreement, which is paramount to the project.

TSN: The Vancouver Canucks hired Ryan Stewart as their new director of hockey strategy and player evaluation. He spent the past four seasons with the San Jose Sharks where he oversaw their professional staff in North America and Europe.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 9, 2026

by | Aug 9, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 9, 2026

Which players could get eight-year contracts before the Sept. 16 deadline? Will the Canadiens move on from Samuel Montembeault? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Pittsburgh Penguins’ signing Ville Koivunen to an eight-year contract extension prompted Eric Cruickshank to ponder which NHL players could also get eight-year deals before the Sept. 16 deadline.

On that date, the maximum term for teams re-signing players drops to seven years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The maximum term for signing unrestricted free agents will also drop on that date from seven years to six.

Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (NHL Images).

Cruickshank listed five players who could get eight-year deals before Sept. 16, with Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets topping his list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets would probably love to get the 21-year-old Fantilli under contract for eight seasons. He’s their first-line center and will play a critical role in the club’s development.

Fantilli could prefer a shorter term closer to five years at an average annual value of around $15 million. That will ensure he gets a chance at a more lucrative deal while still in his prime.

Detroit Red Wings forward Marco Kasper, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Conor Geekie, Edmonton Oilers prospect Matthew Savoie, and Montreal Canadiens winger Zachary Bolduc could also become candidates for eight-year contracts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those players would fall under the same category as Koivunen of the Penguins.

Eyebrows were raised when the Penguins signed him to such a lengthy term despite his limited NHL experience. However, general manager Kyle Dubas justified it by saying they were betting on him developing into a top-six forward.

The same principle could apply to Kasper, Geekie, Savoie, and Bolduc. Whether their respective teams are willing to make those gambles remains to be seen.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Brendan Kelly believes the Canadiens must move on from Samuel Montembeault and trade him as soon as possible.

Montembeault, 29, is in the final season of his contract with a cap hit of $3.15 million. His struggles last season cost him the starter’s job to Jakub Dobes, and he was relegated to third-stringer behind promising Jacob Fowler.

Kelly noted that the Canadiens stubbornly stuck with Montembeault, hoping he’d be able to regain his form. He believes they cannot make the same mistake this season, insisting that they try to trade him to another club and stick with the young tandem of Dobes and Fowler.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was assumed the Canadiens would trade or buy out Montembeault this summer. The buyout period has passed, and if they were peddling him, it appears that there weren’t any takers.

Montembeault’s struggles last season hurt his value in the trade market. They’ll have to give him some playing time and hope he does well enough to become enticing to another team. Until they can find a suitable trade partner for him, they might have to send the promising Fowler to their AHL affiliate to ensure the 22-year-old gets sufficient playing time.

Failing that, the Canadiens could keep Dobes and Fowler as their tandem and send Montembeault to the minors. It’ll free up a bit of extra cap space for them ($1.225 million) while providing him with more time and less pressure to work on his game.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 9, 2026

by | Aug 9, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 9, 2026

The league’s best value contracts for 2026-27, plus the latest on Islanders winger Kyle Palmieri, Oilers goaltender Devon Levi, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPORTSNET: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson and winger Ivan Demidov are among Michael Amato’s list of the best value contracts among the NHL’s high-value players.

Hutson, 22, is starting an eight-year contract worth an average annual value of $8.85 million. Meanwhile, the 20-year-old Demidov recently inked an eight-year extension with an AAV of $9.15 million.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (NHL Images).

The Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings, and Carolina Hurricanes also each have two young players on value contracts.

Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson, 24, has six years remaining on his deal with an AAV of $8.05 million, and center Tim Stutzle (also 24) has five years left at $8.35 million annually.

Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond (24) has six years left at $8.07 million AAV while defenseman Moritz Seider (25) has five years remaining at $8.55 million AAV.

Hurricanes forwards Jackson Blake and Logan Stankoven are each 23 and have eight-year deals, with the 23-year-old Blake earning $5.11 million annually while Stankoven’s AAV is $6 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link above for the complete list. Let us know in the comments section if you agree with Amato’s listing or if any players are missing from his list.

NEWSDAY: New York Islanders winger Kyle Palmieri is hoping to be fully recovered from knee surgery in time for training camp in September. The 35-year-old Palmieri underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL that he suffered last November.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Palmieri was enjoying a good start to last season (18 points in 25 games) before the injury. His absence contributed to the low-scoring Islanders missing the playoffs last spring. Given his age and the lengthy recovery period, it could take some time before he returns to form.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Devon Levi is looking forward to a fresh start with the Oilers after failing to crack the Buffalo Sabres roster on a full-time basis.

Levi was a promising young goalie when the Sabres acquired him from the Florida Panthers in July 2021 as part of the return in the Sam Reinhart trade. He appeared in only 39 games with the Sabres between 2022-23 and 2024-25.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers’ goaltending has been their Achilles’ heel for some time. They brought in recent Stanley Cup champion Frederik Andersen to share the duties with the inconsistent Tristan Jarry. However, the 36-year-old Andersen’s age and lengthy injury history make him a risky addition.

This could provide the 24-year-old Levi with a golden opportunity to establish himself as an NHL goaltender. If he can rise to the occasion, it’ll provide invaluable stability in the crease for the Oilers.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL forward Noah Philp has announced his retirement at the age of 27. He signed with Swedish Hockey League club HV71 for this season. However, in a social media post, he apologized to the team, explaining that he no longer has the motivation for hockey.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Philp played for the Oilers and Hurricanes from 2024-25 to 2025-26, finishing with five points in 32 games.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets have an ECHL affiliate after signing a two-year agreement with the Wheeling Nailers.

The Nailers were the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins from 1998 to 2026.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 3, 2026

by | Aug 3, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – August 3, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: we take another look at the notable players available in the UFA market, plus an update on the Red Wings search for a new general manager.

DAILY FACEOFF: Winger Patrik Laine, defenseman Logan Stanley, and winger Vladimir Tarasenko top the list of notable players still available in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

Former Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: New York Islanders insider Stefen Rosner recently reported that the Isles had some interest in Laine, but only in signing him to a professional tryout offer. It was also rumored that the Los Angeles Kings were interested, but nothing seems to have come of it.

Stanley was reportedly seeking a four- or five-year contract worth an average annual value of $5 million when the market opened on July 1. It’s doubtful the 27-year-old blueliner will find anything like that now.

Tarasenko had been mentioned as a possible option for the Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators. Some observers wonder if he might attempt to return with the Minnesota Wild for another season.

Forward Michael Bunting and Eeli Tolvanen, goaltender Cam Talbot, and defenseman John Klingberg are also among the top 10 UFAs remaining.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been little speculation linking those four players to any specific teams. Sure, there’s been the occasional suggestion that one of them might be a good fit somewhere, but nothing to suggest they’ve had any meaningful discussions with any clubs.

That doesn’t mean they won’t be signed. Bunting, Tolvanen, and Klingberg still have some value that should earn them one-year contracts with clubs seeking affordable, experienced depth. Given the need for reliable goalies around the league, Talbot might land with someone on a PTO contract.

Other notable veterans still available include forwards James van Riemsdyk, David Perron, Jonathan Drouin and Adam Henrique, defensemen Nick Blankenburg and Carson Soucy, and goaltenders Connor Ingram and James Reimer.

THE DETROIT NEWS: cited NHL analyst John Shannon, who believes the Red Wings’ search for a new general manager “may not be rectified until September.”

Shannon made the remark to Daren Millard during a recent episode of their podcast, 100% Hockey with Millard & Shannon. He also said that he was told the search for a new GM would take “a lot longer than people realize.”

The Red Wings have been searching for a new general manager since announcing on July 15 that Steve Yzerman would be moving out of that role to become a senior advisor to team owner Chris Ilitch. Yzerman is handling the day-to-day management until his replacement is found.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So far, there’s no word regarding who the Red Wings could be pursuing as Yzerman’s replacement. They could also promote from within, with assistant GMs Kris Draper and Shawn Horcoff mentioned as possible candidates.