NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 18, 2025

by | Jul 18, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 18, 2025

The Ducks avoid arbitration with Lukas Dostal, the Canucks trade Dakota Joshua to the Maple Leafs, Yegor Chinakhov requests a trade from the Blue Jackets, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Anaheim Ducks avoided salary arbitration with Lukas Dostal, signing the 25-year-old goaltender to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a significant increase for Dostal, who earned an annual cap hit of $812,500 on his previous deal. It raised some eyebrows on social media, but he earned it by outplaying John Gibson for the starter’s job, resulting in the latter’s recent trade to the Detroit Red Wings.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal (NHL Images).

Dostal is a good goalie on a rebuilding team. Eric Stephens of The Athletic pointed out that his analytics are better than his traditional stats, with 14.3 goals saved above expectation. He backstopped the Ducks to their first 80-point season since 2018-19.

Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek considers Dostal to be a proven No. 1 goaltender. “He is just entering the prime of his career, with his best hockey ahead of him.”

THE PROVINCE/TORONTO SUN: The Vancouver Canucks traded forward Dakota Joshua to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Joshua was popular among Canucks fans for his physical, energetic style. Diagnosed last summer with testicular cancer, he missed most of his offseason training, training camp, and the first 14 games of the 2024-25 season. He admitted that he spent most of the season playing catch-up.

When healthy, Joshua is a solid checking-line forward with a decent scoring touch, netting a career-best 18 goals and 32 points in 63 games during the 2023-24 season. That earned him a three-year contract with an AAV of $3.25 million.

Joshua won’t replace the offense the Leafs lost when they traded Mitch Marner to Vegas on the eve of free agency, but the hardworking 29-year-old will bring a solid physical presence to their third line.

By clearing Joshua’s cap hit from their books, the Canucks have $3.27 million in cap space with 22 active roster players under contract for this season. It’s expected they will add another player via trade or free agency. I’ll have more about that in today’s Rumor Mill.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov has requested a trade. In a post on social media by his agent, the 24-year-old winger cited “misunderstandings” with head coach Dean Evason last season.

Chinakhov, 24, was chosen 21st overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2020 NHL Draft. He missed nearly half of last season with a back injury.

TSN: Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell expressed surprise that the Chinakhov camp took the trade request public. He said he had spoken with Chinakhov previously about it, indicating the winger didn’t play well upon his return from injury, leading to him and Evanson falling out of favor.

Waddell indicated that he told Chinakhov’s agent that his client has value in the trade market. “I will talk to teams. I have talked to teams. But I’m not going to trade him because you said to trade him.” He added that the winger couldn’t handle being a healthy scratch near the end of the season.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline cited Waddell saying if the trade market isn’t good for Chinakhov, he’ll remain a Blue Jacket. In that case, he’ll be in training camp because he’s under contract for 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Waddell also indicated that he’s not worried about this situation. He believes it won’t be an issue if Chinakhov shows up with the right attitude in training camp. That will also be the best way for the winger to improve his value in the trade market.

RG.ORG: Dmitry Orlov said his reduced role last season with the Carolina Hurricanes left him feeling isolated and mentally drained. The 33-year-old defenseman admitted the hardest part was knowing he no longer fit into their long-term plans.

A free agent on July 1, Orlov signed a two-year contract with the San Jose Sharks. He’s hoping to find stability in a leadership role with the rebuilding club.

TSN: Former NHL head coach Gerard Gallant is heading to Russia to coach a team in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). An official announcement is expected soon.

Winner of the Jack Adams Trophy in 2017-18 with the Vegas Golden Knights, Gallant’s last NHL coaching gig was with the New York Rangers until 2023. He also previously coached the Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl took to the ice in Newmarket, Ontario, on Wednesday as they took part in a beer-league game. The pair stood out with their speed and skill, but made sure not to show up their teammates or opponents.

Their team lost 6-2, which sparked some ribbing toward the two on social media. However, the on-ice officials credited the goaltender’s performance for blanking McDavid and Draisaitl.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid and Draisaitl got to get in some summer on-ice work while having some fun at the same time.

They’re not the only notable players to take part in a beer-league game as part of their offseason training this summer.

Evgeny Kuznetsov made a recent appearance at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia. The former Washington Capitals center hopes to stage an NHL comeback after spending last season in the KHL.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 4, 2025

by | Jul 4, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 4, 2025

The Hurricanes land former Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers, the Sharks add defensemen Dmitry Orlov and Nick Leddy, the notable remaining UFAs, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NOTABLE UFA SIGNING NEWS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Carolina Hurricanes landed the last remaining star in the NHL unrestricted free-agent market (UFA), signing winger Nikolaj Ehlers to a six-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million.

The Carolina Hurricanes signed former Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: You can read my reaction to this among my live grades of this summer’s top UFA signings at Bleacher Report.

Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky was happy to add Ehlers among his top-six forwards. The cap hit is a little high, but the term isn’t bad, and it doesn’t bust their budget. With over $10.6 million in cap space, the Hurricanes will have plenty of room for other additions before the March 2026 trade deadline.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Sharks signed UFA defensemen Dmitry Orlov and claimed blueliner Nick Leddy off waivers from the St. Louis Blues. Orlov got a two-year deal with an AAV of $6.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Orlov replaced long-time defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic, whom the Sharks bought out last month. He’ll be a short-term upgrade over Vlasic, whose performance declined in recent years.

Leddy became the odd man out on the Blues’ defense corps. The writing was on the wall following their acquisition of young blueliner Logan Mailloux earlier this week. Leddy is in the final season of his contract with an AAV of $4 million.

Both defensemen will provide significant experience to the rebuilding Sharks’ blueline. Their combined AAV of $10.5 million also helped the club reach the salary-cap minimum of $70.6 million.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Washington Capitals signed winger Anthony Beauvillier to a two-year contract with an AAV of $2.75 million.

DAILY FACEOFF: Center Jack Roslovic, defenseman Matt Grzelcyk and winger Max Pacioretty and Jeff Skinner are among the notables remaining in this year’s UFA market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ve quickly reached the bargain bin level of this summer’s UFA market. Some decent depth talent remains, but it’ll take several weeks (or most of the offseason) before they end up signing cost-effective short-term deals.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NEW YORK POST: Islanders head coach Patrick Roy regrets the disparaging remarks he made about the performance of struggling winger Anthony Duclair in April. He intends to apologize to the 29-year-old winger directly. Duclair took a leave of absence from the Islanders over the incident.

RG.ORG: Speaking of the Islanders, former KHL star Maxim Shabanov revealed the reasons why he chose to sign with them over other clubs earlier this week. He prioritized his role, potential linemates, and power-play systems.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens forward Kirby Dach has resumed skating. The 24-year-old center played 57 games last season before undergoing surgery on his right knee in February for the second straight year. He is reportedly ahead of schedule in his recovery and is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season.

KSL SPORTS: The Utah Mammoth has opened contract extension talks with young star Logan Cooley. He’s in the final season of his entry-level contract. Meanwhile, contract talks continue with restricted free agent (RFA) Jack McBain.

SPORTSNET: Rogers Communications Inc. has become the majority owner of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 3, 2025

by | Jul 3, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 3, 2025

The top players still available in the UFA market, an update on Bowen Byram, and the latest on the Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TOP REMAINING UFAs

DAILY FACEOFF: Winger Nikolaj Ehlers remains atop the list of the best available players in this summer’s crop of unrestricted free agents (UFAs).

Defensemen Dmitry Orlov and Matt Grzelcyk, forwards Jack Roslovic, Victor Olofsson, Max Pacioretty and Jeff Skinner, and goaltender Ilya Samsonov are among the remaining notables.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently indicated the Washington Capitals, Anaheim Ducks and Tampa Bay Lightning were among the clubs reportedly interested in Ehlers.

Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers (NHL Images).

Potential landing spots for Orlov include the Winnipeg Jets, San Jose Sharks, and his former club, the Capitals.

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said the door remains open for Pacioretty’s return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers was expected to decide on Wednesday, but nothing happened. Perhaps we’ll get the answer on Thursday.

A significant number of teams have the money to sign Ehlers to a lucrative contract. Puckpedia indicates that 14 clubs have over $10 million in cap room this season. Not all of them are pursuing him, but it wouldn’t be surprising if several of them have spoken to the Ehlers’ camp.

SABRES WILL MATCH ANY OFFER SHEET FOR BYRAM

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington reports Sabres GM Kevyn Adams said he would match any offer sheet for Bowen Byram. The 24-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer.

Harrington also corrected a TSN report claiming Byram was a year away from UFA eligibility, pointing out that the blueliner is two years away. He also noted the Sabres don’t need the draft pick compensation if an offer sheet is unmatched.

If Byram wants out of Buffalo, signing an offer sheet would backfire if the Sabres matched it.

Harrington speculates a trade could be in the works for Byram. The Sabres traded top-six winger JJ Peterka last week to the Utah Mammoth and must find a suitable replacement. Byram could be used as a trade chip to address that need.

The Sabres could also re-sign Byram, give him another season alongside Rasmus Dahlin, and revisit moving him at the March trade deadline or next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given the slim pickings in this summer’s UFA market, teams that missed out on signing a top-four, left-side defenseman could make Byram a trade target. Those clubs should be prepared to part with a top-six forward in a player-for-player swap.

THE LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu reports the Montreal Canadiens still need to address their lack of a reliable second-line center. Given the few options in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets, GM Kent Hughes stressed that the short-term answer must come from within the organization.

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels believes oft-injured Kirby Dach remains the most likely candidate for that role this season. While the 24-year-old struggled at that position last season when healthy, Engels noted that he didn’t have Ivan Demidov and Zachary Bolduc as potential linemates.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Karine Hains noted that the Canadiens’ acquisition of right-shot defenseman Noah Dobson prompted speculation suggesting Mike Matheson could become a trade chip.

Matheson, 31, is a year away from UFA status and carries a $4.875 million cap hit this season. However, Hughes told reporters that he intends to retain Matheson, citing his big minutes, experience and leadership.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes has a well-deserved reputation as a savvy trader, but he’s not a magician who can conjure a second-line center out of thin air. There were few quality centers among this summer’s UFA class before the market opened on July 1, and it’s a seller’s market as far as trades go.

Hughes has little choice but to wait and see what develops in the trade market throughout the summer and into the regular season.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 31, 2025

by | May 31, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 31, 2025

An update on JJ Peterka, the latest Canadiens speculation, what’s next for the Stars and Hurricanes, and an update on Morgan Rielly in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD PETERKA BECOME AN OFFER-SHEET TARGET?

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston included JJ Peterka among his list of offseason trade targets. The 23-year-old Buffalo Sabres winger is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. He’d draw plenty of interest if the Sabres decide to peddle him.

Buffalo Sabres winger JJ Peterka (NHL Images).

In March, Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams called Peterka one of his core players. However, Johnston considers it unclear whether the winger is willing to make that kind of commitment to the club. He thinks Peterka could be an offer sheet candidate if he’s not traded before July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the players on Johnston’s trade targets list have frequently appeared in media rumors in recent weeks, which have been duly noted on this site. However, his comments about Peterka potentially getting an offer sheet echoed Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli.

The Sabres have over $23 million in cap space with Peterka, Bowen Byram, Jack Quinn and Ryan McLeod becoming RFAs on July 1. They’re reportedly gauging Byram’s value in the trade market, which would provide them with enough cap room to match an offer sheet for Peterka and still have enough to re-sign Quinn and McLeod.

However, Peterka could be worth watching over the next four weeks if he doesn’t see his long-term future in Buffalo. That could force the Sabres to put him on the trade block by the NHL Draft weekend (June 27-28)

THE LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont cited Johnston suggesting it wouldn’t be surprising if the Canadiens peddled one of their two first-round picks (16th and 17th overall) in this year’s draft for more immediate roster help, like a center. Johnston also included defense prospect Logan Mailloux as a trade candidate, noting that the Canadiens’ prospect cupboard is overflowing with defensemen.

TVA SPORTS: noted the Canadiens reportedly had a chance to trade Mailloux to the Anaheim Ducks last year for Trevor Zegras. However, everything fell through when they selected Ivan Demidov fifth overall at the 2024 Draft.

Dumont doesn’t see the Canadiens being in a rush to move Mailloux, but they’re also not going to rush him or prospect blueliners David Reinbacher or Adam Engstrom into their lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens could be willing to part with one or both of their 2025 first-rounders, or a first and Mailloux, if it’ll fetch a reliable second-line center, preferably one in his mid-to-late twenties.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE STARS AND HURRICANES?

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos looked at the notable offseason storylines for the Stars following their third straight elimination from the Western Conference Final.

Team captain Jamie Benn can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The front office has indicated there’s a place for the 35-year-old winger on their roster as long as he wants it, but his performance in this year’s playoffs (three points in 18 games) suggests he’s nearing the end of his playing career. If he does re-sign, it’ll be on a cheap one-year deal.

Other forwards to be re-signed or replaced include Matt Duchene, Evgenii Dadonov, Mikael Granlund, Colin Blackwell and Mavrik Bourque.

Stars GM Jim Nill must address the right side of his defense corps. Cody Ceci, Nils Lundkvist, Brendan Smith and Ilya Lyubushkin are free agents this summer. Matt Dumba is under contract for another year but could become a trade or buyout candidate.

DAILY FACEOFF: Tyler Yaremchuk pointed out that the Stars only have $4.9 million in cap space for 2025-26. Frank Seravalli observed that their prospect pipeline has grown thinner because they’ve traded away a lot of draft picks for immediate roster help.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars GM Jim Nill has done a fine job building the Stars into a perennial playoff team, winning the Jim Gregory GM of the Year award in each of the last two seasons, and becoming a finalist this year. However, his management skills will be put to the test in addressing his club’s weaknesses, given his team’s limited cap space and few tradeable assets among their draft picks and prospects.

THE ATHLETIC: Cory Lavalette looked at what could be in store for the Carolina Hurricanes after their elimination from the Eastern Conference Final.

The Hurricanes could move on from veteran defensemen Brent Burns and Dmitry Orlov unless they’re willing to accept pay cuts and reduced roles to stay.

Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky will have over $28 million in cap space this summer and not many holes to fill on his roster. He could pursue a big-name player via free agency or trade. Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs could be a good fit. Tulsky could also pursue a defenseman to skate alongside Jaccob Slavin on their top blueline pairing.

Lavalette doesn’t rule out the unexpected, suggesting they could move out a goalie like Frederik Andersen or Pyotr Kochetkov if an upgrade emerges.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes attempted to acquire Marner from the Leafs at the trade deadline. While he declined to waive his no-movement clause, he might find the Hurricanes an acceptable destination as a free agent.

UPDATE ON MORGAN RIELLY

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has no intention of asking Morgan Rielly to waive his no-movement clause. LeBrun said the 31-year-old defenseman loves being a Leaf. “I don’t think that needs to be a talking point going forward here,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rielly surfaced in the rumor mill following the Leafs’ second-round elimination by the Florida Panthers. That sparked plenty of speculation about big changes, especially after the club parted ways with team president Brendan Shanahan.

The decline in Rielly’s performance as a puck-moving defenseman prompted some pundits to suggest trading him or buying out his contract. However, Treliving’s comments indicate neither option is on the table.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 10, 2025

by | Apr 10, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 10, 2025

Could the Penguins attempt to accelerate their rebuild? Will Dmitry Orlov head to the KHL next summer? Are the Lightning having trouble signing top prospect Isaac Howard? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe wonders if Sidney Crosby’s ongoing excellence at age 37 could alter general manager Kyle Dubas’ rebuilding plans for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Since last season, Dubas has shipped out veterans like Jake Guentzel for promising young players and other untapped assets. However, Crosby’s performance remains unaffected.

Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas (NHL.com).

Yohe wonders if Dubas will continue his methodical rebuilding knowing that Crosby will be gone once the process is completed, or if he’ll attempt to accelerate things while his captain remains among the league’s elite stars.

The Penguins have $25 million in cap space for next season and double that amount in 2026-27. Dubas could create more space this summer by moving out some bad contracts. Yohe believes being aggressive and spending money is a smart move as long as they also have a system that consistently generates young players like they currently have.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been ongoing speculation that Dubas could attempt to move out Erik Karlsson, Rickard Rakell and perhaps even Kris Letang this summer to free up cap room and create roster space for younger talent. The intent would be to build a playoff contender around Crosby before his new contract expires two years from now.

Dubas has shown a willingness to make bold moves though sometimes they didn’t pan out as expected, like the acquisition of Karlsson two years ago. Nevertheless, he could search for a deal that speeds up his rebuilding plans.

ORLOV NOT GOING TO THE KHL NEXT SEASON

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman reported a rumor making the rounds had Dmitry Orlov heading to the KHL next season. The 33-year-old Carolina Hurricanes defenseman is UFA-eligible on July 1.

Friedman said he was told that there was no truth to that rumor. Orlov intends to stay in the NHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whether Orlov returns with Carolina or signs with another NHL team remains to be seen. The Hurricanes have the cap room to re-sign him but he might have to accept a lesser annual average value than his current $7.75 million.

COULD OTHER TEAMS HAVE INTEREST IN THE LIGHTNING’S TOP PROSPECT?

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina cited multiple reports indicating Isaac Howard, the Lightning’s top prospect, is returning to Michigan State for his junior year. The decision comes after two weeks of contract talks between the Lightning and Howard’s representatives.

Howard led the NCAA Division 1 with a 1.41 points per game average and is a finalist for the 2025 Hobey Baker Memorial Award. If he goes unsigned and returns to Michigan State, he could become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Encina suggests this could be posturing by Howard’s camp. If he plays a single NHL game this season, it would burn off the first year of his entry-level contract, enabling him to garner a more lucrative second contract much sooner as a restricted free agent.

The Lightning can continue negotiating with Howard until he becomes a UFA on Aug, 15, 2026. They could also trade his rights if they don’t expect to sign him before then.

Encina noted that the Lightning lacks the cap space to add Howard to their roster for the remainder of the regular season. He cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman cited sources “in NCAA circles” saying the Bolts and the Howard camp “weren’t sympatico on where everything stood at this time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman is interested in how things proceed from here, “especially if other teams are interested” in Howard.

We saw a similar situation last summer with Rutger McGroarty and the Winnipeg Jets resulting in him getting traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. McGroarty wanted to join the Jets right away but they preferred he start the season with their AHL affiliate.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 20, 2025

by | Mar 20, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 20, 2025

Recaps of Tuesday’s games, Gary Bettman talks about the playoff format and the All-Star Game, seven NHL prospects among this season’s Hobey Baker Award candidates, and more in today’s morning coffee headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: An accidental interference by referee Kelly Sutherland resulted in Steven Lorentz’s game-winning goal in the third period as the Toronto Maple Leafs nipped the Colorado Avalanche 2-1. Sutherland stumbled and fell when he caught a rut, accidentally blocking a clearing attempt by Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit. The puck remained in the neutral zone, where Lorentz picked it up and beat Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood from the faceoff circle.

Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll kicked out 38 shots and Auston Matthews tallied his 27th goal of the season. Valeri Nichushkin replied for the Avalanche as their nine-game points streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs move into a tie with the Florida Panthers with 85 points, but the latter holds first place in the Atlantic Division with 35 regulation wins to the Leafs’ 33. Colorado holds third place in the Central Division with 85 points. The Avs announced before the game that defenseman Josh Manson will miss three to four weeks with an upper-body injury.

Minnesota Wild forward Matt Boldy (NHL Images)

Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson stopped 34 shots to shut out the Seattle Kraken 4-0. Matt Boldy scored twice for the Wild, who hold the first Western Conference wild-card berth with 83 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild forward Marco Rossi left this game in the first period with a lower-body injury after being accidentally struck by a shot from Boldy. Kraken center Chandler Stephenson departed in the second period for undisclosed reasons and didn’t return. There was no postgame update on either player.

HEADLINES

TSN: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman took questions from reporters yesterday following the final day of general managers’ meetings.

Bettman gave an emphatic “no” when asked if the league would consider changes to the playoff format, saying he liked the current setup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bettman appears to be in the minority as there are growing calls from fans and pundits for changes to the playoff format. Don’t expect any tinkering while he remains in charge.

He said the league remains committed to staging an All-Star Game hosted by the New York Islanders next season. However, he said they’re reevaluating the format after last month’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament “raised the bar.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 4 Nations tournament gave the fans a meaningful event with hockey played at the highest level by many of the world’s top players who were fully invested. Fans don’t want a gimmicky skills competition followed by All-Stars going through the motions because they don’t want to risk injury on a nothing game.

The commissioner declined to speculate about the discussion between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week about a United States-Russia hockey series featuring NHL and KHL stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Russia’s war with Ukraine prompted the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to ban them from participating in international tournaments. The NHL has honored that ban.

Bettman said the 2025-26 season will open on Oct. 7. He also indicated that talks with the NHL Players’ Association regarding a new collective bargaining agreement will begin the first week in April. “I’m hoping we can do this quickly, quietly and painlessly,” said Bettman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The atmosphere between the league and the PA has been free of the animosity and distrust that hung over previous negotiations, leading to work stoppages that hurt the game’s momentum and upset its fans. Here’s hoping things go smoothly this time around.

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals prospect forward Ryan Leonard and Minnesota Wild prospect defenseman Zeev Buium are among the 10 candidates for the 2025 Hobey Baker Memorial Award, which annually honors the top US men’s college hockey player.

Leonard plays for Boston College while Buium skates for the University of Denver. Other candidates with NHL ties include Michigan State forward Isaac Howard (Tampa Bay Lightning), University of Minnesota forward Jimmy Snuggerud (St. Louis Blues), University of Denver winger Jack Devine (Florida Panthers), Penn State winger Aiden Fink (Nashville Predators), and Clarkson winger Ayrton Martino (Dallas Stars).

The three finalists will be revealed on Apr. 3 and the winner will be announced on Apr. 11.

STLTODAY.COM: Blues head coach Jim Montgomery is optimistic that sidelined defenseman Colton Parayko might return before the end of this season. Parayko underwent a scope of his left knee on March 6 with a recovery timeline of six weeks. Montgomery said the defenseman’s rehab is progressing well.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers coach Paul Maurice said defenseman Dmitry Kulikov (right arm injury) is expected to be sidelined for two weeks. He’s expected back before the playoffs begin next month.

ROTOBALLER: Carolina Hurricanes blueliner Dmitry Orlov is expected to return to action tonight against the San Jose Sharks. He missed the last five games with an upper-body injury.

TSN: Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is expected to be named GM of Canada’s team at the 2025 IIHF World Championship in May.