NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 22, 2024
NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 22, 2024
The latest on the Blues Jackets’ search for a new coach and Patrik Laine’s trade status, Dmitry Orlov supports his friend Evgeny Kuznetsov, a look at the Islanders’ defense corps, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell still has two major offseason moves remaining: hiring a new head coach and honoring Patrik Laine’s trade request.
Sources informed Portzline that former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft came to Columbus last Tuesday and former Minnesota Wild bench boss Dean Evason followed on Wednesday or Thursday. Waddell set a deadline of Aug. 1 for hiring a new coach.
Meanwhile, Laine’s trade request remains on hold as the Blue Jackets await his release from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. That will enable rival clubs to speak with the 26-year-old winger before making trade offers.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Woodcroft or Evason will be named the Jackets’ new coach. Laine, meanwhile, continues his offseason training while in the assistance program. There is no deadline for his release. Receiving the necessary help and treatment for his mental health takes priority.
Meanwhile, restricted free-agent forward Kirill Marchenko told a Russian media outlet that discussions between his agent and Waddell are “progressing slowly.” They’ve talked about a short and long-term contract.
Marchenko, 24, filed for salary arbitration on July 1 and his hearing is scheduled for July 31. He’s hoping to receive a more specific offer from the Blue Jackets this week.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchenko is coming off back-to-back 20-plus goal seasons and netted a career-best 42 points last season. He was among the few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable 2023-24 campaign.
Portzline also recently reported Josef Boumedienne had an expiring contract and will not return behind their bench for 2024-25.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Dmitry Orlov supports his friend and former teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov. The 32-year-old center and the Hurricanes agreed to terminate his contract last week.
Kuznetsov is rumored to be signing a contract with a KHL club. Orlov believes he’s still good enough to play in the NHL but accepts his friend’s decision.
NEW YORK POST: The Islanders’ focus on bolstering their offense during the offseason means they’re returning with almost the same defense corps as last season. Sebastian Aho and Robert Bortuzzo were the only departures, leaving their top five of Noah Dobson, Adam Pelech, Ryan Pulock, Alexander Romanov and Scott Mayfield intact.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Injuries hampered the Isles blueline last season while Pelech and Pulock have declined. However, the article pointed out their defense improved after Patrick Roy took over as head coach in January. They’re banking on better health and a full season under Roy heading into 2024-25.
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Golden Knights announced last week that the Tahoe Knight Monsters will be their new ECHL affiliate, replacing the Savannah Ghost Pirates.