NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 16, 2026

by | Jul 16, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 16, 2026

The league announced the home openers for the 2026-27 regular season, the Flyers re-signed Trevor Zegras, the Devils landed Anthony Mantha, the Jets inked Cole Perfetti to a new deal, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The league announced the 2026-27 regular season, expanded to 84 games, will commence on Tuesday, Sept. 29, with a tripleheader broadcast on ESPN in the United States and a doubleheader on Sportsnet in Canada.

The schedule begins at 5 pm ET with the Florida Panthers visiting the Carolina Hurricanes, who will be raising their 2025-26 Stanley Cup championship banner.

At 7 pm ET, the Montreal Canadiens travel to Toronto to face the Maple Leafs.

The New York Rangers face off against the Boston Bruins at 8 pm ET; the Vancouver Canucks meet the Edmonton Oilers at 10 pm ET; and the Chicago Blackhawks will tangle with the Vegas Golden Knights at 10:30 pm ET.

The league also introduced the dates for all 32 home-opening games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link above to find out when your favorite NHL team’s home opener will be.

The complete 2026-27 regular-season schedule will be released on Thursday, July 16, at 1 pm ET.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers avoided salary arbitration with Trevor Zegras, signing him to a four-year contract worth an average annual value of $9.125 million.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Trevor Zegras (NHL Images).

Zegras, 25, enjoyed a career-best performance of 26 goals and 67 points last season, his first with the Flyers. He was coming off a three-year contract worth an AAV of $5.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s a significant raise for Zegras, prompting some observers on social media to suggest the Flyers overpaid him.

That would’ve been the case had the Flyers not blown up the salary benchmark for talent by signing Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson to a five-year offer sheet with a record-breaking, league-leading AAV of $18 million. While the Ducks matched the offer, the impact of the Carlsson contract has significantly changed the market for talented young players around the league.

Another factor is the significant rise in the salary cap from $95.5 million last season to $104 million this season. Had the cap risen marginally as it did earlier in the decade, the Flyers probably wouldn’t have made such an expensive pitch for Carlsson.

With the cap set for $113.5 million in 2027-28 and projected to reach $123 million in 2028-29, we’re entering an era where substantial pay raises will become the norm. A player considered overpaid in 2026-27 will be regarded as a frugal signing by 2028-29.

NJ HOCKEY NOW: The New Jersey Devils signed winger Anthony Mantha to a two-year contract with an AAV of $4.75 million.

Mantha, 31, is a big winger who had a career-best 33-goal, 64-point performance last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is a cost-effective move by the Devils that should provide a boost to their offense over the next two seasons.

It was believed Mantha sought a long-term contract entering the free-agent market, but it’s apparent things have changed over the past two weeks, forcing him to accept a short-term contract.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets avoided salary arbitration with Cole Perfetti, inking the 25-year-old winger to a five-year contract worth an AAV of $6 million.

Perfetti had an injury-shortened season in 2025-26, netting 32 points in 68 games. However, he enjoyed a career-best 50-point performance in 2024-25.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Perfetti completed a two-year deal with an AAV of $3.25 million. Like Zegras, he’s getting a big raise that probably wouldn’t have been possible before the Carlsson offer sheet happened.

The Jets are betting that a healthy Perfetti will regain his form this season and exceed his career-best performance. If he does, this could become a worthwhile contract that will look better as the salary cap rises in the coming years.

CHGO BLACKHAWKS: Chris Chelios said he has spoken with Patrick Kane, who is an unrestricted free agent this summer. According to Chelios, the 37-year-old winger is deciding between signing with the Buffalo Sabres and returning to the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane spent 16 seasons with the Blackhawks before joining the Detroit Red Wings for the past three years. It’ll be interesting to see if he opts to return to Chicago to finish his career or stay in his hometown and play for the Sabres.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers signed prospect defenseman Alberts Smits to a three-year, entry-level contract. Smits, 18, was chosen fifth overall in the 2026 NHL Draft.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs named Jeremiah Crowe as their director of player personnel. Crowe is the former director of pro scouting for the Buffalo Sabres.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 6, 2026

by | Jul 6, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 6, 2026

In today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines: Stars winger Jason Robertson is among the 15 players who filed for salary arbitration, the Ducks re-sign defenseman Pavel Mintyukov, and the Penguins re-up four players.

NHLPA.COM: 15 players elected salary arbitration before Sunday’s 5 pm ET deadline.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson is the most notable player to do so. Others include Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale and winger Trevor Zegras, Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves, Winnipeg Jets forward Cole Perfetti, and New York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

The other nine players include Xavier Bourgault of the Ottawa Senators, Kirby Dach of the Montreal Canadiens, Alex Jeffries of the New York Islanders, Peyton Krebs of the Buffalo Sabres, Connor McMichael of the St. Louis Blues, Nick Robertson of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Akira Schmid of the Florida Panthers, Ronan Seeley of the Carolina Hurricanes, and Cole Sillinger of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The deadline for club-elected salary arbitration notification is July 6 at 5 pm ET. Arbitration hearings will be held from July 20 to August 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Filing for arbitration is usually done by the player or team to set a deadline to reach an agreement on a new contract, rather than having negotiations drag out throughout the summer or into training camp. It’s rare that they actually end up before an arbiter.

Robertson’s case will be closely watched. He’s the biggest name on his list, leading the Stars in scoring with 96 points last season.

It’s believed the two sides are $2 million apart, with the Stars proposing an average annual value of $12 million while the Robertson camp reportedly seeks $14 million. He’s also eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, meaning an arbiter’s decision will be for one year, extending his UFA eligibility unless he and the Stars agree to an extension before then.

If Robertson is awarded a new contract through arbitration, he and the Stars can’t open contract extension talks until Jan. 1.

Because these players filed for arbitration, they are ineligible to receive an offer sheet. If a club files for arbitration today, that player is still eligible to sign an offer sheet.

Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News reports that Jeffries’ filing means a second contract buyout window opens for the Islanders exactly three days after Jeffries’ salary arbitration is settled or awarded, and that it applies to players carrying contracts with average annual values of $4 million or more. The same rule applied to the other teams on this list.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks signed defenseman Pavel Mintyukov to a five-year contract with an AAV of $7.2 million.

Mintyukov, 22, was a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract and lacked arbitration rights. The signing averts the possibility of him receiving an expensive offer sheet from a rival club.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli claimed an incoming offer sheet for Mintyukov accelerated the negotiations between the Ducks and Mintyukov, who wanted to remain in Anaheim.

Meanwhile, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek must decide if he’ll match the five-year offer sheet signed by center Leo Carlsson with the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday, or let him join the Flyers and receive four first-round draft picks as compensation. He has until this Friday to reach a decision.

Mintyukov’s new contract leaves the Ducks with $10 million in salary cap space, with RFA forward Cutter Gauthier to be signed. Gauthier is ineligible to receive an offer sheet, but the cost of re-signing him has risen due to the $18 million AAV Carlsson will receive on his new contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The threat of an offer sheet for Mintyukov left Verbeek little choice but to get the young defenseman under contract quickly and probably for more than anticipated. Blindsided by the Carlsson offer sheet, the Ducks GM couldn’t risk another one.

Gauthier’s ineligibility to sign an offer sheet still leaves him as an RFA lacking arbitration rights coming off his entry-level contract. That gives Verbeek the leverage in those negotiations, but it will be difficult to justify a low-ball bridge deal if he matches Carlsson’s offer sheet.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins signed winger Egor Chinahkov to a three-year contract with an AAV of $6.25 million. Goaltender Arturs Silovs inked a one-year, $2.8 million contract.

Goalie Joel Blomqvist got a two-year contract, with the first year being a two-way deal. It’s worth an AAV of $875,000 at the NHL level. Center David Gustafsson received a one-year, two-way contract worth $850,000 at the NHL level.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 25, 2026

by | May 25, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 25, 2026

Will the Sabres sign defenseman Bowen Byram to a contract extension? Could the Bruins pursue Devils blueliner Simon Nemec? Could the Blue Jackets and Boone Jenner part ways? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST SABRES SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn looked at the offseason “to-do” list for Buffalo Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.

Bowen Byram’s future with the Sabres is part of that list. The 24-year-old left-shot defenseman is a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility and can sign a contract extension on July 1.

Kekalainen told Byram during his exit interview that he’d love to keep the puck-moving blueliner. The Sabres’ top-four defense, of which Byram was a part, played a significant role in the club’s impressive improvement this season.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

Byram wants to play for a winner, and the Sabres check that box. However, Fairburn wondered if he wants to remain a second-pairing defenseman with Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and Mattias Samuelsson also playing big minutes.

If Byram wants a top-pairing role and a contract to match, free agency might be his best option. However, if he’s happy with his current role, the Sabres must find a way to re-sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byram was the subject of media trade speculation last year, but he surprised the pundits by inking a two-year contract. His situation will be worth monitoring this summer.

Byram could opt for a long-term deal. He could also opt for another short-term deal, ensuring he could be UFA eligible again while still in his playing prime. He and the Sabres could also wait to see how next season pans out before committing to serious contract talks.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Russell Macias suggested Sabres defenseman Michael Kesselring could be on the New York Islanders’ radar this summer.

Kesselring, 26, is completing a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.4 million. He will become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Injuries sidelined him for 29 games, and he was a healthy scratch for all but three games from March 12 to May 18.

Macias expects Kesselring to be traded this summer. He expects the asking price to be a second or third-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres acquired the 6’5”, 215-pound Kesselring from the Utah Mammoth last year to skate alongside Owen Power, but it didn’t work out as hoped. He put up good numbers (29 points in 82 games) during his final season with the Mammoth.

MORE DEVILS TRADE RUMORS

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss believes the Boston Bruins should pursue New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec if he becomes available in the trade market this summer.

Conflicting reports emerged last week regarding a supposed trade request by the 22-year-old Nemec. He’s a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights.

Goss believes Nemec’s puck-moving ability, offensive skills, and right-hand shot are what the Bruins desperately need on their blueline. He would also be a younger, more affordable option than pursuing Tampa Bay’s Darren Raddysh or Vegas’ Rasmus Andersson via free agency.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins won’t be the only club interested in Nemec if the Devils shop him in this summer’s trade market. They do have some promising young players and draft picks, including two first-rounders in the 2027 and 2028 NHL Drafts, to draw on for trade capital.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols listed several players he considers trade targets that could bolster the Devils’ lack of scoring depth.

Ross Colton of the Colorado Avalanche tops that list, followed by Cole Perfetti of the Winnipeg Jets, Connor Zary of the Calgary Flames, and Mavrik Bourque of the Dallas Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Colton has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4 million. Zary has two years left with an average annual value of $3.775 million. Perfetti and Bourque are both restricted free agents with arbitration rights.

The Jets could be reluctant to part with Perfetti despite the drop in his production this season. Colton could be available if the Avs shed salary to make some roster changes, especially if they get swept in the Western Conference Final.

Zary hasn’t progressed as the Flames had hoped, but they might give him another season. Bourque could be an affordable offer-sheet target if he’s willing to sign. If he’s not, he could become a trade candidate if the Stars’ efforts to re-sign Jason Robertson leave them little cap room for other players.

COULD THE BLUE JACKETS PART WAYS WITH BOONE JENNER?

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline speculated that long-time Columbus Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner might be moving on this summer.

Jenner, 32, is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Blue Jackets captain is completing a four-year contract with an AAV of $3.75 million.

This is Jenner’s last opportunity to sign a multi-year contract via free agency. Portzline believes he will draw plenty of suitors, pointing out that the Blue Jackets received plenty of calls about him at the March trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Portzline observed that nothing’s settled yet, and Jenner could still re-sign with the Blue Jackets. However, he doubted that the veteran forward would be happy with a one or two-year deal. He also pointed out that it appears the Jackets management hasn’t made re-signing him a priority.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 18, 2026

by | Apr 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 18, 2026

Check out the latest on the Jets, Blues, and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Mike McIntyre believes Connor Hellebuyck sounded like someone who might not be with the Jets for long during his end-of-season media availability on Friday.

McIntyre suspected that Hellebucyk had emerged from a “fiery” face-to-face meeting with the coaching staff and management to face the press. The reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner called his club’s performance this season “unacceptable,” wondering where the club would go from here, prompting McIntyre to suggest that the answer might involve moving on from their long-time starting goaltender.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

When asked by McIntyre if his candid comments might mean some difficult conversations with management about his future, Hellebuyck took several seconds to respond. The 32-year-old goalie said he didn’t want to leave any speculation, adding that he loves Winnipeg and loves playing there.

McIntyre noted that speculation about Hellebuyck’s future began after he backstopped Team USA to Olympic gold in February, drawing some criticism for celebrating at the White House when there are tensions between the United States and Canada.

Hellebuyck has five more years on his contract at a reasonable average annual value of $8.5 million. McIntyre believes plenty of teams would engage in a bidding war for his services if he became available in the trade market. Moving Hellebuyck would be a “seismic shift” in the club’s direction.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McIntyre acknowledged that Hellebuyck’s comments may have been a case of the superstar goaltender blowing off steam following a disappointing season.

It must be remembered that there was speculation over Mark Scheifele’s future in Winnipeg in 2022 after he expressed unhappiness over the Jets’ performance. He and Hellebuyck wound up signing long-term contract extensions.

General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will likely downplay the notion that Hellebuyck’s unhappiness might lead to his departure when he meets with the media next week. Nevertheless, it will put pressure on Cheveldayoff to address the issues that led to the club’s downfall a year after winning the Presidents’ Trophy.

TSN: On Thursday, Darren Dreger said he expected this offseason to be a busy one for Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff.

He’ll have to sort out whether Jonathan Toews might do with his playing future and whether it’ll be in Winnipeg. Winger Cole Perfetti is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights coming off a two-year deal with an AAV of $3.25 million.

Dreger believes the Jets would like to add a second-line center and a top-six winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One of those would be in any asking price for Hellebuyck, but I don’t expect Cheveldayoff to have any intention of moving his star goaltender unless he asks to be traded. That’s something else I don’t believe Hellebuyck wants, despite his frustration with how this season turned out.

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford wondered if the St. Louis Blues intend to trade Robert Thomas. The 26-year-old first-line center surfaced in the rumor mill before last month’s trade deadline, but his strong performance after returning from injury is more evidence that leads to keeping him.

Rutherford believes the Blues must find a trade fit for winger Jordan Kyrou, whose performance declined this season. He thinks a change of scenery might be good for both sides, but his $8.13 million AAV over the next five seasons could be difficult to move. He also has a full no-trade clause.

Management should also explore moving winger Pavel Buchnevich, who has six years left on his contract with an AAV of $8 million. However, his contract and declining production could require adding a sweetener in the deal.

The Blues should also revisit efforts to move Colton Parayko, who used his no-movement clause to block a trade to the Buffalo Sabres before the March deadline. They should also chat with goaltender Jordan Binnington, who has a year left on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless the Blues intend to tear down their roster and rebuild, it’s doubtful they’ll part with Thomas. Outgoing general manager Doug Armstrong set a high asking price, and it’s unlikely that incoming GM Alexander Steen will lower it.

Kyrou and Buchnevich are more likely trade candidates. The 27-year-old Kyrou would likely be easier to move than the 31-year-old Buchnevich, as the latter’s production has steadily declined since his career-high 76-point performance in 2021-22.

Steen could revisit Armstrong’s efforts to move Parayko, but his NMC gives him full control over his situation. Binnington seems a more likely trade candidate because several teams that struggled with their goaltending this season will be seeking upgrades this summer.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger looked at what’s in store for Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell during the offseason.

Forwards Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle, and Mason Marchment, and defenseman Erik Gudbranson can become unrestricted free agents on July 1. It’s unlikely all four will be re-signed. Meanwhile, center Adam Fantilli, goaltender Jet Greaves, and forward Cole Sillinger are among their restricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jenner has spent his entire 13-season NHL career with the Blue Jackets, but Hedger wondered if they’ll re-sign the 32-year-old forward. Fantilli and Greaves will be in line for expensive raises given their value to the Blue Jackets.

The rising salary cap will leave the vast majority of NHL teams, including the Blue Jackets, flush with salary-cap space,. Hedger believes it’ll be difficult to find impact talent in this summer’s UFA market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Newly re-signed head coach Rick Bowness vowed he would change the Blue Jackets’ culture after blasting his players for what he felt was how comfortable they were with losing.

Finding character players who can also address the Jackets’ roster needs could be top of mind for Waddell this summer. This summer’s shallow free-agent pool could send him into the trade market, where he could indeed find himself having to outbid many rivals with as much cap space as he has.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 10, 2025

by | Nov 10, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 10, 2025

The Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon and the Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard jockey for the scoring race lead, the rising Ducks extend their win streak to seven games, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon scored twice and collected three assists to take over the lead in the NHL scoring race (29 points) in a 5-4 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Gavin Brindley scored in overtime and Artturi Lehkonen tallied twice in regulation as the Avalanche (10-1-5) holds first place in the overall standings with 25 points. Linus Karlsson scored his first of the season, and Kiefer Sherwood netted his 10th goal for the 8-8-1 Canucks.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images).

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard scored and picked up two assists, and Arvid Soderblom kicked out a career-high 45 shots to defeat the Detroit Red Wings 5-1. The Blackhawks have won three straight games, improving to 8-5-3. Dylan Larkin replied for the Red Wings (9-7-0), as they’ve dropped four of their last five contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bedard briefly led all NHL scorers with 25 points until MacKinnon had his five-point game.

The Anaheim Ducks extended their win streak to seven games with a 4-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. Leo Carlsson scored two power-play goals to extend his points streak to 10 games, and Beckett Sennecke also tallied twice for the 11-3-1 Ducks, who hold first place in the Pacific Division with 23 points. Kyle Connor scored for the 9-6-0 Jets, who have dropped three straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Something special could be brewing in Anaheim. After years of rebuilding, the Ducks’ mix of rising young stars such as Carlsson, Sennecke, Cutter Gauthier, and Mason McTavish, along with veterans like Chris Kreider, Troy Terry, and Jacob Trouba, is turning this team into a potential powerhouse in the Western Conference.

The Ducks activated forward Ryan Strome off injured reserve and placed defenseman Radko Gudas on IR with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, Jets forward Cole Perfetti made his season debut after suffering a sprained ankle during a preseason game against the Calgary Flames.

Three unanswered goals by the Carolina Hurricanes lifted them to a 5-4 comeback win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Logan Stankoven, Nikolaj Ehlers, and K’Andre Miller each had two points for the 11-4-0 Hurricanes, who have won four straight to take over first place in the Metropolitan Division with 22 points. William Nylander scored two goals and Dennis Hildeby made 42 saves for the 8-7-1 Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube wasn’t pleased with his club blowing a 4-2 lead, blasting their poor defensive play. “It’s a mindset,” Berube said. “If you want to be a good defensive team, you gotta check, you gotta have good sticks, you gotta be hard, you gotta win battles, and you’ve gotta have good structure. We don’t have any of that right now.”

The Los Angeles Kings nipped the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. Kevin Fiala scored the game-winning goal and collected an assist, while Corey Perry also had a goal and an assist for the 7-5-4 Kings. Penguins rookie Sergei Murashov made 24 saves in his NHL debut as his club slipped to 9-5-3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins are cooling off from their hot start to the season. After going 6-2-0 in their first eight games, they’re 3-3-3 in their last nine, with one win in their last five contests. Meanwhile, the 40-year-old Perry is off to a hot start with the Kings, tallying seven goals and 11 points in 10 games after his return from offseason knee surgery.

A 36-save shutout performance by Jesper Wallstedt carried the Minnesota Wild over the Calgary Flames by a score of 2-0. Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov scored, and Marcus Johansson collected an assist in his 1,000th regular-season NHL game as the Wild improved to 7-7-3. Devin Cooley turned aside 17 shots for the 4-11-2 Flames.

Ottawa Senators goaltender Leevi Merilainen made 29 saves as his club doubled up the Utah Mammoth 4-2. Jordan Spence and Ridly Greig each had a goal and an assist as the 8-5-3 Senators extended their points streak to five games (3-0-2). Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz replied for the slumping Mammoth (9-7-0), who have lost five of their last six contests.

The Dallas Stars beat the Seattle Kraken 2-1. Casey DeSmith made 20 saves while Wyatt Johnston and Tyler Seguin scored for the 9-4-3 Stars. Jaden Schwartz scored for the 7-4-4 Kraken.

IN OTHER NEWS…

TSN: Washington Capitals center Pierre-Luc Dubois is expected to miss three to four months after undergoing surgery to address issues with his abdominal and adductor muscles.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That leaves a big gap at center for the Capitals during that period. They’ve been using Connor McMichael in Dubois’ spot on the second line. They could attempt to find a short-term replacement in the trade market, but the pickings are slim, and there are several other clubs also believed to be seeking a reliable second-line center.

THE ATHLETIC: The New York Rangers called up top prospect Gabe Perreault from their AHL affiliate in Hartford. Perreault, 20, is known for his offensive abilities and has 10 points with Hartford this season. This move is intended to spark the Rangers’ struggling offense.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 6, 2025

by | Oct 6, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 6, 2025

The Flyers trade Ryan Ellis to the Sharks, an update on Jets forward Cole Perfetti, Matt Grzelcyk signs with the Blackhawks, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW/SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Philadelphia Flyers traded defenseman Ryan Ellis and a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for winger Carl Grundstrom and defenseman Artem Guryev.

Former Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ryan Ellis (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ellis has been on permanent long-term injury reserve (LTIR) since November 2021. He has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $6.25 million.

The Sharks have taken on the entirety of Ellis’ cap hit, while the Flyers are adding Grundstrom’s $1.8 million cap hit. He is slated to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) next July.

This move frees up $4.45 million in cap space for the Flyers, leaving them with over $7.2 million available. It enables them to accrue cap room throughout the season. Grundstrom was placed on waivers shortly after this trade was announced.

Meanwhile, this trade leaves the Sharks with 48 of 50 NHL contracts, freeing up room to add promising center Michael Misa and defenseman Jason Dickinson to their roster for the upcoming season.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Jets winger Cole Perfetti is listed as week-to-week with a high ankle sprain. He suffered the injury during Friday’s preseason game against the Calgary Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Perfetti joins defenseman Dylan Samberg and center Adam Lowry on the sidelines. Samberg suffered a broken ankle during preseason, and Lowry is recovering from offseason hip surgery.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Matt Grzelcyk signed a one-year contract with the Blackhawks. The 31-year-old defenseman earned the deal after attending training camp on a professional tryout offer (PTO).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: PuckPedia indicates Grzelcyk will earn $1 million on this contract. He’ll provide experienced puck-moving ability to the rebuilding Blackhawks’ blueline. He’s coming off a career-best 40-point performance with the Pittsburgh Penguins last season.

DAILY FACEOFF: 43 players hit the NHL waiver wire on Sunday. Several goaltenders were among them, including Michael DiPietro of the Boston Bruins, Kaapo Kahkonen of the Montreal Canadiens, Nico Daws of the New Jersey Devils, Mads Sogaard of the Ottawa Senators, and Clay Stevenson of the Washington Capitals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see if DiPietro and Stevenson clear. Both were frequently mentioned as potential waiver targets in the rumor mill.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers lost goaltender Brandon Bussi to the Carolina Hurricanes via waivers.

SPORTSNET: Tampa Bay Lightning centers Carter Schmidt and Gage Goncalves were fined for cross-checking Florida Panthers forwards Carter Verhaeghe and Evan Rodrigues during Saturday’s fight-filled preseason game.

Lightning winger Scott Sabourin will have a hearing for roughing Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad. Lightning defenseman JJ Moser will have one for boarding Panthers winger Jesper Boqvist.

CBS SPORTS: Los Angeles Kings defenseman Kyle Burroughs (upper body) was placed on injured reserve.