NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 19, 2024

by | Aug 19, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 19, 2024

Taylor Hall hopes to be a difference-maker for the Blackhawks, the Oilers trade Cody Ceci to the Sharks and acquire Vasily Podkolzin from the Canucks, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Taylor Hall hopes to be a difference-maker this season for the Blackhawks after missing most of last season recovering from ACL surgery on his right knee.

The Blackhawks acquired Hall last summer from the Boston Bruins to ease the offensive burden for rookie center Connor Bedard. However, the 33-year-old winger was in only 10 games before undergoing surgery in November.

Chicago Blackhawks winger Taylor Hall (NHL Images).

Now recovered, Hall is confident he can be “a solid contributor” to the Blackhawks, citing his offseason preparations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hall is also in the final year of his contract. A solid bounce-back effort could make him a valuable trade chip for the Blackhawks at the trade deadline, and bolster his stock in next summer’s free-agent market.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers traded defenseman Cody Ceci and a 2025 third-round pick to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Ty Emberson.

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks traded winger Vasily Podkolzin to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ceci, 30 is in the final season of his contract with a cap hit of $3.25 million. The 24-year-old Emberson is on a one-year, $950K contract.

Podkolzin is signed through 2025-26 with an annual cap hit of $1 million. Chosen 10th overall by the Canucks in the 2019 NHL Draft, Podkolzin had a promising NHL debut with 14 goals and 26 points in 79 games during the 2021-22 season. However, he struggled in the next two seasons, in part because the Canucks went through three head coaches during that time.

These moves created a stir among Oilers followers. Their club has until Tuesday to match the offers sheets signed by defenseman Philip Broberg and winger Dylan Holloway with the St. Louis Blues.

Puckpedia indicates these moves mean the Oilers can match both offer sheets if Evander Kane undergoes surgery and is placed on long-term injury reserve. However, they’ll have to make a trade once Kane comes off LTIR to become cap-compliant. If they match Broberg but not Holloway, they won’t have to make another trade once Kane comes off LTIR.

Ceci’s departure and the acquisition of Podkolzin suggest they’re retaining Broberg and parting ways with Holloway. We’ll find out for sure by no later than Tuesday.

THE SCORE: San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky looks forward to seeing competition among top prospects Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith as they attempt to land full-time roster spots in training camp next month.

Celebrini, 18, was the first-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Smith, 19, was selected fourth overall in the 2023 draft. Both centers are expected to play significant roles for the rebuilding Sharks.

Sharks general manager Mike Grier said his plan is for Celebrini and Smith to play their natural center position rather than move them to the wing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Celebrini and Smith could become contenders for the Calder Memorial Trophy if things pan out as hoped for the Sharks this season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins won’t be playing for his native Latvia in their upcoming Olympic qualifying tournament for personal reasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Merzlikins could be focused on preparing for the upcoming NHL season. He’s coming off a tumultuous campaign with the Blue Jackets, at one point asking to be traded before withdrawing the request. The 30-year-old netminder will be trying to establish himself as the Blue Jackets starting goaltender.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski examines the Sabres’ blueline depth to determine who their defense pairings could be this season.

He expects new head coach Lindy Ruff to pair top blueliner Rasmus Dahlin with Mattias Samuelsson. Bowen Byram and Owen Power could be their second pairing, leaving Henri Jokiharju, Connor Clifton, Jacob Bryson and Dennis Gilbert jockeying for the third pairing.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 25, 2024

by | Jul 25, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 25, 2024

Check out the latest on the Penguins, Canucks and Sharks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel looks at four ways the Penguins can use their leftover $3.5 million in salary-cap space.

One way could be adding another winger but they’d be hard-pressed to find better options than they currently have. There are no impact forwards left in the free-agent market and it’s difficult to see them trading for someone like Columbus’ Patrik Laine now.

Another option would be taking on a player from a cap-strapped team packaged with a draft pick. The Penguins’ recent acquisition of Kevin Hayes also netted them a second-round pick.

They could also consider pursuing an affordable young player like Arthur Kaliyev from the Los Angeles Kings or Nick Robertson from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Vensel considers both to represent a bet on untapped potential.

The Penguins could also sit tight with that cap space and work it to their advantage during the regular season. They could use those dollars to add to their roster or to become a third-party broker near the trade deadline to add more future assets.

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The latter two options seem the most sensible. Kaliyev or Robertson could be affordable pickups who would benefit from a change of scenery. On the other hand, hanging onto that cap space could help them during the season if they want to add a player who helps them clinch a playoff berth or bring in assets to help them rebuild.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski shoots down a recent rumor suggesting Tristan Jarry could be traded based on speculative pieces about the 29-year-old Penguins goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarry has occasionally surfaced in the rumor mill as a trade candidate. However, his inconsistent play and the four years remaining on his contract with its $5.375 million annual cap hit and 12-team no-trade clause ensure he’ll be starting this season in Pittsburgh.

UPDATE ON THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston wonders what the future holds for forward Vasily Podkolzin following the Vancouver Canucks recent signing of winger Daniel Sprong. This move ensures the 23-year-old winger isn’t a lock to make their lineup this season.

Podkolzin, 23, is a former first-round pick who should be fighting for a spot on the Canucks’ top line, not battling to hang onto a fourth-line role. He could end up playing on another team if he doesn’t find a way to improve his game.

SEKERES & PRICE: Discuss whether acquiring Sprong could set up moving someone like Nils Hoglander for a defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Podkolzin had a promising debut in 2021-22 with 14 goals and 26 points in 76 games. However, he’s struggled to stick with the Canucks, spending time over the past two years with their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

Hoglander was a second-round pick by the Canucks in the 2019 draft. He had a career-high 24 goals last season but only two points in 11 playoff games. Still, he could be a more tempting trade chip than Podkolzin for the Canucks.

COULD THE SHARKS REUNITE WITH MARTIN JONES?

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reported San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier indicated earlier this month that he would address his club’s need for a No. 3 goaltender at some point during the offseason.

Pashelka suggested bringing back Martin Jones. The 34-year-old free agent was the Sharks’ starter from 2015-16 to 2020-21. He performed well last season as a No. 3 netminder with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks bought out Jones’ contract in 2021, making him an unrestricted free agent. That buyout ($1.666 million annually) remains on their books until 2027. However, they can bring him back if they want to take up Pashelka’s suggestion.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 12, 2023

by | Aug 12, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – August 12, 2023

Check out the latest on the Canucks, Sharks and Panthers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CANUCKS NEED TO SHED SALARY AFTER SIGNING SUTER

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston believes the Vancouver Canucks need to make a cost-cutting trade as their signing of Pius Suter on Friday pushes them above the $83.5 million salary for this season by around $1 million.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers (NHL Images).

Johnston observes that the Canucks have a glut of wingers for the coming season. Even if Tanner Pearson were a healthy scratch, there’s little room for Nils Hoglander, Conor Garland, Brock Boeser and Vasily Podkolzin.

Garland and Boeser have been mentioned as trade candidates in the past but their contracts have proven difficult to move. The Canucks could be reluctant to part with young forwards like Hoglander and Podkolzin.

Johnston considers Tyler Myers as the obvious trade candidate. The 33-year-old defenseman is in the final season of his contract. While he carries a $6 million cap hit, he’ll earn $1 million in actual salary for the season once the Canucks pay his $5 million signing bonus in September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston pointed out that there was talk last month claiming the Canucks had a deal lined up with the San Jose Sharks. With the Sharks trading away Erik Karlsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins last Sunday, they could be in the market for short-term blueline depth.

The Sharks only carry $3.9 million in cap room but they might be open to acquiring Myers if the Canucks agree to retain half of his cap hit for the season. That’s assuming, of course, that they aren’t on Myers’ 10-team no-trade list.

Speaking of the Sharks…

SHARKS IN THE MARKET FOR A DEFENSEMAN

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng believes the San Jose Sharks are in the market for some offense from their defense. He cited PHNX Sports’ Craig Morgan reporting they had some interest in Matt Dumba before the free-agent blueliner signed with the Arizona Coyotes.

Peng observes that the pickings are slim in the free-agent market. Ethan Bear is still available but won’t return to action until December as he recovers from shoulder surgery. Alex Edler, 37, could retire and hasn’t played on the power-play in four years.

Other UFA options include Simon Benoit, Nick Holden and Scott Harrington. Peng also noted the pickings aren’t much better in the trade market. He cited general manager Mike Grier will look at possible choices within his system during training camp and preseason play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Grier could be forced into the trade market or watching the waiver wire if his internal options for an offensive-minded rearguard fail to pan out.

LATEST ON THE PANTHERS

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards believes the Panthers are likely done trying to bolster their roster via free agency. Like Peng, he points out the lack of remaining talent in this summer’s market.

Richards speculates that the Panthers might be interested in Patrick Kane when he’s recovered from offseason hip surgery and is ready to return to action later this season. That will depend on whether the 34-year-old winger sees them as a fit.

If the Panthers make any further additions it could be via professional tryout offers during training camp. If Aaron Ekblad or Brandon Montour start the season on long-term injury reserve, it could open the door to adding someone like center Paul Stastny if he’s still available.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 14, 2022

by | Nov 14, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 14, 2022

Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev ties a league record, the Bruins set a franchise record, an update on Senators blueliner Thomas Chabot and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev tied a league record in his club’s 6-3 victory over the Washington Capitals. Sergachev scored twice and collected two assists in the first period, tying Bobby Orr as the only blueliners to collect multiple goals and multiple assists in the opening period of a game. The Lightning’s record improved to 8-6-1 while the Capitals fall to 7-8-2.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev (NHL Images).

The Boston Bruins set a franchise record by winning their ninth straight home game to open a season by defeating the Vancouver Canucks 5-2. Hampus Lindholm collected three assists, Linus Ullmark made 29 saves and Pavel Zacha scored what proved to be the winning goal as the Bruins (14-2-0) regained sole possession of first place in the overall standings with 28 points. J.T. Miller and Sheldon Dries replied for the 4-9-3 Canucks, who’ve now lost three straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks forward Vasily Podkolzin left the game with an apparent head injury following a fight with the Bruins’ A.J. Greer.

An overtime goal by Mark Scheifele lifted the Winnipeg Jets (9-4-1) over the Seattle Kraken by a score of 3-2. Scheifele tallied twice while Blake Wheeler picked up his 300th career goal when he tied the game in the dying seconds of regulation. Jordan Eberle and Brandon Tanev replied for the 8-5-3 Kraken.

The Dallas Stars bolstered their record to 9-5-1 by dropping the Philadelphia Flyers 5-1. Joe Pavelski and Esa Lindell each had a goal and two assists while Jake Oettinger kicked out 37 shots for the win. Travis Konecny scored for the Flyers, who fall to 7-6-2 as they’ve lost three straight games.

Shootout goals by Nick Bonino and Alexander Barabanov gave the San Jose Sharks a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Wild. The Sharks overcame a 2-0 deficit on third-period goals by Steven Lorentz and Nico Sturm as they improve to 5-9-3. Frederick Gaudreau and Connor Dewar tallied for the Wild (7-6-2).

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin stopped 31 shots while Adam Fox had a goal and an assist to beat the Arizona Coyotes 4-1. The Rangers’ record is now 8-6-3 while the Coyotes fall to 6-8-1. Clayton Keller scored the Coyotes’ only goal.

HEADLINES

DAILY FACEOFF: Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot will be sidelined for at least a week with a concussion suffered during Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chabot’s absence significantly weakens an already thin Senators’ defense corps. They’ll be fortunate if their blueline workhorse is out for just a week. He will miss three upcoming games at a time when the 5-8-1 Sens are trying to climb out of the basement in the Atlantic Division.

Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman was fined $5,000.00 for slew-footing Winnipeg Jets center Pierre-Luc Dubois on Saturday.

NHL.COM: The Los Angeles Kings placed winger Brendan Lemieux has been placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury.

TRIBLIVE.COM: The Pittsburgh Penguins have sent defenseman Mark Friedman to their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.