NHL Rumor Mill – September 19, 2025

by | Sep 19, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 19, 2025

The latest on Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov, updates on the Penguins, the latest on Ducks winger Mason McTavish, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON KAPRIZOV’S CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

STARTRIBUNE.COM: Sarah McLellan reports Kirill Kaprizov is focusing on training camp as the Minnesota Wild prepare for the coming 2025-26 regular season.

Neither he nor Wild general manager Bill Guerin said much about the status of their contract negotiations. Guerin called the talks “private”, but added that things were going fine. “The most important thing is we want to sign Kirill,” Guerin said.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

Kaprizov is leaving the contract issues to his agent, Paul Theofanous. He indicated that he wants to stay with the Wild. “You guys know I like Minny, and everyone knows this,” Kaprizov said. “We have a lot of time. It’s just 2025, and it’s one more year I have. I just want to play hockey and focus and win some games and go in playoffs and win from there. Just focus on this now.”

The 28-year-old winger is in the final season of a five-year deal worth $45 million. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July if he and the Wild fail to agree to a new deal by then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaprizov’s recent rejection of an eight-year, $128 million offer from the Wild raised eyebrows as well as questions about his future with the club.

Kaprizov’s remarks were the first he’s made on the subject. It’s apparent he doesn’t want this to be a distraction, but the longer he goes without an extension, the more speculation will grow.

UPDATE ON THE PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reports Penguins GM Kyle Dubas spoke with the media on Thursday about the club’s plans for the coming season.

Dubas indicated that the message to the veteran players is that the younger players are coming and will get every opportunity to make the roster. The veterans know what the expectation is if they want to retain their jobs. If a younger player earns a roster spot, Dubas will deal with the fallout regardless of the veteran’s salary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, Dubas will trade or demote the veteran to make room for the younger player.

Dubas also downplayed a recent comment by Sidney Crosby’s agent suggesting there was always a possibility that his client could be traded. He expects a better performance from defenseman Erik Karlsson this season, and shrugged off a report claiming the Penguins had reached out to free-agent goaltender Carter Hart.

The Penguins GM said he’d had plenty of trade discussions during the offseason, but he wasn’t just going to offload key veterans. “So if the right return is there, we would look at anything, and in the meantime, we’re gonna do everything we can to get the most out of those guys.”

TSN: Dubas also said that there was no change in Evgeni Malkin’s contract status. Management will meet with the 39-year-old center during the Olympic break to discuss his future. Malkin is in the final season of a four-year contract with a full no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This season could be Malkin’s last in the NHL. A great player in his prime, his performance has declined in recent years as age and injuries have taken a toll. He’s said that he wants to retire as a Penguin, but that depends on his play this season and if he wants to continue his playing career.

Karlsson said he’s not surprised that he wasn’t traded this summer despite plenty of rumors about his future with the Penguins. “It was a quiet summer for me,” he said. “Didn’t really hear much other than what I read from you guys (reporters) and all the other people around the league, which is typical for the offseason.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson frequently surfaced in media trade chatter this summer. However, the decline in his performance over the last two years, combined with his hefty salary-cap hit through 2026-27, makes him a tough sell in the trade market.

THE LATEST FREE-AGENT CHATTER

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Mason McTavish is training with the OHL’s Ottawa 67s as contract negotiations continue with the Anaheim Ducks. The 23-year-old center hasn’t requested a trade and wants to stay in Anaheim. There hasn’t been any real offer-sheet talk.

LeBrun’s colleague, Eric Stephens, indicated both sides remain interested in getting a long-term deal done and remain in regular contact. However, this is starting to dredge up memories of the previous contract standoffs with Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, who are no longer with the club.

Stephens claims the Ducks have no interest in trading McTavish, who they see as an important part of their roster going forward. However, he believes GM Pat Verbeek needs to get this deal done soon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Verbeek has a well-earned reputation as a tough negotiator with players coming off their entry-level contracts. The more training camp time McTavish misses, the more likely it is that it will adversely affect his performance this season.

LeBrun also touched on the contract standoff between the Nashville Predators and restricted free agent Luke Evangelista. He stated that GM Barry Trotz has no intention of trading the young forward. Contract talks are expected to resume on Friday.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports an NHL executive said the Utah Mammoth and Carolina Hurricanes are among the teams showing an interest in goaltender Carter Hart.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 15, 2025

by | Sep 15, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 15, 2025

Should the Rangers attempt to acquire Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov? Which teams should become sellers this season? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST KAPRIZOV SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Vince Z. Mercogliano was recently asked what a realistic trade offer from the New York Rangers would be needed to acquire winger Kirill Kaprizov from the Minnesota Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaprizov, 28, is in the final season of his contract with the Wild and eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1. He reportedly rejected an eight-year offer from the Wild worth an average annual value of $16 million.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

Mercogliano indicated there are many connections here. Kaprizov shares the same agent as Rangers winger Artemi Panarin. He’s also believed to be close to Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin and defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov. He claimed that he’s heard the Blueshirts would be on Kaprizov’s short list of trade destinations, and Rangers general manager Chris Drury has growing cap space and a desire to reshape the roster.

As for the asking price, Mercogliano believes it would include two first-round draft picks and a player like Alexis Lafreniere. Clearing the 23-year-old winger’s $7.45 million AAV through 2031-32 might make it possible to sign Kaprizov and retain Panarin, provided the latter agreed to a pay cut.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks took to social media to dismiss the possibility of the Rangers “hollowing out their roster and draft capital” to trade for Kaprizov and then signing him for an AAV between $16 million and $18 million. He called it “about as ludicrous as it gets.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Kaprizov really wants to join the Rangers, and if they have the cap space to sign him, then why trade away solid assets to get him? It would give them exclusive signing rights until July 1, but as Brooks points out, it would do more harm to their roster depth now and in the future.

The Rangers are projected to have over $29.6 million in cap space for 2027-28 with 17 active roster players. Assuming it costs $18 million annually for Kaprizov, that would leave them with only $11 million, most of which would be used to re-sign Panarin or to find a suitable replacement.

Moving Lafreniere’s cap hit increases that cap space to over $37 million, giving them more wiggle room to sign Kaprizov and retain Panarin. However, Lafreniere’s contract is a tough sell right now, and another disappointing campaign means the Rangers would have to retain part of it or take on a bad contract in return.

Age is also a concern. Kaprizov turns 29, and Panarin is currently 33. The Rangers would be investing a significant amount of that projected cap space into two players whose next contracts might not age well, becoming more burdensome during the final years of those deals.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parsons recently looked at several teams that have the cap space to sign Kaprizov to a massive new contract.

They include rebuilding teams like the Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Philadelphia Flyers, San Jose Sharks, and Chicago Blackhawks. The retooling Boston Bruins are another, as is the Washington Capitals, who finished first overall in the Eastern Conference last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If it’s all about the money for Kaprizov, he won’t care where he goes as long as he gets paid. However, the 28-year-old superstar winger might prefer landing with a club that has a chance at becoming a Stanley Cup contender. That rules out all those rebuilding teams for at least the next four or five years.

The Bruins have the cap room, but it’s unlikely that their ownership would approve a massive contract for Kaprizov. That leaves the Capitals, who will seek a replacement for future Hall-of-Famer Alex Ovechkin in the near future. Whether they’re willing to pony up to get him remains to be seen.

WHICH TEAMS SHOULD BECOME SELLERS THIS SEASON?

SPORTSNET: Michael Amato looked at four teams that should consider becoming sellers this season.

The Nashville Predators could consider offloading the salaries of veteran forwards like Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Ryan O’Reilly now that the salary cap will rise significantly over the next two years. Stamkos and Marchessault have no-trade clauses, but they’re in the mid-30s and might not want to stick with a retooling club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It wouldn’t be surprising if Stamkos and Marchessault get peddled to playoff clubs if the Predators are out of contention by the March trade deadline.

If the Pittsburgh Penguins want to improve their chances of winning the 2026 draft lottery, they should offload as many veterans as possible. They’ve been trying to move defenseman Erik Karlsson, but should also attempt to trade wingers Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell. There are rumblings that this season is Evgeni Malkin’s last, so perhaps he’d consider moving on for one last shot at the Stanley Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In February, Malkin stated he intends to retire as a Penguin. Unless he’s changed his mind, we can rule out the possibility of shipping him to a playoff contender.

The Calgary Flames are almost certain to move UFA-eligible defenseman Rasmus Andersson. Given the massive demand for centers, they should attempt to trade Nazem Kadri. Veteran winger Blake Coleman could also draw some interest in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames came within a whisker of clinching a playoff berth last season. It’ll be interesting to see what they do if they’re still in the hunt by the deadline. Andersson could still be moved, but they will likely hang onto Kadri and Coleman unless those two want to be moved.

This could also be a perfect time for the Boston Bruins to retool their roster. Players like Pavel Zacha, Viktor Arvidsson, Sean Kuraly, and Andrew Peeke could be in demand, enabling them to get returns that help them restock their prospect pipeline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trade rumors have dogged Zacha throughout the offseason. He could be their most valuable trade chip this season if they decide to sell.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 14, 2025

by | Sep 14, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 14, 2025

Canadiens winger Ivan Demidov and Senators defenseman Carter Yakemchuk shine in rookie tournament play, Kings winger Corey Perry is sidelined, Blackhawks re-sign goalie Spencer Knight, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Canadiens winger Ivan Demidov had a goal and two assists in a 4-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets during the first of their two games in the 2025 Prospects Showdown at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Montreal Canadiens rookie winger Ivan Demidov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All eyes in Montreal are on Demidov after his promising performance in two regular-season games and five playoff contests last season. He didn’t disappoint in this game, including his game-tying highlight-reel goal. The 19-year-old winger is considered the early favorite to win the Calder Memorial Trophy this season.

Granted, this was just one game in a rookie tournament before training camps open later this season. Nevertheless, Demidov’s play will stoke the buzz surrounding this youngster.

OTTAWA SUN: Defenseman Carter Yakemchuk tallied twice and collected an assist as the Senators nipped the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 in the Prospects Showdown.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yakemchuk hopes to crack the Senators’ roster. The puck-moving blueliner had a promising camp last season but was among the late cuts because his defensive game needed work. If he’s improved that aspect of his game, he could become a welcome addition on the right side of their blueline.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Offseason acquisition Isaac Howard wasn’t a standout for the Oilers in their 6-5 loss to the Calgary Flames on Friday at Rogers Place.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers acquired Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning this summer. Winner of the Hobey Baker Award as last season’s top college player, he’s expected to be on their active roster this season.

THE TENNESSEAN: Forwards Brady Martin and Joakim Kemell were the standouts for the Nashville Predators in their wins over the Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes in rookie tournament play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Martin is the Predators’ first-round pick (fifth overall) in this year’s draft. Kemell is their first-rounder (17th overall) in the 2022 draft. The latter appeared in two games with the Preds last season.

THE ATHLETIC: The St. Louis Blues iced a five-man unit consisting of first-round picks in their prospect tournament games against the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks. Dalibor Dvorsky, Otto Stenberg, and Justin Carbonneau were the forwards, with Adam Jiricek and Theo Lindstein as the defensemen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see if those five go on to become roster regulars for the Blues.

LOS ANGELES TIMES: Kings winger Corey Perry will miss six to eight weeks after undergoing knee surgery following an injury suffered at the club’s training facility on Friday.

The 40-year-old winger signed a one-year contract with the Kings in July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: An unfortunate setback for Perry, whose experience (especially in the postseason) was among the reasons why the Kings signed him.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: The Blackhawks signed goaltender Spencer Knight to a three-year contract extension with an average annual value of $5.83 million. Knight, 24, is in the final season of a three-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks acquired Knight from the Florida Panthers in March. He immediately stepped into the starter’s role with the rebuilding club, sporting a record of 5-8-3 with a 3.18 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage.

NHLPA.COM: Former PA Executive Director Bob Goodenow passed away suddenly on Saturday at age 72.

Goodenow took over the job in 1991, leading the players through a strike in 1992, a half-season lockout in 1994-95, and the lockout that wiped out the 2004-05 season. A fierce advocate for players’ rights, he negotiated landmark gains in salary, free agency, pension, and health benefits, and helped them take control of their name, image, and likeness rights. Goodenow also helped establish pioneering programs such as player salary disclosure, second medical opinion for players, the agent certification program, and working with the NHL to implement the substance abuse and behavioral health programs for players and their families.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Goodenow had a profound effect on the game for the players after they were taken advantage of for yearsby the league and by former PA director Alan Eagleson, who would be jailed for fraud and embezzlement.

Under Goodenow, the players made substantial financial gains. However, his downfall came during the 2004-05 season-killing lockout.

At the beginning of the standoff, Goodenow warned the players that it could take up to two years to achieve their goal of avoiding the salary-cap system advocated by the league. However, their support wavered after the league canceled the season, and he lost the confidence of PA president Trevor Linden. Once the lockout was ended, Goodenow was replaced by Ted Saskin.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 9, 2025

by | Sep 9, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 9, 2025

The latest on Canucks forwards Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser, Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis, Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE PROVINCE: After a solid offseason of training, a healthy Elias Pettersson has returned to Vancouver eager to reunite with his Canucks teammates and keen to start the upcoming season.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

The 26-year-old center is coming off the worst season of his NHL career, managing 45 points in 64 games in a tumultuous, injury-shortened 2024-25 campaign. He said he and his teammates have put last season’s woes behind them and are focusing on bouncing back in 2025-26.

Winger Brock Boeser is among the Canucks hoping to rebound from a disappointing performance. The 28-year-old has contract stability after signing a long-term deal in July, and is happy that he won’t have to face trade rumors that dogged him last season.

Boeser seems likely to skate alongside Pettersson on the Canucks’ top line this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks need Pettersson and Boeser to regain their high-scoring ways if they hope to contend for a playoff berth this season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis said the offseason rehab for his shoulder injury went well, leaving him confident for the coming season. “I can rip out some pushups right now if you want,” he told reporters.

The 23-year-old decided not to undergo surgery on his right shoulder for the second straight year, saying it wasn’t an injury that inhibited his play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarvis’ versatile play has moved him up the Hurricanes’ depth chart. A healthy, productive performance this season will be crucial to their Stanley Cup hopes.

SPORTSNET: Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf was passed over for selection to Team USA’s Olympic orientation camp. The 23-year-old Calder Trophy finalist is using the snub as motivation for the upcoming season.

“You want to prove people wrong,” Wolf said. “Myself, our group, are continuing to prove people wrong on a daily basis in Calgary. That’s just another side of it.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Team USA has considerable goaltending depth with Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck, Dallas’ Jake Oettinger, Boston’s Jeremy Swayman, and Seattle’s Joey Daccord. However, a strong performance by Wolf in the first half of this season could earn him a nod if Swayman or Daccord struggle.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers announced they have hired former player Blake Wheeler as hockey operations advisor and Ryane Clowe as assistant general manager.

Wheeler, 38, retired in July after 16 NHL seasons, spending his final season (2023-24) with the Rangers. Clowe recently resigned as assistant GM of the San Jose Sharks.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Nashville Predators signed forward Dylan Gambrell to a professional tryout offer. Gambrell, 29, spent last season on a one-year, two-way contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, spending the season with their AHL affiliate in Cleveland.

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE: The Utah Grizzlies will relocate to Trenton, New Jersey, after this season. They are the Colorado Avalanche’s ECHL affiliate.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 8, 2025

by | Sep 8, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 8, 2025

A roundup of takes on the latest scuttlebutt involving the five notable remaining restricted free agents in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET’s Luke Fox looked at the latest rumors regarding the remaining notable RFAs.

Fox believes New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald is still trying to get defenseman Luke Hughes signed to a team-friendly contract. A good comparable would be Brock Faber’s $8 million average annual value (AAV) on his eight-year contract.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (NHL Images).

Hughes reportedly prefers a five-year contract taking him up to unrestricted free-agent status by July 2030, the same time as teammate and brother Jack’s contract expires. The Devils prefer locking up Luke to a three-year bridge contract or an eight-year deal.

The Devils have roughly $7 million in cap space remaining, which is why veterans like winger Ondrej Palat and defenseman Dougie Hamilton have surfaced in recent trade rumors.

DAILY FACEOFF: Steven Ellis cited AFP Analytics projecting Hughes could get $8.386 million on a six-year contract or $5.786 million on a three-year deal.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes the Devils are under considerable pressure to get Hughes signed before the start of the season. His absence could make the difference between them securing home-ice advantage for the playoffs and being a wild-card team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils must shed salary if they can’t get Hughes signed within their current cap constraints. If he gets over $8 million, expect a cost-cutting trade to follow.

Turning to Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish, Fox noted that there has been trade interest from rival teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks. However, it’s believed Ducks GM Pat Verbeek wants to sign him beyond a bridge deal. One comparable could be Quinton Byfield’s five-year extension with the Los Angeles Kings, which carries an AAV of $6.25 million.

Ellis considers the 22-year-old McTavish to be the premier forward still chasing a contract this summer. AFP Analytics projects he’ll get $6.772 million on a six-year contract or $3.983 million on a three-year deal.

Proteau believes the Ducks are under a lot of pressure to get McTavish signed. The rebuilding club needs all hands on deck if they’re to push for a playoff berth this season. They can’t afford to have a dynamic young player like McTavish on the sidelines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Verbeek has a well-deserved reputation as a tough negotiator who isn’t afraid to let contract negotiations carry over into training camp and preseason. He also won’t trade McTavish if this turns into a standoff unless he gets a comparable player in return.

Fox indicated contract negotiations continue between the Nashville Predators and winger Luke Evangelista. He thinks the approach of training camp will be the true pressure point, suggesting a bridge deal as the path toward a solution.

Ellis cited AFP Analytics projecting a two-year contract with an AAV of $2.513 million for Evangelista. Proteau believes the Predators don’t have to rush into getting the young forward re-signed, noting the clock isn’t ticking as loudly for them as it is for the Devils with Hughes and the Ducks with McTavish.

Turning to Alexander Holtz of the Vegas Golden Knights, Fox cited Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon expressing his belief that his club can help the young forward unlock his untapped potential. A bridge deal or a trade could be the outcome.

Ellis indicated a one-year deal worth $874,125 was projected for Holtz by AFP Analytics. Proteau concurs that he’ll get an affordable short-term deal and believes the Golden Knights are feeling pressured to sign him.

The last RFA on Fox’s list is Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Wyatt Kaiser. He cited Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times indicating that a deal should be worked out before training camp. Fox projected his contract will be three years with an AAV of $2.5 million.

According to Ellis, AFP Analytics projected Kaiser receiving $3.208 million annually on a three-year contract or $5.479 million on a six-year deal. Proteau believes the Blackhawks can afford to take their time getting him under contract.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 21, 2025

by | Aug 21, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 21, 2025

Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews addresses Mitch Marner’s departure, Stuart Skinner believes the Oilers will bounce back more quickly from their Stanley Cup Final loss this time, Patrik Laine hopes to stay in Montreal, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews admits that he and his teammates will miss Mitch Marner, who departed for the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade situation on June 30.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

“We’ll miss him,” Matthews said. “He’s a great friend, great teammate. That’s kind of the business side of it that’s tough, but obviously I wish him nothing but the best. We’ll just keep it moving.”

Matthews missed 15 games last season with an undisclosed injury. He said that his health was good and he will be at “100 percent” for the start of the 2025-26 season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A lot of Leafs fans won’t miss Marner, who became their whipping boy for the club’s poor postseason record over the last nine seasons. However, his departure leaves them thin on right wing. Beyond William Nylander, the level of talent drops significantly.

The addition of playmaker Matias Maccelli should offset some of the missing offense if he regains his 57-point form of 2023-24, but he won’t fully replace Marner’s two-way skills.

THE SCORE: Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner believes his club will rebound more quickly from losing the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers than they did in 2024.

“Going through it the second time, which is obviously devastating, but being able to say you went through this does actually help you get over it quicker, just because you have to go back into training and do it all over again.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers could find it a more difficult challenge staging a third straight run to the Cup Final. They still haven’t addressed their inconsistent goaltending, and their limited cap space could make it harder to bolster their roster before the trade deadline.

TVA SPORTS: Patrik Laine would love to remain with the Montreal Canadiens beyond this season. The 28-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

“Yes, of course,” Laine told Anthony Martineau of TVA Sports. “I don’t think I need to say more. Yes, I would love to be here.”

Laine spent most of the offseason training in Montreal. He believes the Canadiens are on the right track and expects they’ll be even better this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine’s future in Montreal depends on his performance this season. He struggled through an injury-shortened campaign in 2024-25, but finished with 20 goals in 52 games, drawing praise from Canadiens management for helping them qualify for the playoffs.

Laine recently said that he’s fully healthy approaching training camp. He could have a productive year if his good health carries over into this season, which would improve his chances of getting a contract extension.

RG.ORG: Sergei Fedorov said he felt “a flood of emotions” after being informed that the Detroit Red Wings will retire his No. 91 in January as part of their centennial season celebrations. The ceremony will be held at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Jan. 12, 2026.

Fedorov spent 13 of his 18 NHL seasons with Detroit before departing as a free agent in 2003. “I was always a Red Wing,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fedorov’s relationship with Red Wings management was never the same following a messy contract holdout in 1997-98. His departure in 2003 left some bad feelings among Wings fans. However, Fedorov has been received more warmly by the organization and the fans in recent years, especially after he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015.

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE: Connor Ingram has been cleared by the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program to return to the Utah Mammoth. The 28-year-old goaltender entered the program on March 9 to deal with mental health issues.

SPORTSNET: The Carolina Hurricanes announced that Jesper Fast will rejoin the organization as a development coach. He announced his retirement in June after missing last season recovering from neck surgery.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators signed forward Brady Martin to a three-year entry-level contract. Martin, 18, was chosen fifth overall in this year’s draft by the Predators.