NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 18, 2024

by | Nov 18, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 18, 2024

Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin nets a hat trick, Hurricanes forward Martin Necas moves up in the scoring race, Leafs forward Ryan Reaves is suspended, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin netted a hat trick in a 5-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson stopped 40 shots against his former team while Dylan Strome and Aliaksei Protas each had two assists. Brett Howden and Keegan Kolesar replied for the Golden Knights.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 39-year-old Ovechkin became one of the oldest players in NHL history to tally a hat trick. He’s tied with Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl and Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart atop the goal-scoring leaderboard with 13 goals. The Capitals captain has 866 career regular-season goals, putting him 29 goals from overtaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894.

I made a preseason prediction that Ovechkin would have one more 40-goal season left. That prediction doesn’t look so crazy now.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas had a hand in each of his team’s goals to defeat the St. Louis Blues 4-1. The red-hot Necas scored twice and collected two assists to extend his points streak to 13 games. Teammate Eric Robinson had a goal and two assists. Jake Neighbours tallied for the Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas has 30 points and sits third among the points leaders. The Hurricanes (13-4-0, 26 points) sit first in the Eastern Conference.

The New York Rangers blanked the Seattle Kraken 2-0. Rangers goalie Jonathan Quick made 24 saves for his second straight shutout while Alexis Lafreniere and Zac Jones were the goal scorers. Philipp Grubauer stopped 21 shots as the Kraken’s four-game win streak ended.

Nashville Predators winger Steven Stamkos tallied two power-play goals in a 5-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Rookie forward Zachary L’Heureux opened the scoring for the Predators with his first NHL goal and Juuse Saros made 24 saves for the win. Elias Pettersson scored for the fifth time in seven games for the Canucks, who’ve dropped seven of their last 10 home games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks center J.T. Miller was benched for all but two shifts in the third period. Before the game, the Canucks placed defenseman Derek Forbort (lower body) on injured reserve. This win for the Predators was their third in their last 11 games (3-5-3).

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: The department of player safety handed down a five-game suspension to Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves for an illegal hit to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse on Saturday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the longest suspension of Reaves’ career after getting three games in 2016, one game in the 2020 playoffs, and two games in the 2021 playoffs.

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk received a $5,000.00 fine for clipping Florida Panthers forward Jesper Boqvist on Saturday.

SPORTSNET: The Colorado Avalanche placed goaltender Alexandar Georgiev on injured reserve with an upper-body injury.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Anaheim Ducks placed center Mason McTavish (upper body) on IR retroactive to Nov. 8.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings goaltender Jack Campbell was cleared to return from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program on Sunday. The Wings placed him on waivers because they have no room for him on their NHL roster. When they signed Campbell, they originally intended to have him serve as a mentor for promising Sebastian Cossa with their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report indicates they have no room for Campbell with their AHL affiliate because Ville Husso is now paired with Cossa in Grand Rapids. Campbell is on a one-year contract with a cap hit of $775,000.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 17, 2024

by | Nov 17, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 17, 2024

A big raise could be coming for next season’s salary cap, coaches on the hot seat, and the latest on the Bruins, Blue Jackets, Predators, Canadiens and Senators in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

BIG INCREASE COULD BE COMING FOR THE SALARY CAP

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the NHL and NHLPA will examine the possibility of raising the salary cap by between $7 million and $9 million for 2025-26. He indicated that league revenue has “outpaced the guardrails on the salary cap” that were put in place as part of the 2020 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cap can rise by a maximum of five percent as per the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). However, it can increase by a wider margin if the league and the PA agree. If they stick with five percent, the cap will rise to $92.5 million for 2025-26. It is currently at $88 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The league is usually cautious in raising the cap. However, they could face pressure from team owners because several notable superstars (such as New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin) seek significant raises on their next contracts. A salary cap between $95 million and $98 million next season would alleviate the cap crunch facing several teams, making it easier to retain key players or bolster their roster depth.

FOUR COACHES POTENTIALLY ON THE HOT SEAT

SPORTSNET: Emily Sadler listed Jim Montgomery of the Boston Bruins, Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Derek Lalonde of the Detroit Red Wings, and Andrew Brunette of the Nashville Predators could be feeling the heat as their clubs continue to struggle.

Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff reports no scuttlebutt suggesting Lalonde’s job is in jeopardy. Nevertheless, he thinks GM Steve Yzerman must be concerned over the Wings’ recent disappointing play. Duff believes they need something to change to avoid another season slipping away.

LATEST ON THE BRUINS, PREDATORS, BLUE JACKETS AND CANADIENS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Boston Bruins have been looking to see what they can do to shake things up. He said things are starting to get intense within the organization.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It sounds like the Bruins would prefer to make a trade rather than a coaching change.

The Nashville Predators are in the market for a center. Friedman also believes they’re looking at their blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators attempted to send defenseman Dante Fabbro to their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee last week but the Columbus Blue Jackets claimed him off waivers.

Speaking of the Blue Jackets, Friedman said general manager Don Waddell is trying to sort out the situation with David Jiricek. The young defenseman hasn’t played much this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jiricek has struggled to earn a full-time spot on the Blue Jackets defense corps, appearing in only five games this season. He doesn’t need to pass through waivers to be sent to the AHL affiliate in Cleveland but publicly expressed his displeasure when demoted last season, sparking trade speculation.

The Montreal Canadiens are seeking a forward who plays with an edge. Friedman believes players like that will be highly coveted when the time comes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That time would be when the March 7 trade deadline rolls around. That would be too late to help the Canadiens.

SENATORS SHOULD TARGET A DEFENSEMAN

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie was recently asked by a reader what area the Ottawa Senators should shore up before the New Year. He believes they need a “penalty-killing, middle-pairing defenseman” who can be mainly used on the third pairing but can be bumped up in a pinch.

McKenzie suggested Jordan Harris of the Blue Jackets as a trade target. He was shipped to Columbus by the Canadiens in this summer’s Patrik Laine deal but doesn’t yet seem like a fit with the Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe the Senators might look into Jiricek’s availability, though I think the Jackets would prefer hanging onto the promising 20-year-old rearguard.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 15, 2024

by | Nov 15, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 15, 2024

Check out the latest on the Sabres, Predators and Penguins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Darren Dreger believes trade talk among NHL general managers is bound to heat up soon. Teams are reaching the 20-game mark in the schedule, American Thanksgiving is upcoming and the general managers recently concluded a meeting in Toronto.

Dreger is keeping an eye on three GMs who seem more eager to talk trade: Kevyn Adams of the Buffalo Sabres, Barry Trotz of the Nashville Predators, and Kyle Dubas of the Pittsburgh Penguins

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

According to Dreger, Adams is “willing to consider something bigger” but doesn’t want to trade away any of his top young talent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dreger also said he doesn’t think anything’s imminent for the Sabres. However, he pointed out that Adams has a good pool of prospects to draw on for trade bait. Dreger also mentioned that Bowen Byram has come up in the rumor mill but he doesn’t see Adams trading the defenseman unless it’s for a “can’t-miss” return.

Meanwhile, Jason Moser of Buffalo Hockey Now wondered if the St. Louis Blues might be a trade partner for the Sabres. He noted the Blues are struggling of late and GM Doug Armstrong isn’t afraid to make moves to shake things up. Moser suggested wingers Kasperi Kapanen and Brandon Saad as options who could help the Sabres.

Dreger noted the Predators have multiple first-round picks and a couple of second-rounders. Trotz wants to add long-term solutions in Nashville.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz has three first-rounders in the 2025 NHL Draft. One is from the Vegas Golden Knights, the other from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Three guesses as to which pick rival GMs will be most interested in?

As for Dubas, Dreger said he wants young NHL players and draft picks to build for a better future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said almost the same thing but also included “already-drafted prospects”.

Penguins veteran center Evgeni Malkin recently told reporters he has no interest in getting traded amid rumors of a roster teardown. “It’s my second home here,” he said. “I’m glad to be here. It doesn’t matter if we win or we lost,” adding that he wants to be “always together” with long-time teammates Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang. The trio carry full no-movement clauses so don’t hold your breath expecting one of them to accept a trade.

Meanwhile, New Jersey Hockey Now’s James Nichols suggests the Devils keep an eye on Penguins wingers Drew O’Connor and Anthony Beauvillier in the trade market if Dubas becomes a seller.

The Athletic’s Thomas Drance and Harman Dayal recently wondered if Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson would be a fit with the Vancouver Canucks.

 










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 11, 2024

by | Nov 11, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 11, 2024

Recaps of Sunday’s games, the Blue Jackets claim Dante Fabbro off waivers, an injury update from the Penguins, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The San Jose Sharks got a 44-save shutout performance from goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood to blank the New Jersey Devils 1-0. Nico Sturm got the only goal when his backhand pass from behind the net deflected off the skate of former Shark Timo Meier. Devils netminder Jake Allen stopped 26 shots.

San Jose Sharks goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks defenseman Jake Walman missed his second-straight game with an upper-body injury. The Sharks also made Will Smith a healthy scratch for the fourth time this season. The 19-year-old rookie center has two goals and an assist in 12 games.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson kicked out 38 shots in his season debut as his team doubled up the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-2. Leo Carlsson scored the game-winner in the third period as the Ducks snapped a four-game winless skid (0-3-1). Yegor Chinakhov and Kirill Marchenko scored for the Blue Jackets as their winless streak reached five games (0-4-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: An emergency appendectomy forced Gibson from the lineup at the start of the season.

An overtime goal by Philipp Kurashev lifted the Chicago Blackhawks to a 2-1 upset of the Minnesota Wild. Jason Dickinson opened the scoring for the Blackhawks but the Wild tied it on a goal by Matt Boldy. Blackhawks goalie Petr Mrazek made 32 saves for the win.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE TENNESSEAN/THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets claimed defenseman Dante Fabbro off waivers from the Nashville Predators on Sunday. Fabbro, 26, was a first-round pick of the Predators in 2016. He has 72 points in 315 games.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell released a statement explaining the move. “Dante Fabbro is a puck-moving defenseman who can play in all situations, and adds mobility and depth to our backend.”

Fabbro carries a salary-cap hit of $2.5 million and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fabbro will join the Blue Jackets in Seattle for their game against the Kraken on Tuesday. He struggled to establish himself as a top-four defenseman in Nashville but will get plenty of playing time with the rebuilding Blue Jackets. A solid performance in Columbus could also make him a valuable rental asset by the March 7 trade deadline.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins announced forward Cody Glass has been diagnosed with a concussion. There is no timeline for his return.

They also announced forward Kevin Hayes will be sidelined week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks called up top prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki. The 20-year-old winger was chosen 15th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks’ recent trade of winger Daniel Sprong to the Kraken was seen as setting the table for Lekkerimaki’s call-up.

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer cites an NHL executive who said goaltender interference will be among the topics of discussion during an upcoming one-day meeting of NHL general managers.

The GMs seek a better understanding of the current standard and clarification of how goalie interference is ruled. “Guys usually ask; we just want to know the rule to tell our video coaches what to expect,” said the executive. “Everyone’s human. There are mistakes. We would just like clarification on the rule.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been plenty of questions and criticism regarding goalie interference this season. The most notable came from Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Last week, the two-time Vezina Trophy winner publicly expressed frustration over the lack of clarity and consistency. As a member of the NHL competition committee, Hellebuyck had sought clarification of the rule but now feels he may have to pass that role on to a young netminder.

THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): Tim Graham examines why former NHL star Alexander Mogilny has yet to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Graham believes Mogilny should be in the Hall but seeks clues for his exclusion from the media coverage the winger received during his career. He also examined remarks about Mogilny in the autobiographies of former teammates Martin Brodeur and Mats Sundin regarding his eccentricities.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I recommend reading Graham’s piece if you have a subscription. I agree that Mogilny belongs in the Hall but Graham provides compelling reasons why the gifted winger has been passed over.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 10, 2024

by | Nov 10, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 10, 2024

Check out the latest on the Rangers, Predators, Canadiens, and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST RANGERS SPECULATION

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks dismissed the suggestion that the Rangers might get Igor Shesterkin under contract for an average annual value of $11.5 million. “It’s going to be more, I think at least another half a million a year.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most pundits believe Shesterkin will get at least $12 million annually on his next contract. If the Rangers balk at that price, other clubs will line up to pay him.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Brooks also raised the issue of how the Rangers will afford to re-sign Artemi Panarin when the 33-year-old left winger’s contract expires at the end of next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll depend on how much Panarin wants and how much cap space the Rangers have after re-signing Shesterkin, K’Andre Miller, and perhaps Kaapo Kakko and Ryan Lindgren this summer.

UPDATE ON THE PREDATORS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz continues to search for a center but it’s not easy. “When you’re struggling, you get thrown anvils, not life-preservers,” writes Friedman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman also reported on Trotz’s comments last week about implementing his rebuild plan and subsequent clarification that he might consider calling up some young players if his team doesn’t improve soon. He has no intention of tearing down the roster by staging a fire sale of his veteran stars.

Friedman also reported the Predators placed defenseman Dante Fabbro on waivers. He believes Fabbro won’t be claimed because of his $2.5 million cap hit, which most teams can’t afford now.

The 26-year-old blueliner is available for trade. He could be sent to their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee where he’ll get more playing time and interested teams can get a better look at him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fabbro was the Predators’ first-round pick (17th overall) in the 2016 NHL Draft. However, he’s struggled to establish himself as a full-time top-four defenseman in Nashville.

The Athletic’s Julian McKenzie wondered if the Ottawa Senators might put in a claim for Fabbro or attempt to trade for him. The Hockey News’ Caleb Kerney raised the same question about the Edmonton Oilers.

McKenzie noted Fabbro’s limited offensive upside and cap hit made him question if the Sens would consider adding him. Those factors could also raise red flags for the Oilers.

CANADIENS SHOULD TRADE FOR A GOALTENDER

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Pat Hickey recently weighed in on reports claiming the Canadiens are shopping around for a defenseman and a physical forward.

Some observers have tied the Canadiens to Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic but Hickey dismissed the notion of the Bruins trading him to a division rival. He also rejected the clamor from some Habs followers to acquire Trevor Zegras, the skilled winger currently struggling with the Anaheim Ducks.

Hickey believes the Canadiens’ biggest need is an upgrade between the pipes. Their goalie tandem of Sam Montembeault and Cayden Primeau hasn’t been able to steal some games this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The market is even thinner for quality goalies. There’s no help coming on the horizon for the Habs. They must find a way to dig themselves out of their current mess.

RUMOR TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS”.

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman reported the Boston Bruins have looked around in the trade market. However, they’re trying to be patient with their club and let their group work out its problems.

Friedman also mentioned Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams is still working the phones. Teams are asking about Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Dylan Cozens but Adams doesn’t want to subtract from his roster.

The NHL and NHL Players Association didn’t ask for an expedited grievance regarding the Philadelphia Flyers’ efforts to terminate Ryan Johansen’s contract. Friedman explains that means no one is in a hurry to have this adjudicated and it will take time until there’s an outcome.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 10, 2024

by | Nov 10, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 10, 2024

The Jets set an early-season wins record, Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of the all-time goal record continues, Nathan MacKinnon takes over the scoring lead with a multipoint game, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Winnipeg Jets are the first team in NHL history to win 14 of their first 15 games with a 4-1 victory over the Dallas Stars. Vladislav Namestnikov and Alex Iafallo each had a goal and an assist and Cole Perfetti collected two assists for the 14-1-0 Jets, who sit atop the overall standings with 28 points. Roope Hintz replied for the Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets goaltender Connor Hellebucyk set a franchise record for the longest shutout streak (191:47), which ended late in the third period when Hintz scored.

Alex Ovechkin scored two goals to lead the Washington Capitals to an 8-1 rout of the St. Louis Blues. Connor McMichael also scored two goals, Dylan Strome had three assists and Jakob Chychrun had a goal and an assist as he returned to action after missing the last five games with an upper-body injury. Scott Perunovich scored for the Blues, who gave up five goals in the third period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin has 10 goals in 14 games and 863 for his career. He needs 32 to break Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894. The Capitals placed forward Sonny Milano on injured reserve with an upper-body injury.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images).

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and three assists to lead his club over the Carolina Hurricanes 6-4, snapping the latter’s eight-game win streak. Mikko Rantanen tallied twice and picked up an assist as the Avalanche overcame 2-0 and 3-2 deficits. Hurricanes forward Jordan Martinook scored two goals and picked up an assist.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon moved past Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (27 points) into first place in the scoring race with 29 points.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid had a goal and two assists as his club cruised to a 7-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Connor Brown scored two goals and Mattias Janmark collected three assists for the Oilers. Canucks forward Elias Pettersson had a goal and an assist.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks played without winger Brock Boeser as he remains sidelined with a suspected concussion. There is no timetable for his return.

A shootout goal by Evan Rodrigues gave the Florida Panthers a 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Rodrigues also picked up two assists in regulation while netminder Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 34 shots in regulation and overtime as the Panthers picked up their seventh straight victory. Scott Laughton had two assists for the Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov was a healthy scratch for the second straight game. Teammate Samuel Ersson made 28 saves as he returned to action following a two-game absence with a lower-body injury.

Nashville Predators netminder Juuse Saros had a 26-save shutout to blank the Utah Hockey Club 4-0. Filip Forsberg and Jonathan Marchessault each tallied two goals as the Predators ended a three-game losing skid. Utah has only three wins in their last 10 games (3-5-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators placed defenseman Dante Fabbro on waivers before this game. He’s been the subject of recent trade speculation. I’ll have more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-1, handing the latter their sixth straight defeat (0-5-1). Leafs winger Mitch Marner had a goal and an assist to extend his points streak to eight games. Brendan Gallagher scored his seventh of the season for the floundering Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs winger Max Pacioretty left this game in the first period with a lower-body injury following a collision with Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson. He’s listed as day-to-day.

The rebuilding Canadiens hoped to improve when this season began but that optimism has now evaporated. Management is reportedly shopping around for a defenseman and a gritty forward but deals are difficult to find at this time of year. Head coach Martin St. Louis is safe from losing his job but he might benefit from a better staff of assistant coaches, particularly those with goaltending and defense expertise.

New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes scored in overtime as his club rallied from a 3-1 deficit to nip the New York Islanders 4-3. Hughes finished the game with two goals and an assist while teammate Dougie Hamilton had three helpers. Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin stopped 29 shots while Simon Holmstrom had a goal and an assist.

The New York Rangers got 37 saves from goalie Jonathan Quick to shut out the Detroit Red Wings 4-0. Rangers winger Artemi Panarin had a goal and an assist while Chris Kreider, Jimmy Vesey and Reilly Smith also found the back of the net. The Red Wings have lost two straight games.

Los Angeles Kings winger Warren Foegele had a goal and an assist as his club beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2, handing the latter their fourth straight loss. Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe each had two assists for the Kings. Dmitri Voronkov and Ivan Provorov each netted their first goals of the season for the Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings placed forward Alex Turcotte on injured reserve before this game. He missed their previous two games with an upper-body injury.

The Buffalo Sabres blew a 2-0 lead but a shootout goal by JJ Peterka gave them a 3-2 victory over the Calgary Flames. Tage Thompson tallied his 10th goal of the season and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen kicked out 24 shots for the Sabres’ third straight win. Matt Coronato and Mikael Backlund replied for the Flames.

An overtime goal by Brady Tkachuk gave the Ottawa Senators a 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins. Linus Ullmark made 14 saves for the win over his former team. Pavel Zacha and Brad Marchand scored for the Bruins.

IN OTHER NEWS…

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the NHL will reveal the full rosters for the 4 Nations Face-Off on Dec. 4. The tournament will take place from Feb. 12-20 in Montreal and Boston and replaces the 2025 All-Star Game.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins recalled goaltender Tristan Jarry from his conditioning stint with their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. They also assigned forward Matt Nieto to their affiliate for conditioning.

ROTOWIRE: Seattle Kraken defenseman Vince Dunn is expected to remain sidelined for another three weeks as he recovers from an upper-body injury.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Former Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen was inducted into the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame as an influencer on Saturday. Former NHLers Pekka Rinne and Jussi Jokinen were among the inductees in the player category.