NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 29, 2025

by | Sep 29, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 29, 2025

The Maple Leafs signed Anthony Stolarz to an extension, Sharks center Macklin Celebrini provides an update on his status, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: The Toronto Maple Leafs signed goaltender Anthony Stolarz to a four-year, $15 million contract extension with an average annual value of $3.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some mixed reaction to this signing in the Toronto media.

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz (NHL Images).

Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun believes it’s a good deal for both sides. Stolarz (who led the league with a .926 save percentage last season) gets a decent term, while the Leafs didn’t break the bank to sign him. If Stolarz can build on last season’s performance, this deal will look even better.

However, Damien Cox of the Toronto Star pointed out that Stolarz and fellow Leafs netminder Joseph Woll have injury histories, and neither is a bona fide starting goaltender. He believes they have the ability to play at the level of a seasoned starter, but not at the level of Sergei Bobrovsky, Connor Hellebuyck, Andrei Vasilevskiy, or Jordan Binnington.

So what do you think, Leafs fans? Give us your thoughts on this signing in the comments section below.

THE MERCURY NEWS: San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini said he’s “right on schedule” to return to the lineup in time for the season opener on Oct. 9 against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Celebrini, 19, didn’t provide details regarding the illness that has sidelined him from preseason play and kept him out of practice drills that involve a significant amount of contact. He did strength and conditioning work on Sunday while his teammates did small ice drills.

The 2024 first-overall pick isn’t expected to suit up for Monday’s preseason game, but it’s hoped that he’ll suit up for one of the Sharks’ other two remaining games.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland missed Sunday’s preseason game against the Edmonton Oilers for precautionary reasons with a minor injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: Garland’s teammate, Guillaume Brisebois, is out indefinitely with a lower-body injury.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings forward James van Riemsdyk has missed training camp and preseason thus far. He’s on a team-approved leave of absence dealing with a personal matter.

CBS SPORTS: Chicago Blackhawks winger Landon Slaggert is set to return to practice on Tuesday following treatment for an undisclosed injury. He is on track for the start of the regular season next week.

DAILY FACEOFF: 23 players were placed on waivers on Sept. 28.

NEW YORK POST: Former New York Islanders trainer Ron Waske died on Sunday at age 77. He was the team trainer from 1974 to 1984, and was also the team trainer for Canada in the 1984 Canada Cup. He went on to work at St. Lawrence University for 26 years, including a two-year stint coaching their women’s hockey team.

Waske was elected to the Professional Athletic Trainers Society Hall of Fame in 2006 and has a plaque in the Hockey Hall of Fame’s section for trainers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Waske’s family, friends, colleagues, and the Islanders’ organization.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 21, 2025

by | Sep 21, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 21, 2025

Are teams calling about Penguins center Evgeni Malkin? Are the Oilers interested in Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov? What’s the latest on the Red Wings and Avalanche? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

RG.ORG: An NHL executive source told James Murphy that the Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers looked into the availability of Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin since the 2024 offseason.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

The answer from Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas was always “a hard no.” He’s letting Malkin and Penguins captain Sidney Crosby dictate their futures. “They haven’t asked out, but they haven’t ruled out asking out either.”

Malkin, 39, is entering his 20th NHL season, all of them with the Penguins. He’s in the final year of his contract and eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. His contract also has a full no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas recently said he intended to meet with Malkin during the Olympic break in February to discuss the future Hall of Famer’s future. If a trade takes place, it will likely occur between February 25 (when the regular season resumes following the Olympic break) and the March 6 trade deadline.

Malkin and Crosby have expressed their wish to stay in Pittsburgh, and that might be fulfilled. Still, we can’t rule out the possibility of a change of heart from either player if things don’t go well for the Penguins this season. Time will tell if the Canadiens, Panthers, or Lightning will revisit their rumored interest in Malkin. 

If Malkin becomes available, it remains to be seen how much interest he’ll draw. His performance has declined in recent years as age and injuries have taken a toll.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff believes the Red Wings would part with promising defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka to acquire Vancouver Canucks blueliner Quinn Hughes if the opportunity arose.

Duff pointed out that the Canucks aren’t shopping Hughes. “Not yet.” But the situation could change before the end of this season. While it’s believed he’d want to join his brothers, Jack and Luke, with the New Jersey Devils, Quinn has ties to Michigan, having played with the USNTDP in Plymouth and for the Michigan Wolverines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If a reunion with his brothers in New Jersey isn’t possible, Hughes could prefer going to a contender, which the Red Wings haven’t been for a long time. He lacks no-trade protection, so the Canucks could ship him to Detroit if the Wings made the best offer, but whether he’d re-sign with them is another matter.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen cited a report from The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun claiming Matt Grzelcyk rejected a one-year, $1 million contract offer from a Western Conference team.

Deen indicated it’s unclear if the offer came from the Avalanche. He pointed out that LeBrun stated the Avalanche is among four teams that could be an option for Grzelcyk, who is on a professional tryout offer (PTO) with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard is currently nursing a lower-body injury. If he remains out when the regular season begins, Deen speculated that Grzelcyk might be an option for them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche has over $1.3 million in cap space for the coming season. There’s enough to squeeze in Grzelcyk if he doesn’t land a contract with the Blackhawks or another team. LeBrun also mentioned the Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, and Anaheim Ducks as possible destinations for the veteran defenseman.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins reports on speculation linking the Oilers to Yegor Chinakhov. The 24-year-old forward requested a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets last month.

Chinakhov is in the final season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.1 million. However, the Oilers are pressed against the salary cap, Chinkhov has injury issues, and Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell isn’t giving away a former first-round pick for free.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chinakhov hasn’t rescinded his trade request, but he recently sounded like he might be having a change of heart after meeting with head coach Dean Evason to address their differences.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 5, 2025

by | Sep 5, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 5, 2025

Check out the latest on Oilers captain Connor McDavid, Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, Maple Leafs forward Scott Laughton, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Connor McDavid told Ryan Rishaug that there is nothing new to report regarding his contract extension negotiations with the Edmonton Oilers. The 28-year-old superstar center is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

McDavid said that everything is currently status quo. He’s in no rush, as he’s working through it with his family and his agent. He explained that this is a well-thought-out process for both sides to get a deal done that makes sense for him and the organization.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

The Oilers captain dismissed the notion that his negotiations might be a distraction for his teammates. “We’re all professional hockey players. We’re all adults; this is a mature group. If guys can’t play with Ryan Rishaug talking about a contract, then we’re probably in the wrong line of work here, we’re probably in the wrong business.”

McDavid also indicated that he’s focused on the upcoming season. He said he’s excited about it, adding that he felt he and his teammates have something to prove.

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector reported McDavid will focus on shooting the puck more this season after tallying only 26 goals last season. He wants to prove that his career-high 64-goal performance in 2022-23 wasn’t a one-off.

“Ultimately, I want to help this team win, and I’m happy to play the passer role. I’m always going to be that player,” McDavid said. “But I’d like to be a little bit more – not necessarily selfish – but assertive with my chances.”

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson reports Leon Draisaitl is eager to see his friend and teammate sign an extension.

“Of course I want him here as long as possible, and I want to do it (win) with him,” said Draisaitl, who is entering the first season of his eight-year contract. Nevertheless, he understands that McDavid’s decision comes down to what’s best for him and his family.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid’s contract situation might not be a distraction for his teammates, but it will become a regular subject of conjecture for fans and media for as long as he remains unsigned.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jeremy Swayman said he’s a changed man going into this season. The 26-year-old Bruins goaltender is hoping to rebound from a disappointing performance in 2024-25.

Swayman’s contract negotiations with management led to him missing training camp and preseason before an agreement was finally reached before the start of last season. He struggled to regain his form, and his inconsistency contributed to the Bruins missing the playoffs last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Swayman’s performance will be a key factor in whether the Bruins can bounce back and contend for a postseason berth this season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Scott Laughton is looking forward to his first full season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 31-year-old forward was acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers before the March trade deadline.

Laughton spent the offseason focusing on improving the small details of his game. He’s hoping that an improved performance will lead to a contract extension. The veteran forward is in the final season of his current deal with an annual cap hit of $3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton could seek over $5 million annually on his next deal, especially if he performs well in his contract year.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Former Red Wings forward Klim Kostin remains an unrestricted free agent. He blames his inability to land a new contract on his role with the Wings last season. The 26-year-old winger claims he was instructed by the team brass to act as an on-ice enforcer. He believes that has hurt his reputation as a player.

RG.ORG: Former NHL defenseman Josh Gorges is looking forward to his new role as head coach of his former junior team, the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets. Among the young players he’ll be working with is Montreal Canadiens prospect center Hayden Paupanekis, who stands out for his size and skillset.

Gorges spent over seven of his 13-season NHL career with the Canadiens from 2006-07 to 2013-14. He reflected on his time with the Habs and with goaltender Carey Price. “You don’t really appreciate what he did and who he is until you don’t have him around anymore,” Gorges said, going on to praise Price’s puckhandling abilities. “Half the time, he made better breakout plays than I did.”

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Former Lightning forward Pat Maroon has rejoined the club as an alumni brand ambassador and television analyst. Maroon spent four seasons with the Lightning from 2019-20 to 2022-23, helping them win two Stanley Cups.

SPORTSNET: Marco Scandella announced his retirement from the NHL after 14 seasons. The 35-year-old defenseman played with the Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, and St. Louis Blues from 2010-11 to 2023-24. He had 170 points in 784 regular-season games and nine points in 56 playoff contests.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 2, 2025

by | Sep 2, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 2, 2025

Canucks captain Quinn Hughes could become a Hart Trophy candidate, three Flyers with the most to gain or lose this season, the latest on Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Andre Leal considered the possibility of Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes becoming the first defenseman in 26 years to win the Hart Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player to his team.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Hall-of-Famer Chris Pronger was the last blueliner to win the Hart Trophy (1999-2000). Brent Burns came the closest to winning the award since then, finishing fourth in voting during the 2016-17 season with the San Jose Sharks.

The Canucks failed to make the playoffs last season, but have Hughes to thank for staying in the race until late in the season. Leal believes the 25-year-old blueliner could win the Hart this season if he leads the Canucks to the playoffs while producing at the same rate that he did in 2023-24, when he had a career-high 92 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A strong case could be made for Hughes as a Hart contender if the season unfolds like Leal’s scenario. The Canucks’ roster isn’t as deep as it was two years ago, so leading this current group in the postseason while producing over 90 points would be an MVP-worthy performance.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James looks at three Philadelphia Flyers with the most to gain or lose this season.

Sophomore winger Matvei Michkov has the most to gain. The budding scoring star should flourish under new head coach Rick Tocchet this season, seeing more playing time and with better linemates than he had during his rookie campaign.

Veteran winger Travis Konecny has the most to lose. The 28-year-old is entering the first season of his eight-year contract and will face pressure to live up to it.

Trevor Zegras has the biggest opportunity this season. The 24-year-old forward joins the Flyers after struggling during the past two seasons with the Anaheim Ducks. He has the chance to play top-six minutes at the center position with Michkov, Konecny, Tyson Foerster, or Owen Tippett as his potential linemates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers are rebuilding, and the performance of those three will determine their potential improvement this season. Michkov’s stock as an offensive star should keep rising, while Konecny should remain a feisty first-line winger and leader. Zegras could face the most pressure as he attempts to get his career back on track.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is rising up a list on the Red Wings that no player wants to sit atop.

Larkin has played 734 regular-season games with the Red Wings, putting him on track to play the most games for the franchise without winning the Stanley Cup. The franchise leader in that category is Norm Ullman (875), followed by Nick Libett (861) and Justin Abdelkader (739).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin’s only playoff appearance was in 2016, when he played five games. The Red Wings captain has endured nine years of a difficult roster rebuild that seems to have stalled over the past two seasons. Unless the Wings make significant improvement, Larkin will set the franchise record for most games without winning the Cup.

RG.ORG: Former NHL head coach Gerard Gallant is embracing the challenge of coaching in the KHL. He was hired this summer as bench boss of the rebranded Shanghai Dragons, now based in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Gallant intends to run a North American “support-and-forecheck” style. The Dragons’ goal is to win now and build a fanbase for a possible return to China.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A good performance by the Dragons this season could be a springboard for Gallant to rejoin the NHL coaching ranks.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber looked at where promising rookie winger Ryan Leonard will start in the Washington Capitals’ roster this season.

Leonard, 20, saw nine games of regular-season action and eight postseason contests last season. He could begin the season on the Capitals’ third line, though his potential linemates have yet to be determined.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 30, 2025

by | Aug 30, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 30, 2025

How much could Kirill Kaprizov receive in his next contract? What moves could the Red Wings make? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WORST SEATS IN THE HOUSE: The Athletic’s Michael Russo believes the Minnesota Wild have offered Kirill Kaprizov “a ton of money,” perhaps more than Russo thought on an eight-year contract.

Kaprizov, 28, is in the final season of his five-year contract with an average annual value of $9 million. The high-scoring winger is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July 1.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

Russo believes the Wild are willing to pay Kaprizov “in the 16 (million) range”. He indicates that the deal hasn’t been done yet, but general manager Bill Guerin remains confident it will get done.

Nevertheless, the next month could be telling. The longer Kaprizov goes without signing an extension, the more questions about whether he wants to stay in Minnesota, especially if the Wild offers him $128 million on an eight-year contract.

Russo believes whatever Kaprizov wants from the Wild, he’ll get it, even if he seeks a five-year contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Last October, Wild owner Craig Leipold stated that no other team could offer Kaprizov more money or more years on his next contract. If Kaprizov wants to be well paid, $16 million annually would make him the second-highest paid player in the league for 2026-27. Edmonton’s Connor McDavid is also UFA-eligible next summer and will get much more from the Oilers or another club if he goes to market on July 1.

However, if Kaprizov is hesitant to sign, it will suggest that he doesn’t believe the Wild will be winners over the term of that contract. If so, they would face the prospect of trading him before the March deadline or losing him to free agency for nothing next summer.

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman was asked recently if the Detroit Red Wings might make a trade for a top-four defenseman or a top-six winger.

Bultman listed Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson and forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell as the most realistic to address the Red Wings’ needs.

However, Bultman’s not holding his breath waiting for any of those players to land in Detroit, citing the high asking price for Rust or Rakell (a first-round pick) and the aging Karlsson’s expensive contract.

Bultman also acknowledged rumors linking the Red Wings to Mason McTavish, but doubts the Anaheim Ducks will part with the 22-year-old center.

Winnipeg Jets winger (and Michigan native) Kyle Connor is UFA-eligible next summer. Bultman doesn’t see the Jets attempting to move him this far out if he remains unsigned. If they do decide to move him, the Red Wings should be among the suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings might make another move or two to improve their roster before the start of the season in October. Based on Bultman’s comments, don’t expect to see Karlsson, Rust, Rakell, McTavish, or Connor donning the Winged Wheel jersey anytime soon.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 24, 2025

by | Aug 24, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 24, 2025

The top remaining unrestricted free agents, plus the latest on Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson and Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

DAILY FACEOFF: Forward Jack Roslovic, defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, and winger Max Pacioretty are among the notable players still available in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

Goaltenders James Reimer, Ilya Samsonov, and Alexandar Georgiev, and center Evgeny Kuznetsov are among the other noteworthy UFAs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Roslovic was linked to the Vancouver Canucks earlier this summer, but recent reports indicate he’s no longer on their radar. It’s also rumored that the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in signing him once they free up sufficient cap space.

The Leafs have reportedly left the door open for Pacioretty’s return, but that could depend on whether they land Roslovic.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports a source claims Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson was excluded from Team USA’s Olympic orientation camp partly because he skipped playing in the 2025 World Championships. However, the 21-year-old Calder Trophy winner could still make their Olympic roster if he has a strong start to this season.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored that Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki was passed over for Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off team for the same reason.

The main reason why Hutson didn’t get an invite is likely the depth of the USA’s defense. Zach Werenski, Adam Fox, Charlie McAvoy, Jaccob Slavin, Noah Hanifin, and Jake Sanderson were on their 4 Nations team. Quinn Hughes was also part of that roster, but was sidelined by an injury.

All seven have more NHL experience and international experience involving pro talent. That matters more. If healthy, all of them will likely be part of their Olympic roster.

THE ATHLETIC: Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson is open to contract extension talks with management. The two sides have yet to begin those discussions, but that could change once the calendar flips to September and training camp draws near.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gustavsson is entering the final season of his three-year deal with an average annual value of $3.75 million. The Athletic’s Michael Russo noted that promising netminder Jesper Wallstedt’s future is murky following a disappointing 2024-25 performance. He speculated that might prompt Wild management to get a jump on re-signing the 27-year-old Gustavsson.

TSN: Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong recently indicated there will be an open competition to fill the goaltending positions for their Olympic squad.

Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues, Adin Hill of the Vegas Golden Knights, and Sam Montembeault of the Montreal Canadiens were the only goalies invited to Canada’s orientation camp. The trio served as Canada’s netminders in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February.

Other potential goalie options include Logan Thompson of the Washington Capitals, Darcy Kuemper of the Los Angeles Kings, and Stuart Skinner of the Edmonton Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Binnington appears to be a lock for the starter’s role after backstopping Canada to gold in the 4 Nations tournament. However, strong early-season performances by Thompson, Kuemper, or Skinner could earn them a place on Canada’s Olympic team if Hill or Montembeault struggle.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: With the Red Wings finally retiring Sergei Fedorov’s No. 91, Bob Duff looked at other Wings greats who could receive a similar honor by the club.

Hall-of-Famer Pavel Datsyuk (No. 13) tops the list. He won two Stanley Cups (2002, 2008) with the Red Wings, along with multiple Selke and Lady Byng trophies.

Henrik Zetterberg (No. 40) could be another. He had 960 points in 1,082 games with the Wings and won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2008, leading them to their last Stanley Cup.

Chris Osgood (No. 30) was a three-time Cup champion with the Wings. The underappreciated goaltender was twice their go-to starter for two Cup runs. He’s 13th all-time in regular-season wins with 401, ninth in playoff wins (74), and tied for fifth in postseason shutouts with 15.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Datsyuk is the favorite among those three, given his Hall-of-Fame credentials. He was the top defensive forward in the league from 2007-08 to 2009-10 and one of the dazzling puckhandlers in NHL history.