NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 3, 2025

by | Jan 3, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 3, 2025

Recaps of Thursday’s action and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

RECAPS OF THURSDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Colorado Avalanche overcame a 5-3 deficit to defeat the Buffalo Sabres 6-5 on an overtime goal by Devon Toews, who finished with three points. Nathan MacKinnon collected three assists, including setting up Jonathan Drouin for the tying goal with eight seconds remaining in the third period. Sabres winger Jason Zucker scored a hat trick and added an assist while Tage Thompson had three helpers.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon leads the league with 64 points and is the first player this season to reach the 50-assist plateau. The Avalanche have won six straight games.

Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood suffered a lower-body injury in the third period following a collision with Sabres forward Zach Benson, who scored to make it 4-2. Avs head coach Jared Bednar was visibly angry with the officials for not whistling the play dead when it was apparent Wedgewood was hurt before Benson scored. Mackenzie Blackwood replaced Wedgewood for the rest of the game.

The Avalanche also played without winger Valeri Nichushkin. He’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

Anaheim Ducks winger Troy Terry scored his second goal in overtime as his club upset the Winnipeg Jets 4-3. Terry finished with three points and Radko Gudas had a goal and an assist as the Ducks picked up their third straight victory. Mark Scheifele tallied his 23rd goal of the season while Alex Iafallo had a goal and an assist for the Jets, who remain in first place in the overall standings with 56 points.

The Vegas Golden Knights picked up their seventh win in their last eight games with a 5-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Mark Stone, Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin each collected two points for the Golden Knights as they sit one point behind the Jets in the overall standings. Tyson Foerster and Travis Konecny replied for the Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights placed winger Ivan Barbashev on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 17.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored his 871st regular-season goal but his club fell 4-3 to the Minnesota Wild. Matt Boldy scored the winner in a shootout and Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 28 shots as the Wild have won four of their last five games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin is 24 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 regular-season goals. His Capitals picked up a point and hold first place in the Eastern Conference with 53 points. Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury suffered by a slew-foot from Nashville Predators forward Zachary L’Heureux, who received a three-game suspension for his actions.

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Florida Panthers 3-1. Jaccob Slavin snapped a 1-1 tie and Martin Necas added an empty-netter to seal the win. Anton Lundell scored for the Panthers, who got a 37-save performance from goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. They’ve lost three of their last four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes forward Tyson Jost missed this game as he was sent back to Raleigh for treatment for an injury suffered during Tuesday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz tallied twice in a 4-2 win over the Ottawa Senators. Matt Duchene had a goal and an assist while goalie Jake Oettinger faced only 13 shots as the Stars picked up their third straight win. Senators captain Brady Tkachuk had a goal and an assist as his club has dropped three of their last four contests and cling to the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 40 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators welcomed back defenseman Artem Zub as he returned to action after missing 16 games with a broken foot.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Bobby McMann scored twice as his club nipped the New York Islanders 2-1. McMann got the tiebreaker with 2:59 remaining in the third period while Joseph Woll stopped 32 shots as the Leafs lead the Atlantic Division with 50 points. Scott Mayfield scored for the Islanders as they’ve lost four of their last five games.

The Vancouver Canucks regained the final Western Conference wild-card spot (44 points) with a 4-3 shootout victory over the Seattle Kraken. J.T. Miller scored the winning goal for the Canucks while Kevin Lankinen replaced Thatcher Demko after the latter left the game with back spasms in the second period. Matty Beniers and Vince Dunn each collected two points, including goals as the Kraken overcame a 3-1 deficit to tie the game in the third period.

Utah Hockey Club forward Lawson Crouse netted two goals in a 5-3 win over the Calgary Flames, who slipped one point behind the Canucks in the Western wild-card race. Blake Coleman had a goal and an assist for the Flames. The win was Utah’s first in five games (0-4-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah forward Matias Maccelli missed this game due to illness.

New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick kicked out 32 shots for his 399th career NHL win to backstop his club over the Boston Bruins 2-1. Mika Zibanejad and Brett Berard scored for the Rangers as they snapped a four-game losing skid. Elias Lindholm scored for the Bruins, who’ve dropped three of their last four contests.

The San Jose Sharks upset the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1. Yaroslav Askarov turned aside 24 shots for the win while Tyler Toffoli and Mario Ferraro scored for the Sharks as they snapped an eight-game losing streak. Anthony Cirelli replied for the Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic made his season debut after being sidelined with an upper-back injury since training camp.

Detroit Red Wings forward Jonathan Berggren scored with 36 seconds remaining in the third period in a 5-4 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Alex DeBrincat had a goal and two assists while Dylan Larkin and Patrick Kane scored a goal and an assist each for the Wings, who’ve won three straight. James van Riemsdyk and Zach Werenski each collected three points for the Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets Quarter-Century Team was unveiled yesterday.

Werenski, Seth Jones, Rick Nash, Artemi Panarin, Cam Atkinson and Sergei Bobrovsky were named to the First Team. Johnny Gaudreau, Boone Jenner, Nick Foligno, David Savard, Fedor Tyutin and Steve Mason made up the Second Team.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 1, 2025

by | Jan 1, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 1, 2025

The Blues defeat the Blackhawks in the Winter Classic, both clubs reveal their quarter-century teams, the Rangers get bad news about Igor Shesterkin and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF TUESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: St. Louis Blues defenseman Cam Fowler scored two goals in his 1,000th NHL regular-season game, leading his club to a 6-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2025 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field before a sellout crowd of 40, 933 fans.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Cam Fowler celebrates a goal at the 2025 NHL Winter Classic (NHL.com).

Justin Faulk had a goal and two assists for the Blues (40 points), moving within three points of the final Western Conference wild-card spot. Taylor Hall and Tyler Bertuzzi replied for the Blackhawks as their losing skid stretched to five games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hall was among several Blackhawks who apologized to their fans for their poor performance in this game.

No offense to Chicago or the Blackhawks but I hope we don’t see them in any more Winter Classics for a while, or at least until they’re a competitive team again. This was their seventh appearance and the worst thus far.

The Winter Classic has become an afterthought. The league must consider new locations, teams, or formats to reinvigorate their annual New Year’s Eve outdoor game. They should also consider scaling back some of its annual Stadium Series games to focus more on the Winter Classic.

Edmonton Oilers superstars Connor McDavid collected two assists and Leon Draisaitl scored in a 4-1 victory over the Utah Hockey Club. McDavid and Draisaitl extended their points streaks to 12 games while McDavid moved past Mark Messier into third place on the Oilers’ all-time points list with 1,036. Jaxson Stauber stopped 34 shots for Utah.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah sent goaltender Connor Ingram to their AHL affiliate in Tucson on a conditioning stint. He’s working his way back from a lower-body injury that has sidelined him for 18 games.

The Washington Capitals remained in first place in the Eastern Conference by defeating the Boston Bruins 3-1. Aliaksei Protas scored two goals and Tom Wilson had two assists for the Capitals (52 points), who sit one point up on the New Jersey Devils. Justin Brazeau scored for the Bruins.

Speaking of the Devils, they dropped a 3-2 decision to the Anaheim Ducks. Ryan Strome tallied the tie-breaker with 3:24 remaining in the third period, finishing the night with two points. Lukas Dostal made 32 saves for the Ducks. Jonas Siegenthaler and Timo Meier were the Devils’ goal scorers as they’ve lost two in a row.

The Montreal Canadiens picked up their third straight victory by upsetting the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2, snapping the latter’s seven-game win streak. Vegas took a 2-0 lead on goals by Zach Whitecloud and Noah Hanifin but the Canadiens stormed back with unanswered goals from Cole Caufield, Emil Heineman and Kirby Dach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights sit second in the Western Conference standings with 53 points. Meanwhile, the Canadiens have won six of their last seven and sit three points out of the final Eastern wild-card spot.

Colorado Avalanche center Casey Mittelstadt scored the winning goal in a 5-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. It was Mittelstadt’s first goal in 19 games. Jonathan Drouin picked up two assists in his return from injury as the Avalanche collected their fifth straight win. Rasmus Kupari and Gabriel Vilardi scored and Eric Comrie stopped 33 shots for the league-leading Jets (55 points) as their win streak ended at four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin left this game in the second period with a lower-body injury.

The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the New York Islanders 3-1. Steven Lorentz ended a 23-game scoreless drought with the game-winner while Joseph Woll made 30 saves to give the Leafs the win. Jean-Gabriel Pageau replied for the Islanders, who are 2-5-0 in their last seven contests. Isles forward Simon Holmstrom missed this game with an upper-body injury and is listed as day-to-day.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders head coach Patrick Roy surprised everyone by pulling goalie Ilya Sorokin with 42.3 seconds while the faceoff was in his own zone. The Isles failed to clear the zone and John Tavares scored an empty-netter to seal the win for Toronto. Leafs captain Auston Matthews missed his fifth straight game as he deals with a nagging upper-body injury.

Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi tallied twice and collected an assist while goalie Filip Gustavsson kicked out 43 shots in a 5-3 victory over the Nashville Predators. Wild superstar Kirill Kaprizov missed his third straight game with a lower-body injury. Colton Sissons, Jonathan Marchessault and Ryan O’Reilly scored for the Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predator forward Zachary L’Heureux received a match penalty for slew-footing Wild captain Jared Spurgeon during the second period. Spurgeon crashed heavily into the end boards and left the game with a lower-body injury.

The Dallas Stars doubled up the Buffalo Sabres 4-2. Jason Robertson led the way with a goal and two assists as the Stars are 6-3-1 in their last 10 and sit in the first Western Conference wild-card spot with 45 points. Jason Zucker and Beck Malenstyn replied for the Sabres as their three-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars defenseman Matt Dumba returned to action after missing eight games with an upper-body injury. They loaned blueliner Lian Bichsel back to their AHL affiliate.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri snapped a 1-1 tie and Jonathan Huberdeau netted the insurance goal to defeat the Vancouver Canucks 3-1. Brock Boeser tallied his 14th goal for the Canucks, who are winless in five of their last six games (1-2-3). The win vaults the Flames (43 points) over the Canucks into the final Western wild-card berth.

Shootout goals by Kent Johnson and Adam Fantelli lifted the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 4-3 upset of the Carolina Hurricanes. Kirill Marchenko scored two goals, Sean Monahan had three assists and Elvis Merzlikins made 33 saves for the Blue Jackets as they’ve won three of their last four games. Sebastian Aho collected two assists for the Hurricanes, who are 1-2-1 in their last four contests.

Third-period goals by J.T. Compher and Dylan Larkin gave the Detroit Red Wings a 5-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was their second straight victory under new head coach Todd McLellan, who collected his 600th NHL win. Drew O’Connor netted two goals for the Penguins (39 points), who remain one point behind the Ottawa Senators for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins activated defenseman Marcus Pettersson (lower body) off injured reserve for this game and placed blueliner Kris Letang (lower body) on IR.

The Philadelphia Flyers blanked the San Jose Sharks 4-0, handing the latter their eighth straight loss. Samuel Ersson and Aleksei Kolosov combined for the shutout when Ersson left the game after the second period with an undisclosed injury. The goal scorers were Nick Seeler, Ryan Poehling, Travis Konecny and Egor Zamula. Alexandar Georgiev stopped 30 shots for the Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The win puts the Flyers two points behind the Senators for that wild-card spot in the East. The Sharks placed forward William Eklund (upper body) on injured reserve.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: The Blackhawks and Blues revealed their quarter-century teams on Wednesday.

Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith were among the Blackhawks’ First Team selections while Hall-of-Famer Marian Hossa made their Second Team. Hall-of-Fame defenseman Chris Pronger and former Blues Vladimir Tarasenko and Alex Pietrangelo highlight those who made the Blues’ First Team with Hall-of-Fame defenseman Al MacInnis among those on their Second Team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the links provided for the full lists. Many were no-brainers but there were a few interesting selections as well.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers placed goaltender Igor Shesterkin on IR with an upper-body injury. The move ensures they’ll be without their starting goaltender for the next three games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This could be the death blow to the free-falling Rangers’ fading playoff hopes if Shesterkin is sidelined for a lengthy period.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 31, 2024

by | Dec 31, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 31, 2024

The latest on Canucks center Elias Pettersson, three Red Wings trade candidates, and proposed blueline trade targets for the Maple Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

IS A ELIAS PETTERSSON TRADE A POSSIBILITY?

SPORTSNET: Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin told Iain MacIntyre that he believes Elias Pettersson has the talent to be the club’s top center. However, he said the 26-year-old must mature, expect things won’t get any easier, and be accountable when things don’t go well.

When MacIntyre asked Allvin about trading Pettersson the Canucks GM didn’t dismiss the notion. “I guess I would say anything is possible.”

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Allvin’s comments could be considered a shot across the bow for Pettersson. He’ll remain the subject of media trade conjecture leading up to the March 7 trade deadline if he fails to improve or the Canucks keep struggling.

Pettersson has had difficulty meeting expectations after inking an eight-year, $92 million contract earlier this year. Recent reports claim he’s clashed with teammate J.T. Miller. Both players denied the rumors but some observers suggest one of them could be moved if they don’t resolve their differences and improve their respective performances.

This isn’t the first time Pettersson has come up in the rumor mill this year. On Feb. 29, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Canucks held trade discussions with the Carolina Hurricanes regarding Pettersson. The Canucks decided to take one last shot at signing the center, with the two sides agreeing to a contract extension on March 2.

Pettersson’s expensive contract won’t be easy to move during this season. However, his no-movement clause doesn’t go into effect until July 1. That could make him easier to peddle than Miller, who has a more affordable cap hit ($8 million) but also carries a full NMC.

THREE PROPOSED RED WINGS TRADE CANDIDATES

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau noted the Detroit Red Wings remain flawed despite replacing Derek Lalonde as head coach with Todd McLellan.

The Red Wings remain well out of playoff position with seven teams ahead of them in the standings. Proteau believes general manager Steve Yzerman should consider shopping veterans Patrick Kane, Vladimir Tarasenko and Cam Talbot at the March 7 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane can become an unrestricted free agent in July. The 36-year-old winger has faded this season but a contender could be tempted by his Hall-of-Fame resume and considerable playoff experience.

Talbot is signed through next season with an affordable annual cap hit of $2.5 million. The 37-year-old goaltender has put up decent numbers this season, making him enticing for playoff-bound clubs seeking experienced depth between the pipes.

Tarasenko has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $4.75 million. The 33-year-old winger has a full no-trade clause but might be open to waiving it for a contender. He’s won two Stanley Cups but has only 13 points in 35 games this season. Teams could be interested but Yzerman might have to retain some salary in the deal

WHICH DEFENSEMEN COULD BECOME LEAFS TRADE TARGETS?

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel recently suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs shop for a defenseman who could play alongside Morgan Rielly.

Siegel proposed the Leafs consider calling the Nashville Predators about Luke Schenn, pointing out how well Schenn and Rielly played together during the 2023 playoffs. The 35-year-old is in the second season of a three-year contract with the Predators carrying an AAV of $2.75 million.

Other options include David Savard of the Montreal Canadiens or Cody Ceci of the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs GM Brad Treliving could be active in the trade market for a blueliner leading up to March 7. He could pursue one of those mentioned by Siegel or he might have another right-side rearguard on his radar.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 30, 2024

by | Dec 30, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 30, 2024

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby breaks a franchise record, Red Wings forward Patrick Kane reaches a career milestone, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin moves closer to Wayne Gretzky’s goals record, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF SUNDAY’S NHL ACTION

NHL.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby collected his 1,034th regular-season assist, passing Mario Lemieux for the most in franchise history in a 3-2 win over the New York Islanders. Michael Bunting and Philip Tomasino each had two points for the Penguins as they’re 4-2-0 in their last six games. Anders Lee and Bo Horvat replied for the Islanders, who’ve dropped four of their last six contests.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: What a difference a month has made for the Penguins. They were near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings just after American Thanksgiving and seemed to be fading fast. Today, they’re one point out of the final wild-card berth. Penguins defenseman Kris Letang was a late scratch from this game with a lower-body injury.

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane had a goal and an assist to reach his 1,300th career regular-season point as his club doubled up the Washington Capitals 4-2. Lucas Raymond also had a goal and an assist while Alex DeBrincat tallied twice as the Wings got their first win under new head coach Todd McLellan. Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored to reach his 870th regular-season goal, putting him 25 away from passing Wayne Gretzky for the most goals in league history.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals center Lars Eller returned to action after an illness sidelined him for four games.

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Ilya Samsonov made 31 saves in a 3-0 shutout of the Calgary Flames. Brett Howden, Victor Olofsson and Tanner Pearson scored for Vegas, who’ve won six straight and sit atop the overall standings with 53 points. Dan Vladar stopped 34 shots for the Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames’ points streak ended at five games (3-0-2).

The Anaheim Ducks scored four unanswered goals to upset the Edmonton Oilers 5-3. Cutter Gauthier, Robby Fabbri and Mason McTavish each had a goal and an assist as the Ducks collected their second win in their last five games. Leon Draisaitl scored twice and Connor McDavid had two assists for the Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks forward Brock McGinn missed this contest with a lower-body injury. He’s been placed on injured reserve.

Third-period goals by Josh Norris and Claude Giroux gave the Ottawa Senators a 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Leevi Merilainen stopped 30 shots as the Senators snapped a two-game losing skid to hold onto the final Eastern wild-card berth with 40 points. Wild forward Frederick Gaudreau scored his club’s only goal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild got some good news as Joel Eriksson Ek returned to action after missing 11 games with a lower-body injury. However, superstar Kirill Kaprizov missed his second straight game with what’s been called a minor lower-body injury.

Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans scored to extend his goal streak to five games in a 5-2 upset of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Joel Armia had a goal and an assist, Alexandre Carrier collected two helpers, and Brendan Gallagher netted his 10th of the season for the Canadiens. Nikita Kucherov and Brandon Hagel scored for the Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens have won four of their last six (35 points), sitting five points behind the Ottawa Senators for the final Eastern wild-card spot. Speaking of the Habs, goalie Cayden Primeau cleared waivers and was sent to their AHL affiliate in Laval. Meanwhile, Lightning winger Jake Guentzel missed this game with an upper-body injury and is listed as day-to-day.

The Los Angeles Kings nipped the Philadelphia Flyers 5-4 on two third-period goals by captain Anze Kopitar. Adrian Kempe had a goal and an assist and Kevin Fiala tallied his 14th of the season as the Kings picked up their seventh straight home victory. Flyers forwards Scott Laughton and Matvei Michkov each had a goal and an assist.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Michkov was benched in the third period of his previous game but responded well with a better showing in this contest.

Five unanswered goals powered the Dallas Stars over the Chicago Blackhawks 5-1. Jamie Benn and Matt Duchene each had a goal and two assists as the Stars (43 points) hold the first Western Conference wild-card berth. Connor Bedard scored his 10th of the season for the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks winger Tyler Bertuzzi received a game misconduct for elbowing Stars center Colin Blackwell. Reports indicate the league will fine the Stars for violating a CBA rule prohibiting on-ice activities and travel on specified dates during the Christmas holiday break. The team held an “optional practice” on Dec. 26.

The Buffalo Sabres collected their third straight win with a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen kicked out 35 shots while Tage Thompson and Jason Zucker had a goal and an assist each. The Blues got goals from Brayden Schenn and Nathan Walker.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 29, 2024

by | Dec 29, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 29, 2024

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest on the Oilers, Rangers, Sabres and Red Wings plus updates on Blues winger Brandon Saad and Canadiens center Jake Evans.

PROPOSED TRADE TARGETS FOR THE OILERS

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell recently looked at possible trade targets for the Edmonton Oilers.

The Oilers could use a left-shot defenseman who regularly faces elite talent. Three options include Bowen Byram of the Buffalo Sabres, Olli Maatta of the Utah Hockey Club and Mike Matheson of the Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s unlikely the Sabres will move Byram. If anything, they could use another defenseman like him. Maatta could be available if Utah isn’t in playoff contention by the trade deadline.

Pundits like bringing up Matheson because he’s playing on a rebuilding team and has a year remaining on his contract. However, it will take a significant offer to pry him out of Montreal given their lack of experienced blueliners. The most likely to move is pending free agent David Savard but he’s a right-hand shot who plays second or third-pairing minutes.

Mitchell also suggested the possibility of the Oilers acquiring a low-cost, experienced backup goaltender. However, he doesn’t see them landing John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks, citing the cost of the return and his $6.4 million annual average value.

St. Louis Blues winger Brandon Saad (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson also has a 10-team no-trade clause. It’s rumored all seven Canadian teams are on that last.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Brandon Saad’s future with the St. Louis Blues continues to be something to monitor moving into 2025.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman mentioned Saad two weeks ago, claiming the Blues would like to move him. The 32-year-old winger has a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $4.5 million. He has a no-trade clause but Friedman claimed he’s willing to accept other options.

The struggling New York Rangers remain a team “everyone’s watching” now that the holiday roster freeze has been lifted.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers were defeated 6-2 on Saturday by the Tampa Bay Lightning with goalie Igor Shesterkin lifted after giving up five goals on 13 shots. That was their third straight loss and the sixth in their last seven games. They’ve won only four of their last 18 games and are five points out of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with the lowly Montreal Canadiens threatening to overtake them.

Trading Jacob Trouba to Anaheim and Kaapo Kakko to Seattle earlier this month did nothing to improve the Rangers’ lot. If management’s plan isn’t to make a season-saving deal or a coaching change then we must assume they intend to become sellers at the March 7 trade deadline.

Friedman also indicated that the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings continue to scout each other. He thinks they “looked at something” before the holiday roster freeze, adding “We’ll see if that continues”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The two clubs faced off on Dec. 9 with the Wings winning 6-5 in a shootout. They don’t meet again until after the March 7 trade deadline (March 12) so it’s unlikely they’re keeping tabs on each other for that game.

WILL THE CANADIENS MOVE JAKE EVANS?

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan believes Jake Evans could be too expensive for the Canadiens to re-sign. The 28-year-old checking-line center is on pace for a career-best performance in his contract year with nine goals and 22 points in 35 games.

Evans is in the final season of a three-year contract with an AAV of $1.7 million and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Cowan thinks Evans is worth at least double that annual cap hit if not more on a four-year deal. He doubts the rebuilding Canadiens will pay that much for that long, suggesting Evans could be shopped by the trade deadline unless he accepts a hometown discount.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Evans has developed into a reliable two-way checking-line center. If the Canadiens were poised to become Stanley Cup contenders they’d pay to keep him around.

However, Evans turns 29 in June and will want to use his UFA status to cash in. Management could balk at a long-term investment with so many promising young players coming up in the roster. He could fetch a solid return from a contender seeking depth at center.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 19, 2024

by | Dec 19, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 19, 2024

Recaps of Wednesday’s games, the Rangers trade Kaapo Kakko to the Kraken, the Predators ship Alexandre Carrier to the Canadiens, Blake Wheeler calls it a career, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Dallas Stars 5-3. Joseph Woll kicked out 36 shots and William Nylander scored twice as the Leafs (20-10-2) have won four of their last five games to sit first in the Atlantic Division with 42 points. Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger got the hook after the second period, giving up four goals on 12 shots.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars captain Jamie Benn set a franchise record playing in his 1,143rd NHL regular-season game, surpassing Hall-of-Famer Mike Modano. The Stars placed defenseman Matt Dumba (upper body) on injured reserve and recalled Alexander Petrovic.

Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk tallied two goals and teammate Aaron Ekblad had a goal and two assists in a 6-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Sergei Bobrovsky got the win with a 26-save performance. Marco Rossi netted the Wild’s only goal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers (20-11-2) are tied with the Leafs but the latter holds the division lead with a game in hand. Wild defenseman Brock Faber left the game in the final minute after being struck in the face by the puck. There was no postgame update regarding his condition.

The Detroit Red Wings beat the Philadelphia Flyers 6-4 on a game-winning goal by Patrick Kane, who finished the night with two points. Lucas Raymond and J.T. Compher also had a goal and an assist each for the Red Wings, who’ve won three of their last four. Flyers captain Sean Couturier picked up two assists as his club remains two points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot with 32 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvidsson left the game in the first period with an upper-body injury. There was no postgame update on his condition.

Anaheim Ducks winger Troy Terry scored with 26 seconds remaining in the third period to lift his club to a 3-2 upset of the Winnipeg Jets. Frank Vatrano tallied twice for the Ducks, including the tying goal midway through the third period. Gabriel Vilardi and Mark Scheifele scored for the Jets, who remain in first place in the Western Conference with 47 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers picked up an assist in his return to action after missing nine games with a lower-body injury.

An overtime goal by Mikhail Sergachev gave the Utah Hockey Club a 3-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Utah HC overcame a 2-0 deficit on goals by Clayton Keller and Dylan Guenther. Danton Heinen and Dakota Joshua scored for the Canucks as Thatcher Demko stopped 28 shots.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah (35 points) has won five of their last six games, including their last three contest. They’re one point out of the final Western Conference wild-card berth.

HEADLINES

NEW YORK POST/SEATTLE TIMES: The New York Rangers traded Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen, a third-round pick and a sixth-rounder in the 2025 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kakko was the second-overall pick in the 2019 draft. He was projected to become a top-six scoring winger but struggled to meet expectations with the Rangers. That made the 23-year-old winger the frequent subject of trade speculation since last season.

The Kraken made this move to boost their offense. They hope a fresh start away from New York’s harsh spotlight will help Kakko become a reliable scorer.

Borgen, 28, was an original member of the Kraken. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Rangers fans aren’t pleased with the return. However, it reflects how much Kakko’s value declined since his career-best 40-point performance in 2022-23.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW/THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators traded defenseman Alexandre Carrier to the Montreal Canadiens for blueliner Justin Barron.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens had sought an experienced top-four defenseman with a right-hand shot since October. Carrier reached a career-high 30 points in 2021-22 and 20 points last season but his specialty is killing penalties. The 28-year-old is in the first season of a three-year contract with an affordable average annual value of $3.75 million.

Carrier was the subject of trade speculation last season before re-signing with the Predators. However, their struggles this season have forced general manager Barry Trotz to shake things up. This trade is his fourth since Nov. 25, which included shipping Philip Tomasino to Pittsburgh and swapping Scott Wedgewood for Justus Annunen with Colorado.

Barron struggled to crack the Canadiens lineup full-time. The 23-year-old is younger than Carrier and more of a puck-moving defenseman. Barron is also more affordable for the Predators with an AAV of $1.15 million.

TRIBLIVE.COM/STLTODAY.COM: The Pittsburgh Penguins reacquired defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph from the St. Louis Blues for future considerations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Joseph began his NHL career with the Penguins, spending four seasons with them before signing a one-year contract with the Blues as an unrestricted free agent. He became the odd man out with the Blues following their acquisition of Cam Fowler from the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Penguins needed some short-term blueline depth with Marcus Pettersson sidelined week-to-week and reserve blueliners Sebastian Aho and Jack St. Ivany hobbled by injuries.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks goaltender Vitek Vanecek is sidelined for at least two weeks with an upper-body injury after being struck by an errant puck while sitting on the bench during Tuesday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets. They’ve recalled netminder Yaroslav Askarov from their AHL affiliate.

THE ATHLETIC: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Dante Fabbro’s lower-body injury isn’t as serious as feared. He’s expected to miss a few games with what GM Don Waddell called a charley horse.

WINNIPEG SUN: Former Jets captain Blake Wheeler is hanging up his skates. During an appearance this week on the Beyond High Performance podcast, the 38-year-old left winger said he could no longer face the grind of an 82-game NHL season.

“It’s just the emotional, get up 82 times – I don’t want to do that. There’s only so much gas in the tank for that,” said Wheeler. He’s been an unrestricted free agent since July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wheeler played 16 NHL seasons with the Boston Bruins, Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets and New York Rangers, with 13 of those seasons with the Thrashers/Jets. He was captain of the Jets from 2016-17 to 2021-22.

Wheeler tallied 321 goals and 622 assists for 943 points in 1,172 regular-season games, including back-to-back 91-point performances in 2017-18 and 2018-19. He also had 45 points in 66 playoff games.