NHL Rumor Mill – February 22, 2024

by | Feb 22, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 22, 2024

Check out the latest on the Penguins, Panthers and Avalanche plus updates on Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, Juuse Saros, Pavel Buchnevich and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reports Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said his club’s performance over the next couple of weeks would determine his plans for the March 8 trade deadline.

Dubas made it sound as though Jake Guentzel might not be with the Penguins for much longer. The 29-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, sparking speculation he could be moved at the trade deadline if the Penguins remain out of playoff contention.

The Penguins GM said he understands how valuable Guentzel is as a teammate and to the community. However, he also pointed out that the Penguins need to get younger, noting they have several players over 30 on long-term contracts.

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman reports there are teams that believe the Penguins will take another run at re-signing Guentzel, suggesting perhaps team captain Sidney Crosby might use his influence in this situation.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images)

Friedman also noted that there are teams interested in Guentzel who want to know if they can talk to him about a contract extension before agreeing to a trade. That would hurt a team like the Edmonton Oilers, who’ve been linked to Guentzel but have limited salary-cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Guentzel situation remains the same: Dubas could retain him for the rest of the season if they’re in a playoff spot by the trade deadline but could move him if they’re not. Looking at where the Penguins are now in the standings, it’s getting to the point where Guentzel could be moved by March 8 if a club makes a solid offer.

As for attempting to re-sign Guentzel, Kingerski noted that the Penguins GM didn’t mention contract extension talks during his press conference yesterday.

Kingerski and Friedman also noted that Dubas said he attempted to shake up his roster with a trade several weeks ago. However, the opportunities to do so weren’t there. He also indicated that he didn’t want to move his draft capital to bolster the roster, though he would consider doing so if it brought in young NHL-ready players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN yesterday reported Dubas was willing to entertain offers for anyone except Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. Kingerski pointed out that the Penguins have 13 players carrying no-movement or no-trade clauses. Those clauses likely hampered Dubas’ efforts to make a trade to shake up his roster.

Friedman also mused about whether the Ottawa Senators might consider bringing back Erik Karlsson from the Penguins and reuniting him with former teammate turned assistant coach Daniel Alfredsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman indicated that isn’t based on anything he’s heard but is something he’s just musing over. I don’t see it happening. Karlsson loved Ottawa and still maintains a residence there but I think the new ownership and management have plans that don’t include the former Senators defenseman.

Friedman also wondered about Penguins winger Reilly Smith returning to the Florida Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Smith spent two seasons with the Panthers before joining the Vegas Golden Knights. Panthers GM Bill Zito would like to add a top-nine forward but he noted that they don’t come cheap.

The Panthers lack a first-round pick in the 2024 and 2025 drafts and they don’t have a second-rounder in this year’s draft. Unless Zito is willing to part with some prospects, Smith probably won’t be returning to Florida.

MORE “32 THOUGHTS” RUMOR TIDBITS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman indicated that there’s no official confirmation yet that Calgary Flames defenseman Hanifin is going to the free-agent market but that’s where it’s headed.

He doubted the Tampa Bay Lightning could put together a suitable package to entice the Flames into parting with Hanifin. He also noted that the Toronto Maple Leafs made a pitch and would like to know if they can sign him but he appears headed to an American club on a long-term contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs would also be hard-pressed to put together an enticing offer for Hanifin. They could pitch their 2024 first-round pick but if they’re not willing to part with a top prospect they’re unlikely to outbid other clubs.

Speaking of Hanifin, Friedman recently speculated the Panthers could be among the suitors. Based on Zito’s comments regarding the expense of landing a top-nine forward, I don’t like their chances of getting the Flames defenseman.

The Dallas Stars, Oilers, Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and Colorado Avalanche have an interest or have had an interest in Flames blueliner Chris Tanev. The Flames seek a first-rounder or something comparable.

Some folks believe there’s a 50-50 chance that Juuse Saros stays with the Nashville Predators. Speaking of the Predators, center Tommy Novak is a UFA this summer and he could draw interest if they can’t re-sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros is signed through next season so there’s no rush to move him by the trade deadline, especially when the Predators are jockeying for a wild-card berth. A summer move seems more likely if they can’t work out a contract extension.

The St. Louis Blues have set an asking price of “two firsts or something like it” for winger Pavel Buchnevich, who has a year remaining on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Predators with Saros, the Blues could be reluctant to move Buchnevich while they’re still battling for a wild-card spot.

Canadiens defenseman David Savard doesn’t wish to leave Montreal. Meanwhile, teams have asked Buffalo about Alex Tuch but the Sabres value him.

The Colorado Avalanche’s search for a center could have them eyeing Arizona Coyotes’ Nick Bjugstad, former Av Alex Kerfoot or Michael Carcone.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2024

by | Feb 21, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2024

The latest on Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin, the Penguins are listening to offers for non-core players and the Rangers are interested in Kraken forward Alex Wennberg. Get the details on these and rumors involving several other teams in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON HANIFIN

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the Calgary Flames might make another push to sign Noah Hanifin to a contract extension. However, it seems likely that the 27-year-old defenseman will be traded. He’s got an eight-team no-trade clause and they’re not all Canadian teams.

Nevertheless, Johnston believes Hanifin will end up with a US-based team because it’s believed his preference is to sign with an American club. He singled out the Tampa Bay Lightning as a possible destination.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning have the cap space to pursue Hanifin with Mikhail Sergachev on long-term injury reserve (LTIR) for the remainder of the regular season. The Flames’ asking price for Hanifin will likely start with a first-round pick but the Lightning don’t have any first-rounders in this year’s or next year’s drafts. Their prospect pool is also shallow, ranked 29th by The Athletic.

PENGUINS LISTENING TO OFFERS FOR NON-CORE PLAYERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is entertaining offers on pretty much everyone except his core players. One of them is winger Reilly Smith, who has a year remaining on his contract with a $5 million cap hit. He won a Stanley Cup last season with the Vegas Golden Knights and that experience could intrigue a few contenders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sidelined winger Jake Guentzel is among the Penguins’ core. He’s been dogged by trade rumors for weeks amid speculation that Dubas could also re-sign him. Perhaps this report means Dubas still intends on re-signing him? Stay tuned…

RANGERS INTERESTED IN WENNBERG

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports sources claim the Rangers are looking at Seattle Kraken forward Alex Wennberg to fill their third-line center position. The 29-year-old Wennberg is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and carries a $4.5 million cap hit for this season.

Brooks cited Wennberg’s playoff experience, his skating ability and his 200-foot game among the reasons behind the Rangers’ interest in him. He also noted the Boston Bruins have been linked to the Kraken center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken are just three points out of a wild-card berth in the Western Conference so they’re probably not sellers right now. That could change if they fail to gain ground in the standings over the next couple of weeks.

UPDATE ON THE BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: While the Blue Jackets are in the process of finding a new general manager, Aaron Portzline reports interim GM John Davidson is focused on the upcoming NHL trade deadline.

The Jackets won’t trade their prospects nor is team captain Boone Jenner available. Jack Roslovic is their one prominent pending UFA. Portzline estimates his trade value as being worth a late-round draft pick or a distant prospect.

There was speculation defenseman Ivan Provorov could be a trade candidate to make room for promising Denton Mateychuk on their blueline. However, Davidson said Mateychuk must earn a roster spot in training camp. Nevertheless, Portzline believes Provorov could be moved if the right phone call is made.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Provorov could be moved if someone pitches a first-round pick or a high-quality young player. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s still with the Jackets after March 8.

NOTABLE RUMOR TIDBITS FROM TSN’S INSIDERS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Ottawa Senators want to do something bigger but must wait for the trade market to establish itself…The Edmonton Oilers would ideally like to add a top-six forward to Leon Draisaitl’s line. However, they’re also eyeing the Anaheim Ducks’ Adam Henrique as a third-line center…The Dallas Stars would like to add a right-shot defenseman as could the Detroit Red Wings and New Jersey Devils. Speaking of the Devils, they’re also looking for a goaltender and kicking tires on forwards.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers have over $2.3 million in trade deadline cap space. It could make it difficult to add Henrique even if the Ducks retain half of his $5.8 million cap hit…With Vitek Vanecek on injured reserve, the Devils’ need for help between the pipes should be their priority if they hope to nail down a wild-card spot.

Pierre LeBrun believes the Florida Panthers want to add to their roster before the trade deadline. They’ll have around $5 million in accrued cap space by deadline day to add a top-nine forward but they lack first-round picks in 2024 and 2025 to use as trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They also lack a second-rounder in this year’s draft. The Athletic recently ranked their prospect pool at No. 24 but they’ll likely have to dip into it if they intend to be buyers this year.

Chris Johnston believes the Arizona Coyotes will once again look to load up with draft picks at this year’s trade deadline. They’re looking to move pending UFAs such as Matt Dumba and Jason Zucker.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Coyotes have 13 picks in this year’s draft, 11 in next year’s draft and 10 in 2026. 10 of those are second-rounders, seven are third-rounders and four are fourth-round picks. However, they only have one first-rounder in each of those drafts.

PROPOSED DESTINATIONS FOR THE CAPITALS’ NIC DOWD

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber recently suggested the New York Rangers could be a good fit for Nic Dowd if the Washington Capitals put him on the trade block. She also cited Jason Gregor of Oilers Nation suggesting the Edmonton Oilers as a fit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Part of what makes Dowd enticing in the trade market is his contract. The 33-year-old checking-line center carries an affordable $1.3 million annual average value through next season.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 6, 2024

by | Feb 6, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 6, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Flames defensemen Chris Tanev and Hanifin, updates on the Canadiens and Rangers, and a hypothetical trade to send Penguins winger Reilly Smith back to the Golden Knights.

UPDATES ON CHRIS TANEV AND NOAH HANIFIN

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson reports Flames defenseman Chris Tanev has become a top target in the trade market for playoff contenders seeking a missing piece for their respective bluelines.

A pending free agent, the 34-year-old Tanev is a dependable right-shot shutdown defenseman. He could fetch the Flames a couple of meaningful assets like a prospect and a draft pick. The New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks could be among the suitors for Tanev.

Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev (NHL Images).

Gilbertson also noted the Flames have made a big-money contract offer to Noah Hanifin. Like Tanev, the 27-year-old blueliner is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Gilbertson believes Hanifin is likely a goner if he’s not re-signed soon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tanev is the most likely to move of the two. There’s still a chance that Hanifin and the Flames reach an agreement on a contract extension by March 8. However, the longer he remains unsigned, the more likely he will also be on the move by deadline day.

WILL THE CANADIENS MAKE A SIGNIFICANT ADDITION?

TVA SPORTS: Maxim Lapierre believes the Montreal Canadiens have the assets to use as trade bait to make a significant addition to their lineup.

The Canadiens got a 2024 first-round pick from the Winnipeg Jets in last Friday’s Sean Monahan trade. They also have an additional first-rounder in the 2025 draft. Lapierre thinks that gives general manager Kent Hughes the tools to make a big trade to bolster the roster.

Lapierre noted that some Canadiens fans would like to see Hughes acquire center Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks. However, he’d like to see the Habs GM bring in “a playoff player” comparable to Boston captain Brad Marchand or former Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes has noted that he has sufficient assets in draft picks and prospects that he could use some of them as trade bait to add an established talent. He’ll likely keep a close eye on the trade market leading up to the March 8 deadline but also in the offseason, especially around the draft in June.

I understand why some Canadiens followers want Hughes to acquire Zegras. He’s young, possesses dazzling offensive skills and carries a reasonable short-term bridge contract. However, I agree with Lapierre that Zegras hasn’t reached the stage where he’s proven he can help a team win the Stanley Cup. So far, he’s all flash but little substance.

WHO WILL THE RANGERS PURSUE AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes the Rangers will be buyers leading up to the March 8 trade deadline. He believes they need to bring in a third-line center, a right winger for the Mika Zibanejad-Chris Kreider line, and a physical left-side third-pairing defenseman.

Anaheim Ducks center Adam Henrique would address that third-line need. Brooks considers it unlikely that Rangers GM Chris Drury would part with a first-round draft pick or a young player like Kaapo Kakko for a rental player like Henrique.

If Ducks right winger Frank Vatrano became part of the equation, Brooks believes it would become “a more nuanced conversation.” Unlike Henrique, Vatrano has a year remaining on his contract at a more affordable cap hit ($3.65 million).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Arthur Staple and Eric Stephens recently reported the Rangers were interested in Henrique and Vatrano. Landing one or the other won’t be easy largely because Ducks GM Pat Verbeek has a reputation as a tough negotiator. Acquiring both will likely involve parting with a first-rounder or someone like Kakko as part of the return. Verbeek won’t just give

COULD REILLY SMITH RETURN TO THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS?

THE ATHLETIC: Jesse Granger believes the Vegas Golden Knights would look for a winger if they become buyers at the trade deadline. He suggested they reacquire Reilly Smith, who was traded last summer to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a cost-cutting move.

Smith has the third-most goals and points in Golden Knights history. He hasn’t clicked with the Penguins this season and could become a trade candidate if they become sellers leading up to March 8. He’d likely welcome a return to Las Vegas. However, it would require some salary-cap gymnastics to fit his $5 million average annual value within their cap payroll.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is merely a suggestion on Granger’s part. He isn’t saying the Golden Knights and Penguins have discussed a trade involving Smith. Still, it would be an interesting move by both clubs if it did come to pass. Smith wouldn’t be the first player in NHL history to struggle on a new club only to regain his form once traded back to his old team.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 1, 2024

by | Feb 1, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 1, 2024

With Elias Lindholm off the trade market, check out the latest on Jake Guentzel and Sean Monahan plus updates on the Bruins and Sabres in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST PENGUINS’ SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe believes Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas would like to re-sign Jake Guentzel. The 29-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. It could depend on Guentzel’s willingness to sign what Yohe called a “somewhat team-friendly deal.”

Yohe believes Dubas isn’t afraid to trade Guentzel if a new deal isn’t possible. He won’t let the winger walk away for nothing this summer. Nevertheless, the Penguins GM would love to sign him for the right price.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guentzel’s cap hit on his current contract is $6 million. With the salary cap projected to jump by $4.2 million for 2024-25, he could get between $9 million and $10 million annually on the open market.

My guess is Dubas’ number is between $7.5 million and $8 million per season. It would then come down to how much Guentzel wants to stay and remain Sidney Crosby’s wingman.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski noted the Penguins have a couple of holes to fix among their middle-six forwards. He wondered if Dubas would attempt to move struggling winger Reilly Smith and his $5.5 million annual cap hit through next season to make room for another solution in a similar role.

Kingerski’s suggested trade targets include Ottawa Senators right wing Vladimir Tarasenko, Buffalo Sabres winger Victor Olofsson, and former Penguins winger Jason Zucker of the Arizona Coyotes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 32-year-old Smith’s production is well down this season with just eight goals and 20 points in 40 games. He has a 10-team no-trade list for this season which becomes an eight-team list next season.

Smith might not be willing to move to a rebuilding team, though the Coyotes are showing signs of a potential breakthrough as a playoff contender this season. Whether the Coyotes would want him, however, is another matter.

UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS

SPORTSNET: In his Jan. 30 mailbag, Eric Engels was asked if the Montreal Canadiens will trade Sean Monahan and if so what type of return he might fetch.

Engels believes it would take a first-round pick for Canadiens GM Kent Hughes to part with Monahan. As for when Hughes can expect to receive serious offers for the 29-year-old center. Engels expects talks in the trade market will pick up following the All-Star break.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those discussions could start now after the Lindholm trade yesterday. That was the first domino to drop. Trade activity won’t take place during the All-Star break because the league doesn’t want anything to overshadow that.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the next big move takes place soon after the end of the All-Star weekend. Teams that were interested in Lindholm could shift their focus toward Monahan and that could drive up his trade value.

WILL THE SABRES BECOME SELLERS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael Augello noted that the Buffalo Sabres have six pending unrestricted free agents (Victor Olofsson, Kyle Okposo, Zemgus Girgensons, Eric Robinson, Eric Comrie and Erik Johnson) who could become trade bait leading up to the March 8 deadline. However, he doesn’t expect they’ll fetch big rewards for the Sabres.

Augello also noted some recent speculation suggesting the Sabres could trade forward Casey Mittelstadt. He carries an affordable $2.5 million cap hit and is eligible for restricted free-agent status this summer. However, that might be a move that Sabres management can hold off on until this summer.

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Jason Moser recently noted the speculation about David Jiricek’s future with the Columbus Blue Jackets after the rookie defenseman expressed frustration over being demoted to their AHL affiliate.

Moser thinks it could be worthwhile for the Sabres to look into acquiring Jiricek if he’s available. He thinks offering up a top prospect forward such as Matthew Savoie, Noah Ostlund, Jiri Kulich or Isak Rosen would make sense.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres playoff hopes appear dashed for another season. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Sabres peddled some of those pending UFAs for middle or low-range draft picks and prospects that could be used as trade bait in the offseason.

They could move Mittelstadt but that could depend on how his contract talks go. If it appears he could be headed to arbitration they might shop him during the draft in June for a skilled defenseman or an established starting goalie.

As for Jiricek, he hasn’t asked to be traded and I doubt that the Blue Jackets want to move him given his potential as a top-pairing blueliner. If he did become available, however, the Sabres possess the depth in promising young assets to make a competitive offer.

WHAT MUST THE BRUINS ADDRESS BEFORE THE TRADE DEADLINE?

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss ranked the Bruins biggest needs to address as the trade deadline approaches.

Acquiring a physical veteran defenseman who can clear the front of the net, kill penalties and play tough minutes against quality opponents. is the top priority. Adding a middle-six forward with a decent scoring touch could also help.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 13, 2024

by | Jan 13, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 13, 2024

Recaps of Friday’s games, Elvis Merzlikins confirms a trade has been discussed with the Blue Jackets, the Blackhawks re-sign Nick Foligno, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly had a goal and two assists in a 6-3 victory over the Dallas Stars. Roman Josi collected three assists while Filip Forsberg had a goal and an assist for the 23-18-1 Predators, who hold the first Western Conference wild-card spot with 47 points. Matt Duchene had a goal and an assist for the Stars (24-12-5) as they sit third in the Central Division with 53 points.

Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly (NHL Images).

The Philadelphia Flyers overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Minnesota Wild 4-3. Joel Farabee scored twice, including the winner in overtime, while Travis Konecny collected two assists and Owen Tippett had a goal and an assist for the 22-14-6 Flyers, who sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 50 points. Ryan Hartman had a goal and an assist for the 17-19-5 Wild.

HEADLINES

TSN: Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins confirmed to the media on Friday that a trade has been discussed between his agent and Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.

Merzlikins, 29, had not played since Dec. 29 as the club is evaluating Danill Tarasov’s potential as a starting goaltender. “I just wanted to be treated as the No. 1 (goaltender). I believe I am the No. 1,” he told the press. “It didn’t get to the point where I’m requesting (a trade). It went to the point where both sides agreed.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Merzlikins also said he’s not sure what’s going to happen now. He stressed that he wants to play his best for his teammates. “This is my family, I’m dead serious,” he said. However, he doesn’t want to be put into a lesser role behind Tarasov and backup Spencer Martin.

Merzlikins is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $5.4 million. He has a record of 7-8-6 this season with a 3.25 goals-against average and a save percentage of .907.

I’ll have more on this situation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: The Blackhawks signed forward Nick Foligno to a two-year contract extension. The average annual value is $4.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier this season, Foligno said he was interested in staying with the Blackhawks and helping them through their roster rebuild. They need veteran experience and leadership from players like Foligno to help guide their promising young players.

DAILY FACEOFF: Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland recently said captain Gabriel Landeskog could return to action in time for the 2024 playoffs. Landeskog, 31, hasn’t played since the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2022 as he’s undergone two knee surgeries. He recently resumed skating but there remains no timetable for his possible return.

WINNIPEG SUN: Jets center Mark Schiefele is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury suffered during Thursday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins winger Reilly Smith could be sidelined longer than expected due to an upper-body injury suffered during Thursday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks.

DAILY FACEOFF: Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov is in concussion protocol after leaving Thursday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks following a collision with Ducks forward Isac Lundestrom.

The Tampa Bay Lightning placed forward Tanner Jeannot on injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 6 with an upper-body injury. He’s listed as week-to-week.

OTTAWA SUN: Shane Pinto resumed skating with his teammates on Friday as his 41-game suspension for violating the league’s wagering rules nears its end. He is scheduled to suit up when the Senators face off against the Philadelphia Flyers on Jan. 21.

THE ATHLETIC: Anaheim Ducks prospect winger Cutter Gauthier said he received death threats via social media for his decision not to play for the Philadelphia Flyers, who traded him to the Ducks earlier in the week.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s one thing to be upset over Gauthier’s decision. Threatening his life behind the anonymity of social media is beyond the pale.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Members of the Maloof family have sold their interests in the Golden Knights to majority owner Bill Foley.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 12, 2024

by | Jan 12, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 12, 2024

The Jets, Oilers, Panthers, and Kraken extend their win streaks, the Hurricanes extend their points streak and the Sharks end their long losing skid. Details on these and other stories in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Third-period goals by Gabriel Vilardi and Nikolaj Ehlers lifted the Winnipeg Jets over the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1, extending their points streak to 14 games while setting a franchise record with their eighth straight win. The Jets (28-9-4) remain in first place in the overall standings with 60 points. Connor Murphy scored for the 12-28-2 Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets center Mark Scheifele left this game in the second period with a lower-body injury. Earlier in the day, Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said he’s opened contract extension talks with pending unrestricted free agents Dylan DeMelo and Brenden Dillon.

The Edmonton Oilers tied a franchise record with their ninth straight win by downing the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 on an overtime goal by Darnell Nurse. Zach Hyman had a goal and an assist for the 22-15-1 Oilers as they moved into the first NHL wild-card berth with 45 points. Alex Lyon kicked out 44 shots for the Red Wings (20-16-5) as they sit two points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot with 45 points.

Florida Panthers winger Sam Reinhart (NHL Images).

An overtime power-play goal by Sam Reinhart gave the Florida Panthers a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, extending their win streak to nine games. Reinhart finished with two points while Sergei Bobrovsky made 31 saves for the 27-12-2 Panthers, who sit second in the Atlantic Division with 56 points. Cam Talbot stopped 37 shots for the 20-10-8 Kings as they’ve won just twice in their last 10 games and sit third in the Pacific Division with 48 points.

The Seattle Kraken extended their win streak to eight games and their points streak to 12 games by dropping the Washington Capitals 4-1. Joey Daccord turned aside 25 shots to extend his win streak to seven games and points streak to 11 games as the Kraken (18-14-9) sit just outside the final Western wild-card berth with 45 points. Max Pacioretty scored his first goal of the season for the Capitals (19-14-6) as they sit three points out of an Eastern wild-card spot with 44 points.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Seth Jarvis had a goal and two assists in a 6-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks. The Hurricanes extended their points streak to seven games (23-13-5) and sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 51 points. John Gibson made 20 saves for the 14-26-1 Ducks before leaving this game following the second period with an upper-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson wasn’t the only goalie to leave this game early as the Hurricanes’ Pyotr Kochetkov departed midway through the second period with an undisclosed injury following a collision with Ducks forward Isac Lundestrom.

Earlier in the day, the Ducks announced forward Trevor Zegras was sidelined for six to eight weeks with a broken left ankle while defenseman Pavel Mintyukov would be out for six weeks with a separated shoulder. The pair suffered those injuries during Tuesday’s game against the Nashville Predators.

The San Jose Sharks ended a 12-game losing skid by beating the Montreal Canadiens 3-2. Mackenzie Blackwood got the win with a 33-save performance for the 10-29-3 Sharks while Sam Montembeault stopped 32 shots for the 17-18-6 Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The score flattered the Canadiens as the Sharks dominated them through most of this game.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson scored in overtime for a 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Pettersson had two goals and collected two assists while Brock Boeser tallied twice for the 28-11-3 Canucks (59 points) as they sit one point behind the league-leading Jets. Sidney Crosby scored two goals for the 20-15-5 Penguins (45 points), who are two points out of the final Eastern wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins winger Reilly Smith left this game in the first period with an upper-body injury following a big hit by Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov.

Speaking of four-point performances, Mathew Barzal had a goal and three assists as the New York Islanders nipped the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3. Barzal netted the winning goal in overtime while Noah Dobson collected four assists for the 19-12-10 Islanders (48 points) as they sit third in the Metropolitan Division. Auston Matthews scored twice to extend his league lead in that category to 33 as his Maple Leafs (21-10-8) sit third in the Atlantic Division with 50 points.

A hat trick by Jordan Kyrou powered the St. Louis Blues to a 5-2 win over the New York Rangers. Jordan Binnington made 40 saves while Pavel Buchnevich had a goal and two assists for the 21-18-1 Blues (43 points) as they sit two points out of the final Western wild-card berth. Mika Zibanejad was sidelined by illness as his Rangers (26-12-4) sit in first place in the Metropolitan Divison with 54 points.

Speaking of hat tricks, Yegor Sharangovich’s three goals lifted the Calgary Flames over the Arizona Coyotes 6-2. Blake Coleman had a goal and two assists while Jacob Markstrom stopped 32 shots for the 19-18-5 Flames (43 points) as they’re also two points out of the final Western wild-card spot. Clayton Keller netted his 15th goal of the season for the Coyotes as they slipped to 20-18-2 and sit three points out of the final Western wildcard spot.

An overtime goal by Alex Pietrangelo gave the Vegas Golden Knights a 2-1 victory over the Boston Bruins. Jack Eichel had a goal and an assist while Logan Thompson turned aside 32 shots for the 24-13-5 Golden Knights as they sit second in the Pacific Division with 53 points. Matt Grzelcyk scored for the 24-8-9 Bruins (57 points) who sit third in the overall standings but have lost three straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Bruins announced defenseman Brandon Carlo (upper body) was placed on injured reserve while goalie Linus Ullmark and forward Matthew Poitras are listed as day-to-day.

The Tampa Bay Lightning blew a 3-1 lead but would defeat the New Jersey Devils 4-3 on an overtime goal by Darren Raddysh. Luke Glendening tallied twice and Nikita Kucherov collected two assists for his league-leading 69th point for the 21-17-5 Lightning as they hold the final Eastern wild-card spot with 47 points. Dawson Mercer, Jesper Bratt and Nathan Bastian scored for the Devils (21-15-3) as they sit behind the Lightning with 45 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak left this game in the first period with an upper-body injury.

Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson scored two goals in a 5-3 win over the Ottawa Senators, handing the latter their fifth straight loss. Claude Giroux netted two goals for the Senators, who also lost goaltender Anton Forsberg in the first period to a groin injury. The Sabres improved to 18-20-4 while the Senators are 14-23-0 on the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Sabres announced winger Jeff Skinner is week-to-week with an upper-body injury.