NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 24, 2025

by | Feb 24, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 24, 2025

A hat trick moves Alex Ovechkin closer to Wayne Gretzky’s goal record, brothers Jason and Nicholas Robertson achieve a rare milestone, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF SUNDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin continued pursuing Wayne Gretzky’s goal record with a hat trick in a 7-3 drubbing of the Edmonton Oilers. Dylan Strome had a goal and two assists and Aliaksei Protas collected three assists as the Capitals moved ahead of the Winnipeg Jets into first place in the overall standings with 84 points. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a goal and an assist for the Oilers (72 points), who sit second in the Pacific Division but have lost three straight games.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 882 goals, Ovechkin is 13 away from breaking Gretzky’s record.

The Dallas Stars got a hat trick from Jason Robertson to nip the New York Islanders 4-3. Jake Oettinger made 34 saves while Roope Hintz and Matt Duchene each had two assists as the Stars sit second in the Central Division with 76 points. Pierre Engvall, Kyle Palmieri and Anthony Duclair replied for the Islanders (57 points), who’ve lost four of their last five games and remain five points behind the Ottawa Senators for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders activated defenseman Scott Mayfield and Ryan Pulock off injured reserve for this game. Teammate Max Tsyplakov said he’s had no contract talks yet with Isles general manager Lou Lamoriello. His agent told a Russian news agency that the two sides are already in extension talks but Tsyplakov believes there’s plenty of time for that following the season. He’s eligible to become a restricted free agent on July 1.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nicholas Robertson tallied twice in a 5-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Max Domi, Chris Tanev and Jake McCabe each had two points as the Leafs vaulted over the Florida Panthers into first place in the Atlantic Division with 72 points. Blackhawks forward Tyler Bertuzzi had two assists.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Robertsons became the first pair of brothers to score multiple goals on the same night since Pavel and Valeri Bure did it on March 1, 2000.

Three unanswered second-period goals by Brayden Schenn, Colton Parayko and Dylan Holloway lifted the St. Louis Blues over the Colorado Avalanche 3-1. Jordan Binnington turned aside 28 shots for the Blues, who sit five points behind the Vancouver Canucks for the final Western wild-card spot with 58 points. Devon Toews scored for the Avalanche, who remain in the first Western wild card with 68 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cale Makar assisted on Toews’ goal, becoming the third-fastest defenseman to reach the 400-point plateau (374 games played) behind Hall-of-Famers Bobby Orr (333 games played) and Paul Coffey (359 games played).

New Jersey Devils goaltender Nico Daws kicked out 29 shots for his first NHL shutout in a 5-0 victory over the Nashville Predators. Nico Hischier collected three assists while Jesper Bratt, Dougie Hamilton and Luke Hughes each had two points as the Devils sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 70 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bratt reached the 50-assist plateau for the second straight season while Hamilton and Ondrej Palat reached the 500-point milestone.

The New York Rangers got two goals from J.T. Miller to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-3. Adam Fox scored the winning goal and Igor Shesterkin made 36 saves as the Rangers (60 points) moved within two points of the final Eastern wild-card berth. Ryan Shea scored two goals for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers winger Chris Kreider was a late scratch with an upper-body injury. Penguins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk left this game in the first period with an undisclosed injury after being hit from behind by Rangers forward Matt Rempe.

An overtime goal by Patrick Kane lifted the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-4 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Kane finished with two goals and an assist while Lucas Raymond and Marco Kasper for the Red Wings, who hold the first Eastern wild-card berth with 64 points. Cutter Gauthier tallied twice for the Ducks as their four-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Red Wings forward Michael Rasmussen left this game in the second period following a blindside hit to the head from Ducks winger Trevor Zegras. There was no call on the play and it remains to be seen if Zegras will receive supplemental discipline from the league. Meanwhile, the Ducks recalled goalie Oscar Dansk as John Gibson was ruled out for this game with an upper-body injury

Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 36 shots as his club defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-1. Brandon Hagel had a goal and an assist for the Lightning (68 points), who’ve won five straight and sit third in the Atlantic Division. Shane Wright replied for the Kraken.

Calgary Flames defenseman Joel Hanley snapped a 2-2 tie to lift his club to a 3-2 victory against the San Jose Sharks. Nazem Kadri had a goal and an assist and rookie goalie Dustin Wolf made 27 saves for his 20th win of the season as the Flames (62 points) moved within one point of the Canucks for the final Western wild card. Macklin Celebrini and Tyler Toffoli scored for the Sharks, who’ve dropped 11 of their last 12 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames forward Connor Zary was held scoreless as he returned to action after being sidelined since Jan. 7 with a knee injury.

Speaking of the Canucks, they fell 2-1 to the Utah Hockey Club. Dylan Guenther snapped a 1-1 tie in the third period as Utah (59 points) moved within four points of the Canucks. Jake DeBrusk scored for Vancouver.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah placed defenseman Juuso Valimaki on waivers Sunday. The Canucks placed goaltender Thatcher Demko on injured reserve retroactive to Feb. 8 and recalled defenseman Victor Mancini.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: NHL alumni, celebrities and first responders participated in the Skate For LA Strong charity game at Crypto.com Arena to support relief efforts for the devastating wildfires in Southern California.

Hockey Hall of Famers Mark Messier, Rob Blake, Jeremy Roenick and Cammi Granato, singer Justin Bieber and actor Steve Carrell were among the notables suiting up for this game. Celebrity coaches included Snoop Dogg and Will Ferrell.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Matthew Tkachuk isn’t expected to travel with the Panthers for Tuesday’s game against the Predators in Nashville. TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie reported there is concern that Tkachuk could miss the remainder of the season due to a suspected groin injury, claiming the club is awaiting medical results.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tkachuk was injured during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. He missed the Panthers’ 2-1 loss to the Kraken on Saturday.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said there is no timeline for sidelined defenseman Hampus Lindholm to return to the lineup. He’s been out since mid-November following surgery to repair a broken kneecap. It seems unlikely he’ll be back before the end of the regular season.

Sweeney also said there is no timeline for blueliner Charlie McAvoy’s return after he suffered a shoulder injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The absence of their top defensemen puts the Bruins at a disadvantage as they jockey for a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. They’re currently one point behind the Senators for that final spot.

TSN: The NHL confirmed it will stage its first decentralized draft at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles from June 27 to 28.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 1, 2024

by | Sep 1, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 1, 2024

The Hurricanes signed Seth Jarvis on Saturday but other notable restricted free agents remain unsigned. Check out the latest in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently looked at where things stood with the top restricted free agents still looking for new contracts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was published a day before the Carolina Hurricanes signed Seth Jarvis to an eight-year contract.

Boston Bruins president Cam Neely expressed confidence that his club will get a deal done with Jeremy Swayman during an Aug. 22 interview. The 25-year-old goalie said the same thing during an interview earlier in the month.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images).

Bruins training camp opens on Sep. 18. They have $8.6 million in cap space to put toward signing Swayman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Reports last week claimed the two sides were still far apart. One report claimed Swayman sought $10 million annually. However, most pundits believe the Swayman camp seeks an average annual value of around $8.5 million while the Bruins are believed to be offering something “in the $6 millions”.

Fox speculated it could cost the Detroit Red Wings around $8.6 million annually to get defenseman Moritz Seider under contract. That would put the 23-year-old defenseman just under captain Dylan Larkin’s $8.7 million AAV.

As for Seider’s teammate Lucas Raymond, Fox wondered if Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman might opt for a shorter-term contract comparable to the four-year deal averaging $7.875 million annually signed last summer by Raymond’s teammate Alex DeBrincat.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings have over $17.6 million in cap space so there’s plenty of room to re-sign those two. Figuring out how much and for how long remains the key issue.

Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen wondered how much of an effect Seth Jarvis’ new contract with the Carolina Hurricanes will have on Raymond’s negotiations. Both players had similar production last season, with Jarvis netting 33 goals and 67 points with the Hurricanes while Raymond had 31 goals and 71 points.

What could be interesting is whether the Wings attempt to get a lower AAV by getting Raymond and Seider to accept deferred salary as Jarvis did on his new deal. It’s probably too late in those negotiations to shift gears now.

There’s not much to report regarding the Dallas Stars contract talks with Thomas Harley. Fox wondered if Stars GM Jim Nill would attempt to get the 23-year-old defenseman to sign a bridge deal as he did with winger Jason Robertson. On Aug. 9, Nill expressed confidence in getting Harley signed soon.

Turning to center Cole Perfetti, Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said talks were still ongoing as of Aug. 22, expressing optimism that a deal would be done sooner rather than later.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hockey News’ Rob Couch examined whether it would be in the Chicago Blackhawks’ best interest to send the 22-year-old Perfetti an offer sheet.

The St. Louis Blues exploited the Edmonton Oilers’ limited salary cap space, successfully signing away defenseman Philip Broberg and winger Dylan Holloway last month. However, the Jets have over $5.7 million in cap space this season, giving them far more flexibility than the Oilers to match an offer sheet. Perfetti could also be reluctant to sign with another club.

Fox cited The Hockey News’ Kristy Flannery reporting on Aug. 19 that Pat Brisson, the agent for winger Dawson Mercer, indicated negotiations were ongoing with the New Jersey Devils.

A short-term, “prove-it” contract could be the most likely outcome for Peyton Krebs. The 23-year-old Buffalo Sabres center has struggled to establish himself as a potential top-six forward. Fox didn’t rule out a trade.

Speaking of a trade, Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nicholas Robertson still prefers a change of scenery. However, GM Brad Treliving holds the hammer and still believes the 22-year-old Robertson has a great opportunity to become a good player with the Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson could refuse to sign and report to training camp to force the Leafs into honoring his trade request. That’s unlikely to work in his favor as it’s his only leverage. It will hurt his preparation for this season and also hurt him financially.

Nashville Predators forward Philip Tomasino remains unsigned after coming off a difficult performance for him last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predlines’ Chad Minton pondered what could be behind the lack of progress in contract talks between the Predators and Tomasino and fellow RFA Jusso Parssinen. With just over $3 million in cap space, Minton speculated Predators GM Barry Trotz could be forced to choose between one of them.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 7, 2022

by | Mar 7, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 7, 2022

​Jason Robertson makes Dallas Stars history, the Lightning set a franchise record, questionable calls prove costly for the Senators and Sharks, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Jason Robertson became the first player in Dallas Stars history to tally a hat trick in consecutive games to lead his club over the Minnesota Wild 6-3. Jake Oettinger made 34 saves for the win. The Stars (67 points) have won four straight games and moved ahead of the Nashville Predators into the first wild-card berth in the Western Conference. Kirill Kaprizov scored two goals for the Wild, who’ve dropped eight of their last 10 and cling to third place in the Central Division with 67 points. They activated defenseman Matt Dumba off injured reserve for this game and placed winger Jordan Greenway on IR.

Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson is also the second player in franchise history to net back-to-back hat tricks, as Bill Goldsworthy did it with the Minnesota North Stars in 1971. The Stars sophomore is a rising talent, with 100 career points in 101 games.

The Tampa Bay Lightning got a franchise-record three goals in 32 seconds by Victor Hedman, Corey Perry and Mikhail Sergachev in a 6-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Hedman finished the game with two goals and Sergachev with three points. Blackhawks forwards Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Strome each had a goal and an assist. The Lighting (80 points) sit three points behind the first-place Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference.

Speaking of the Conference-leading Hurricanes, they extended their home points streak to 11 games by downing the Seattle Kraken 3-2. Carolina winger Teuvo Teravainen scored the game-tying goal in his 500th career NHL game while Martin Necas netted the winner in the third period. Antti Raanta made 28 saves for the win.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin kicked out 45 shots in a 4-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. New York winger Chris Kreider scored twice to reach 38 goals and sits one back of Toronto’s Auston Matthews for the goal-scoring lead. The Rangers are tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins with 77 points and hold second place in the Metropolitan Division with a game in hand.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets (58 points) are eight points out of the final Western Conference wild-card spot.

Jack Eichel scored on a power play with five seconds remaining in the third period as the Vegas Golden Knights squeaked past the Ottawa Senators 2-1. The goal was the result of a questionable tripping call on Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot with 46 seconds remaining in the period. Vegas holds third place in the Pacific Division with 68 points. Robin Lehner made 39 saves for the Golden Knights while the Senators’ Anton Forsberg stopped 40 shots.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Forsberg got the call as the Senators placed Matt Murray on injured reserve before yesterday’s game.

The Los Angeles Kings got two goals by Andreas Athanasiou and a 19-save shutout by Cal Petersen to blank the Buffalo Sabres 3-0. The win keeps the Kings one point ahead of the Golden Knights in second place in the Pacific Division. Sabres forward Alex Tuch left the game with an injury in the third period.

An overtime goal by Rickard Rakell gave the Anaheim Ducks a 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Cam Fowler, Troy Terry and Adam Henrique each had two points for the Ducks (63 points) as they sit three points out of a Western wild-card spot. The Sharks have dropped 11 of their last 13 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks head coach Bob Boughner wasn’t happy over Rakell’s goal, claiming the Ducks had too many men on the ice at the time. “It’s a complete, disastrous blown call,” said Boughner, who also chastised the officiating crew for racing off the ice without coming over to the Sharks bench to explain the call.

The New Jersey Devils upset the St. Louis Blues 3-2 on an overtime goal by Dougie Hamilton. Jordan Kyrou and Vladimir Tarasenko each had two points for the Blues, who sit second in the Central Division with 71 points.

HEADLINES

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: Blackhawks forward Tyler Johnson is pain-free for the first time in four years after undergoing artificial disc replacement surgery (ADR) in December to address ongoing neck pain. It’s the same procedure Jack Eichel underwent last November following his trade to the Vegas Golden Knights from the Buffalo Sabres. Johnson returned to action on March 3.

NBC SPORTS WASHINGTON/WASHINGTON HOCKEY NOW: Capitals winger Carl Hagelin underwent surgery last Tuesday after suffering an eye injury during practice. He’ll be sidelined indefinitely amid concern his vision could be affected by the injury. Meanwhile, winger Joe Snively underwent wrist surgery and will be sidelined for four-to-six weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Here’s hoping Hagelin makes a full recovery.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jason Zucker and defenseman Mike Matheson have resumed skating at the club’s practice facility. No timetable is set for the sidelined players to return to action.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: With goalie Mike Smith suffering from stomach flu, the Oilers have recalled Stuart Skinner.

ARIZONA SPORTS: The Coyotes signed forward Liam O’Brien to a two-year contract extension. Cap Friendly indicates the annual average value is $775K.

THE SCORE: The Detroit Red Wings claimed defenseman Olli Juolevi off waivers from the Florida Panthers while the New York Islanders claimed forward Austin Czarnik from the Seattle Kraken.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 26, 2021

by | Sep 26, 2021

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 26, 2021

Check out the latest on Mika Zibanejad plus some Dallas Stars speculation in the Sunday NHL rumor roundup.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker recently reports Mika Zibanejad isn’t giving anything away about his contract extension talks with the Rangers or allowing it to get in the way of his preseason preparation. The 28-year-old center is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (NHL Images).

Walker speculates Zibanejad could be in line for a seven- or eight-year extension. It’s believed his camp’s initial ask is $10 million annually while Rangers management will likely look at something in the $7 million to $9 million range.

THE ATHLETIC: Rick Carpiniello wondered if Rangers general manager Chris Drury will play a game of chicken with Zibanejad if he can’t get him signed before the March trade deadline. There’s also the Rangers’ unstated wish to upgrade at center, including rumors of their interest in Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel. Carpiniello doesn’t believe the Blueshirts can afford two high-priced centers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zibanejad told reporters he’s happy in New York and likes the team’s direction. How long he remains part of it remains to be seen.

The Rangers will either commit to a long-term deal for Zibanejad or turn to the trade market or free agency next summer to replace him. It’s as simple as that.

Carpiniello’s correct in his assessment that they cannot afford to carry two expensive centers, especially with 2021 Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox becoming a restricted free agent at the same time. Talk of Zibanejad and a healthy Eichel on the Blueshirts was a pipe dream. It’s either one or the other. 

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Matthew DeFranks’ 10 questions facing the Dallas Stars this season included speculation over John Klingberg’s future with the club. The 27-year-old defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July after completing a seven-year contract with an annual average value of $4.25 million.

Considering how much several notable defensemen (including teammate Miro Heiskanen) received this summer, Klingberg could prove too expensive for the Stars. With Heiskanen earning $8.45 million annually, Esa Lindell making $5.8 million and Ryan Suter $3.65 million, re-signing Klingberg would give the Stars one of the most expensive bluelines in the league.

Turning to the trade deadline, DeFranks suggested players on expiring contracts like Klingberg, Joe Pavelski and Alexander Radulov could become trade bait if the Stars are out of playoff contention by then. If the Stars are close and they retain them past deadline day, they risk losing those players to free agency for nothing next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap Friendly shows the Stars with over $58 million invested in 14 players for 2022-23 with Klingberg, Pavelski, Radulov and Braden Holtby as their notable UFAs and forwards Denis Gurianov and 2021 Calder Trophy finalist Jason Robertson becoming restricted free agents.

Klingberg’s going to cost at least as much as Heiskanen, probably more. As DeFranks observed, they probably can’t afford to keep him. Pavelski and Radulov are aging and don’t have many productive seasons left while Holtby’s past his prime.

Gurianov has arbitration rights and will seek a substantial raise if he hits 20 goals and 40 points this season. Robertson will be coming off his entry-level contract but a strong sophomore season will result in a hefty raise for him as well.










NHL Betting: Kirill Kaprizov Poised To Take Home Calder Trophy

by | May 10, 2021

NHL Betting: Kirill Kaprizov Poised To Take Home Calder Trophy

 










NHL Odds Debate: The NHL Awards And Anti Awards Take Center Stage?

by | May 1, 2021

NHL Odds Debate: The NHL Awards And Anti Awards Take Center Stage?