NHL Rumor Mill – May 3, 2025

by | May 3, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 3, 2025

The Sabres could shop for a defense partner for Owen Power, plus the latest on the Kings and Lightning in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SABRES TO SHOP FOR A DEFENSE PARTNER FOR OWEN POWER

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski believes the Sabres must find a steady, veteran right-hand defenseman to partner with Owen Power. The 22-year-old blueliner was the first-overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. He had 242 NHL games under his belt, but his defensive play remains inconsistent.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

Lysowski listed several potential options in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market, including Brent Burns, Aaron Ekblad, Cody Ceci and Dante Fabbro. However, he also suggested using left-shot defenseman Bowen Byram as a trade chip to acquire a right-shot rearguard to mentor Power.

Byram, 23, is a restricted free agent on July 1 with arbitration rights. He’ll be expensive to re-sign, and the Sabres would prefer using their salary-cap space elsewhere, with forwards Alex Tuch, JJ Peterka and Ryan McLeod being candidates for contract extensions.

Trade targets could including Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames, Noah Dobson of the New York Islanders, Zach Whitecloud of the Vegas Golden Knights, Luke Schenn of the Winnipeg Jets, Erik Gudbranson of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Sam Malinski of the Colorado Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres would have to part with Byram to acquire Dobson or Andersson, provided those two are available. They wouldn’t have to part with him to land Whitecloud, Schenn, Gudbranson or Malinski.

Byram could also be used as trade bait to add scoring forward like a second-line center.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE KINGS AND LIGHTNING?

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens wondered where the Los Angeles Kings go from here following an inexcusable early playoff exit at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers.

The Kings entered that series as the favorites, finishing this season ahead of the Oilers in the regular-season standings. However, blown leads and bad coaching decisions proved to be their undoing.

Stephens wondered if there could be a front-office shakeup. General manager Rob Blake’s contract is up and he has no playoff series wins to show for it. Team president Luc Robitaille also deserves his share of the blame.

The Kings responded well to head coach Jim Hiller this season, tying franchise bests with 48 wins and 105 points. However, he made questionable decisions during the playoffs, including stubbornly leaning on nine forwards and four defensemen that ultimately took their toll as the series went on.

Tearing down the core and rebuilding isn’t an option with veterans Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty signed for next season and are uninterested in being part of a rebuild. They also have several other key players under long-term commitments.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Changes in the front office and perhaps behind the bench appear more likely than any significant roster changes.

Stephens also observed that more roster tinkering around their core doesn’t feel like the answer. If they’re unwilling to tear things down and rebuild, tinkering could be the only option.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina listed the three biggest topics facing the Lightning that came out of GM Julien BriseBois’ end-of-season press conference.

The first was BriseBois squashing a rumor claiming head coach Jon Cooper was heading to the Utah Hockey Club, which is owned by Cooper’s good friend Ryan Smyth. He confirmed the long-time Lightning bench boss will return next season.

BriseBois admitted the odds are small that all his pending unrestricted free agents will return next season. They include centers Yanni Gourde and Luke Glendening, defenseman Nick Perbix, winger Cam Atkinson and goaltender Jonas Johansson.

Promising prospect Isaac Howard’s NHL future might not be with the Lightning. BriseBois said he appreciated the young forward’s honesty. He pointed out that the 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner values the opportunity to choose where he wants to sign.

BriseBois said he won’t speak for Howard, but feels that it’s unlikely they’ll sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning have until next August to sign Howard. That gives them time to try to convince the promising youngster to sign with them. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if BriseBois uses Howard as a trade chip this summer to acquire another high-quality prospect or to add a good young NHL player to his roster.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 29, 2025

by | Apr 29, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 29, 2025

Who are potential candidates to replace Mike Sullivan as the Penguins’ head coach? Which clubs could be suitors for Sullivan? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

POTENTIAL COACHING CANDIDATES FOR THE PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: Bill Hartlep included former NHL coaches Joel Quenneville, Peter Laviolette and John Tortorella on his list of potential candidates to replace Mike Sullivan as head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Sullivan and the Penguins mutually agreed to part ways after 10 seasons, including back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017.

Hartlep also mentioned Rick Tocchet, David Quinn and Mike Vellucci, who all served at one time or another as assistant coaches under Sullivan. He included University of Denver coach David Carle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tocchet is currently the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks and is reportedly in contract extension talks with that club.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel had Tocchet, Carle and Quinn among his list of coaching candidates.

Other options included former Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill, PWHL coach Kori Cheverie, Western Michigan coach Pat Ferschweiler, Rickard Gronberg of Tappara in Finnish Liga, Washington Capitals assistant coach Mitch Love, Manny Malhotra of the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks, Boston University’s Jay Pandolfo, Toronto Maple Leafs assistant coach Mike Van Ryn, and former Edmonton Oilers’ coach Jay Woodcroft.

THE ATHLETIC: Penguins beat writer Josh Yohe included Kirk MacDonald of the club’s AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on his list of candidates. Todd Nelson of the AHL’s Hershey Bears was another suggested option.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Time will tell if one of those candidates get the job. The Penguins could be interested in bringing back Tocchet if he becomes available, but they won’t be the only suitors for the 2024 Jack Adams Award winner.

POTENTIAL DESTINATIONS FOR MIKE SULLIVAN

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes the Rangers’ vacant head-coaching job is there for Mike Sullivan if he wants it, but questions remain.

Former Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan (NHL Images).

Sullivan might be the best choice to get the most out of veteran core players like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, Vincent Trocheck and J.T. Miller, the latter four of whom played for him on Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February.

However, his handling of younger players like Alexis Lafreniere, K’Andre Miller, Brennan Othmann, Braden Schneider and more would determine his success as the Blueshirts’ bench boss.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks also wondered if the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars might be interested in Sullivan.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James pondered whether Sullivan would be a good fit coaching the rebuilding Flyers.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Greg Boysen makes the case for the Blackhawks to pursue Sullivan.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW‘s Andrew Fantucchio and THE ATHLETIC‘s Fluto Shinzawa believe Sullivan should be the top choice as the Bruins’ potential head coach.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a source claiming the Bruins have already reached out to Sullivan. However, the former Penguins coach wants to take some time to decompress before deciding on his next move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sullivan remained a well-respected coach around the league despite the rebuilding Penguins’ struggles over the past three seasons. He won’t be unemployed for long.

OTHER PENGUINS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe was asked which restricted free agents he sees the Penguins targeting this summer. He suggested defenseman Bowen Byram of the Buffalo Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yohe stressed that Byram would be his choice and wasn’t basing it on anything he’d heard.

He didn’t indicate if he meant targeting Byram for a trade or an offer sheet. Assuming the latter, the Sabres have over $21 million in cap space to match any offer for the 23-year-old blueliners.

Yohe doesn’t see the Penguins attempting to acquire Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks. “It looks like a disaster of a contract, and he’s not very well respected around the league.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson has seven years left on his contract with an average annual value of $11.6 million. Assuming Vancouver retained some of his cap hit, that contract remains burdensome. If the Canucks try to move him they’ll have to move quickly because his no-movement clause begins on July 1.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 20, 2025

by | Apr 20, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 20, 2025

Check out the latest on the Flames, Rangers and Sabres in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHAT WILL THE FLAMES DO THIS OFF-SEASON?

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin believes Rasmus Andersson’s future will be the biggest news for Flames fans to track this summer. The 28-year-old defenseman has a year remaining on his contract.

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (NHL Images)

Flames general manager Craig Conroy can sign Andersson to an extension starting on July 1. However, both sides admit there’s a little uncertainty right now, but they will meet at some point to discuss the blueliner’s future.

Wes Gilbertson observed that this is a familiar spot for Conroy. He faced a similar decision with Elias Lindholm, Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin. Those three were traded last season when they couldn’t reach an agreement on new contracts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames don’t have to trade Andersson this summer if they don’t get a new deal hammered out. However, moving him might be better than having the uncertainty over his future become an unnecessary distraction next season.

Andersson will have considerable value in this summer’s trade market, especially from teams that lose out in the bidding for the top free-agent defensemen.

Conroy didn’t rule out making a splash in this summer’s free-agent market but will continue to take a patient approach to building a contender. He also didn’t take the possibility of an offer sheet off the table.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames have two first-round picks and two third-round picks in next year’s draft. They also have over $32 million in cap space for 2025-26. Conroy can afford to sign one or two unrestricted free agents or sign a restricted free agent from a rival team to an offer sheet. However, just because he can doesn’t necessarily mean he will.

WHO ARE SOME POTENTIAL COACHING CANDIDATES FOR THE RANGERS?

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker looked at some early candidates to replace Peter Laviolette, who was fired as head coach of the Rangers on Friday.

If the opportunity arises, Rangers GM Chris Drury could try to pry away Mike Sullivan from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sullivan has said he’s with the Penguins for the long haul, but who knows what will happen after they missed the playoffs for the third straight year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sullivan has two years remaining on his contract. Last week, he said he intends to remain with the Penguins.

Others on her proposed list include Boston Bruins assistant coach Jay Leach, Boston University coach Jay Pandolfo, former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft, Vancouver Canucks bench boss Rick Tocchet, University of Denver coach David Carle, Seattle Kraken assistant coach Jessica Campbell, Toronto Maple Leafs assistant coach Marc Savard, former Rangers coach John Tortorella, and former NHL coach Joel Quenneville. The Blueshirts weren’t interested in Quenneville the last time they went through the hiring process.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see who Drury brings in as Laviolette’s replacement.

There’s no indication that the Penguins will give Sullivan the axe, and it’s unlikely they’ll hire Quenneville (because of his baggage) or bring back the combative Tortorella.

Carle has frequently surfaced as a coaching candidate, but may be reluctant to leave his current position. If he does, it might be to join a team with young players that he can mold into a winning roster.

Winner of the Jack Adams Award last season, Tocchet could become the best choice if available. However, the Rangers wouldn’t be the only team interested in his services.

LATEST SABRE SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn recently looked at some offseason questions for the Sabres after another year outside the playoff picture.

What the path looked like for their restricted free agents was among those questions. Fairburn observed that the threat of an offer sheet looms for forward JJ Peterka and defenseman Bowen Byram. He thinks a long-term deal for Peterka could be worth at least $7 million per season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That number for Peterka is close to the $6.6 million projected by Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News.

The Sabres have $21.4 million in cap space for next season, so they can afford to match offer sheets for Peterka and Bowen. That’s assuming they’ll spend to the cap. However, the cost of doing so could complicate efforts to bolster their roster.

Fairburn doesn’t rule out the possibility of another core player getting traded. If so, it could be one of their restricted free agents or a player under contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A trade wouldn’t be for draft picks and prospects. Like the Byram-for-Mittelstadt and the Norris-for-Cozens swaps, they’ll want a comparable NHL player in return.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 14, 2025

by | Apr 14, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 14, 2025

Could the Blues pursue Mitch Marner via this summer’s free-agent market? What’s the latest on Sabres winger JJ Peterka? What will the Jets do with Luke Schenn and Neal Pionk? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE BLUES PURSUE MITCH MARNER?

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford was recently asked what he thought the St. Louis Blues might do regarding Mitch Marner. The 28-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Rutherford believes Marner would be a terrific fit with the Blues alongside his former junior teammate Robert Thomas. However, he’s set to be the premier player in this summer’s UFA market and could seek an average annual value of $14 million.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues have a projected cap space of $7.146 million with 23 active roster players under contract for next season. They’ll have to shed considerable salary to sign Marner, making it unlikely they’ll be bidding for him if he goes to market on July 1.

THE LATEST ON PETERKA

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski recently profiled JJ Peterka, singling out the 23-year-old forward’s development this season into one of the Sabres’ “core, young guys”.

Peterka is completing his entry-level contract. He’s in line for a significant raise though the Sabres hold the advantage because he lacks arbitration rights. They could do a short or long-term deal, with the latter projected to be a six-year deal with an average annual value of $6.6 million.

An offer sheet is possible but unlikely. The Sabres possess the cap space to match and they won’t want to lose him for draft picks as compensation. General manager Kevyn Adams has no intention of trading him and hopes to extend his contract as soon as possible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Peterka surfaced in the rumor mill as a potential target for the New York Rangers before last month’s trade deadline but Adams quickly denied any trade discussions occurred.

The young forward recently popped up as a possible offer-sheet candidate. The only way that happens is if someone pitches an offer that far exceeds that $6.6 million projection.

Given Adams’ recent comments, Peterka could be re-signed well before his restricted free-agent eligibility on July 1.

JETS EXPECTED TO RETAIN SCHENN AND RE-SIGN PIONK

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates was asked if the Winnipeg Jets intend to keep Luke Schenn next season. The 35-year-old defenseman was acquired at the trade deadline. He’s signed through 2025-26 with an AAV of $2.75 million.

Ates fully expects they’ll keep Schenn, pointing out that the Jets are happy with his defensive play and veteran presence.

He also believes they intend to sign Neal Pionk to a contract extension. The 29-year-old blueliner is UFA-eligible on July 1. He’s completing a four-year deal with an AAV of $5.875 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 9, 2025

by | Apr 9, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 9, 2025

Check out the latest on the Canucks and Sabres in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST CANUCKS SPECULATION

TSN: Darren Dreger believes acquiring a second-line center will be among the Vancouver Canucks’ priorities this summer.

The free-agent market is thin for such players. However, the Canucks aren’t afraid to spend some draft capital or prospects in the trade market.

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (NHL Images).

Starting goaltender Thatcher Demko has a year left on his contract. Dreger wondered what a contract extension might look like. He also thinks a trade could be an option.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: When healthy, Demko’s among the best goalies in the league. His stellar play last season made him a finalist for the Vezina Trophy and played a big role in the Canucks’ 109-point performance.

However, Demko’s absences due to injury create uncertainty about his effectiveness as a starter. The Canucks have also received solid goaltending from Kevin Lankinen, who signed a five-year extension in February.

Despite Demko’s injury history, the lack of quality goalies in the trade and free-agent markets could make him an enticing trade chip for the Canucks if the two sides fail to agree to terms for an extension.

THE ATHLETIC: A reader asked Thomas Drance what his top center trade targets would be for the Canucks this summer.

One option could be pursuing an older center on a risky contract like Steven Stamkos. Drance acknowledged the 34-year-old Stamkos’ no-movement clause but noted that he’s had a rough season with the Nashville Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks will probably have to look elsewhere for that type of center. Besides, Stamkos is more effective at left wing at this stage in his career.

Another option would be a promising young center who hasn’t broken out yet like Connor McMichael of the Washington Capitals or Cole Perfetti of the Winnipeg Jets. Drance admits both would be expensive to acquire, but if the Canucks intend to make a big swing in this summer’s trade market, those would be the two to pursue.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McMichael has become part of the Capitals’ core this season with a 55-point performance. He’s signed through next season with an average annual value of $2.1 million. He’s not going anywhere.

Drance observed Perfetti had an acrimonious negotiation with the Jets last summer before agreeing to a two-year deal (at an AAV of $3.25 million). Perfetti would be the most likely to be available, but that doesn’t mean the Jets will move him.

The final option is a reliable veteran in his prime with some term left on his contract. Pavel Zacha of the Boston Bruins and Jesperi Kotkaniemi of the Carolina Hurricanes fall into that category. Drance pointed out that the Bruins are rebuilding, which could make Zacha available. He also noted the Canucks were linked to Kotkaniemi in the past.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zacha is the better of the two. He had a career-high 59 points last season and has 45 points this season. However, he might not be available if the Bruins are retooling for a quick turnaround rather than staging a rebuild.

The 24-year-old Kotkaniemi is younger than Zacha and has more contract certainty with five years remaining. However, he’s been inconsistent during his tenure with the Hurricanes and usually sees third-line center duty.

MORE CHANGE IN STORE FOR THE SABRES?

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn examined why the Buffalo Sabres missed the playoff for the 14th straight season, and what might be in store during the offseason.

Fairburn noted the Sabres trading Dylan Cozens to the Ottawa Senators at the trade deadline. He believes more changes could be coming this season, citing their goals-against (fourth highest in the league) and woeful special-teams play (25th-ranked power play, 23rd-ranked penalty kill).

General manager Kevyn Adams and head coach Lindy Ruff each have a year left on their contracts. Fairburn wondered if team owner Terry Pegula would make more changes in the front office and behind the bench.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres’ woes begin with Pegula. He’s provided the financial stability that ensures this club won’t be moved, but as Fairburn observes, the constant losing is taking a toll on its fanbase.

If Adams remains as general manager he’ll emphasize improving the Sabres goaltending and defensive game.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 9, 2025

by | Apr 9, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 9, 2025

The Senators clinch their first playoff berth since 2017, the Capitals clinch the Metropolitan Division, the Canucks stage a history-making comeback, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Ottawa Senators clinched their first playoff berth since 2016-17 despite a 5-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Fabian Zetterlund and Thomas Chabot scored for the Senators, who hold the first Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 90 points. Kent Johnson, Justin Danforth and Mathieu Olivier each had two points for the Blues Jackets (79 points), who sit eight points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final Eastern wild card.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the Senators for ending their long playoff drought. The past several years have seen them go through an ownership change and a painful, at times fitful rebuilding process.

Speaking of the Canadiens, they moved a step closer to clinching the final Easter wild-card spot by defeating the Detroit Red Wings 4-1. Sam Montembault made 35 saves (including 22 in the first period) while Nick Suzuki, Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher each had a goal and an assist as the Canadiens (87 points) picked up their sixth straight win to sit eight points above the Red Wings, Blue Jackets, New York Rangers and New York Islanders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montreal’s win assured the Senators of a playoff berth. It was the Canadiens’ sixth game in nine days, making their current win streak more impressive. The Wings, Jackets, Rangers and Isles all have a game in hand but the Habs need three points in their remaining four games to punch their ticket to the postseason.

Earlier in the day, the Canadiens signed highly-touted prospect Ivan Demidov to a three-year entry-level contract hours after he was released from his KHL deal. Demidov could be in the Canadiens’ lineup as early as Friday when they face the Senators. The way Demidov’s contract is structured, the first year will be used up regardless of the number of games played. He can also return to his KHL team next season if he fails to secure a roster spot with the Canadiens.

Buffalo Sabres goaltender James Reimer made 33 saves to shut out the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0, handing the latter their third straight loss. Tage Thompson scored his 44th goal for the Sabres, who were officially eliminated from the playoffs for the 14th straight season. The Hurricanes remain second in the Metropolitan Division with 96 points. Their loss to the Sabres ensured the idle Washington Capitals clinched the division crown.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes center Jesperi Kotkaniemi missed this game with an undisclosed injury and is expected to be out for at least a week.

The Vancouver Canucks staged a history-making comeback against the Dallas Stars with three goals within the final minute of the third period before winning the game 6-5 on an overtime goal by Kiefer Sherwood. Pius Suter scored two of those last-minute goals and Conor Garland collected three assists for the Canucks (85 points), who staved off elimination from the Western Conference wild-card race. Mikael Granlund had a goal and two assists for the Stars, who sit second in the Central Division with 106 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are the first team in NHL history to erase a three-goal deficit in the final minute of regulation. They are six points behind the Minnesota Wild in the Western wild-card race.

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak (NHL Images).

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak had a goal and two assists in a 7-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Pastrnak reached the 100-point plateau for the third straight season with 16 points in his last seven games. The Devils hold third place in the Metro Division with 89 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a history-making performance for Pastrnak, joining Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito as the only Bruins to record three straight 100-point seasons. He’s also the first Czech-born NHL player to do so. Jaromir Jagr had five 100-plus point campaigns but never did it in three consecutive seasons.

Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton has been sidelined since March 4 with a lower-body injury. He’s skating on his own and could return to the lineup for the first round of the playoffs.

Third-period goals by Eetu Luostarinen and Carter Verhaeghe lifted the Florida Panthers over the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1. John Tavares scored his 37th goal of the season for the Leafs, who remain first in the Atlantic Division with 98 points. The Panthers sit four points behind the Leafs in third place.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So much for the silly conspiracy theory that the Panthers were sandbagging the rest of their schedule to finish lower in the standings to ensure they face the Leafs in the first round. Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart and Gustav Forsling returned to the injury-ravaged Panthers lineup for this game.

The Colorado Avalanche overcame a 2-0 deficit for a 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. Third-period goals by Valeri Nichushkin and Jimmy Vesey set the stage for Charlie Coyle’s game-winner in the shootout. With 100 points, the Avalanche sit third in the Central Division. William Karlsson and Brayden McNabb scored for the Golden Knights, who sit first in the Pacific Division with 103 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nathan MacKinnon picked up an assist for his 116th point, moving one ahead of Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov into first place in the scoring race. He also has 1,015 points in 870 regular-season games, tying him with Joe Sakic for the Denver-based Avalanche scoring record. Sakick also reached that milestone in 870 games.

Golden Knights center Jack Eichel missed this game with an upper-body injury and is listed as day-to-day.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson scored his 200th goal as his club blanked the Chicago Blackhawks 5-0. Tristan Jarry turned in a 26-save shutout and Kevin Hayes collected two goals for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pittsburgh rookie Rutger McGroarty left this game in the second period with a lower-body injury after blocking a shot by Blackhawks center Connor Bedard. Penguins forward Blake Lizotte missed this contest with an undisclosed injury.

The Nashville Predators nipped the New York Islanders 7-6 on an overtime goal by Fedor Svechkov. Steven Stamkos and Michael Bunting scored late in the third period to set the stage for Svechkov’s game-winner. Simon Holmstrom scored twice and set up two others for the Islanders, who sit eight points behind the Canadiens in the Eastern wild-card chase.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders starting goalie Ilya Sorokin missed the third period for precautionary reasons with an upper-body injury. Head coach Patrick Roy said Sorokin should be ok but they didn’t want to take any chances.

The Utah Hockey Club defeated the Seattle Kraken 7-1, setting a franchise record for the most goals in one game since moving to Utah. Dylan Guenther and Mikhail Sergachev each had three points as Utah (84 points) sit seven points behind the Wild in the Western wild-card race.

IN OTHER NEWS:

WINNIPEG SUN: Jets prospect Chaz Lucius announced his retirement after being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which is a group of inherited disorders that affects the skin, joints and blood vessel walls.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lucius’ dream of becoming an NHL player reached a sad, sudden end. Here’s hoping he finds success elsewhere in the game or in whatever non-hockey endeavor he chooses.

CALGARY SUN: Flames top prospect Zayne Parekh signed his entry-level contract on Tuesday. With the Flames chasing a playoff berth, the young defenseman might not get a chance to see any playing time during the club’s final five regular-season games.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL player Brendan Lemieux was suspended four games in Switzerland’s National League playoffs after punching a linesman in a scrum during a postseason game against ZSC Lions.

TSN: Alex Faulkner, the first Newfoundland-born player to compete in the NHL, passed away in Bishop Falls at age 88. Faulkner made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1961-62 season. He went on to play 100 games with the Detroit Red Wings from 1962-63 to 1963-64.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Faulkner’s family, friends and former teammates. He blazed the trail for 30 other Newfoundland-born players to reach the NHL, including Michael Ryder, Daniel Cleary, Ryane Clowe, Teddy Purcell, Alex Newhook and Dawson Mercer.