NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 19, 2024

by | Aug 19, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 19, 2024

Taylor Hall hopes to be a difference-maker for the Blackhawks, the Oilers trade Cody Ceci to the Sharks and acquire Vasily Podkolzin from the Canucks, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Taylor Hall hopes to be a difference-maker this season for the Blackhawks after missing most of last season recovering from ACL surgery on his right knee.

The Blackhawks acquired Hall last summer from the Boston Bruins to ease the offensive burden for rookie center Connor Bedard. However, the 33-year-old winger was in only 10 games before undergoing surgery in November.

Chicago Blackhawks winger Taylor Hall (NHL Images).

Now recovered, Hall is confident he can be “a solid contributor” to the Blackhawks, citing his offseason preparations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hall is also in the final year of his contract. A solid bounce-back effort could make him a valuable trade chip for the Blackhawks at the trade deadline, and bolster his stock in next summer’s free-agent market.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers traded defenseman Cody Ceci and a 2025 third-round pick to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Ty Emberson.

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks traded winger Vasily Podkolzin to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ceci, 30 is in the final season of his contract with a cap hit of $3.25 million. The 24-year-old Emberson is on a one-year, $950K contract.

Podkolzin is signed through 2025-26 with an annual cap hit of $1 million. Chosen 10th overall by the Canucks in the 2019 NHL Draft, Podkolzin had a promising NHL debut with 14 goals and 26 points in 79 games during the 2021-22 season. However, he struggled in the next two seasons, in part because the Canucks went through three head coaches during that time.

These moves created a stir among Oilers followers. Their club has until Tuesday to match the offers sheets signed by defenseman Philip Broberg and winger Dylan Holloway with the St. Louis Blues.

Puckpedia indicates these moves mean the Oilers can match both offer sheets if Evander Kane undergoes surgery and is placed on long-term injury reserve. However, they’ll have to make a trade once Kane comes off LTIR to become cap-compliant. If they match Broberg but not Holloway, they won’t have to make another trade once Kane comes off LTIR.

Ceci’s departure and the acquisition of Podkolzin suggest they’re retaining Broberg and parting ways with Holloway. We’ll find out for sure by no later than Tuesday.

THE SCORE: San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky looks forward to seeing competition among top prospects Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith as they attempt to land full-time roster spots in training camp next month.

Celebrini, 18, was the first-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Smith, 19, was selected fourth overall in the 2023 draft. Both centers are expected to play significant roles for the rebuilding Sharks.

Sharks general manager Mike Grier said his plan is for Celebrini and Smith to play their natural center position rather than move them to the wing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Celebrini and Smith could become contenders for the Calder Memorial Trophy if things pan out as hoped for the Sharks this season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins won’t be playing for his native Latvia in their upcoming Olympic qualifying tournament for personal reasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Merzlikins could be focused on preparing for the upcoming NHL season. He’s coming off a tumultuous campaign with the Blue Jackets, at one point asking to be traded before withdrawing the request. The 30-year-old netminder will be trying to establish himself as the Blue Jackets starting goaltender.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski examines the Sabres’ blueline depth to determine who their defense pairings could be this season.

He expects new head coach Lindy Ruff to pair top blueliner Rasmus Dahlin with Mattias Samuelsson. Bowen Byram and Owen Power could be their second pairing, leaving Henri Jokiharju, Connor Clifton, Jacob Bryson and Dennis Gilbert jockeying for the third pairing.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 10, 2024

by | Aug 10, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 10, 2024

Predicting which players will fill six captain vacancies, the club Ryan McDonagh considers a team to beat this season, Oliver Kylington explains why he signed with the Avalanche, a make-or-break season for Ilya Samsonov, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman recently predicted which players he believes will fill the vacant captaincies for the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, Seattle Kraken, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Utah Hockey Club.

Wegman thinks Mason McTavish will become the Ducks’ next captain in 2025-26, filling a role last filled by Ryan Getzlaf from 2010 to 2022. He predicts Rasmus Dahlin will fill the vacant Sabres captaincy after Kyle Okoposo was traded to Florida in March.

Connor Bedard could be the next Blackhawks captain in 2025-26, filling the role previously held by Jonathan Toews from 2008 to 2023. Wegman believes Yanni Gourde should be tapped for the captaincy of the Seattle Kraken, a position last held by Mark Giordano during their inaugural season (2021-22).

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (NHL Images).

Victor Hedman is Webman’s choice as Lightning captain, replacing the departed Steven Stamkos (2014-2024). Clayton Keller is his pick to captain Utah, whose previous one was Oliver Ekman-Larsson from 2018 to 2021 during the franchise’s incarnation in Arizona.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hedman is the obvious choice for Tampa Bay. Time will tell if the others get the job with their respective clubs. Bedard could be named Blackhawks captain if he establishes himself as a leader on and off the ice. Dahlin would be a solid option for the Sabres.

TSN: Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh believes the Nashville Predators could be a force to be reckoned with this season. The 35-year-old defenseman spent the past two seasons with the Predators before being traded back to Tampa Bay in May.

McDonagh cited how the Predators rallied in midseason after being counted out by observers to reach the playoffs. “There’s no question that they’re going to be a team to beat this season,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The additions of Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei and former Lightning captain Steven Stamkos should also bolster the Predators this season.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Former Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington explained why he chose to sign with the Colorado Avalanche this summer. He indicated the Flames were in the picture for a long time but the Avalanche made him feel like they really wanted him.

“It was a very compelling factor that they wanted me so much that I felt that all the pieces beyond that felt natural to choose. It felt good considering how hungry they are. I am involved in a new start with a new organization,” he said.

Kylington also remains grateful for the support he received from the Flames and their fans when he took time away to deal with his mental health.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Anthony Larocco wonders which version of Ilya Samsonov the Vegas Golden Knights will be getting as their new backup goaltender this season. The 27-year-old Samsonov is on his third team in five years and this season could be his last chance to prove he belongs in the NHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Consistency has been an issue for Samsonov in his five-season NHL career. He’s on a one-year contract with the Golden Knights and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Another shaky performance could make this season his last in the NHL.

THE ATHLETIC’s Aaron Portzline reported on X.com that the Columbus Blue Jackets are getting closer to a new contract with forward Cole Sillinger. It’s believed to be a two-year deal.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars general manager Jim Nill is still confident he’ll get restricted free agent defenseman Thomas Harley under contract soon. He said that talks continue between the two sides. “We’re going to get him signed,” said Nill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Training camps don’t open for another month – plenty of time for Sillinger, Harley, and other RFAs to be signed to new deals. The time to start worrying is when training camp opens if they aren’t under contract. Until then, enjoy what’s left of the summer.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 9, 2024

by | Aug 9, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 9, 2024

How much could Canucks winger Brock Boeser get on his next contract? Could the Sabres pursue Flyers forward Joel Farabee? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston looked at what Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser could get on his next contract.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

Boeser, 27, is coming off the best season of his NHL career, with 40 goals and 73 points in 81 games. He’s in the final season of his three-year contract with a cap hit of $6.65 million, putting him in a strong negotiating position if he repeats last season’s performance.

Johnston argues that Boeser isn’t in the range of the top wingers despite his solid two-way play.

He noted the four players ahead of Boeser on the salary table (Anaheim’s Troy Terry, Minnesota’s Matt Boldy, the New York Islanders’ Anders Lee, and Colorado’s Gabriel Landeskog) each carry an average annual value of $7 million.

The next three above them are Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor ($7.142 million), Utah’s Clayton Keller ($7.15 million), and Dallas’ Jason Robertson ($7.75 million).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston believes Boeser will get a raise on his next contract but it could be difficult to determine how much it’ll be.

It could come in between $7 million and $8 million annually on a seven or eight-year deal. However, another 40-goal season ensures it’ll be pushed into the $9 million range for the Canucks and even higher if he tests the open market.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: During a recent mailbag segment, Lance Lysowski was asked if there was a chance the Sabres remain interested in Philadelphia Flyers forward Joel Farabee.

Lysowksi noted the Sabres have $8.4 million in cap space, of which some will go to re-signing forward Peyton Krebs. However, he believes there’s enough left to add an impact player. He suggested packaging defenseman Connor Clifton in a trade for Farabee or Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers.

Farabee also underwent the same artificial disk replacement surgery as former Sabre Jack Eichel, which could concern Sabres owner Terry Pegula.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres could add another forward but their signing of Jason Zucker last month could be all they do for now. They’ll likely assess their roster during training camp and preseason but any further additions could come from within.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 7, 2024

by | Aug 7, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 7, 2024

The preseason schedule is announced, Evgeny Kuznetsov talks of his struggles with the Capitals and Hurricanes, the Blue Jackets shake up their coaching staff, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The league released its 15-day, 106-game preseason schedule across 40 NHL and neutral-site venues in North America and Europe from Sept. 21 to Oct. 5.

The highlights include the Utah Hockey Club’s debut, the Buffalo Sabres playing in Munich, Germany and the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrating Kraft Hockeyville in Elliot Lake, Ontario.

The opening day of preseason features the Penguins facing off against the Buffalo Sabres, the St. Louis Blues going up against the Dallas Stars, and the Minnesota Wild meeting the Winnipeg Jets.

Former Carolina Hurricanes center Evgeny Kuznetsov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So what are your thoughts on the preseason? Are you looking forward to it? Is it too long? Let me know in the comments below.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Evgeny Kuznetsov told Russia’s MatchTV that he wasn’t happy with his performance during the final two seasons of his NHL career. It bothered him so much that he didn’t want his children to watch him play.

The former Capitals and Hurricanes center admitted last week that he’d been dealing with rheumatoid arthritis that causes pain in the joints. He was taking medication and injections to address the condition. He was also dealing with severe insomnia. Kuznetsov sought help through the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

Kuznetsov said he’s been off the medication for three months and is feeling better as he begins the next stage of his career. He terminated the final year of his NHL contract and signed a four-year deal with KHL club SKA St. Petersburg.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuznetsov said he wants his family, including his children, to see what he can really do now that he’s back in the KHL.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Columbus Blue Jackets shook up their coaching staff under new bench boss Dean Evason.

Assistant coach Mark Recchi was fired after only one season. He joined the club under unusual circumstances last September after Pascal Vincent was promoted to replace head coach Mike Babcock when he was fired just before training camp.

Mike Haviland was promoted from associate coach with their AHL affiliate in Cleveland to join the Blue Jackets staff. Assistant coaches Steve McCarthy and Jared Boll will be retained. Meanwhile, Derek Dorsett resigned from his position as a player development coach.

TSN: New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said he isn’t closing the door to bringing back Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck. The two forwards remain unrestricted free agents.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello has previously waited until the last minute to sign some UFAs due to salary cap constraints. He could do the same with Clutterbuck or Martin but the Islanders are right at the $88 million cap with 22 active roster players under contract.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Konsta Helenius is foregoing the final season of his contract in Finland and is heading to North America to play for the Sabres or their AHL affiliate in Rochester this season. The 18-year-old forward was chosen 14th overall by the Sabres in this year’s NHL Draft.

OTTAWA SUN: Carter Yakemchuk signed his entry-level contract with the Senators. The 18-year-old defenseman was chosen seventh overall in this year’s draft.

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: The Blackhawks signed winger Marek Vanacker to an entry-level deal. The 18-year-old was the 27th overall pick in this year’s draft.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 6, 2024

by | Aug 6, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 6, 2024

Could the Wild acquire Patrik Laine? When will Sidney Crosby re-sign with the Penguins? Are the Rangers interested in Ducks forward Trevor Zegras? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILD INTERESTED IN PATRIK LAINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith and Michael Russo believe Patrik Laine is the type of player Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin would take a chance on if he could afford him.

NHL Network’s Mike Rupp believes the Wild could “kick the tires” on the 26-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets winger, who requested a trade this spring. He felt they needed the “star power” that Laine could bring. “They need somebody else that can help carry the workload as far as putting up big numbers,” said Rupp.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

However, Rupp also expressed concern over how well Laine would fit into the Wild’s system. He noted their style is that of a hardworking, lunchpail group all pulling in the same direction while the Blue Jackets winger is more of a freelancer.

Smith and Russo suggest it might make sense if they can get Laine at half his $8.7 million annual cap hit. However, the cap-strapped Wild have just $1.531 million available, which drops by $1 million if they carry goaltender Jesper Wallstedt.

The Wild could include goaltender Filip Gustavsson in the deal as his cap hit ($3.75 million) almost lines up with Laine’s half-salary. However, former Wild coach Dean Evason is now the Blue Jackets bench boss and couldn’t get good goaltending from Gustavsson before he was fired as the Wild’s coach last fall.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be a bold move by Guerin but would involve plenty of moving parts, such as a third team getting involved to spread Laine’s cap hit around. It could prove too complicated to pull off for the Wild.

MORE MUSINGS OVER THE STATUS OF SIDNEY CROSBY’S CONTRACT EXTENSION.

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: Tim Benz cited Mark Madden expressing his belief that Sidney Crosby will sign his contract extension on his birthday (Aug. 7). “If he doesn’t, I think we can start wondering,” said Madden, suggesting the Penguins should consider trading their captain to avoid the situation becoming a distraction if it drags through the season. However, he stressed he doesn’t see it coming to that.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Jason Mackey also thinks the superstitious Crosby could sign on his birthdate (8/7), pointing out the long-time Penguins star wears that number on his jersey and his current AAV is $8.7 million. Nevertheless, he admits it could become a concern if he doesn’t sign that extension soon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Rob Rossi last week cited sources claiming the two sides were comfortable enough in the direction of those negotiations that they felt comfortable enough to engage in their summer plans and enjoy some downtime.

They may have reached an agreement that could be announced on Aug. 7 or at the latest before the start of training camp. However, if training camp starts without an extension in place, then it’s time to start worrying about the situation.

RANGERS NOT INTERESTED IN TREVOR ZEGRAS

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, Arthur Staple was asked about trade rumors linking New York Rangers winger Kaapo Kakko to someone like the Anaheim Ducks’ Trevor Zegras.

Staple replied he doesn’t think the Rangers have ever been interested in Zegras, “much as the local kid would love to be a Ranger. If they were, it would take more than Kakko to pry him away from the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple was also asked about Kakko being linked to the Buffalo Sabres’ Alex Tuch. He doesn’t believe the Sabres have ever seriously considered moving Tuch but Kakko wouldn’t be enough to entice them.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 4, 2024

by | Aug 4, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 4, 2024

The possible trade value of Islanders center Brock Nelson plus speculation over the futures of Predators winger Philip Tomasino and Sabres forward Peyton Krebs in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHAT WOULD BE BROCK NELSON’S TRADE VALUE?

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple was asked by a reader if the New York Islanders would consider moving Brock Nelson if a contender offered a package like a first-rounder and two seconds or a first and a top prospect.

Staple believes Nelson would rise to the top of the list of Islanders who could fetch a sizeable return if general manager Lou Lamoriello becomes a seller. However, he doesn’t see a team pitching the type of offer proposed by the reader, pointing out the Carolina Hurricanes didn’t end up parting with a first-rounder or a B-plus prospect to get Jake Guentzel.

New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guentzel fetched a decent haul for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Hurricanes gave up winger Michael Bunting, two prospects (Vasili Ponomarev and Ville Koivunen), the rights to college prospect Cruz Lucius, a conditional first-round pick in 2024 (that became a second-rounder when the Hurricanes failed to reach the 2024 Stanley Cup Final), a conditional 2024 fifth-rounder, and minor leaguer Ty Smith.

Nelson’s been the Islanders’ most consistent player over the past five years so Staple isn’t firmly in the trade camp. He believes a lot depends on this season unless Lamoriello extends Nelson before this season begins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nelson can become an unrestricted free agent next July. The 32-year-old center is in the final season of a six-year contract with an average annual value of $6 million and a 16-team no-trade list.

Lamoriello won’t trade Nelson if he’s still playing up to his usual standard and the Islanders are in playoff contention. However, he could become a prime trade candidate if they’re out of contention by the March trade deadline.

In that case, Nelson’s performance will determine his trade value. A first-rounder isn’t out of the question but his age likely means the highest pick the Isles could get is a second-rounder in a package deal. They won’t get any top prospects for him but they could get a decent NHL forward comparable to Bunting.

PHILIP TOMASINO HAS AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE WITH THE PREDATORS

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty reports the Nashville Predators’ recent additions of veteran forwards Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault could squeeze out young winger Philip Tomasino.

Chosen 24th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft by Nashville, the 23-year-old Tomasino split the past two seasons with the Predators and their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee. The club’s apparent lack of confidence and the influx of new talent suggests change could be afoot, though they did qualify his rights. He’ll have to accept the qualifying offer or sign another contract to play this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators only have $595K in cap space for 2024-25 with 20 active roster players under contract. Tomasino could end up heading to Milwaukee for this season on his qualifying offer unless the Predators trade him.

COULD SABRES FORWARD PEYTON KREBS BECOME A TRADE CANDIDATE?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael Augello observed that Buffalo Sabres forward Peyton Krebs remains without a contract. Chosen 17th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2019 NHL Draft, he was part of the trade that sent Jack Eichel to Vegas.

Krebs, 23, has struggled to establish his role in the NHL, spending most of last season in a fourth-line role. Augello noted rumors going back to the March trade deadline linked Krebs to the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Sabres still need a goal scorer to replace Jeff Skinner, who was bought out in June. Augello suggests Flyers forward Joel Farabee could be a fit as he came up in trade rumors earlier this year. He could become a cost-cutting candidate following the Flyers’ signing of Travis Konecny to a long-term extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers are already sitting above the $88 million salary cap by over $829K. However, they’ll get relief by placing permanently sidelined defenseman Ryan Ellis and his $6.25 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve.

Farabee’s $5 million cap hit through 2027-28 is a concern for the Flyers if his consistency doesn’t improve. That will also make it difficult for the Flyers to shed his contract. Given his cap hit, Farabee must improve to be enticing for the Sabres at that price.