NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 21, 2026

by | Feb 21, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 21, 2026

Canada and the United States advance to the Olympic Men’s gold-medal game, Finland and Slovakia to meet for the bronze medal, and the latest NHL news in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines.

OLYMPIC MEN’S HOCKEY NEWS

NHL.COM: Nathan MacKinnon scored with 35.2 seconds remaining in the third period to lift Canada over Finland by a score of 3-2.

Team Canada center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL.com)

Finland held a 2-0 lead early in the second period on goals by Mikko Rantanen and Erik Haula. However, they inexplicably went into a defensive shell for the rest of the game, allowing Canada to tie the game on goals by Sam Reinhart and Shea Theodore, setting the stage for MacKinnon’s game-winner.

Canada will face the United States in the gold-medal game on Sunday at 8 AM ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the second straight comeback victory for Canada, and like their game against Czechia on Wednesday, it had its share of controversy.

Before Theodore’s goal, Canadian winger Brad Marchand collided with Finnish goaltender Juuse Saros after he appeared to be pushed by Haula. Both players quickly got to their feet, and Saros was back in position for Theodore’s shot, which deflected off his shoulder into the net.

Saros protested to the officials that it was goaltender interference, but there was no challenge from his coach. Some observers questioned that decision, but had that challenge failed (and it likely would’ve), the Finns would’ve been assessed a delay of game penalty with the score tied at two.

It should be noted that Saros was outstanding for Finland. With his teammates trying to sit on their two-goal lead, the Nashville Predators’ goaltender made 36 saves. If not for him, the Canadians lead would’ve been wider.

Finland challenged MacKinnon’s goal, claiming Canadian winger Macklin Celebrini was offside on a zone entry about a minute beforehand. However, the video review showed Celebrini was onside, albeit barely.

Canada got the win without team captain Sidney Crosby, who is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury suffered against Czechia. Connor McDavid took over the captaincy for this game. Crosby could return to action in the gold-medal game on Sunday.

McDavid continues to be an offensive force for Canada. The Edmonton Oilers center set the Olympic men’s hockey single tournament points record with 13, breaking the previous mark of 11 points jointly held by Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu in the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Celebrini is also shining for Canada. The 19-year-old San Jose Sharks superstar sits second in points with 10 and leads all scorers in this tournament with five goals. He logged a team-leading 25:53 of ice time against Finland and also led Canada in shots and scoring chances.

The United States punched its ticket to the gold-medal game with a 6-2 victory over Slovakia.

Jack Hughes scored twice, Zach Werenski collected three assists, and Jack Eichel, Brady Tkachuk, and Tage Thompson each had a goal and an assist. Juraj Slafkovsky and Pavol Regenda replied for Slovakia, who will face Finland on Saturday in the bronze-medal game at 2:30 PM ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Slovakia exceeded expectations in this tournament by getting this far, but this underdog club was no match for the powerful Americans, who held a 5-0 lead after two periods.

Thompson left this game after the second period with an undisclosed injury for precautionary reasons. An update on his status could be announced on Saturday.

The stage is now set for the rematch of the 4 Nations Face-Off final that everyone knew was coming. If Canada wins, they’ll become the first nation to win 10 gold medals in Olympic Men’s hockey. If the United States takes gold, it’ll be their third, and the first since the Miracle on Ice in 1980.

The Americans are looking forward to that game. Like Canada, they’re undefeated in this tournament. They feel they’re peaking as a team at the right time, but they’re not taking their Canadian opponents lightly.

NHL NEWS

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks center Filip Chytil is sidelined indefinitely with a facial fracture after a puck struck him during practice on Wednesday.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers center Matt Rempe will undergo a second procedure on his left thumb and will be placed on injured reserve. No timeline was given for his return.

TSN: Gavin McKenna collected eight points to lead Penn State to an 11-4 rout of Ohio State, breaking the school’s previous single-game record of five points. McKenna is the projected top prospect in this year’s NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McKenna was recently charged with misdemeanor simple assault, disorderly conduct, and harassment following an alleged altercation in January. A felony charge of aggravated assault was subsequently dropped. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 11.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 12, 2026

by | Feb 12, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 12, 2026

Juraj Slafkovsky leads Slovakia to an upset over Finland, Italy throws a scare into Sweden, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky scored two goals and collected an assist as Slovakia upset Finland 4-1 in the opening game of the 2026 Olympic Men’s hockey tournament. St. Louis Blues rookie center Dalibor Dvorsky also scored, and Minnesota Wild goalie prospect Samuel Hlavaj stopped 39 shots for Slovakia. Eeli Tolvanen scored, and Juuse Saros made 21 saves for Finland.

Slovakia winger Juraj Slafkovsky (AP.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Slafkovsky picked up from where he left off four years ago when he was named tournament MVP after leading Slovakia to a bronze medal, the country’s first in Olympic Men’s ice hockey. He silenced the critics who felt he would struggle against deeper clubs in these Olympics, as they overlooked the fact that Slafkovsky has four NHL seasons under his belt and is becoming a scoring star with the Canadiens.

Hlavaj was outstanding for Slovakia between the pipes. He tended to slide around a bit in his crease, but his acrobatic style and quick glove hand made the difference, making him the star of this game.

The questions that dogged Finnish goalie Juuse Saros since last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off persist. He looked shaky at times in this contest and could be replaced in the next game by Vancouver Canucks netminder Kevin Lankinen. However, Saros didn’t get much help from his teammates, who managed to get only one shot past Hlavaj.

IIHF.COM: Third-period goals by Mika Zibanejad and Victor Hedman lifted Sweden over Italy 5-2. Rasmus Dahlin collected three assists while Zibanejad and Gustav Forsling each had a goal and an assist for Sweden, who outshot Italy 60-22 in this contest.

Italian goalie and Anaheim Ducks prospect Damien Clara was outstanding for Italy, making 46 saves before leaving with an injury with 14 minutes remaining in the third period. Luca Frigo and former Canadiens prospect Matt Bradley scored for the Italians.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thanks to Clara’s heroics, the gritty Italians threw a scare into the heavily favored Swedes in this game. They opened the scoring, tied the game at 2 in the second period, and hung tough in this one until Zibanejad made it 4-2.

Boston Bruins center Elias Lindholm came off injured reserve, enabling him to play for Sweden in this game.

NHL.COM: Switzerland officially named Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi as their team captain for this tournament. New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier, Los Angeles Kings winger Kevin Fiala, and Winnipeg Jets winger Nino Niederreiter were named alternate captains.

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu believes the Olympic neck guard mandate is a major opportunity for NHL adoption. He interviewed several NHL players in this tournament who had different opinions on the subject, but it could be a matter of time before they’re worn more frequently.

CHL.CA: The Canadian Hockey League announced its top-50 players of the past 50 years. Fans can vote from Feb. 10 to March 10 to determine the final ranking of these players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The list includes current NHL stars such as Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Connor Bedard, and Hall of Famers like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Patrick Roy. Follow the link above for the full list and details on how you can vote to determine the final ranking.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The postponed Jan. 26 game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Blue Jackets is scheduled for Monday, March 9, at 4 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That start time isn’t sitting well with some Blue Jackets fans, who pointed out they’ll be at work when that game begins.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 25, 2025

by | Nov 25, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 25, 2025

A look at the goalie market, the Canucks could become sellers, and an update on Jets center Brad Lambert in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHICH GOALIES COULD BECOME TRADE OPTIONS?

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon looked at some goaltending options for clubs (like the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens) that could look to level up their goaltending.

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

The St. Louis Blues’ early-season struggles have led to Jordan Binnington resurfacing in the rumor mill. However, his stats are among the league’s worst.

Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators has also been suggested as a trade target, but his full no-movement clause makes him unlikely to be moved.

Jonathan Quick could be an option if the New York Rangers are out of playoff contention by the March 6 trade deadline. He’s having a strong final chapter to his NHL career as Igor Shesterkin’s backup.

The Toronto Maple Leafs could become sellers if their current woes persist. With Anthony Stolarz under contract for four more years and the Leafs entering a possible transitional phase, Dixon suggested that Joseph Woll could be moved for the right return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dixon cautioned that adding any of those goalies is no guarantee that they’re going to turn into Scott Wedgewood, whose career was rejuvenated after being acquired last season by the Colorado Avalanche.

Binnington carries a 14-team no-trade list. His $6 million annual cap hit could also be a deal-breaker unless the Blues retain part of it.

It’s doubtful that Saros will be going anywhere after the Predators re-signed him to a lucrative long-term contract, especially after they traded away promising Yaroslav Askarov to the San Jose Sharks in August 2024.

Quick might be a quick fix for a playoff contender, and seems the most likely on the list to get traded. Still, he’s turning 40 and is now best in a supporting role. As for Woll, if the Leafs trade him, they’re just making their situation worse. If they’re in transition, it would make sense to keep that tandem of Woll and Stolarz together to maintain some semblance of stability between the pipes.

Meanwhile, Dixon’s colleague Elliotte Friedman proposed two goalies that might be of interest to the Montreal Canadiens. He indicated that some people wondered if the Detroit Red Wings might move Cam Talbot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings are in the thick of the playoff race in the Atlantic Division. Talbot’s their best goaltender. They’re not trading him to a divisional rival, and have no intention of moving him unless they’re out of playoff contention by the March deadline.

Friedman suggested Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen could be an interesting name to watch. He thinks the Canadiens are among the teams “doing their research” on the Buffalo Sabres netminder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Luukkonen came up because he was sidelined by an early-season injury and struggled a bit during his return. Meanwhile, backup Alex Lyon and call-up Colten Ellis were playing well, prompting some observers to wonder if the Sabres might peddle their starter.

However, it’s doubtful the Sabres will move Luukkonen. They don’t know for certain what they’ve got in Ellis, who isn’t waiver-exempt. For now, they appear content to stick with three goalies.

ARE THE CANUCKS ABOUT TO BECOME SELLERS?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman cited several sources indicating that the Vancouver Canucks have let it be known that they’re willing to entertain trade offers for veteran players.

Friedman stated that the list of veterans they’re willing to listen on doesn’t include defenseman and team captain Quinn Hughes. It’s also unlikely that blueliner Filip Hronek is available.

It appears the Canucks are willing to listen to offers for pending unrestricted free agents or players with a year or two remaining on their contracts. However, they don’t wish to engage in a full roster rebuild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those pending UFAs include forwards Evander Kane, Teddy Blueger, Kiefer Sherwood, and David Kampf, and defensemen Derek Forbort. Those with one or two years remaining on their contracts include forwards Filip Chytil and Drew O’Connor, and defenseman Tyler Myers.

Of those, Sherwood could be the most enticing. He carries an affordable $1.5 million cap hit, had a career-best 40-point performance in 2024-25, and has 12 goals and 16 points in 23 games this season.

THE LATEST ON BRAD LAMBERT

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates reports the Winnipeg Jets have no interest in trading Brad Lambert to acquiesce to his trade request. They hold plenty of leverage, with the 21-year-old forward waiver-exempt until next season.

Ates believes GM Kevin Cheveldayoff won’t move Lambert unless it benefits the Jets. He speculates that the youngster could be bundled with draft capital at the trade deadline to acquire an impact player. If no sensible offers come their way, they’re content to retain Lambert until he’s NHL-ready.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James observed that NHL insider Frank Seravalli included the Flyers among his list of four clubs that could be a good fit for Lambert. The others were the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, and Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Based on Ates’ comments, the Flames or Canucks could be the more likely trade partners as they are likely to be among the sellers at the trade deadline, if not sooner. The Canadiens and Flyers aren’t parting with an impact player for a prospect and a draft pick.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 14, 2025

by | Nov 14, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 14, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Roundup, there’s a list of potential trade chips for the Predators. Meanwhile, Flames winger Blake Coleman is garnering some interest, and we look at a list of possible destinations for former Leafs center David Kampf.

THE LATEST ON THE PREDATORS

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty suggested some options for the Nashville Predators if general manager Barry Trotz becomes a seller by the March 6 trade deadline.

Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos (NHL Images)

He considers Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, Nick Perbix, and Matthew Wood as untouchable. He believes center Ryan O’Reilly is their best trade chip, suggesting he might fetch a high pick and a good prospect.

Jonathan Marchessault is among those in Daugherty’s “only if the price is right” category. Forward Steven Stamkos and goaltender Juuse Saros have been oft-mentioned in early-season media trade speculation. Still, Daugherty believes it would be complicated getting them to waive their no-movement clauses.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes Trotz would consider moving Stamkos and Marchessault if the Predators are out of playoff contention by the trade deadline.

Stamkos might be open to a change later in the season. However, it’s more than that he stays put.

It’s LeBrun’s understanding that a few teams have been poking around regarding Marchessault, who carries a more affordable cap hit ($5.5 million) than Stamkos’ $8 million average annual value. However, his contract is a year longer (running through 2028-29), and also has a full no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection. He’s signed through next season with an affordable AAV of $4.5 million. There was some interest in him last season, but the Predators treated O’Reilly as though he had a no-trade clause, leaving the final decision up to him. If that’s still the case, he might not be going anywhere.

It will be interesting to see how many teams would consider acquiring Stamkos and Marchessault. The respective performances of those aging stars will determine their value in the trade market, provided they’re willing to waive their no-movement clauses. 

FLAMES FORWARD BLAKE COLEMAN COULD BECOME A TRADE CANDIDATE

TSN: Pierre LeBrun noted the early-season trade speculation swirling around Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri and defenseman Rasmus Andersson. However, he wouldn’t be surprised if Blake Coleman was drawing more interest from rival clubs.

LeBrun said the Flames aren’t shopping the versatile 33-year-old winger. Nevertheless, he claimed that some teams have told general manager Craig Conroy that they would be interested in Coleman if he became available by the March 6 trade deadline.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period saying he believes that the Devils have also expressed interest in Coleman, who began his NHL career in New Jersey before getting traded to Tampa Bay during the 2019-20 season.

Nichols noted the Flames and Devils have a trade history, with Tyler Toffoli and Jacob Markstrom moving from Calgary to New Jersey in recent years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun indicated that Coleman has a modified no-trade clause (10-team approved trade list), giving him some control over the situation. He’s also signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $4.9 million.

LATEST ON DAVID KAMPF

TSN: Darren Dreger observed that the Toronto Maple Leafs will terminate the contract of David Kampf. The 30-year-old center will become a free agent on Friday once he clears unconditional waivers.

Dreger anticipates that there will be a long list of suitors for Kampf among teams in the market for centers. He said the Pittsburgh Penguins seem to have some interest. The Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, and Vancouver Canucks could also be among them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas brought Kampf to Toronto as a free agent in 2021 while GM of the Maple Leafs.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 12, 2025

by | Nov 12, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 12, 2025

The latest speculation on the Blues, Oilers, Rangers, and Maple Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford confirmed a recent report by NHL insider Frank Seravalli claiming that St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong has told his peers that he’s “open for business.” However, Rutherford points out that Armstrong has done that in previous seasons and made no significant subtractions from his roster.

A league source told Rutherford that one NHL club contacted the Blues about Jordan Kyrou after the winger was a healthy scratch against the Buffalo Sabres last week. It’s not known if the Blues are shopping the 28-year-old Kyrou, who was the subject of trade speculation last summer before his no-trade clause kicked in on July 1.

St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn (NHL Images)

Rutherford suggested Brayden Schenn as another trade possibility. He drew plenty of interest leading up to last season’s trade deadline, but told the Blues he wanted to stay. However, he might reconsider given the way this season is going.

Finding a suitable trade partner will be difficult at this stage of the season because most clubs are still settling into the season and aren’t sure what type of deals they want to make.

BLEACHER REPORT: Frank Seravalli doesn’t expect Kyrou will be the first player out the door if the Blues become sellers. He believes it’ll be Schenn, based on the limited number of available centers in the trade market and the interest in the 34-year-old Blues captain at last season’s trade deadline.

Seravalli believes the Blues should bolster their defense corps if they make a foray into the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Armstrong is willing to listen to offers, but it’s still too early to consider him a seller. He’s seen this club dig itself out of deep holes in the standings before with many of the current players, and he’ll likely allow them to do so again. They’re only four points out of a wild-card berth in the Western Conference.

However, if the Blues continue to struggle and fall further out of contention, Armstrong could become more motivated to shake things up. Schenn could be easier to move than Kyrou, given the latter has full no-trade protection while the former has a 15-team no-trade list.

LATEST ON THE OILERS, RANGERS, AND MAPLE LEAFS

BLEACHER REPORT: Frank Seravalli wondered how the Edmonton Oilers would improve their goaltending given their limited salary-cap space and trade capital. He noted that some observers have suggested that they attempt to acquire Juuse Saros from the Nashville Predators.

However, Seravalli doesn’t consider Saros the answer for the Oilers. He pointed out that the 30-year-old Predators goalie carries an eight-year contract to age 38, his stats haven’t been good, and his size and ability to win in the playoffs remain a big question.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Saros suggestion is coming from some desperate Oilers followers. Some of them are the same group that thought Connor Ingram was the answer to their goaltending woes.

Seravalli made good points about why Saros is unattainable for the Oilers and why he’s not much of an improvement over their current starter Stuart Skinner. What’s overlooked is the fact that Saros has a full no-movement clause, which he probably doesn’t want to waive because he wants to stay in Nashville. He wouldn’t have signed that eight-year deal if he didn’t.

Seravalli believes the New York Rangers’ poor early-season home record is merely an aberration, pointing out that they have a strong road record. He indicated how much their defense has improved in front of goaltender Igor Shesterkin and believes they could become a Stanley Cup contender if they can boost their scoring and improve their depth among their bottom-six forwards.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s a long season, and the Rangers are still adjusting to the system of new head coach Mike Sullivan. General manager Chris Drury has been tinkering with his roster since last December. He could become a buyer if the Rangers move up among the top-four clubs in the Eastern Conference when January rolls around.

Seravalli reports that David Kampf continues to evaluate his options. The Toronto Maple Leafs have given the 30-year-old center permission to seek a trade, terminate his contract to seek a deal with another NHL team, or terminate his deal and head to Europe.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 11, 2025

by | Nov 11, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 11, 2025

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

WILL THE OILERS SHOP FOR A GOALTENDER?

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell examined what a trade to shake up the struggling Edmonton Oilers might look like. He speculated it could take moving one or more of Matthew Savoie, their 2027 first-round pick, and a veteran such as Adam Henrique or Brett Kulak to bring in a goaltender who might be an upgrade over current starter Stuart Skinner.

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

Mitchell suggested Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators if the latter would agree to take on Henrique and Skinner and retain part of Saros’ $7.74 million average annual value. A more prudent move would be replacing struggling backup goalie Calvin Pickard, perhaps by targeting Sebastian Cossa of the Detroit Red Wings.

A wild card would be Marc-Andre Fleury. He retired at the end of last season, but it might be prudent to monitor his situation in case he changes his mind by midseason.

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector believes the clock is ticking for the Edmonton Oilers to resolve their goaltending woes. He believes Stuart Skinner’s time as their unchallenged starting goalie is over, citing the 26-year-old’s ongoing inconsistency. Spector called on general manager Stan Bowman to find an upgrade.

Spector acknowledged the difficulty Bowman would face. Saros has seven years remaining on his contract with the Predators. The St. Louis Blues might not wish to part with franchise goalie Jordan Binnington (whose stats are worse than Skinner’s). He also noted that Bowman missed the opportunity to land Scott Wedgewood and John Gibson during the summer, though the latter may not have wanted to come to Canada anyway.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Oilers insider Bob Stauffer defending Skinner’s record and questioning if there was much of a goalie market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There isn’t much of a goalie market right now, which is why the Oilers haven’t replaced Skinner or Pickard.

Saros is a pipe dream right now. The Predators are struggling, but they’re not tearing down the roster and rebuilding at this point. Saros has a full no-movement clause and could be unwilling to waive it.

Cossa is an interesting suggestion, but the Red Wings aren’t likely to move out the guy they see as their future starter. Mitchell mentioned Michal Postava, but he’s more of a wild card than Fleury.

As for Fleury, he’s not changing his mind about retirement. He said as much after his brief appearance in a preseason game with the Pittsburgh Penguins to bring his NHL career full circle.

THE LATEST SABRES SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn wondered if Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams would make a move in the trade market with forward Jiri Kulich sidelined indefinitely with a blood clot.

Finding a willing trade partner when the Eastern Conference is wide open won’t be easy. Not many teams are in sell mode yet. Some players that might interest the Sabres could be difficult to acquire if they have no-trade clauses.

Fairburn doesn’t see Adams shaking things up in a big way, but he believes the Sabres GM should try to do something to help his banged-up roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It could take several weeks for the trade market to improve. By then, it might be too late to help the Sabres. For now, they must explore internal options or keep an eye on the waiver wire.