NHL Rumor Mill – September 18, 2025

by | Sep 18, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 18, 2025

Check out the latest on Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, Stars winger Jason Robertson, Avalanche forward Martin Necas, Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports the uncertainty over defenseman Quinn Hughes’ future with the Vancouver Canucks has several teams, including the Detroit Red Wings, keeping an eye on his situation.

Hughes, who turns 26 next month, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent when his contract expires in 2027. Media speculation suggests the Canucks could consider trading their captain if he’s unwilling to sign a contract extension.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Jim Rutherford, the Canucks’ president of hockey operations, knows his club must improve this season to better its chances of re-signing Hughes. They attempted to acquire a second-line center during the offseason, but the asking prices were high. However, he might have to bite the bullet if he wants to hang onto his franchise player.

Rutherford acknowledged that Hughes might want to move on even if the Canucks improve, perhaps to join his brothers (Jack and Luke), who currently play for the New Jersey Devils. However, he said that’s not a certainty, and the Canucks will try to build the best team they can around him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This season is a crucial one for the Canucks. If they bounce back from last season’s disappointing performance, it could convince Hughes to sign an extension next summer. If they struggle again, it could set the stage for his departure, perhaps as early as the March 2026 trade deadline.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos reports Stars GM Jim Nill said contract talks with Jason Robertson are at a standstill.

The 26-year-old winger is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next July, and he’ll be UFA-eligible by July 2027 unless he and the Stars agree to a long-term deal next summer. His current average annual value (AAV) is $7.75 million.

Rumors swirled this summer suggesting Robertson could price himself out of Dallas because of the club’s limited salary-cap space. Some wondered if he could be traded, but Nill believes things were blown out of proportion.

Nill said the Stars had to shed salary this summer. That prompted teams to contact them about certain players, including Robertson, before they eventually shipped out Mason Marchment to Seattle and Matt Dumba to Pittsburgh in cost-cutting moves.

However, Nill had no intention of trading Robertson. The goal is to reach an agreement on a long-term extension that works for both sides. The Stars GM said neither side is in a rush because plenty of time remains to get a deal done. He indicated that both sides want to see what the market looks like.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It might be a different story if Robertson were UFA eligible next July. In this case, however, both sides can remain patient and see how things unfold this season. If it appears a deal isn’t possible, the Stars can peddle him next summer, where there won’t be a lack of suitors, especially if Robertson has another good season.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak reports Martin Necas had little to say about the possibility of a contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche. The 26-year-old forward is UFA-eligible next summer.

“We’re talking, and we’ll see what’s going to happen,” Necas said. “I can’t really tell you. I don’t even know. It will be interesting. It’s more about my agent.”

Masisek believes everyone is waiting for Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid and Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov to reset the market, but neither of them is close to signing. Necas joined the Avalanche last season in the Mikko Rantanen trade, and the two sides haven’t had much time to determine if they’re a long-term fit.

Necas could be expensive to re-sign if he plays well this season. If a deal isn’t possible, the Avalanche might not be as lucky in replacing him as they were in replacing Rantanen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas’ situation has been overshadowed by all the attention on McDavid, Kaprizov, Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor, and Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe. Nevertheless, he could become the top forward in next summer’s UFA market if those three end up re-signing with their current teams.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported on Tuesday that the New Jersey Devils and restricted free-agent defenseman Luke Hughes continue to “grind away” in their contract talks.

Once Hughes is re-signed, LeBrun wonders what the future holds for Devils blueliner Dougie Hamilton. “How many power-play quarterbacks do you need in the modern NHL?”, he asked.

Hamilton has three years left on his contract with an AAV of $9 million and a 10-team list of teams that he can be traded to. LeBrun believes that’s something to file away until the March 6 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton’s name popped up frequently this summer in the rumor mill. The Devils have just over $6 million in cap space, and it could cost them over $8 million to get Hughes under contract. That could result in a cost-cutting trade, which is why Hamilton has surfaced in recent trade speculation.

THE ATHLETIC: Jesse Granger reports the Utah Mammoth will place goaltender Connor Ingram on waivers as the two sides have agreed to part ways.

Ingram recently completed the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. The club is happy for him and his path to recovery. However, they are set in goal this season with Karel Vejmelka and offseason acquisition Vitek Vanecek, while Jaxson Stauber is under contract for the next two years.

Granger listed the Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Ottawa Senators as possible landing spots for Ingram.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ingram, 28, is in the final season of a three-year contract with a cap hit of $1.95 million.

TSN: Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios said forward Alex Formenton will not be returning to the club. Both sides agree he’d be better off with a fresh start elsewhere, and the club is gauging the trade market.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames are not bringing back Dillon Dube. GM Craig Conroy felt the winger would be better off with a fresh start elsewhere.

TSN: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving remains in the market for a top-six forward. However, he dismissed recent speculation linking his club to Dube.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Formenton and Dube were among the five former Hockey Canada players found not guilty of sexual assault stemming from an incident in June 2018 in London, Ontario.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 14, 2025

by | Sep 14, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 14, 2025

Canadiens winger Ivan Demidov and Senators defenseman Carter Yakemchuk shine in rookie tournament play, Kings winger Corey Perry is sidelined, Blackhawks re-sign goalie Spencer Knight, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Canadiens winger Ivan Demidov had a goal and two assists in a 4-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets during the first of their two games in the 2025 Prospects Showdown at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Montreal Canadiens rookie winger Ivan Demidov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All eyes in Montreal are on Demidov after his promising performance in two regular-season games and five playoff contests last season. He didn’t disappoint in this game, including his game-tying highlight-reel goal. The 19-year-old winger is considered the early favorite to win the Calder Memorial Trophy this season.

Granted, this was just one game in a rookie tournament before training camps open later this season. Nevertheless, Demidov’s play will stoke the buzz surrounding this youngster.

OTTAWA SUN: Defenseman Carter Yakemchuk tallied twice and collected an assist as the Senators nipped the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 in the Prospects Showdown.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yakemchuk hopes to crack the Senators’ roster. The puck-moving blueliner had a promising camp last season but was among the late cuts because his defensive game needed work. If he’s improved that aspect of his game, he could become a welcome addition on the right side of their blueline.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Offseason acquisition Isaac Howard wasn’t a standout for the Oilers in their 6-5 loss to the Calgary Flames on Friday at Rogers Place.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers acquired Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning this summer. Winner of the Hobey Baker Award as last season’s top college player, he’s expected to be on their active roster this season.

THE TENNESSEAN: Forwards Brady Martin and Joakim Kemell were the standouts for the Nashville Predators in their wins over the Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes in rookie tournament play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Martin is the Predators’ first-round pick (fifth overall) in this year’s draft. Kemell is their first-rounder (17th overall) in the 2022 draft. The latter appeared in two games with the Preds last season.

THE ATHLETIC: The St. Louis Blues iced a five-man unit consisting of first-round picks in their prospect tournament games against the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks. Dalibor Dvorsky, Otto Stenberg, and Justin Carbonneau were the forwards, with Adam Jiricek and Theo Lindstein as the defensemen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see if those five go on to become roster regulars for the Blues.

LOS ANGELES TIMES: Kings winger Corey Perry will miss six to eight weeks after undergoing knee surgery following an injury suffered at the club’s training facility on Friday.

The 40-year-old winger signed a one-year contract with the Kings in July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: An unfortunate setback for Perry, whose experience (especially in the postseason) was among the reasons why the Kings signed him.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: The Blackhawks signed goaltender Spencer Knight to a three-year contract extension with an average annual value of $5.83 million. Knight, 24, is in the final season of a three-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks acquired Knight from the Florida Panthers in March. He immediately stepped into the starter’s role with the rebuilding club, sporting a record of 5-8-3 with a 3.18 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage.

NHLPA.COM: Former PA Executive Director Bob Goodenow passed away suddenly on Saturday at age 72.

Goodenow took over the job in 1991, leading the players through a strike in 1992, a half-season lockout in 1994-95, and the lockout that wiped out the 2004-05 season. A fierce advocate for players’ rights, he negotiated landmark gains in salary, free agency, pension, and health benefits, and helped them take control of their name, image, and likeness rights. Goodenow also helped establish pioneering programs such as player salary disclosure, second medical opinion for players, the agent certification program, and working with the NHL to implement the substance abuse and behavioral health programs for players and their families.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Goodenow had a profound effect on the game for the players after they were taken advantage of for yearsby the league and by former PA director Alan Eagleson, who would be jailed for fraud and embezzlement.

Under Goodenow, the players made substantial financial gains. However, his downfall came during the 2004-05 season-killing lockout.

At the beginning of the standoff, Goodenow warned the players that it could take up to two years to achieve their goal of avoiding the salary-cap system advocated by the league. However, their support wavered after the league canceled the season, and he lost the confidence of PA president Trevor Linden. Once the lockout was ended, Goodenow was replaced by Ted Saskin.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 12, 2025

by | Sep 12, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 12, 2025

Check out the latest speculation about Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, and Bruins forward Pavel Zacha in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON KIRILL KAPRIZOV

SPORTSNET: During yesterday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said the Minnesota Wild were surprised that Kirill Kaprizov rejected their offer of an eight-year, $128 million contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaprizov, 28, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The average annual value (AAV) of his current contract is $9 million, and he carries a full no-movement clause. The Wild’s offer had an AAV of $16 million, which would’ve made him the NHL’s highest-paid player, or at least, the highest-paid until Connor McDavid signs his new contract, but that’s another story.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

The Wild must now assess different options to address this situation. One could be increasing their offer. Another could be attempting a sign-and-trade scenario with another team. They could ask Kaprizov which teams he’d be willing to waive his NMC for.

Friedman believes the Kaprizov camp rejected the Wild’s offer because there could be a rival club willing to make him a more expensive proposal. “There’s somebody out there sending up smoke signals, saying ‘We can do better,” Friedman said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Any team that might be signaling a more lucrative offer to the Kaprizov camp had better tread carefully. Under the CBA, making contract offers to a rival player already under contract is considered tampering.

Despite speculation suggesting Kaprizov prefers a short-term deal, Friedman thinks the winger wants to get as many years as possible because of his injury history.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports rumors claiming that the Wild asked Kaprizov for a list of trade destinations are unfounded. “The Wild have not and will not be asking Kaprizov for a trade list,” a source close to the Wild told D’Amico.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Michael Russo, the Wild beat writer for The Athletic, also shot down that rumor.

Contract negotiations between the two sides are ongoing. A source close to the situation claims the Kaprizov camp is pushing for a deal closer to the league maximum of 20 percent of the salary cap, preferring something between $18 million and $19 million annually.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The first season of Kaprizov’s new contract is 2026-27. With the salary cap reaching $104 million next season, the maximum average annual salary he can get is $20.8 million.

A source also told D’Amico that Kaprizov and his representatives are waiting to see what Connor McDavid’s next contract will be. The Edmonton Oilers superstar is also UFA-eligible next summer. It’s expected that McDavid’s next contract will reset the market, giving Kaprizov leverage for a record-breaking deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid would get the league maximum if he asks for it, but he could also accept a little less than market value to give the Oilers some cap flexibility to add players to the roster. His camp could also be waiting to see what Kaprizov gets, which could lead to both players spending months waiting to see what the other one gets.

SHOULD THE SENATORS PURSUE SIDNEY CROSBY?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch wondered if adding Sidney Crosby might make sense for the Senators should the Pittsburgh Penguins captain become available in the trade market.

Garrioch cited the analysts at TSN’s “Overdrive” afternoon radio show, naming the Senators as one of the teams that might consider the possibility, suggesting they’ll be trying to win the Stanley Cup within the next two or three years.

Jeff O’Neill believes Penguins GM Kyle Dubas would want a talented young player (like defenseman Jake Sanderson) or top prospects for the 38-year-old Crosby, who is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $8.7 million and a full no-movement clause.

The Montreal Canadiens have been mentioned as a destination because they were Crosby’s favorite team growing up. O’Neill upset Canadiens fans by suggesting the Penguins would demand promising winger Ivan Demidov or Calder Trophy-winning defenseman Lane Hutson as part of the return.

Garrioch also noted the Colorado Avalanche are also considered a potential destination, in part because of Crosby’s friendship with Avs star Nathan MacKinnon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby will draw plenty of interest if he’s willing to be traded before his contract expires. The Senators will likely look into it. Whether they have the assets that would tempt the Penguins, or the willingness to meet the asking price, is another matter.

As for the Canadiens, trading a top prospect like Demidov or a rising star like Hutson would go against everything that their management has been building over the past three years. They seek success over the long term, not short-term gains that could delay or derail their goal of perennial Stanley Cup contention.

CANADIENS AND FLAMES SAID TO BE INTERESTED IN PAVEL ZACHA

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports an NHL source claims the Canadiens and the Calgary Flames are among the teams to have inquired about the availability of Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zacha, 28, is in the third season of a four-year contract with an AAV of $4.75 million. The versatile forward also has an eight-team no-trade list.

No deal is imminent, but different trade scenarios have been discussed. No names are confirmed, but Murphy’s source said Canadiens forward prospects Joshua Roy and Oliver Kapanen, and defenseman Jayden Struble, have been mentioned as trade candidates as the club continues its search for a second-line center. The Canadiens are reportedly reluctant to mess with their young core for any center.

Multiple sources said that the trade chatter surrounding Zacha this summer hasn’t been coming from the Bruins, but from the teams interested in acquiring him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins hope to bounce back from last season’s poor performance. Trading Zacha would weaken their depth among their top-six forwards. However, the likelihood of his availability will increase if the Bruins struggle during the opening weeks of this season.

Prospects like Roy and Kapanen and roster players like Struble are the kind of players the Canadiens would be willing to dangle in their quest to shore up their depth at center. Depending on the center, they could also include a draft pick in the deal.

As for the Flames, they would prefer a center with a right-hand shot. Zacha shoots left, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be interested if he becomes available.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 4, 2025

by | Sep 4, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 4, 2025

General managers react to the implementation of new CBA rules, Quinn Hughes talks about his future with the Canucks, Blues winger Dylan Holloway on his departure from the Oilers last year, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports on the reaction from several NHL general managers regarding the implementation of new CBA rules regarding a playoff salary cap starting this season.

Teams will no longer be able to stash injured players on long-term injury reserve to use the cap savings to acquire talent for the playoffs. Teams will be limited to a 20-man roster that is cap-compliant for each game.

LeBrun also indicated that changes to the LTIR exception will be applied to salary-cap accounting before the playoffs. “That part needs to be figured out fully before puck drop next month,” he wrote.

Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman believes the changes could result in fewer moves because teams are always looking ahead. However, he understands why there was concern among fans and media regarding how some teams used LTIR to bolster their rosters for the playoffs.

Washington Capitals GM Chris Patrick believes teams will have to learn as they go and start developing new strategies. Brad Treliving of the Toronto Maple Leafs acknowledged the logic behind the change, and Kent Hughes of the Montreal Canadiens believes it ensures all teams are on an equal footing.

Ken Holland of the Los Angeles Kings was at the forefront of those suggesting a playoff cap several years ago. “I think it’s great for the league, great for the fans, great for the players,” Holland said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see how the general managers adjust to the changes. Player movement could be affected during the season, especially in the weeks leading up to the annual trade deadline.

LeBrun also reported that the 2026-27 regular season will begin in late September, and the Stanley Cup will be awarded no later than mid-June. The preseason will be shortened, while the regular-season schedule will be expanded to 84 games.

SPORTSNET: Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes said Tuesday that he hasn’t made any decisions yet about his long-term future with the team.

The 25-year-old defenseman has two years remaining on his contract. He’s eligible to sign a contract extension starting next July. He said he’s focused on helping the Canucks rebound from a disappointing performance last season.

Hughes had hoped that Rick Tocchet would remain as head coach and was disappointed by his departure to the Philadelphia Flyers. However, he praised Adam Foote, who was promoted from defensive coach to replace Tocchet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speculation arose earlier this year suggesting Hughes would like to play with his brothers, Jack and Luke, one day. That prompted rumors that he could be traded to the New Jersey Devils if he’s unwilling to commit to the Canucks beyond 2026-27. The Canucks ability to bounce back from last season’s tumultuous campaign could determine whether Hughes sees his long-term future in Vancouver.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parsons cited Dylan Holloway telling “The Cam & Strick Podcast” that the Edmonton Oilers undervalued him and pushed him out when he wanted to stay.

Holloway, 23, signed an offer sheet with the St. Louis Blues last summer, which the Oilers declined to match. He said it rubbed him the wrong way how little Oilers management thought of him.

“I wanted to go back to a team we went so far with, but as soon as Edmonton didn’t reciprocate that feeling, I was all in on St. Louis,” Holloway said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Parsons wondered if Holloway’s departure affected team captain Connor McDavid, who is UFA-eligible next summer and whose contract extension status is making headlines. He believes the Oilers made “a monumental mistake” letting Holloway go, suggesting that decision could influence the level of trust McDavid has in management’s decisions for the future.

THE MINNESOTA STAR-TRIBUNE: Former NHL stars Zach Parise and Joe Pavelski head the 2025 class for the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

Former NHL forward Scott Gomez, Team USA defender Tara Mounsey, and photographer Bruce Bennett are also among this year’s inductees.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the five members of the US HhoF Class of 2025 for this well-deserved honor.

TSN: Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving said contract extension talks are underway with Anthony Stolarz. The 31-year-old goaltender is UFA-eligible next July.

TSN: Utah Mammoth prospect Tij Iginla is fully healthy after undergoing surgery on both hips last season. The 19-year-old forward appeared in only 21 games with the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets in 2024-25. He was chosen sixth overall by the Mammoth in the 2024 NHL Draft.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators’ ending their seven-year playoff drought last season has had a positive effect on the box office. Cyril Leeder, the club’s president and CEO, said season tickets are up about 15-20 percent from last season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Goaltender Aaron Dell announced his retirement on Wednesday. The 31-year-old spent seven of his 13-season professional career in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres, and New Jersey Devils from 2016-17 to 2022-23.

In 130 regular-season games played, Dell had a record of 50 wins, 50 losses, and 13 overtime losses, with a 2.92 goals-against average, a .905 save percentage, and five shutouts. He saw action in four playoff games, finishing with a 2-2 record, a 3.08 GAA, and an SP of .898.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Former NHL forward Brandon Yip has retired. He spent five seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators, and Arizona Coyotes from 2009-10 to 2013-14, finishing with 29 goals and 27 assists for 56 points in 174 regular-season games. Yip had six points in 16 postseason contests.

From 2014-15 to 2024-25, Yip spent most of his career playing in the KHL, as well as in Germany and Finland.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 29, 2025

by | Aug 29, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 29, 2025

Remembering Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, Mitch Marner talks about leaving the Maple Leafs for the Golden Knights, Kings captain Anze Kopitar talks about the possibility of retirement, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH/CALGARY HERALD: The hockey world is remembering NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, who were killed by an alleged drunk driver one year ago today.

Johnny Gaudreau 1993-2024 (NHL Images).

Johnny, 31, was preparing for his 12th NHL season at the time of his death. He spent nine seasons with the Calgary Flames from 2013-14 to 2021-22 before signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022.

NHL.COM: The Gaudreaus are being remembered by Team USA during its Olympic orientation camp. Defenseman Zach Werenski, Johnny’s teammate with the Blue Jackets, admitted it had been an emotional year, saying he’s learned a lot about himself, about his teammates, friendship, and family.

THE ATHLETIC: The brothers’ parents, Guy and Jane Gaudreau, were briefly hospitalized after learning their sons had been killed. Guy had elevated heart and blood pressure levels, while Jane was in what family members described as a catatonic-like state.

Guy and Jane have since recovered, but continue to deal with the grief as they try to carry on with their lives. Guy is considering coming out of retirement to teach hockey to his sons’ children, while Jane has returned to work as a finance associate at Archbishop Damaino School.

Widows Meredith Gaudreau (Johnny’s wife) and Madeline Gaudreau (Matthew’s wife) formed a charitable foundation to honor their late husbands.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My thoughts are with the Gaudreau family today. A year later, I still cannot adequately put into words the sorrow I feel for their loss.

TSN: In an interview with Mark Masters, Mitch Marner opened up about his bittersweet departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs. After nine seasons with the Leafs, he joined the Vegas Golden Knights on June 30 in a sign-and-trade situation.

Marner said the hardest goodbye was with Leafs captain Auston Matthews. Both joined the team in 2016-17 and spent most of their playing time as linemates. Defenseman Morgan Rielly and winger William Nylander were also Marner’s teammates throughout his tenure in Toronto.

“We really came in together and grew together and really leaned on each other for a lot of things,” Marner said. He admitted it was difficult calling those players to let them know what was happening, but both sides understood it was part of the business.

While Marner and his wife loved living in Toronto full-time and being close to family and friends, they felt it was time for a new chapter. He admitted it was tough sometimes because of the media scrutiny that surrounds the Maple Leafs.

Marner revealed that he hired a mental health coach to help him deal with the grind and the negative comments over the final three years of his Leafs tenure. That included dealing with threats that prompted him to have full-time security at his home for two weeks after the Leafs’ season ended last spring.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s one thing for fans to boo players during the game or be critical of their performance. Heaping abuse on them away from the rink and making threats against them crosses the line.

Whatever you think of Marner as a player or a person, he didn’t deserve what he faced during his final years in Toronto. No player does, and stories like that won’t make it easier for the Leafs to attract talent.

MAYOR’S MANOR: Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar made his first public comment this week regarding retirement. The 38-year-old center told KCAL News that the coming season could be the last of his playing career.

Kopitar is the longest-serving player in Kings’ history, playing a team-leading 1,434 regular-season games. He’s also their leader in career assists (838) and is set to surpass Marcel Dionne’s record of 1,307 regular-season points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kopitar has spent his entire NHL career with the Kings. Entering his 20th season, he’s still their top-line center and their best two-way forward. Nevertheless, he’s in the final season of his contract and in the twilight of his playing career.

SPORTSNET: Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong won’t let the on-ice fistfight that occurred with Team USA during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February affect the roster construction of its Olympic roster.

“I’ve thought quite a bit about that tournament as a whole, and I think the Olympics are going to be played very similar to that, minus (nine) seconds,” said Armstrong. “If you win the front of your net and the front of their net, you have a chance to win the game. We’re going to build a team that can win in those areas, but we’re not going to build a team that can participate in those nine seconds.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As the article points out, the Olympics will be played under IIHF rules, in which anyone who drops the gloves will be assessed a match penalty. It’s doubtful we’ll see the Tkachuk brothers and J.T. Miller trying to initiate a brawl against the Canadians in that tournament.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios confirmed having positive preliminary contract extension talks with Shane Pinto’s representatives. However, a deal won’t be signed before the start of the upcoming season. He indicated they’ll let the season begin and not have Pinto become distracted with contract talks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pinto is in the second season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.75 million. The 24-year-old center will be eligible to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next July.

DAILY FACEOFF: Speaking of the Senators, the Allen Americans have become their ECHL affiliate.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 17, 2025

by | Aug 17, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 17, 2025

Nazem Kadri believes he should have a chance to make Canada’s Olympic team, Marc-Edouard Vlasic isn’t happy over being bought out by the Sharks, an update on Flyers forward Tyson Foerster, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE ATHLETIC: Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri recently told Julian McKenzie that he believes he deserves a chance to make Canada’s 2026 Olympic Men’s hockey team.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

“I think over the last few seasons I’ve certainly proven that with my statistics and the winning pedigree,” Kadri said. “I think it speaks for itself.”

Kadri was left off the 42-man orientation camp roster. The Olympic roster will be finalized in early 2026.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A strong performance this season could earn Kadri a place on the team, especially if injuries strike before the tournament.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Marc-Eduoard Vlasic is displeased over how his 19-season tenure with the San Jose Sharks ended this year.

The 38-year-old defenseman was under the impression he would return for the final season of his contract in 2025-26 following what he claimed was a positive exit interview. Instead, they informed him at the end of June that they were buying him out.

Vlasic isn’t considering retirement. He’s hoping to land with another NHL team this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Age and injuries led to a decline in Vlasic’s performance and a reduction in his playing time over the past three seasons. At the time of the buyout, Sharks general manager Mike Grier acknowledged it was a difficult decision, but they needed to free up a roster spot to improve their defense corps. He claimed Vlasic handled the decision well.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Flyers general manager Daniel Briere last week said that winger Tyson Foerster should be ready for the start of the season. The 23-year-old was recovering from surgery to address an infection from an injury suffered during the 2025 World Championships.

“Everything looks good right now,” said Briere.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A healthy Foerster will be crucial for the Flyers this season. He was second on the club with 25 goals as a sophomore in 2024-25.

TSN: Utah Mammoth prospect Caleb Desnoyers underwent wrist surgery last week and will be sidelined for 12 weeks. The 18-year-old forward was selected fourth overall by the Mammoth in the 2025 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That will affect Desnoyers’ chances of cracking the Mammoth roster this season. In all likelihood, he was slated to return to the QMJHL before suffering the injury.

SPORTICO: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman joined his NFL, NBA, and MLB peers last week to meet with members of the House Judiciary Committee regarding the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, specifically regarding blackout rules.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stick tap to “George O” for the link. Time will tell if this leads to any meaningful change to the SBA.

THE ATHLETIC: Billionaire financier Tom Dundon and a group of investors reached an agreement last week to buy the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers. Dundon is the owner of the Carolina Hurricanes.

The sale of the Trailblazers is not yet final. There is some concern in Portland that the group could move the franchise to another city. Dundon and his Hurricanes’ spokesperson didn’t respond to questions about whether he intends to keep the team in Portland.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: The name of the Lightning’s home venue will change from Amalie Arena to Benchmark International Arena.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators announced last week that they will maintain their AHL affiliate in Belleville through the 2029-30 season.