NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 6, 2024

by | Aug 6, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 6, 2024

In today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines: lingering questions about the Rangers defense corps, the latest on the Senators’ Josh Norris and the Kraken’s Shane Wright, and the Avalanche sign Oliver Kylington.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers are set to return with five of the six regular defensemen they had last season. Talk of retooling the blueline by trading captain Jacob Trouba failed to materialize.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

The Rangers must determine who fills the sixth defense position following Erik Gustafsson’s departure as a free agent. It remains to be seen if K’Andre Miller was playing with Trouba or Braden Schneider. Questions linger over who quarterbacks the second power-play unit and how the depth chart adjusts in case of injury.

Training camp could see Zac Jones and Chad Ruhwedel jockeying with Ben Harpur, Connor Mackey, and Brandon Scanlin.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Steve Warne looked at the many layers of concern about Josh Norris. The 25-year-old Ottawa Senators center is a former 35-goal scorer whose career has been hampered by shoulder injuries.

The Senators’ chances of reaching the playoffs will improve with a healthy, productive season from Norris. However, questions remain over whether he can play a full season, regain his 35-goal form, if Shane Pinto has passed him on the depth chart, and how the club will adjust if he becomes sidelined again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: When healthy, Norris is a productive center for the Senators. Another injury-hampered season, however, could force them to seek a more reliable top-six center. Norris’ contract will also complicate things. He’s in his third season of an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $7.95 million.

THE SCORE: Shane Wright hopes to earn a full-time roster spot with the Seattle Kraken following his impressive play during his call-up late last season. He had four goals and an assists in five games.

Wright, the fourth-overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, spent most of last season with the Kraken’s AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley, scoring 22 goals and 47 points in 59 regular-season games and 13 points in 12 postseason contests.

Former Coachella Valley coach Dan Bylsma is now the Kraken’s bench boss. Wright is excited about making the step to the NHL with Bylsma, praising his communication skills and motivation.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche signed Oliver Kylington to a one-year, $1.05 million contract.

Kylington, 27, departed the Calgary Flames as an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He missed the entire 2022-23 season to take care of his mental health. He returned to action last season, with eight points in 33 games.

Having also signed Calvin de Haan and Erik Brannstrom, the Avalanche will have a crowded blueline for 2024-25. Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Josh Manson and Samuel Girard are the only locks. Sam Malinski will also be in the mix.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kylington isn’t a physical defenseman but his puck-moving skills could fit well into the Avs’ style of play. He was expected to re-sign with the Flames but those negotiations failed to result in a new deal.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 27, 2024

by | Jul 27, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 27, 2024

Blue Jackets’ Patrik Laine exits the player assistance program, Martin St. Louis talks about Steven Stamkos’ departure from the Lightning and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPORTSNET: Patrik Laine was cleared by doctors to return from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

The 26-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets winger entered the program in January for mental health issues. He endured a difficult, injury-plagued season that limited him to six goals and nine points in 18 games.

Laine is still recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered during last season. He reportedly requested a trade but interested teams couldn’t speak with him while he was in the program.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine is among the few notable names in this summer’s NHL trade rumors. I’ll have more about this situation in today’s NHL Rumors.

TSN: Martin St. Louis commented on former teammate Steven Stamkos’ departure from the Tampa Bay Lightning, occurring 10 years after St. Louis was traded from the Lightning to the New York Rangers.

Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis (NHL Images).

St. Louis acknowledged it’s difficult to leave a team where you’ve played for a long time, but he doesn’t think it’ll be bad for Stamkos to experience something new.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be a different feeling for Stamkos playing with new teammates while he and his family adjust to a new city. However, it could be a positive experience for him. Many stars have made successful transitions to new teams.

THE SCORE: New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider was surprised by Barclay Goodrow’s departure last month. Goodrow was plucked off waivers by the San Jose Sharks, freeing the Rangers from the remaining three years of his contract.

“That’s the awful side of our business, I guess,” said Kreider. “That it is a business…It’s a friend for life, but it’s a guy you expected to be suiting up with again.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers general manager Chris Drury wasn’t afraid to attempt bold moves this summer. He also attempted to trade team captain Jacob Trouba to the Detroit Red Wings but the defenseman used his no-movement clause to block the trade.

NEW YORK POST: Speaking of the Rangers, Matt Rempe is training with Kreider as he seeks a larger role with the club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rempe saw fourth-line minutes in an enforcer role during his call-up last season but he did see action in 11 playoff games. He garnered attention earlier this summer by training with former NHL enforcer George Laraque. Training with Kreider, however, suggests he wants to see more playing time as a power forward.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens forward Rafael Harvey-Pinard underwent surgery to repair a broken leg suffered during a summer scrimmage session. The recovery time is four months.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins signed 2023 first-round pick Brayden Yager to an entry-level contract.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Dallas Stars prospect Emil Hemming will not be returning to Finland, signing with the OHL’s Barrie Colts for 2024-25. The 18-year-old right winger was chosen 29th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft.

OTTAWA SUN: Former Senators assistant coach Bob Jones passed away on Friday following a battle with ALS. He was 54. Jones coached in the OHL and AHL before joining the Senators.

TORONTO SUN: Cindy Cherry, daughter of Don Cherry, passed away suddenly on July 15 at age 67. Her father co-hosted Hockey Night in Canada’s “Coach’s Corner” for 33 years following his NHL coaching career. Her brother, Tim, recalled that she saved his life when he was 18 by donating one of her kidneys when both of his failed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to the families of Bob Jones and Cindy Cherry.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 16, 2024

by | Jul 16, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 16, 2024

Steven Stamkos bids farewell to Tampa Bay, Connor McDavid weighs in on the Oilers’ offseason moves, the Kings sign Quinton Byfield to a five-year contract, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Former Lightning captain Steven Stamkos penned a heartfelt thank-you letter to Tampa Bay and Lightning fans following his recent signing with the Nashville Predators.

He expressed his appreciation to the Lightning and its fans for embracing and supporting him throughout his 16 seasons with the club. He spoke of how much he and his family will miss Tampa Bay, mentioning the many happy memories of their lives there.

Former Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

Stamkos mentioned the relief he felt hoisting the Stanley Cup for the first time in 2020, that the huge burden he’d carried as their franchise player lifted from his shoulders in that moment. He also called the past few weeks “bittersweet”, saying he never thought the day would come when he’d have to leave the Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: You can read Stamkos’ letter in The Players’ Tribune. If it had been up to him, he would’ve finished his career with the Lightning. However, the business of hockey sometimes gets in the way of a player’s hopes.

SPORTSNET: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid approved management’s recent moves to maintain a competitive roster for 2024-25. “Keeping as many guys together is a good thing in the salary-cap era,” said McDavid, praising interim general manager Jeff Jackson for finding a way to do that.

The Oilers retain Connor Brown, Adam Henrique, Mattias Janmark and Corey Perry, signing the four to team-friendly contracts. They also added wingers Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner while parting ways with Warren Foegele and Vincent Desharnais.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid wasn’t the only one praising Jackson’s efforts. Most of the pundits assessing the early moves in this summer’s UFA market have the Oilers among the winners.

LOS ANGELES TIMES: The Kings and Quinton Byfield agreed to a five-year, $31.25 million contract. The 21-year-old center was a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. The average annual value is $6.25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kings GM Rob Blake has had a rough offseason, receiving criticism for some questionable moves recently. However, this was a shrewd signing on his part.

Byfield has steadily developed into a scorer, reaching 20 goals and 35 assists in 80 games last season skating on the top line with Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe. The versatile young forward has yet to reach his full potential. This contract will become a salary-cap bargain for the Kings when he does.

WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets signed defenseman Ville Heinola to a two-year contract with an AAV of $800K.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Heinola, 23, was also completing his ELC. He was slated to be in the Jets lineup full-time last season but a broken ankle derailed those plans, leaving him finishing the season with their AHL affiliate. He’ll get another opportunity to crack the roster this season.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks signed defenseman Jackson Lacombe to a two-year contract with an AAV of $925K. They also signed winger Nikita Nesterenko to a one-year, two-way deal with an AAV at the NHL level of over $874K.

EDMONTON JOURNAL/OTTAWA SUN: The Edmonton Oilers traded prospect forwards Xavier Bourgault and Jake Chiasson to the Ottawa Senators for prospect forward Roby Jarventie and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: These moves involve young players who no longer fit into the plans of their former clubs for various reasons. The most notable is Bourgault, who struggled to meet expectations after being chosen 22nd overall by the Oilers in 2021.

OTTAWA SUN/COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Senators also signed minor-league goaltender Mads Sogaard to a two-year contract and traded minor-league netminder Kevin Mandolese and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Colorado Avalanche for a 2026 sixth-rounder.

CALGARY SUN: After 17 professional seasons, forward Brett Sutter is hanging up his skates and joining the Calgary Wranglers as an assistant coach. Sutter, 37, played 60 games in the NHL from 2008-09 to 2014-15 with the Flames, Carolina Hurricanes and Minnesota Wild. The son of former NHL player, coach and GM Darryl Sutter, he spent the bulk of his career in the AHL.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 3, 2024

by | Jul 3, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 3, 2024

The 2024-25 schedule is released, reaction to Victor Hedman re-signing with the Lightning and Pavel Buchnevich re-upping with the Blues, the latest UFA signings, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL RELEASES 2024-25 SCHEDULE

NHL.COM: The 2024-25 season begins in Europe on Oct. 4 when the Buffalo Sabres face off against the New Jersey Devils at O2 Arena in Prague, Czechia.

The season begins in North America on Oct. 8 with a triple-header on ESPN highlighted by the Florida Panthers raising their first Stanley Cup banner ahead of their home opener against the Boston Bruins. The Utah Hockey Club will have their first home game in Salt Lake City against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Other must-see games include Macklin Celebrini’s potential NHL debut with the San Jose Sharks on Oct. 10 against the St. Louis Blues, the New Jersey Devils meeting the Toronto Maple Leafs as Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe faces his former club for the first time, Nashville Predators winger Steven Stamkos returning to Tampa Bay to face the Lightning on Oct. 28, and the NHL Winter Classic on Dec. 31 between the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks at Wrigley Field.

LIGHTNING RE-SIGN HEDMAN, BLUES RE-UP BUCHNEVICH

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Tuesday was a bittersweet day for Victor Hedman. He signed a four-year contract extension with the Lightning with an average annual value of $8 million while dealing with the departure of friend and long-time teammate Steven Stamkos the day before.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (NHL Images).

Hedman admitted Stamkos’ signing with the Predators was “a sad, sad day” for himself and the organization. However, he’s also “super excited and proud” to sign a new contract that will likely ensure he finishes his career with the Lightning.

Asked whether he’ll accept the captaincy vacated by Stamkos’ departure, Hedman replied it was “way too early” to discuss that.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The bottom line is the Lightning felt their top defenseman was more important to retain than their scoring winger. Hedman got the same contract that Stamkos received from the Predators.

The report indicates the Lightning’s offer to Stamkos was believed to be in the $3 million AAV range. No wonder he felt disrespected and opted to hit the open market.

Speaking of the Lightning, they signed winger Cam Atkinson to a one-year, $900K contract. The 35-year-old Atkinson was bought out of the final year of his contract last week by the Philadelphia Flyers.

STLTODAY.COM: The St. Louis Blues and Pavel Buchnevich agreed to a six-year contract extension with an AAV of $8 million beginning in 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Buchnevich is among the Blues’ top forwards. Nevertheless, this contract could be a risky investment over the long term. He’ll be 30 when it kicks in, and while the Blues will likely get solid value during the first three years, it could become costly over the final three years if his production begins to fade approaching his mid-thirties.

The Blues also built up their forward depth by acquiring Radek Faksa from the Dallas Stars for future considerations and Mathieu Joseph and a 2025 third-rounder from the Ottawa Senators for future considerations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I like these additions for the Blues. They gave up nothing for two affordable players who should improve their checking-line depth. The Blues weren’t finished making additions on Tuesday, signing former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph to a one-year contract.

OTHER NOTABLE CONTRACT SIGNINGS

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators signed center Shane Pinto to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I speculated yesterday that Pinto would get a two-year deal for around $3 million annually. The 23-year-old had no leverage and staging a holdout wouldn’t have done him or the club any good. There was speculation his agent was angling for a contract offer from a rival club. If so, he didn’t get any nibbles.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Tomas Tatar returns to the Devils on a one-year deal worth $1.8 million. The 33-year-old winger spent two seasons with the Devils from 2021 to 2023.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Victor Olofsson signed a one-year, $1.075 million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights. The 28-year-old winger spent the past six seasons with the Buffalo Sabres.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Florida Panthers signed former Winnipeg Jets defenseman Nate Schmidt to a one-year contract worth $800K.

Jack Johnson is returning to the Columbus Blue Jackets, signing a one-year deal worth $775K. The 37-year-old defenseman spent nearly seven seasons with the Jackets from 2011-12 to 2017-18.

TSN: The Seattle Kraken traded defenseman Brian Dumoulin to the Anaheim Duck for a 2026 fourth-round pick.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche inked Erik Brannstrom to a one-year deal worth $900K. The 24-year-old defenseman spent the past six seasons with the Ottawa Senators.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 2, 2024

by | Jul 2, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 2, 2024

A list of the remaining notable UFAs, the latest on Jacob Trouba, plus updates on the Leafs, Senators and Jets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

REMAINING NOTABLE UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

DAILY FACEOFF: Vladimir Tarasenko, James van Riemsdyk, Ryan Suter and Max Pacioretty are the notable players on Frank Seravalli’s list of the top remaining unrestricted free agents. Others include Nate Schmidt, Tyson Barrie, Tyler Johnson, Mike Hoffman and Tony DeAngelo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of these players are past their prime. Some of them might land with new clubs on inexpensive one-year contracts.

THE LATEST ON JACOB TROUBA

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh reports the New York Rangers’ biggest move yesterday was the one they didn’t make: trading Jacob Trouba and his $8 million cap hit.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

The Rangers explored trading the 30-year-old defenseman, whose no-movement clause shifted to a 15-team no-trade list on Monday. They requested his list early to trade and expedite the situation.

Arthur Staple reports Trouba refused to submit his list until it was due on early Monday, which may have scuttled some of general manager Chris Drury’s plans for the day. A rumored deal with the Detroit Red Wings might not be on the front burner following the Wings’ re-signing of Patrick Kane and other free-agent additions yesterday.

Staple also believes there’s a chance Trouba, knowing the Rangers are trying to send him to Detroit, could include the Wings on his no-trade list.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports Trouba’s wife’s hospital residency is among the factors keeping him with the Rangers.

Dr. Kelly Tyson-Trouba’s three-year residency at a New York hospital was to be completed this year when her husband’s no-movement clause expired. However, her residency was deferred by a year so the program she is required to complete will instead end on July 1, 2025.

Brooks reports sources claim the discussions between the Trouba camp and Rangers management have been professional without animosity. He also said the rumor that Trouba rejected a trade to Detroit was untrue.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As this story unfolds, it seems increasingly unlikely that Trouba will be traded this summer. The Ranger’s inability to clear his $8 million from their payroll will complicate efforts to improve their roster depth and to re-sign RFA defensemen Braden Schneider and Ryan Lindgren.

UPDATE ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving wants to make it work with Nick Robertson. He wouldn’t confirm if the 22-year-old winger made a trade request but admitted there was some frustration from Robertson last season.

Treliving had no update on whether contract extension talks have started with Mitch Marner. The 27-year-old winger is a year away from UFA eligibility. He said he wouldn’t address it, adding that Marner is training and preparing for the season.

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran reported Treliving also had no update on a contract extension for captain John Tavares. “I’m not going to get into any contract discussions that we may or may not be having,” said Treliving. “We do our business behind closed doors.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Here’s how I see the Leafs’ summer unfolding. Robertson will be traded only if the Leafs can get a comparable player in return. Marner won’t be traded. He and Tavares won’t get contract extensions this summer. Both players and management will adopt a wait-and-see approach to the 2024-25 season.

NO TRUTH TO SHANE PINTO TRADE REQUEST

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios denied Shane Pinto had requested a trade.

League sources claim contract talks between Staios and the Pinto camp are at an impasse. However, Staios said the 23-year-old center didn’t ask to be traded. He added that negotiations take time and they’re still pressing on.

Garrioch also mentioned hearing Pinto’s agent is calling around seeking an offer sheet. The Senators only have $4.4 million in cap space but would match an offer for the young center. It would also be a long shot as the compensation for an offer between $4.57 million and $6.7 million is a first and third-round draft pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pinto will probably end up with a two-year deal worth around $3 million annually. He lacks arbitration rights because he didn’t accrue sufficient years to qualify.

THE LATEST ON JETS PROSPECT RUTGER MCGROARTY

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates reports Winnipeg Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty remains in play in the trade market.

The Jets were close to moving the 20-year-old forward to the Minnesota Wild at the recent NHL Draft. They also received interest from the Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McGroarty won’t attend the Jets development camp this week. Ates indicates they are still trying to move him.










List Of Notable NHL UFA Signings and Trades – July 1, 2024

by | Jul 1, 2024

List Of Notable NHL UFA Signings and Trades – July 1, 2024

NOTE: This list will be updated throughout the day as free-agent signings become official.

Edmonton Oilers sign Jeff Skinner to a one-year, $3 million contract. 

San Jose Sharks sign Alex Wennberg to a two-year deal with an average annual value of $5 million. 

Toronto Maple Leafs sign Oliver Ekman-Larsson to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $3.5 million. 

Edmonton Oilers signed Viktor Arvidsson to a two-year contract with an AAV of $4 million. 

New Jersey Devils signed Brenden Dillon to a three-year deal with an AAV of $4 million. 

Dallas Stars sign Matt Dumba to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.75 million. 

Carolina Hurricanes sign Sean Walker to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $3.6 million. 

Nashville Predators re-sign Alexandre Carrier to a three-year deal with an average annual value of $3.75 million.

Los Angeles Kings sign Warren Foegele to a three-year deal with an AAV of $3.5 million. 

San Jose Sharks sign Tyler Toffoli to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $6 million. 

The New York Rangers acquire Reilly Smith from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-rounder. The Penguins also retain 25 percent of Smith’s $5 million cap hit for 2024-25. 

New Jersey Devils sign Brett Pesce to a six-year deal with an average annual value of $5.5 million.

New York Islanders sign Anthony Duclair to a four-year contract with an AAV of $3.5 million. 

Chicago Blackhawks sign Teuvo Teravainen to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $5.4 million.

Calgary Flames sign Anthony Mantha to a one-year contract worth $3.5 million. 

Seattle Kraken signed Chandler Stephenson to a seven-year contract worth an average annual value of $6.25 million.

Ottawa Senators sign David Perron to a two-year deal with an AAV of $4 million.  

Buffalo Sabres sign Jason Zucker to a one-year contract worth $5 million. 

Nashville Predators sign Steven Stamkos to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $8 million. 

Seattle Kraken ink Brandon Montour to a seven-year contract with an AAV of $7.14 million

Boston Bruins sign  Elias Lindholm to a seven-year contract with an AAV of $7.75 million. 

Boston Bruins sign Nikita Zadorov to a six-year deal with an average annual value of $5 million. 

Nashville Predators sign Jonathan Marchessault to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million. 

Nashville Predators sign Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract with an AAV of $7 million. 

Vancouver Canucks sign Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year deal with an AAV of $5.5 million

Columbus Blue Jackets ink Sean Monahan to a five-year contract with an AAV of $5.5 million

Washington Capitals acquire defenseman Jakob Chychrun from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for defenseman Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round pick. 

Florida Panthers re-sign Sam Reinhart to an eight-year deal with an average annual value of $8.63 million.

Tampa Bay Lightning sign Jake Guentzel to a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $9 million

Detroit Red Wings re-sign Patrick Kane to a one-year contract with a base salary of $4 million and $2.5 million in bonuses.

Chicago Blackhawks sign Tyler Bertuzzi to a four-year deal with an AAV of $5.5 million.

Toronto Maple Leafs sign Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million

Toronto Maple Leafs sign Max Domi to a four-year deal with an AAV of $3.75 million.

Dallas Stars re-sign Matt Duchene to a one-year, $3 million contract.