NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 16, 2024

by | Jun 16, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 16, 2024

The Oilers stave off elimination in the Stanley Cup Final with a lopsided win over the Panthers. Details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAP

NHL.COM: The Edmonton Oilers avoided elimination from the Stanley Cup Final by trouncing the Florida Panthers 8-1 in Game 4.

Connor McDavid had a goal and three assists, Dylan Holloway scored twice and collected an assist, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman each had two assists, and Mattias Janmark had a goal and an assist. Stuart Skinner made 32 saves for the win.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

McDavid has 32 assists in this postseason, breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 31 in a playoff year.

Vladimir Tarasenko scored Florida’s only goal. Panthers netminder Sergei Bobrovsky allowed five goals on 16 shots and was replaced by Anthony Stolarz in the second period.

The series returns to Florida for Game 5 on Tuesday, June 18 at 8 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers dominated this game from start to finish. Their biggest stars – McDavid, Draisaitl, and Hyman – finally came through. So did their special teams, finally tallying a power-play goal and picking up a shorthanded goal while killing off four penalties. They also continued to get production from their role players. 

The Oilers also caught a break early in the game when defenseman Darnell Nurse was only assessed a minor penalty for a knee-on-knee hit on Florida forward Sam Bennett. The Panthers struck the post twice on the ensuing power play before Janmark’s shorthanded goal opened the scoring. Adam Henrique scored to give the Oilers their first two-goal lead of the series.

Florida momentarily quieted the fans at Rogers Place when Tarasenko cut the lead to 2-1. Holloway restored the two-goal lead minutes later and the Oilers never looked back. They blew it open in the second on goals by McDavid, Nurse and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

The reaction by Oilers fans on social media was a mixture of joy, relief, and incredulity. Many wondered where that offensive effort was earlier in the series.

Desperation to avoid elimination was likely a factor for the Oilers. So was the determination not to be swept on home ice. This was also a total team effort on their part. They were better defensively and won the puck battles at both ends of the ice. The biggest factor was lighting up Bobrovsky after he stoned them in the first three games.

Meanwhile, the Panthers lacked the energy from their last two games. Bobrovsky had a rough night but so did his teammates. The solid defensive effort they’d used to nullify the Oilers’ offense in Games 2 and 3 was nowhere to be found in this game.

The Panthers return home still holding a commanding 3-1 lead in this series and can wrap this up in Game 5. We can expect a more determined effort from them in front of their fans in that contest. However, the Oilers served notice that they’re not going quietly. If the Panthers aren’t careful, they could find themselves heading back to Edmonton for another game on Friday.

IN OTHER NEWS…

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs announced assistant coach Guy Boucher will not return for next season. He was brought in last year to run the Leafs power play. It was assumed his position wasn’t secure after the club struggled with the man advantage in their first-round series against the Boston Bruins.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Radim Simek is returning to Czechia as he signed a three-year contract with Liberec of the Czech Extraliga. He spent five seasons with the San Jose Sharks from 2018-19 to 2022-23. He was traded to the Detroit Red Wings this season but spent the entire season in the AHL.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators announced David Bell, the head coach of their AHL affiliate in Belleville, has signed a two-year contract extension.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 13, 2024

by | Jun 13, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 13, 2024

Patrik Laine and the Blue Jackets are working on a trade, plus updates on Jacob Markstrom, Mitch Marner, Nikolaj Ehlers, Martin Necas, Valeri Nichushkin and more in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.

LAINE AND THE BLUE JACKETS ARE WORKING ON A TRADE

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports there is a mutual agreement between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Patrik Laine that he needs a fresh start with a new team. The 26-year-old winger has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8.7 million and a 10-team no-trade list.

Injuries have hampered Laine’s production since joining the Blue Jackets in 2021. He also entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in January. While those factors could affect his value in the trade market, he could also bounce back and regain his scoring form with a new club.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Interested clubs could insist on the Blue Jackets retaining part of Laine’s cap hit. However, only two years remain on his contract, so that might not be a deal breaker for teams with cap space seeking additional scoring. The Jackets won’t get much in return but clearing his cap hit from their books frees up money to invest in other players through trades or free agency.

THE LATEST ON MARKSTROM, MARNER, EHLERS AND NECAS

TSN: Chris Johnston feels the Calgary Flames are at a point where they want a certain return for Jacob Markstrom. He thinks the New Jersey Devils are the most motivated to get a trade done but they’re only going to go so far in terms of return. Markstrom has two years left on his contract with an AAV of $6 million and a full no-movement clause.

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson reports the Flames are quietly trying to move Markstrom. He cited Kevin Woodley of Sportsnet’s 960 The Fan expressing his belief that Markstrom has no intention of returning to the Flames.

Gilbertson noted reports claiming the Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ottawa Senators have been linked to Markstrom. However, he doesn’t think Flames general manager Craig Conroy will rush into trading the 34-year-old goalie if he doesn’t find any suitable offers.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman saying he believes the Flames haven’t given up on retaining Markstrom. He said they’re prepared to trade him but won’t do it simply for the sake of making a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom is difficult to move because of his NMC and cap hit. The Flames will understandably seek the best possible return. Nevertheless, there seems a greater possibility of moving him now than there was leading up to the trade deadline. We’ll find out soon enough if that’s the case.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the trade rumors keep swirling around Mitch Marner but there’s been nothing new to report about the 27-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs winger. He continues to train and prepare to return with the Leafs for the final season of his contract.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Max Miller cited Sporstnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently suggesting the Vegas Golden Knights as a destination for Marner. Friedman pointed out the Golden Knights always seem to be around any good player in the trade market. He said he’s had people suggesting trade offers for Marner involving defenseman Shea Theodore and Logan Thompson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs management appears willing to listen to offers but those could be few and far between this summer. Marner carries an AAV of $10.9 million which is difficult to move even with the salary cap rising by $4.5 million for next season. His full NMC gives him complete control over whether he’ll accept a trade, plus the Leafs will seek a significant return. It wouldn’t be surprising if he’s still a Leaf when the regular season begins in October.

TSN: Dreger also mentioned the Winnipeg Jets are willing to entertain offers for Nikolaj Ehlers. He’s going into the final year of his contract (with an AAV of $6 million). It’s more of a financial issue for the Jets, as they’re looking ahead to re-signing winger Kyle Connor. He has two years left on his contract and will be expensive to retain.

WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck mentioned trading Ehlers as one way the Jets could garner some salary-cap relief to re-sign RFAs Cole Perfetti, David Gustafsson and Logan Stanley, and attempt to re-sign pending UFAs Sean Monahan and Dylan DeMelo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dreger mentioned Ehlers is tied to the Carolina Hurricanes as they’re looking at trading winger Martin Necas.

THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun said the Hurricanes have heard from five to seven teams expressing general interest in Necas. They include the Jets, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, and Boston Bruins.

The Hurricanes are also prepared to retain Necas if they don’t receive suitable offers. He’s a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights coming off a two-year contract with an annual cap hit of $3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes reportedly want “star power” in return. That could take most of the team mentioned by LeBrun out of the running.

BLACKHAWKS ARE NOT INTERESTED IN NICHUSHKIN

THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun reported there was a rumor that the Chicago Blackhawks considered taking a look at suspended Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin. However, he said they were not interested. “Just too much unknown and risk for their liking.”

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios is listening to offers for his club’s first-round pick (seventh overall) in the upcoming 2024 NHL Draft (June 28-29) in Las Vegas. The club has two first-rounders in this year’s draft, including the 25th overall that originally belonged to the Boston Bruins.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 10, 2024

by | Jun 10, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 10, 2024

Check out the latest on Jacob Markstrom, Mitch Marner, Juuse Saros and Jonathan Marchessault in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DEVILS, LEAFS, SENATORS LINKED TO JACOB MARKSTROM

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Calgary Flames are quietly trying to find a deal for Jacob Markstrom. The 34-year-old goaltender has two years remaining on his contract with an annual cap hit of $6 million. 

Friedman believes the New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ottawa Senators are interested in Markstrom. Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald is willing to move his first-round pick (10th overall) and seeks help between the pipes. Meanwhile, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving is the former GM of the Flames and signed Markstrom to his current contract. 

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

The Senators are believed to be in every trade conversation regarding a goaltender. Friedman doesn’t know what Markstrom feels about that. He holds a full no-movement clause. 

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios has been working the phones in search of a goaltending upgrade. He’s reportedly among the more aggressive suitors for Markstrom. Staios also held talks with the Boston Bruins about Linus Ullmark. It’s also believed the Senators GM may have “kicked tires” on Nashville’s Juuse Saros. 

The Senators would have to get one of its current goalies off their books to accommodate Markstrom’s $6 million cap hit if he agreed to come to Ottawa. Joonas Korpisalo has four years left on his contract with an annual average value of $4 million while Anton Forsberg has a year remaining at $2.75 million. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom’s NMC gives him the final say over where he goes. It’s believed he was willing to accept a trade to the Devils in February, That deal fell through partly because they didn’t want to take on his full cap hit. 

Nevertheless, the Devils remain the most likely destination of the three. He could also accept the Leafs because they’re a playoff contender and his link to Treliving. Given the Senators’ struggles, it’s unlikely he’ll agree to go to Ottawa.

MORE MITCH MARNER SPECULATION

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons reports the Maple Leafs have no plans to ask Mitch Marner to waive his no-movement clause. However, they remain interested in moving him during this offseason. 

Simmons claims the Leafs are in trade mode and are willing to entertain offers for everyone except Auston Matthews and William Nylander. As for Marner, if they get a suitable trade offer, then they’ll approach the 27-year-old winger about waiving his clause. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs need to clear cap room to bolster their goaltending and defensive depth. However, they won’t just give Marner away. They’ll want a suitable return that helps them now and in the future. 

As for potential trade destinations, Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin recently published his list. It includes the Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, and the Utah franchise. Feel free to check it out and then give your thoughts in the comments section below. 

UPDATES ON JUUSE SAROS AND JONATHAN MARCHESSAULT

SPORTSNET: Friedman said there is motivation between the Nashville Predators and Juuse Saros to work out a contract extension. The 29-year-old goaltender has a year left on his deal with an average annual value of $5 million. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been reported that the Saros camp could wait and see what Igor Shesterkin gets for an extension with the New York Rangers and then seek 75-80 percent. 

Speaking of contract talks, Friedman said discussions have started between the Vegas Golden Knights and Jonathan Marchessault. The 33-year-old winger can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 after completing a six-year, $30-million deal.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 9, 2024

by | Jun 9, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 9, 2024

Check out the latest on Elias Lindholm, Linus Ullmark and Nikita Zadorov plus an update on the Senators in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST ON ELIAS LINDHOLM AND NIKITA ZADOROV

THE ATHLETIC: In his latest mailbag segment, Fluto Shinzawa was asked what free agents the Boston Bruins could prioritize this summer.

He sees them making a big push for Vancouver Canucks center Elias Lindholm. He feels his style of play would make him an excellent fit at center. Shinzawa acknowledged Lindholm struggled after being traded to Vancouver but felt the arc of the 29-year-old center’s career remains high.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said the Canucks remain interested in re-signing Lindholm and fellow former Calgary Flame Nikita Zadorov. However, how negotiations go this month remains to be seen.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Lindholm (NHL Images).

Friedman said Lindholm enjoyed his time in Vancouver. The Canucks could offer a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7 million. However, Friedman’s not sure if they’ll get it done.

As for Zadorov, Friedman believes he might accept a little less than market value to stay in Vancouver. The Canucks aren’t far from that number but they haven’t reached it yet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindholm played with a nagging wrist injury during the season’s second half, which affected his performance. While that could adversely affect his market value, getting a seven-year offer worth $7 million annually is still a pretty good raise over the $4.85 million AAV of his current contract. Whether the Bruins or another club will get that high remains uncertain.

WHAT’S BRUIN WITH ULLMARK?

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Duhatschek recently looked at what the future could hold for Linus Ullmark. The Boston Bruins goaltender has a year left on his contract with a $5 million cap hit and a modified no-trade clause.

Revisiting Ullmark’s season-ending comments, Duhatschek pointed out that the 30-year-old goaltender prefers staying in Boston. Ullmark understands that if he stays in Boston beyond next season, it’ll likely be on a one-year contract unless he agrees to accept a big pay cut and a lesser role backing up Jeremy Swayman, which he’s unlikely to do.

Duhatschek wondered if Ullmark would accept a trade to the Los Angeles Kings. He said when talks at the trade deadline broke down, there was an understanding the two teams would circle back in the summer. The Kings might consider it if Ullmark agreed to a contract extension, but they don’t appear to be improved. Duhatschek also mentioned the Ottawa Senators or Detroit Red Wings as possible destinations.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggesting the Carolina Hurricanes as a destination for Ullmark. He noted that the Hurricanes and Bruins discussed the goaltender before the trade deadline.

Nichols believes the Hurricanes could win a bidding war for Ullmark if winger Martin Necas were offered up as part of the return to the Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ullmark’s situation is intriguing because of the reports that he supposedly rejected a trade to a team on his no-trade list (rumored to be the Kings) because he didn’t want to uproot his family at the time.

Ullmark’s comments following the Bruins’ playoff elimination suggest he’s not in a hurry to move out of Boston this summer. He has a 16-team no-trade list that drops to a 15-team list on July 1. He could still end up on the move if the Bruins get a solid offer from a club that is not on that list.

UPDATE ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA CITIZEN: Bruce Garrioch reported last week that the Senators will go into next season with their young core of Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Drake Batherson, Jake Sanderson, Thomas Chabot, Shane Pinto, Josh Norris and Ridly Greig. He also indicated that veteran Claude Giroux isn’t going anywhere.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is in response to speculation suggesting the Senators might listen to trade offers for Tkachuk. General manager Steve Staios rejected that talk as “pure BS”. Tkachuk’s not going anywhere unless he requests a trade and there’s no indication he’s even considered that possibility.

It’s expected Staios will seek a goaltending upgrade, trying to see what he can get in return for defenseman Jakob Chychurn, and improving his checking lines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chychrun is a year away from UFA eligibility and has been frequently mentioned as a trade candidate. In return, Staios could prefer a goalie or a top-four, right-shot defenseman.

A league executive told Garrioch the Senators could try to trade forward Mathieu Joseph before the draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would be a cost-cutting move for the Senators. They have over $12.4 million in cap space next season with 16 active roster players under contract.

The Senators could push to sign Dallas Stars defenseman Chris Tanev if he hits the open market on July 1.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 6, 2024

by | Jun 6, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 6, 2024

A look at the offseason market for goaltenders and the latest on Brady Tkachuk, Martin Necas and Chandler Stephenson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LOTS TO CHOOSE FROM IN THIS SUMMER’S GOALIE MARKET

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen offered up an analysis of the goaltenders potentially available in this summer’s trade market and the teams who could be interested in them.

The big names include Nashville’s Juuse Saros, Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom, and Boston’s Linus Ullmark.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros seems the least likely of those three to be available. The Predators are reportedly planning to open contract extension talks soon, though they could listen to offers if those negotiations stall.

Markstrom has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million and a full no-movement clause. The 34-year-old Flames goalie was reportedly close to getting traded to the New Jersey Devils in February but for some reason, the deal fell through. It’s assumed Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald could revisit his interest in Markstrom, who could waive his clause to go to New Jersey.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

Ullmark seems the most likely to be traded. He’s got a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5 million and a 16-team no-trade list that becomes a 15-team list on July 1. It’s believed the Bruins intend to make Jeremy Swayman their full-time starter with promising Brandon Bussi as his backup. It was rumored the Bruins were close to moving Ullmark before the trade deadline to a team on his no-trade list but he rejected the deal.

Other trade options include Minnesota’s Filip Gustavsson, Ottawa’s Joonas Korpisalo, Columbus’ Elvis Merzlikins, and Washington’s Darcy Kuemper.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’re all on this list because of their recent inconsistent performances.

Gustavsson is the odd man out among the Wild goalies with Marc-Andre Fleury returning for one more season and promising Jesper Wallstedt ready for promotion. Korpisalo has four years left on his contract with an annual average value of $4 million and a 10-team no-trade list.

Merzlikins raised eyebrows in January with a trade request that his agent subsequently walked back. He’s got three years left on his contract with an AAV of $5.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list. Kuemper’s performance has declined over the past two seasons. He’s also got three years left on his deal and a 10-team no-trade list. His AAV is $5.25 million.

The free-agent market is rather thin on reliable starters but has plenty of backups with varying abilities. They include Kaapo Kahkonen, Casey DeSmith, Anthony Stolarz, Ilya Samsonov, Laurent Brossoit, and Cam Talbot.

Boylen listed the Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Los Angeles Kings, Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings as potential buyers.

SENATORS MUST IMPROVE TO MAKE TKACHUK TRADE RUMORS DISAPPEAR

SPORTSNET: Wayne Scanlan noted the recent trade speculation suggesting the Ottawa Senators might listen to trade offers for captain Brady Tkachuk, forcing GM Steve Staios to deny the rumors in a recent interview with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun.

The trade conjecture about Tkachuk is baseless but it’s not going away. Scanlan believes the only way to nip it in the bud is for the Senators to finally improve into a playoff contender. Another missed postseason will only further stoke speculation about their captain’s future in Ottawa.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators are building around Tkachuk but the constant losing is wearing on him. The 24-year-old left winger has four years left on his contract. He’s already been in the NHL for six seasons without a sniff of the playoffs. This year’s disappointment had to be particularly bitter following such a promising buildup to this season.

If the Senators keep spinning their wheels, Tkachuk will run out of patience at some point. He’ll want to play for a winner while he’s still in his playing prime. Another lost season or two could force him into requesting a trade. He’ll get slammed in some quarters for bailing on the Sens but most folks won’t blame him for doing so.

Tkachuk is doing everything he can to lead the Senators into postseason contention. His performance on and off the ice back this up. He and his teammates have been let down by years of mismanagement by Staios’ predecessor.

LATEST ON MARTIN NECAS

THE JEFF MAREK SHOW: Marek spoke with colleague Elliotte Friedman about potential suitors for Carolina Hurricanes winger Martin Necas.

Friedman isn’t sure that some of the teams reportedly interested in Necas (Vancouver and Montreal) have what the Hurricanes want for the winger. The Boston Bruins could offer up goaltender Linus Ullmark, noting the two teams discussed the former Vezina Trophy winner before the March trade deadline.

Marek noted the Buffalo Sabres have a lot of prospects and draft capital to use as trade bait. However, he doesn’t think any of that works for the Hurricanes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes will set a high asking price for Necas, hoping his potential as a scoring winger will fetch a significant return. They can retain him if they don’t get any suitable offers, but there’s a sense among the punditry that they prefer to move him rather than face a potential arbitration hearing.

Earlier this week, Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli said he wouldn’t be surprised if Necas was traded by this Saturday. We’ll find out soon enough if that’s the case.

UPDATE ON CHANDLER STEPHENSON

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen recently reported Golden Knights forward Chandler Stephenson could draw several suitors if he hits the open market on July 1. He’s coming off a four-year contract with an AAV of $2.75 million.

Allen cited reports suggesting the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Nashville Predators could be among a growing list of teams that could come calling about Stephenson when free agency begins.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 5, 2024

by | Jun 5, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 5, 2024

Stars forward Joe Pavelski intends to retire, several Rangers played with injuries during the postseason, the latest on the Stanley Cup Finalists, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars forward Joe Pavelski hasn’t officially announced his retirement, but he told reporters he doesn’t intend to return next season.

“This was it for me. It was known for a while, probably. The plan is not to play next year,” said Pavelski on Tuesday during his club’s end-of-season media interviews. “I don’t want to say this is official, but the plan is not to be coming back.”

Dallas Stars winger Joe Pavelski (NHL Images).

Pavelski signed a one-year contract extension last summer with the Stars. He is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A seventh-round pick (205th overall) by the San Jose Sharks in 2003, Pavelski is one of the greatest American-born players in NHL history. He’s played 1,332 regular-season games with 475 goals and 1,068 points. He’s a four-time NHL All-Star, sits sixth among American-born players in total points, and is their leader with 74 playoff goals.

Pavelski spent 13 of his 18 NHL seasons with the Sharks. He’s fourth among their franchise leaders in games played (963), second in goals with 355, fourth with 406 assists, and third in points with 761. He spent the past five seasons with the Stars, totaling 121 goals and 186 assists for 307 points in 369 regular-season games in Dallas, including 27 goals and 67 points in 82 games this season.

Pavelski’s teammate Chris Tanev revealed he dealt with multiple injuries from dental work to an ankle injury during the Stars’ postseason run. The latter injury occurred during Game 4 of the Western Conference Final when he blocked a shot by Edmonton Oilers winger Evander Kane. Tanev injured some tendons behind the ankle but indicated he won’t require surgery and should recover in two weeks.

SPORTSNET: New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba revealed he suffered an ankle injury that hobbled him during the playoffs. He told reporters on Tuesday that “a big chunk of his ankle came off” earlier in the season. It wasn’t a load-bearing bone so he could walk but skating was difficult.

The injury sidelined Trouba for the final 13 games of the regular season. He played in all 16 of the Rangers’ postseason games but managed only seven points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trouba’s subpar performance prompted some observers to suggest the Rangers consider trading him this summer when his no-movement clause becomes a modified no-trade on July 1. They might want to reconsider that hot take after learning about his injury.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers blueliner Adam Fox confirmed he was playing with a knee injury suffered during a collision with Washington Capitals rearguard Nick Jensen during their first-round series. He injured the same knee in November following a similar collision with Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho. Fox said he has to go through his exit physical to determine whether his knee will require further treatment during the offseason.

Ryan Lindgren, Fox’s defense partner, suffered a cracked rip in Game 6 of the Rangers’ second-round series against the Hurricanes. Winger Jimmy Vesey suffered a separated shoulder in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final but won’t require surgery.

Rangers winger Blake Wheeler is mulling retirement. The 37-year-old right wing signed a one-year contract last summer with the Blueshirts after the Winnipeg Jets bought out the final season of his contract. He spent the past three months rehabbing a right leg injury suffered on Feb. 15. Wheeler will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk doesn’t need memories of “The Battle of Alberta” during his years with the Calgary Flames for motivation when he faces the Edmonton Oilers in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. “Anytime you’re playing any opponent in the Stanley Cup Final, you do not need a team rivalry,” said Tkachuk. “Right when the puck drops, it will be very intense.”

TSN: Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch expects Evander Kane will be ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday. Kane has been battling a sports hernia and played just over four minutes during Game 6 of the Western Conference Final.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators added Mike Yeo and Nolan Baumgartner to their coaching staff. Former Sens captain Daniel Alfredsson will also return as an assistant coach.

SPORTSNET: The NHL’s Utah franchise reportedly had more than 34,000 people place deposits on season tickets for their inaugural campaign in 2024-25. Almost 92 percent of those deposits came from non-Utah Jazz season ticket holders.