NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 6, 2026

by | Jul 6, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 6, 2026

In today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines: Stars winger Jason Robertson is among the 15 players who filed for salary arbitration, the Ducks re-sign defenseman Pavel Mintyukov, and the Penguins re-up four players.

NHLPA.COM: 15 players elected salary arbitration before Sunday’s 5 pm ET deadline.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson is the most notable player to do so. Others include Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale and winger Trevor Zegras, Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves, Winnipeg Jets forward Cole Perfetti, and New York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

The other nine players include Xavier Bourgault of the Ottawa Senators, Kirby Dach of the Montreal Canadiens, Alex Jeffries of the New York Islanders, Peyton Krebs of the Buffalo Sabres, Connor McMichael of the St. Louis Blues, Nick Robertson of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Akira Schmid of the Florida Panthers, Ronan Seeley of the Carolina Hurricanes, and Cole Sillinger of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The deadline for club-elected salary arbitration notification is July 6 at 5 pm ET. Arbitration hearings will be held from July 20 to August 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Filing for arbitration is usually done by the player or team to set a deadline to reach an agreement on a new contract, rather than having negotiations drag out throughout the summer or into training camp. It’s rare that they actually end up before an arbiter.

Robertson’s case will be closely watched. He’s the biggest name on his list, leading the Stars in scoring with 96 points last season.

It’s believed the two sides are $2 million apart, with the Stars proposing an average annual value of $12 million while the Robertson camp reportedly seeks $14 million. He’s also eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, meaning an arbiter’s decision will be for one year, extending his UFA eligibility unless he and the Stars agree to an extension before then.

If Robertson is awarded a new contract through arbitration, he and the Stars can’t open contract extension talks until Jan. 1.

Because these players filed for arbitration, they are ineligible to receive an offer sheet. If a club files for arbitration today, that player is still eligible to sign an offer sheet.

Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News reports that Jeffries’ filing means a second contract buyout window opens for the Islanders exactly three days after Jeffries’ salary arbitration is settled or awarded, and that it applies to players carrying contracts with average annual values of $4 million or more. The same rule applied to the other teams on this list.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks signed defenseman Pavel Mintyukov to a five-year contract with an AAV of $7.2 million.

Mintyukov, 22, was a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract and lacked arbitration rights. The signing averts the possibility of him receiving an expensive offer sheet from a rival club.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli claimed an incoming offer sheet for Mintyukov accelerated the negotiations between the Ducks and Mintyukov, who wanted to remain in Anaheim.

Meanwhile, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek must decide if he’ll match the five-year offer sheet signed by center Leo Carlsson with the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday, or let him join the Flyers and receive four first-round draft picks as compensation. He has until this Friday to reach a decision.

Mintyukov’s new contract leaves the Ducks with $10 million in salary cap space, with RFA forward Cutter Gauthier to be signed. Gauthier is ineligible to receive an offer sheet, but the cost of re-signing him has risen due to the $18 million AAV Carlsson will receive on his new contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The threat of an offer sheet for Mintyukov left Verbeek little choice but to get the young defenseman under contract quickly and probably for more than anticipated. Blindsided by the Carlsson offer sheet, the Ducks GM couldn’t risk another one.

Gauthier’s ineligibility to sign an offer sheet still leaves him as an RFA lacking arbitration rights coming off his entry-level contract. That gives Verbeek the leverage in those negotiations, but it will be difficult to justify a low-ball bridge deal if he matches Carlsson’s offer sheet.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins signed winger Egor Chinahkov to a three-year contract with an AAV of $6.25 million. Goaltender Arturs Silovs inked a one-year, $2.8 million contract.

Goalie Joel Blomqvist got a two-year contract, with the first year being a two-way deal. It’s worth an AAV of $875,000 at the NHL level. Center David Gustafsson received a one-year, two-way contract worth $850,000 at the NHL level.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 29, 2026

by | Apr 29, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 29, 2026

The Bruins and Oilers avoid elimination in their first-round series, the Wild push the Stars to the brink of elimination, the finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award are announced, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF TUESDAY’S PLAYOFF GAMES

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by David Pastrnak gave the Boston Bruins a 2-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres in Game 5 of their best-of-seven first-round series. Elias Lindholm scored the tying goal, and Jeremy Swayman made 24 saves for the Bruins, who avoided elimination to force Game 6 in Boston on Friday. Rasmus Dahlin scored while Alex Lyon stopped 27 shots for the Sabres, who hold a 3-2 lead in the series.

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins rebounded well from their lifeless effort in Game 4 on Sunday, with Pastrnak coming up clutch in overtime with a beautiful breakaway goal. Both goaltenders were outstanding for their respective clubs in this contest.

Bruins winger Viktor Arvidsson missed this game with an upper-body injury suffered during Game 4. Meanwhile, Sabres center Noah Ostlund left this game in the first period with a lower-body injury. The Sabres also played without center Josh Norris, who missed his third straight game with an undisclosed injury.

Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl tallied twice as the Oilers staved off elimination by defeating the Anaheim Ducks 4-1. Evan Bouchard had three assists, Connor McDavid and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins each had two helpers, Zach Hyman scored, and Connor Ingram kicked out 29 shots in his return between the pipes for the Oilers. Alex Killorn replied for the Ducks, who pulled starting goalie Lukas Dostal after he gave up three goals on nine shots in the first period. The series returns to Anaheim for Game 6 on Thursday with the Ducks holding a 3-2 lead.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With their backs to the wall, the Oilers played their best game of this series, with all of their best players stepping up. There was some concern among Oilers followers before the game when McDavid (ankle injury)was considered questionable for Game 5, but he seemed none the worse for wear in this contest.

The Minnesota Wild are one game away from advancing to the second round after doubling up the Dallas Stars 4-2 to take a 3-2 lead in their first-round series. Kirill Kaprizov had a goal and two assists, Matt Boldy had a goal and an assist, and Jesper Wallstedt made 20 saves for the Wild. Jason Robertson had a goal and an assist for the Stars. The series returns to Minnesota for Game 6 on Thursday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mats Zuccarello also scored for the Wild in his first game since being injured in Game 1 of this series. Stars forward Arttu Hyry left this game with a lower-body injury and is considered unlikely for Game 6.

The Stars’ struggles to score at even strength in this series continued in this game, with Robertson’s goal the only one they tallied at five-on-five. They also haven’t been getting much production from their depth players.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov, and Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid are the finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award, which honors the most outstanding player as voted by fellow members of the NHL Players Association.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid or Kucherov will likely win this one, but Celebrini should get this honor. He went from being a promising rookie last season to a full-fledged superstar in his sophomore campaign, whose efforts kept the rebuilding Sharks in the playoff chase until the final week of the regular season.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman skated with his teammates in practice on Wednesday. However, there remains no timetable for his return to action. He’s been out of the lineup for personal reasons since March 25.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens need their first line of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky to break through on five-on-five if they hope to win their first-round series with the Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Suzuki and Caufield are tied with Lane Hutson for the team lead in points with four each, while Slafkovsky has three points. However, all of that production came on the power play.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs has played a major role in keeping his club alive in their first-round series with the Philadelphia Flyers. Down 3-0 in the series, the Pens turned to Silovs, who posted up wins in Games 4 and 5.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Silovs proved himself as a postseason performer two years ago with the Vancouver Canucks. He was also playoff MVP for the Canucks’ AHL affiliate, backstopping the Abbotsford Canucks to the 2025 Calder Cup.

THE ATHLETIC: Speaking of the Flyers, there’s speculation over whether Oliver Bonk will make his NHL postseason debut, and if struggling sophomore winger Matvei Michkov will return to the lineup.

TSN: Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour is hopeful that sidelined winger Nikolaj Ehlers (lower-body injury) and defenseman Alexander Nikishin (concussion) will be healthy for the second round.

DAILY FACEOFF: Utah Mammoth head coach Andre Tourigny confirmed he benched winger JJ Peterka midway through the third period and overtime in Game 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights. Peterka has struggled to make an impact in this series.

SPORTSNET: Former NHL goaltender and Sportsnet hockey analyst John Garrett passed away on Monday at the age of 74.

Garrett began his professional career in the WHA in 1973-74. His NHL career began with the Hartford Whalers in 1979-80, spending six seasons with the Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, and Vancouver Canucks.

After retiring in 1986, Garrett moved into the broadcasting booth, working as a color commentator with Hockey Night in Canada until 1998, when he moved to Sportsnet. From 2002-03 to 2022-23, he exclusively covered the Vancouver Canucks. At the time of his death, Garrett was working for Sportsnet on a part-time basis, covering the Utah Mammoth-Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My sincere condolences to Garrett’s family, friends, former teammates, and everyone who had the good fortune to work with him in the broadcast booth.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 24, 2025

by | Nov 24, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 24, 2025

Check out the latest on the Flames, Senators, and Penguins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis recently reported that Calgary Flames president of hockey operations Don Maloney pushed back on the idea that his club should trade Nazem Kadri. The 35-year-old center has been at the top of most pundits’ lists of veterans that the Flames could trade to accelerate a rebuild.

“I think we need more Kadris, not less,” Maloney said. “We need more of that winning.”

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Maloney also said that the Flames aren’t giving up on his playoff dreams. He also rejected the idea of tanking the season to secure a top-three pick in next year’s draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri has frequently surfaced in the rumor mill since the summer of 2024. The Flames’ struggles this season added fuel to the media speculation, with pundits suggesting trade destinations for the veteran center.

Earlier this month, TSN’s Darren Dreger reported that Flames ownership wasn’t interested in trading Kadri. Maloney is the first member of the club’s front office to speak against the notion of moving the veteran center.

Maloney’s remarks should put a damper on the Kadri trade rumors for now. If the Flames remain at the bottom of the standings heading into the new year, don’t be surprised if the Kadri rumors rekindle, especially by the March 6 trade deadline.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau examined possible trade partners for the Ottawa Senators as they look to take a big swing in the trade market.

Proteau observed that the Senators need help on the blueline, sitting among this season’s 10 worst defensive clubs. He speculated that the Flames, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues could become sellers. More clubs will join them as the trade deadline approaches.

The Senators have around $1.4 million in current cap space, but that will rise to over $5 million in accrued space by the March 6 trade deadline. They don’t have a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, but they do possess their first-rounders in 2027 and 2028 to draw on for trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given their limitations in terms of cap space and trade capital, the Senators could have a difficult time winning any bidding wars by the deadline.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski suggested the Penguins draw upon their goaltending depth for trade bait to land some scoring help.

The Penguins will soon have three healthy goaltenders, including promising Sergei Murashov. He pointed out that there are five NHL teams with save percentages below .885, six if you include the Maple Leafs’ .886.

With Murashov playing well in tandem with Arturs Silovs, and veteran Tristan Jarry due to return soon from an injury, the Penguins could have two expendable goalies in Silovs and Jarry.

Kingerski believes Jarry’s desirability is dubious, especially after coming off another lower-body injury. He believes Silovs could fetch a better return like a second-round pick, which could be flipped to acquire a middle-six forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The most likely scenario is the Penguins will return the waiver-exempt Murashov to their AHL affiliate, then gauge the performances of Jarry and Silovs before deciding if they’ll peddle the latter.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 14, 2025

by | Jul 14, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 14, 2025

Check out the latest on Alex Ovechkin and Ilya Sorokin, the Canucks trade Arturs Silovs to the Penguins, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RG.ORG: Sergey Demidov reports Alex Ovechkin is denying reports claiming he decided to retire from the NHL following the 2025-26 season.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

In May, Ovechkin’s wife Nastasyia suggested the family might move back to Russia in 2026, after his contract with the Washington Capitals expires.

“She said maybe we’ll come and play in Russia,” Ovechkin told reporters. “But it was just a ‘maybe’. No one mentioned a specific date. It’s all nonsense that you guys are twisting and putting Nastasyia in a position where it sounds like she said I’m playing my last NHL season. Let’s just wait and see!”

Asked if he would consider continuing his NHL career beyond this season, the 39-year-old Ovechkin was noncommittal. “Anything is possible. I’m not saying no, but I’m not saying yes either.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin appears to be keeping his options open. He turns 40 in September and isn’t the player he once was. Nevertheless, he netted 44 goals in 65 games last season, setting the NHL’s all-time goal-scoring record. He also had five goals in 10 playoff games.

Another productive season that helps the Capitals remain a playoff contender could entice Ovechkin into extending his NHL career by another season or two.

Meanwhile, New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin shut down recent speculation suggesting he was a trade candidate during last month’s NHL Draft.

“I wasn’t surprised by the rumors – it’s part of the business,” Sorokin said. “What did surprise me, though, was how seriously people took them, even though everyone knows I have a no-trade clause. But overall – let them talk.”

Sorokin expressed his happiness over the new long-term contract signed by teammate Alexander Romanov and his surprise over Noah Dobson being traded to the Montreal Canadiens.

“That one surprised me,” he said, but admitted the salary cap meant the Isles couldn’t afford to keep Romanov and Dobson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sorokin’s agent, Dan Milstein, swatted down the speculation last Thursday, claiming his client had never been part of any trade talk involving the Islanders.

THE PROVINCE/PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Vancouver Canucks traded goaltender Arturs Silovs to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for prospect forward Chase Stillman and a fourth-round draft pick in 2027.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen under long-term contracts, Silovs was the odd man out in the Canucks crease. His waiver-exempt status was a contributing factor behind this decision.

Silovs became a fan favorite in Vancouver during the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs. Replacing a sidelined Demko and then-backup Casey DeSmith, he backstopped the Canucks into the second round before falling to the Edmonton Oilers in seven games. His struggles early last season led to his demotion to the Canucks’ AHL affiliate in Abbotsford, where he became playoff MVP, carrying that team to its first Calder Cup championship.

The Penguins will be counting on a more consistent effort from Silovs as they attempt to shore up their shaky goaltending. Starter Tristan Jarry’s performance has been erratic, and promising Joel Blomqvist struggled in his 15-game NHL debut last season.

TSN: Former NHL forward Joe Pavelski won the American Century Golf Championship on Sunday at Tahoe. He closed with an eagle to defeat former MLB pitcher John Smoltz by nine points in the celebrity tournament.

“I don’t know what to say, actually,” said the 41-year-old Pavelski. “But just an amazing week. This place is incredible. It means the world to me.”

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Former Red Wings forward Daniel Sprong appears to be out of NHL options. Known for his powerful shot, the 28-year-old winger has garnered a reputation in NHL circles for his uninspiring defensive play.

Sprong’s next stop could be in the KHL. He’s reportedly received interest from Avangard Omsk and CSKA Moscow.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In nine NHL seasons (2015-16 to 2024-25), Sprong has 87 goals and 79 points for 166 points in 374 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, Washington Capitals, Seattle Kraken, Red Wings, Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 12, 2025

by | Jul 12, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 12, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Erik Karlsson, and what the Oilers, Canucks and Senators have left to do this summer.

THE CHRIS JOHNSTON SHOW: Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson is willing to waive his no-movement clause to accept a trade. However, there are only a few teams he’d consider as acceptable destinations.

Johnston thinks Karlsson’s contract is easier to move now because there are only two years left. The 35-year-old defenseman is signed through 2026-27, with the Penguins carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million average annual value.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)

If the Penguins move Karlsson, Johnston doesn’t think it’ll be strictly to shed salary. They view him as an asset that should fetch a reasonable return, especially if they were to retain part of his salary to facilitate a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston believes Karlsson could be tradeable, but he also thinks that it might not happen this summer. He didn’t say which teams the three-time Norris Trophy winner would agree to, but they could be those that he thinks would give him the best chance to win the Stanley Cup.

Karlsson agreed to sign his contract with the Sharks in 2019 because he thought they were Cup contenders after reaching the Western Conference Final that year. He accepted a trade to the Penguins because he felt that joining Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang would give him a shot at hockey’s holy grail.

Of course, Karlsson was wrong on both counts, but as the old saying goes, the third time’s a charm.

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector believes Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman will continue to explore the goaltender market in the hope of finding an upgrade between the pipes.

Spector doubts Bowman will find a suitable solution, but he also doesn’t see “a Jack Campbell-type acquisition by a desperate GM.” He suggests that something could emerge during the season, perhaps by the trade deadline, that could address this situation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s little available via free agency or trade right now to improve the Oilers’ goaltending. However, that could change during the regular season as teams that fall out of playoff contention seek to shake up their rosters.

Meanwhile, in Vancouver, Iain MacIntyre believes the Canucks must remain patient and continue looking for depth at center. To create cap space to do so, he suggested winger Dakota Joshua (three years, $3.25 million AAV) and center Teddy Blueger (one year, $1.8 million).

MacIntyre also suggested looking at the market for third-string goaltender Arturs Silovs. The 24-year-old was the MVP of the AHL playoffs by backstopping the Canucks’ AHL affiliate in Abbotsford to the Calder Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s a seller’s market for centers right now. The Canucks have little choice but to bide their time and hope that it improves during the season.

In Ottawa, Alex Adams believes the Senators are short of an elite top-six winger who can score. He thinks GM Steve Staios is perusing the league despite the limited options, the club’s lack of salary-cap space and assets at his disposal.

Adams suggested Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish as a possible trade target. He claims there’ve been rumblings out of Anaheim that McTavish and the Ducks aren’t a happy family.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There have also been reports dismissing the speculation about McTavish’s supposed unhappiness in Anaheim. The 22-year-old restricted free agent is coming off his entry-level contract and has little leverage in contract negotiations, but no reports suggest talks have become stalled or contentious.

One rumor this spring speculated the Ducks could move winger Cutter Gauthier off the top line and into the second-line center position, pushing McTavish down to the third line. However, there has been no indication that the Ducks are considering that option.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 10, 2025

by | Jul 10, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 10, 2025

Golden Knights center Jack Eichel on new teammate Mitch Marner, Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere looks forward to 2025-26, the Canucks’ goaltending logjam, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel said he understands what it’s like to start over with a new NHL club. He’s willing to lend a hand to help new teammate Mitch Marner adjust.

“Having went through the situation of leaving an organization in the city and having a fresh start with Vegas, I think I can relate, to a point, to some of the things he’s going through,” said Eichel. He added that he’s looking forward to continuing getting to know Marner and the opportunity of playing with him.

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (NHL Images).

During the “Leafs Morning Take” podcast, Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy said it was difficult to predict if Eichel and Marner would end up on the same line this season, but he is looking forward to seeing the two players together when training camp opens in September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s possible that Eichel and Marner might not mesh well as linemates. Nevertheless, it won’t be surprising if they’re on the first line when the Golden Knights open their season in October.

RDS.CA: New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere acknowledged he and his teammates didn’t play well last season. His struggles at times made him the subject of trade speculation.

However, Lafreniere expressed optimism for this season, pointing out that the Rangers have a new head coach (Mike Sullivan) and a slightly different roster. He’s hoping to regain the form that saw him net a career-high 57 points in 2023-24.

Lafreniere also indicated that he ignores trade rumors, saying he loves playing in New York.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lafreniere’s struggles and general manager Chris Drury’s ongoing roster tinkering fueled the trade speculation. However, it seems that Drury still believes the 23-year-old winger fits into his team’s long-range plans. Lafreniere is in the first season of a seven-year contract that he signed last fall.

THE PROVINCE: Arturs Silovs was the 2025 AHL playoff MVP backstopping the Vancouver Canucks’ AHL affiliate win the Calder Cup. However, he’s stuck as the Canucks’ No. 3 goalie behind Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen.

Silovs’s Calder Cup performance and his solid play for the Canucks in the 2024 NHL playoffs could make the 24-year-old goaltender a player of interest for teams seeking depth between the pipes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Silovs is no longer exempt from NHL waivers. It’s doubtful he’d pass unclaimed if the Canucks try to return him to Abbotsford before the start of the regular season. With several teams in the market for goalie depth, Silovs could surface in trade rumors during training camp in September.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Climate Pledge Arena co-developer Tim Leiweke stepped down as CEO of Oak View Group following a grand jury indictment for allegedly rigging a bidding process for an arena project at a public university in Austin, Texas.

Climate Pledge Arena is the home of the NHL’s Seattle Kraken. The team released a statement indicating Leiweke’s indictment has nothing to do with the team or the arena and won’t affect their day-to-day operations.

Leiweke is the former CEO and president of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. None of the allegations have been proven in court. If found guilty, he would face up to 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

TSN: NHL player agent Todd Diamond believes the organizational makeup of a team plays a bigger role in where players sign rather than their location.

“I think it’s a red herring,” said Diamond, referring to the issue of teams based in no-tax states. “It’s all about winning and how organizations are treating their players.”

Diamond acknowledged that lifestyle, weather and climate play a role to a certain extent, but pointed out that he has had clients who preferred to re-sign in Pittsburgh and Carolina. “It’s all about the feel and the ability for organizations to compete that are the foremost drivers in deciding where players want to play.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A team in a no-tax state has an advantage in re-signing or adding stars for slightly less than market value compared to other states. However, it doesn’t assure that those teams will become Stanley Cup champions.

Some believe it was a key factor behind the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights and Tampa Bay Lightning winning five of the last six Stanley Cup championships.

Whenever someone raises this issue, they never have a suitable answer for why the Panthers and Lightning had long periods in their history when they failed to reach the playoffs. They can’t explain why the Golden Knights didn’t advance past the second round over the past two years, or why the Lightning haven’t won a playoff round since 2022.

Shrewd management and strong coaching were the real reasons behind the success of those teams.

NEW YORK POST: The employer of former NHL enforcer Nick Tarnasky is looking into a fight he had with another man on an Alberta golf course on July 4. The incident was filmed and subsequently appeared on social media.

Tarnasky coaches Red Deer Minor Hockey’s U17 team. Local authorities looked into the incident, but no charges were laid. Police were dispatched to the golf course following a report of a drunken man starting fights, but the probe was closed when officers arrived and the suspect was gone.

The video shows a man charging at someone who is thought to be Tarnasky, who tossed the assailant into a lake. The individual kept coming after Tarnasky, who threw several punches and then tossed the man to the ground. The man was then led away by his companion.