NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 26, 2026

by | Jun 26, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 26, 2026

The 2026 NHL Draft begins Friday, Jason Robertson rejects a trade to the Kraken, Wild owner vows to re-sign Quinn Hughes, the latest on Zach Werenski and Alex Ovechkin, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

WHO WILL THE MAPLE LEAFS CHOOSE WITH THE FIRST-OVERALL PICK?

NHL.COM: The Toronto Maple Leafs face a big decision with the first overall pick as the 2026 NHL Draft begins with the first round on Friday in Buffalo.

Penn State winger Gavin McKenna and forward Ivar Stenberg of SHL club Frolunda are the top two prospects.

The San Jose Sharks hold the second overall pick, followed by the Vancouver Canucks, Buffalo Sabres, and New York Rangers to round out the top five. The Calgary Flames possess the sixth overall selection, followed by the Seattle Kraken, Winnipeg Jets, Sharks, and Nashville Predators to complete the top 10.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s widely believed that the Leafs will select McKenna. San Jose is expected to take Stenberg, provided they haven’t traded that pick beforehand. Sharks general manager Mike Grier said he’s received at least one interesting trade offer. The Sabres could also peddle their pick for an established player, and the Rangers could dangle their pick for more immediate help. I’ll have more about that in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON JASON ROBERTSON, QUINN HUGHES, ALEX OVECHKIN & ZACH WERENSKI

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports sources claim the Dallas Stars permitted the Seattle Kraken to speak with Jason Robertson. They offered him an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $15 million, but the 26-year-old winger rejected the offer.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

Friedman indicated that the two clubs were believed to have worked out a trade before the Kraken were permitted to talk to Robertson, with the Kraken’s first-round pick in Friday’s draft (seventh overall) as part of the return.

Robertson is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1, and is a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. He and the Stars are reportedly $2 million apart in negotiations. The Stars’ top contract belongs to winger Mikko Rantanen at $12 million annually, and the hope was that Robertson might come in around that number.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: According to Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek, the St. Louis Blues offered a trade package to the Stars that included multiple first-round picks. However, the deal didn’t go through because Robertson wasn’t interested in signing with the Blues.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli claimed the Toronto Maple Leafs tried to get involved in the Kraken-Stars deal by offering up Matthews Knies to the Stars for the seventh-overall pick had the Robertson trade gone through. The Ottawa Senators were also believed to be interested in Robertson, but were told that he wasn’t willing to sign with them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If these reports are anything to go by, Robertson has played his final game with the Stars. The two sides could continue their contract negotiations, but the fact that the Stars were close to trading him to Seattle suggests the salary gulf between them can’t be bridged.

Robertson lacks no-trade protection, but his RFA status gives him leverage over where he can be traded. No one is going to part with significant assets for a star who won’t commit to a contract beyond next season. The Stars will likely keep searching for trade offers from clubs that are acceptable destinations for Robertson.

The Kraken’s offer could be based on what Robertson seeks in his negotiations with the Stars. His rejection of that proposal busts the myth that free-agent talent only wants to play in no-tax states. Robertson is the second player to reject a big-money offer from the Kraken, as Artemi Panarin did the same in February when he rejected a trade to Seattle in favor of a move to the Los Angeles Kings. Their odds of landing either player would’ve been better if they were a winning franchise.

Robertson could receive an offer sheet on July 1, but the cost of signing him would include four first-round picks to the Stars as compensation, as it’s clear he’s seeking well over $12 million annually. However, the Stars’ attempt to trade him suggests they’re seeking a return that could also provide more immediate help.

TSN: Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold expects his club to re-sign Quinn Hughes. The 26-year-old superstar defenseman has one season remaining on his contract and will be UFA-eligible next July.

“We had to give up a lot to get him in this past year,” Leipold said, referring to the trade last December with the Vancouver Canucks. “We are going to re-sign him. The question is for how long. We would like to go as long as we could.”

Leipold believes Hughes will probably want a shorter deal than the one Kirill Kaprizov signed with the Wild last fall. “Shorter being maybe three years,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leipold made similar comments about Kaprizov months before his club inked the superstar winger to an eight-year extension. The Wild can sign Hughes starting on July 1.

A three-year extension would give Hughes four years with the Wild, which is probably the window that Leipold and general manager Bill Guerin believe their club has to win the Stanley Cup. After that, Hughes could pursue his dream of playing with his brothers, Jack and Luke, in New Jersey.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reports Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carberry said Alex Ovechkin is “very impressed, very happy” with the big trades the club made this week.

The Capitals acquired winger Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday. The following day, they brought in winger Alex Tuch in a sign-and-trade deal with the Buffalo Sabres.

Ovechkin is expected to decide in July whether he’ll return for another season with the Capitals. If he does commit for 2026-27, Carberry said the 40-year-old winger is willing to accept a modified role with the club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some saw the acquisitions of Kyrou and Tuch as the Capitals preparing for Ovechkin’s retirement, while others saw them as a way to entice him to play one more season. Bringing in those two should address both possibilities.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell said he intends to meet with Zach Werenski soon to discuss his future with the club.

Werenski won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as this season’s top NHL defenseman. The 28-year-old has two years remaining on his contract, but there’s been speculation about how long he plans to remain with the Jackets.

“I know for right now, there’s some matters that we’re dealing with that should probably stay internal,” Waddell said. He added that he’s had some conversations with Werenski’s agent, saying there’s been “no definitive plan, for sure.”

Waddell also said he didn’t get the sense that Werenski was basing his decision on the Blue Jackets’ offseason plans, but that could factor into it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We saw one of those plans on Thursday when the Blue Jackets acquired winger Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche. I’ll have more on that below.

Waddell’s cryptic comments about keeping some things internal suggest that Werenski may have expressed his frustration over the Blue Jackets’ inability to clinch a playoff berth over the past two seasons. The uncertainty over his future ensures he will be a frequent subject for trade speculation.

NHL TRADE TRACKER FOR JUNE 25

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH/COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Blue Jackets acquired winger Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick (43rd overall), a 2027 third-round pick, and a 2028 fifth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichushkin is a replacement for Boone Jenner or Mason Marchment. Both are pending UFAs who are unlikely to return. As for the Avalanche, this was a cost-cutting move, freeing up Nichushkin’s $6.125 million AAV from their books. They now have almost $11 million in salary-cap space for 2026-27, which will likely be used to shore up their blueline.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW/FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Philadelphia Flyers traded forward Garnet Hathaway and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Florida Panthers in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-rounder. The Flyers are retaining half of Hathaway’s $2.4 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hathaway will be a replacement for UFA-eligible forward AJ Greer.

THE HOCKEY NEWS/PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Washington Capitals traded forward Hendrix Lapierre to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick.

THE HOCKEY NEWS/NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Capitals also traded defenseman Declain Chisholm to the New Jersey Devils for a 2027 fourth-round pick.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 23, 2026

by | Jun 23, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 23, 2026

The latest on Zach Werenski, Dylan Larkin, Jason Robertson, Bowen Byram, Jake DeBrusk, Valeri Nichushkin, and John Carlson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL ZACH WERENSKI REQUEST A TRADE?

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Brady Tkachuk trade has increased speculation about the future of Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski.

Like Tkachuk, Werenski has two years remaining on his contract. Team USA teammates such as the Tkachuk brothers and Quinn Hughes have forced trades to teams where they wanted to play, and Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings is attempting to do the same.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

Given the Blue Jackets’ difficulties in becoming a playoff contender, Columbus fans could be worried that Werenski might do the same.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell recently met with Werenski’s agent, Judd Moldaver. He said both sides don’t know where the “noise” about the Norris Trophy winner’s future is coming from. Waddell remains confident that the 28-year-old defenseman wants to stay in Columbus.

Portzline’s colleague, Pierre LeBrun, believes Waddell’s moves during this offseason could determine Werenski’s future.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger believes Waddell will “seek a king’s ransom” if they end up having to trade Werenski.

“My line is usually, ‘It would be a boatload,” Waddell said. “We don’t want to trade him, but if it ever came to that, then year, it would be (a high price).”

Werenski has a full no-movement clause until the end of next season, when it becomes a 10-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So far, there’s no indication that Werenski wants to move on. The Blue Jackets came very close to making the playoffs last season, and he could be willing to wait and see if they can get over the hump next season. If they do, it’ll improve the Jackets’ odds of signing him to an extension next July. If they fail again, it could lead to his departure via trade next summer.

UPDATE ON DYLAN LARKIN

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jake Tye cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who believes there won’t be any common ground found between the Detroit Red Wings and Dylan Larkin that would see him return with the team for next season.

Larkin submitted a trade request earlier this month, with the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers his initially preferred destinations. It’s believed he’s been asked to expand that list.

Friedman believes the Red Wings will trade Larkin this summer. He thinks GM Steve Yzerman believes they can’t bring him back and have to move on.

Meanwhile, Michael Whitaker noted that Friedman’s colleague, Nick Kypreos, believes the Dallas Stars are now Larkin’s destination of choice. Kypreos also thinks Anaheim Ducks GM (and former Red Wings assistant GM) Pat Verbeek might try to get in on this.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild are believed to be Larkin’s preferred landing spot, but that might not be possible if they can’t afford the Wings’ asking price. Yzerman will want to get the best possible deal for moving his top center.

As for the Stars, that’ll depend on whether they re-sign winger Jason Robertson. If they do, they won’t be able to afford Larkin’s $8.7 million AAV.

Speaking of Robertson…

COULD JASON ROBERTSON BECOME AN OFFER-SHEET TARGET?

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos looked at how the threat of an offer sheet could affect the Stars’ contract talks with Jason Robertson.

The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1, and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

After the Senators traded Brady Tkachuk to the Panthers, reports emerged that they would make a big push for Robertson via trade or offer sheet. The Senators have over $25 million in cap space for 2026-27, enabling them to pitch a $14 million to $15 million per season offer to Robertson. The Stars, with just over $10 million in cap space, likely couldn’t match it.

If the Stars manage to re-sign Robertson, Mavrik Bourque could become an offer-sheet target. However, the young forward indicated that he believes he’ll be back with the Stars this fall.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Assimakopoulos noted that Robertson would have to want to be open to signing an offer sheet to receive one, and he’d have to be open to joining the Senators for them to make a pitch. If he doesn’t, it won’t matter what they’re willing to offer.

The Senators could attempt to acquire Robertson via trade. He lacks a no-trade clause, but if he’s unwilling to sign a contract extension, the Sens are unlikely to give up assets for a player who would depart next summer via free agency.

Some of you might point out that the Senators did that a few years ago with Alex DeBrincat, but that was under different management. Senators GM Steve Staios isn’t likely to waste valuable trade assets on a one-year player.

COULD THE PENGUINS PURSUE BOWEN BYRAM?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports a league source told him that Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is “going big-game hunting” this summer.

Yohe believes Bowen Byram is a player worth watching. The 25-year-old Buffalo Sabres defenseman has a year left on his contract and will seek a significant raise. It would cost a lot in trade pieces and future cap space, but Byram is a player the Penguins like a great deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas and the Penguins have the trade assets that could entice the Sabres if they put Byram on the block. It will depend on how much the Sabres want, especially if they seek a good roster player as part of the deal.

THE LATEST ON JAKE DEBRUSK

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston believes the Ottawa Senators trading Brady Tkachuk puts them in the market for a left winger. He speculated that they could make a move for Jake DeBrusk. The 29-year-old winger has a full no-movement clause, but he’s looking to join a contender and doesn’t want to play for the rebuilding Canucks.

DeBrusk could be a good fit with the Senators. He also carries an affordable $5.5 million annual cap hit. The Canucks’ asking price could be the 25th overall pick, which they could pair with the 24th overall pick would be a good return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers suggested the Canucks could use those two picks to select twin brothers Liam and Markus Ruff. That’s assuming the two forwards are still available at that point. Liam is the 20th ranked North American skater while Markus is 23rd.

Johnston also reports the Columbus Blue Jackets could be interested in DeBrusk. The Blue Jackets hold the 14th overall pick.

NICHUSHKIN AVAILABLE? CARLSON TO THE LIGHTNING?

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who reported he’s started hearing Valeri Nichushkin being mentioned in the rumor mill.

“Colorado is looking for some (cap) flexibility, I think. His name is out there. We’ll see,” Friedman said during Monday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichushkin’s inconsistency, his health, and well-documented off-ice issues make him a risk acquisition. The 31-year-old winger carries an AAV of $6.125 million and a 12-team no-trade list.

RMNB: cited Friedman saying “most people” wouldn’t be surprised if John Carlson signs with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 36-year-old defenseman recently told the Anaheim Ducks that he was going to test the market, and it’s believed he wants to return to the Eastern Conference.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 21, 2026

by | Jun 21, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 21, 2026

The Hurricanes celebrate their Stanley Cup championship with a record-setting parade in Raleigh, the latest on Stars forwards Jason Robertson and Jamie Benn, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM/THE NEWS & OBSERVER: An estimated record-setting crowd of over 180,000 people turned out in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, to watch the Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup parade on Saturday.

The parade began at 11 am ET with the team and their families perched on the open-top decks of double-decker buses, arriving at City Plaza an hour later, where the players, general manager Eric Tulsky, and head coach Rod Brind’Amour took turns speaking to the fans.

Tulsky took care of a piece of business during the gathering, announcing the signing of winger Nicolas Deslauriers to a two-year contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations again to the Hurricanes and their fans for their well-deserved championship run.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars general manager Jim Nill appeared on Sportsradio 96.7 FM/1310 The Ticket (KTCK-AM) on Saturday.

Among the topics Nill talked about were Jason Robertson’s contract negotiations and the future of team captain Jamie Benn.

Nill said the club’s priority remains signing Robertson to an extension. He indicated that the discussions continue, but there are currently no real deadlines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson’s contract status and the ongoing negotiations have drawn considerable interest around the league. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for the Stars.

Since his debut in 2020-21, Robertson has been among the league’s highest-scoring forwards. He sits 11th overall with 489 points in 453 games, making him the highest-scoring member of the Stars during this period.

Robertson is completing a four-year contract with an average annual value of $7.75 million. He’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer, and is a year away from being eligible for unrestricted free-agent status.

It’s rumored that Robertson could seek a deal comparable to teammate Mikko Rantanen’s eight-year contract ($12 million AAV). The Stars being in a no-tax state could help Nill get him signed to a new deal. However, they currently have $10.139 million, meaning they’ll have to make a cost-cutting trade or two to free up sufficient room to re-sign him.

Nill was asked about the possibility of another team taking advantage of the Stars’ limited cap space to sign forward Mavrik Bourque to an offer sheet. He acknowledged the scenario, adding that they’re also trying to get Bourque signed. Nill claimed they’ve got “different plans in place” for all these scenarios.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bourque is completing a one-year contract with a cap hit of $950,000. Like Robertson, he has arbitration rights. He’s coming off his sophomore season, scoring 20 goals and 21 assists for 41 points. Some observers believe he could flourish with an expanded role, making him a prime target for an offer sheet, provided he’s willing to sign one.

Nill said he intends to meet with team captain Jamie Benn after the upcoming NHL draft to see if he’s willing to return for another season.

“Like I said, we want him back,” Nill said. “He’s a big part of our team and I don’t see any, unless he thinks it’s time (to retire), then we’ll have to look at different directions.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Benn, 36, completed a one-year, bonus-laden contract with a $1 million base salary and a $3 million performance bonus. This season saw his lowest production in a non-lockout, non-COVID season, with 36 points in 60 games.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Utah Mammoth have reportedly hired former Vancouver Canucks head coach Adam Foote as an assistant coach.

NHL.COM: The Seattle Kraken hired former defenseman Justin Schultz in a player development role. Schultz spent 12 seasons in the NHL, spending his final two seasons with the Kraken from 2022-23 to 2023-24.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs could be tapping into the Calder Cup-winning Marlies roster for help next season. Among them could be forwards Easton Cowan and Jacob Quillan, defenseman Ben Danford, and goaltender (and playoff MVP) Artur Akhtyamov.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 11, 2026

by | Jun 11, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 11, 2026

Check out the latest on Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk, and Blues center Robert Thomas in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON DYLAN LARKIN

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun provided an update on the trade request of Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin.

Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman and Pat Brisson (Dylan Larkin’s agent) continue to try to work through this in a respectful manner.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

Yzerman has asked the Larkin camp to expand their original three-team trade list, and Brisson was receptive “to some degree”. The Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers were the three teams on Larkin’s list.

Regardless of that trade list, LeBrun claimed other teams are also interested in Larkin. One of them is the Dallas Stars, prompting LeBrun to consider it “food for thought” if the Stars fail to sign winger Jason Robertson to a contract extension.

LeBrun also believes a third team might need to get involved to make the assets work for the Red Wings.

SPORTSNET: During the June 10 episode of the “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman said he’d heard there could be other clubs that Larkin might be willing to join. He believes the Stars and the Tampa Bay Lightning could be two options.

Friedman also thinks that teams have already submitted trade offers to the Red Wings, including the Wild and the Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Larkin really wants out of Detroit, he’ll have to expand his list of preferred destinations. Adding two or three more clubs could help Yzerman find an acceptable return for him.

However, the teams on his trade list could lack sufficient trade assets to make the deal work. That’s why LeBrun suggests it could take bringing in a third team to thread the needle here.

If the Stars can’t get Robertson under contract, they could offer him up to the Red Wings for Larkin. The 27-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights who’s a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. He also lacks no-trade protection.

In that scenario, the Red Wings would need assurances that Robertson would be open to a long-term contract with them. While that move would address their need for a first-line left winger, it would leave them without a first and second-line center.

ZACH WERENSKI DOESN’T WANT OUT OF COLUMBUS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported there was speculation over what effect Dylan Larkin’s trade request would have on Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Werenski and Larkin are close friends and were teammates on Team USA’s gold-medal Olympic men’s hockey team.

LeBrun indicated that the 28-year-old defenseman isn’t following Larkin’s lead and asking the Blue Jackets for a trade. However, LeBrun isn’t ruling out the possibility, based on the fact that, at some point, Werenski and Jackets management will have to discuss the blueliner’s future in Columbus.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Red Wings, the Blue Jackets came close to making the playoffs over the past two years, only to stumble during the final weeks of the regular season.

Unlike Larkin, who has five years left on his contract, Werenski has two years on his. He could see how next season pans out before making any decision about his future.

Werenski is part of the 2028 UFA class that includes Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators. However, if their teams fail to improve in 2026-27, they could all be on the move in next summer’s trade market.

COULD THE SENATORS PURSUE JAKE DEBRUSK?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports “two league sources” believe the Senators are among a group of teams interested in Jake DeBrusk of the Vancouver Canucks.

The 29-year-old winger has spent the past two seasons with the Canucks. He has five years left on his contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million. He also has a full no-movement clause.

Garrioch believed DeBrusk could be a good fit among the Senators’ top-six forwards. He’s reportedly not thrilled about being on a team undergoing a roster teardown.

The Senators also reportedly have an interest in forward Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks and winger Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues. However, it’s believed that Kyrou won’t waive his no-trade clause for Ottawa. The Philadelphia Flyers are also believed to be interested in McTavish.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch believes the rebuilding Canucks won’t be seeking much for DeBrusk because they want to move his contract. They will likely seek a return of futures (draft picks, prospects, young NHL players) in any trades this summer involving their roster players.

The sticking point is DeBrusk’s NMC and whether he’d waive it to join the Senators.

BLUES SOUGHT AN EXPENSIVE RETURN FROM THE FLYERS FOR ROBERT THOMAS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited The Athletic’s Kevin Kurz, who claimed the Philadelphia Flyers and St. Louis Blues discussed a trade earlier this season regarding Blues center Robert Thomas.

According to Kurz, the Blues’ asking price was winger Porter Martone, prospect center Jack Nesbitt, and the Flyers’ first-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: And now you know why Robert Thomas remains with the Blues and will continue to remain a Blue for the foreseeable future. That asking price was far too much for the Flyers, who know they’ve got a potential superstar in Martone.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 9, 2026

by | Jun 9, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 9, 2026

The Oilers are looking into hiring Mike Babcock as head coach; the Kings will reportedly name Peter Laviolette as their new bench boss; the latest on the Golden Knights and Hurricanes; and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Darren Dreger reported the Edmonton Oilers are consulting with the NHL Players’ Association to see if there are any objections to be resolved before potentially hiring Mike Babcock as their new head coach.

Former Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Mike Babcock (NHL Images).

According to Dreger, if an investigation is required, sources say the league will manage it. The NHLPA has declined to comment.

Dreger’s colleague, Ryan Rishaug, reported members of the Oilers’ leadership group recently spoke directly to Babcock about the possibility of becoming their new coach.

The Columbus Blue Jackets hired Babcock as their new bench boss in the summer of 2023. However, he stepped down before the 2023-24 season following allegations that he asked players to show him personal photos from their phones, sparking concerns about invasion of the players’ privacy.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting sources claim that Babcock has directly spoken with Oilers owner Daryl Katz. He also stated that Babcock spoke with several members of the team’s leadership group.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers insider Bob Stauffer also reported that the Oilers are interested in hiring Babcock. “From ownership, to management, to the players, (Mike Babcock) is the selection for the Edmonton Oilers hockey club,” Stauffer said.

Babcock had a history of mistreating players during his tenures with the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. The Oilers’ interest in him isn’t going down well with some Edmonton pundits, who believe the unavailability of former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy has pushed them toward Babcock.

LOS ANGELES TIMES: The Kings are reportedly set to hire Peter Laviolette as their new head coach. While the club hasn’t made it official yet, Laviolette is expected to sign a three-year contract with the Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings would be Laviolette’s seventh NHL team in his 23-season coaching career. He guided the Carolina Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup in 2006. He also coached the Philadelphia Flyers (2010) and Nashville Predators (2017) to the Stanley Cup Final, and the New York Rangers to the Presidents’ Trophy in 2023-24.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Golden Knights enter Game 4 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final holding a 2-1 series lead over the Carolina Hurricanes.

A strong camaraderie among the Vegas Golden Knights players helped them win the Stanley Cup in 2023. The same vibe permeates their dressing room in this postseason.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Hurricanes have yet to name their starting goaltender for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday.

Brandon Bussi relieved starter Frederik Andersen in Game 3 after the latter allowed four goals in the second period. Bussi backstopped the Hurricanes’ third-period comeback before they fell 5-4 in double overtime.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The speculation grew on Monday after Andersen missed practice for a maintenance day.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: The annual Montreal Sports Celebrity Evening turned into an impromptu farewell party for Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher, who was honored on Sunday as Sports Personality of the Year.

Gallagher, 34, told reporters last week that he would be moving on from the Canadiens. His performance declined this season, leading to a reduction in his playing time. He was a healthy scratch for all but three of the Canadiens’ 19 playoff games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gallagher has expressed an interest in being traded to his hometown of Vancouver. He confirmed that the Canadiens have permitted his agent to speak with other teams to facilitate a trade. I’ll have more about that in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Plano, Texas city council voted to approve a $700 million funding plan for a new arena for the Dallas Stars, who currently reside at American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 3, 2026

by | Jun 3, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 3, 2026

The Golden Knights take Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, Zach Werenski wins the Norris Trophy, Chris MacFarland leaves the Avalanche for the Predators, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Tomas Hertl broke a 4-4 tie late in the third period to give the Vegas Golden Knights a 5-4 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.

Vegas Golden Knights forward Tomas Hertl (NHL Images).

Defensemen Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb each collected three points, and Brett Howden tallied his playoff-leading 11th goal for the Golden Knights, who overcame an early 2-0 deficit for the win.

Nikolaj Ehlers opened the scoring with two early goals, and Jordan Staal and Shayne Gostisbehere also scored as the Hurricanes battled back from 3-2 and 4-3 deficits.

Game 2 is Thursday evening in Raleigh.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Game 1 is any indication, this could be an entertaining series. It was a see-saw tilt between these two clubs as they faced each other for the first time since their two-game season series in October.

The Hurricanes dropped Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Montreal Canadiens, but rallied back to crush the Habs in the next four games with their relentless forechecking and stifling defense. However, the Golden Knights are a more experienced opponent who play a similar style, putting pressure on their opponents and forcing turnovers.

SPORTSNET: Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as this season’s top NHL defenseman. It’s the first time the 28-year-old Werenski has won this award, and he’s the first Blue Jackets rearguard to do so.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Werenski was the favorite to win the Norris for most of this season. It’s a well-deserved honor for the long-time Blue Jackets defenseman, who is the franchise’s all-time assists leader (330) and is second in points with 465.

Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche was second in the voting, with Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres third.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators named Chris MacFarland as their new president of hockey operations and general manager. He spent the past 11 seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, working as their GM since 2022-23.

MacFarland is a finalist for this season’s Jim Gregory NHL General Manager of the Year Award. He will replace Barry Trotz, who announced he would step down as the Predators GM once a suitable replacement was found.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No surprise here. Rumors emerged two weeks ago claiming MacFarland could be leaving the Avalanche for a larger role with the Predators.

The Avalanche announced team president Joe Sakic will resume the GM duties for the foreseeable future. MacFarland’s departure could mean the Avalanche won’t be replacing head coach Jared Bednar for the time being.

NHL.COM: League commissioner Gary Bettman said the NHL continues to experience record revenue growth year-over-year during his annual “State of the League” press conference ahead of the Stanley Cup Final.

Bettman said revenue for this season was between $7.5 billion and $8 billion. That growth is a result of the league having over 75 sponsors, record broadcasting ratings, and gate receipts that were over 96 percent in the regular season and 100 percent in the playoffs.

Other notable points from Bettman’s presser:

The league and the NHL Players Association expressed concern regarding the NCAA’s plans to give athletes five years of eligibility from their high school or their 19th birthday, whichever comes first.

Hockey is different from other sports because players are often older after first spending time at the junior level or at a prep school. Other hockey organizations across North America joined the NHL in expressing concern, including the three Canadian junior leagues, the USHL, USA Hockey, and the college coaches association.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report indicated that NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly spoke with NCAA president Charlie Baker, who has some ideas that might address the issue. It’ll be interesting to see what those ideas will be, and whether they’ll be acceptable to those with concerns.

The 2027 NHL All-Star Weekend will include a round-robin, three-on-three tournament featuring international teams that include Canada, the United States, Sweden, Finland, and a World team of players from other nations, including Russian players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL followed the IIHF’s lead of banning Russian players from previous tournaments since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, the IIHF is reconsidering its stance, and the NHL has yet to decide whether Russia will be part of the 2028 World Cup of Hockey.

Bettman, 74, also acknowledged recent reports that he’s had discussions regarding succession plans with the league’s executive committee over the past two years. He downplayed the reports, but admitted that his career will wind down eventually.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Dallas Stars have signed a nonbinding letter of intent to build a new arena with the Dallas suburb of Plano. They are awaiting a vote by the Plano City Council. If approved, the new arena would be constructed before the Stars’ lease with American Airlines Arena expires in 2031.

TSN: The St. Louis Blues hired former NHL star Mikko Koivu as their new European development consultant.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Billionaire Melinda French Gates has become a minority investor in the Kraken.

R.ORG: Marco D’Amico profiled Kamloops Blazers winger JP Hurlbert. The Texas native opted to leave the USNTDP to play in the WHL during his draft year, finishing fourth in league scoring with 97 points.

The 18-year-old Hurlbert has committed to the University of Michigan for next season. He could become a sleeper pick in the latter half of the first round in this year’s draft.