NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 24, 2026

by | Mar 24, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 24, 2026

The Senators move closer to a wild-card berth, Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad reaches a career milestone, the three stars of the week are announced, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Ottawa Senators moved closer to an Eastern Conference wild-card berth with a 2-1 win over the New York Rangers in the only NHL game on Monday. Shane Pinto and Warren Foegele scored for the 37-24-9 Senators (83 points), moving within two points of the New York Islanders for the final wild card. Conor Sheary replied for the Rangers (28-34-9), who honored forward Mika Zibanejad for playing in his 1,000th career NHL regular-season game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators have been on a tear of late, going 14-3-2 in their last 19 games. They’ll have to maintain that pace and hope for one or two of the clubs ahead of them to falter down the stretch to clinch a playoff berth. This win proved costly as defensemen Thomas Chabot and Lassi Thomson left the game injured. 

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov, Nashville Predators winger Filip Forsberg, and Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield are the league’s three stars for the week ending March 22.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the focus in the scoring race has been on Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid and Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, but the 32-year-old Kucherov has overtaken both and could win the Art Ross Trophy for the third straight season and the fourth time in his career.

Kucherov is also emerging as a strong candidate to win the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league MVP. He won the award in 2018-19 and has been the main reason why the aging Lightning remain a force in the Eastern Conference.

The Carolina Hurricanes and Seattle Kraken will face off in two games in Helsinki, Finland, as part of the 2026 NHL Global Series. Those games will be held in Veikkaus Arena on Nov. 12 and Nov. 14, 2026.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Speaking of the Kraken, defenseman Adam Larsson will play in his 1,000th career NHL regular-season game when he and his teammates face off against the Panthers in Florida on Tuesday.

TSN: Kraken forward Ryan Winterton has taken a leave of absence from the team to attend to a family matter.

Meanwhile, the Kraken ownership group has taken full possession of its home arena, Climate Pledge Arena.

THE PROVINCE: On Sunday, the Vancouver Canucks became the first team to be officially eliminated from this season’s playoff race. They sit last overall with a record of 21-40-8 (50 points) with 13 games remaining in their schedule.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz is out of the hospital and feeling better after being accidentally struck in the throat by a shot from teammate William Nylander during warm-ups on Saturday. He was hospitalized for precautionary reasons on Saturday night and released the following day. The Maple Leafs recall goalie Dennis Hildeby on an emergency basis on Monday, but Stolarz could return to action as early as Tuesday when the Leafs face the Boston Bruins.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola won’t require surgery on his injured left knee. However, his season appears to be over as he’ll be sidelined for four to six weeks undergoing rehab.

DAILY FACEOFF/SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks forward Ryan Reaves is listed as week-to-week with an injured finger. Meanwhile, sidelined goaltender Yaroslav Askarov, defenseman Vincent Desharnais, and forwards Tyler Toffoli and Igor Chernyshov have resumed practice and could return to the lineup this week.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators signed forward Fedor Svechkov to a two-year, $2.5 million contract extension.

THE ATHLETIC: The Detroit Red Wings have sent young defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka to their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids. He’d been a healthy scratch for the past seven games, coinciding with the Red Wings’ acquisition of defenseman Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues at the trade deadline.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins signed top prospect Jame Hagens to an amateur tryout agreement.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 22, 2026

by | Mar 22, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 22, 2026

Lighting winger Nikita Kucherov takes over the scoring lead, a five-point night for Canadiens winger Cole Caufield, the Predators move into a playoff berth, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov scored two goals and collected two assists in a 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Anthony Cirelli tallied twice for the 43-21-4 Lightning, who sit in second place in the Atlantic Division with 90 points. Oilers captain Connor McDavid netted his 399th career regular-season goal as his club sits in second place in the Pacific Division with a record of 34-28-9 (77 points).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 118 points, Kucherov surpassed McDavid for the lead in this season’s scoring race. Speaking of McDavid, he acknowledged that his struggling club is fortunate to be playing in the weak Pacific Division. “It’s a bit of a pillow fight right now,” he said.

Meanwhile, sidelined Oilers star Leon Draisaitl has returned to his native Germany to receive treatment for his lower-body injury from renowned sports doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt. Draisaitl hopes to be healthy in time for the postseason.

Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield (NHL Images).

Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield had a hat trick and two assists as his club pulled away from the New York Islanders by a score of 7-3. Nick Suzuki had four assists, Juraj Slafkovsky scored twice and set up two others, and Kaiden Guhle had a goal and two assists for the Canadiens (38-21-10), who hold third place in the Atlantic Division with 86 points. Rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer scored his 22nd goal of the season for the Islanders (39-26-5), who are one point out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 83 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 43 goals, Caufield sits two behind Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon for this season’s goal-scoring lead. Meanwhile, Schaefer needs one goal to tie Hall of Famer Brian Leetch for the most goals by a rookie defenseman.

The Nashville Predators hold the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference after a 4-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. Steven Stamkos led the way with two goals and an assist while goaltender Justus Annunen kicked out 39 shots for the 32-28-9 Predators (73 points). Shea Theodore replied for the Golden Knights (31-25-14), who sit one point behind the Oilers in third place in the Pacific Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators have come a long way from being dead-last in the Western Conference on Dec. 1. Stamkos regaining his scoring touch has played a big part in their resurgence. After finishing last season with 27 goals in 82 games, the 36-year-old sniper has 33 goals in 69 games.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski collected three first-period assists as his club defeated the Seattle Kraken 5-2, extending their points streak to 12 games (8-0-4). Cole Sillinger had a goal and two assists for the 37-21-11 Blue Jackets, who sit in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 85 points. Kaapo Kakko had a goal and an assist for the Kraken (31-29-9), who sit two points back of the Predators for that final Western wild card.

The Buffalo Sabres picked up their fourth straight victory with a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Zach Benson had a goal and an assist while Tage Thompson tallied his 36th goal of the season for the 44-20-6 Sabres, who hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 94 points. Artemi Panarin scored for the Kings (28-25-16), who’ve dropped four of their last six games to sit one point behind the Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres are tied with the Carolina Hurricanes in points, but the latter holds first place in the Eastern Conference with a game in hand.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman made 41 saves to backstop his club over the Detroit Red Wings 4-2. Morgan Geekie collected three assists while David Pastrnak and Elias Lindholm each had a goal and an assist for the Bruins (39-23-8) as they hold the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot with 86 points. Lucas Raymond and Alex DeBrincat scored for the 38-24-8 Red Wings, who cling to the final Eastern wild card with 84 points.

A shootout goal by Sidney Crosby lifted the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 5-4 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Erik Karlsson tallied twice for the Penguins (35-18-16) as they hold second place in the Metropolitan Division with 86 points. Brad Lambert had a goal and an assist for the 28-29-12 Jets (68 points), who sit five points out of the final Western wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins defenseman Samuel Girard returned to the lineup after missing five games with an upper-body injury. Jets blueliner Neal Pionk was back in action after being sidelined for 23 games with a lower-body injury.

The Minnesota Wild nipped the Dallas Stars 2-1 on an overtime goal by Vladimir Tarasenko. Bobby Brink scored in regulation and assisted on Tarasenko’s goal for the 40-19-12 Wild, who sit third in the Western Conference with 92 points. Jason Robertson tallied for the Stars (43-15-11), who sit second in the West with 97 points.

Third-period goals by Michael Amadio and Ridly Greig enabled the Ottawa Senators to hold off the Toronto Maple Leafs by a score of 5-2. Tim Stutzle netted his 32nd goal of the season for the Senators (34-24-9) as they sit three points back of the Red Wings for the final Eastern wild card with 81 points. John Tavares and Easton Cowan replied for the 29-29-13 Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was struck in the throat by a high shot from teammate William Nylander during warm-ups. He was taken to a hospital for precautionary reasons. The Leafs also played without defenseman Morgan Rielly, who suffered a lower-body injury on Friday against the Hurricanes.

The Philadelphia Flyers picked up their seventh straight road win with a 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Three unanswered third-period goals by Christian Dvorak, Travis Sanheim, and Noah Cates sealed the deal for the 34-23-12 Flyers (80 points), who sit four points out of the final Eastern wild-card berth. Dmitry Orlov scored for the Sharks (32-30-6), who’ve lost four in a row and sit three points out of the final Western wild card.

St. Louis Blues winger Pavel Buchnevich had a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Defenseman Logan Mailloux picked up two assists for the 28-30-11 Blues. Filip Hronek scored for the 21-40-8 Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Blues announced that defenseman Tyler Tucker is out week-to-week with a lower-body injury. The Canuck activated defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph off injured reserve, but he didn’t play in this game.

IN OTHER NEWS…

CALGARY SUN: Florida Panthers forward A.J. Greer faces a disciplinary hearing for boarding Flames forward Connor Zary on Friday. Greer was given a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct. Zary left the game with an upper-body injury and did not return. There was no update on Zary’s condition, but head coach Ryan Huska said after the game that he was moving around.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers center Noah Laba (lower-body injury) and defenseman Urho Vaakanainen (upper body) are listed as week-to-week. Both players were sidelined during Wednesday’s game against the New Jersey Devils.

SI.COM: Chicago Blackhawks prospect Anton Frondell could make his NHL debut this week after his Swedish team (Djurgardens IF) had its season end with a 3-1 loss to Malmo. Frondell was chosen third overall by the Blackhawks in the 2025 NHL Draft.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 18, 2026

by | Mar 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 18, 2026

Could the Wild make a big offseason move? What’s the latest on Stars winger Jason Robertson? Will the Maple Leafs trade a goalie this summer? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE WILD MAKE A BLOCKBUSTER MOVE THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo speculated that Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin could attempt to make another major move in the offseason.

Guerin made headlines in December by acquiring superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. Russo thinks the reason the Wild GM didn’t use up his trade capital at the recent March 6 trade deadline is that he could use it to pursue another superstar this summer.

Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin (NHL Images).

Russo wondered if Guerin might pursue Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, or St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas. Matthews and Tkachuk have full no-movement clauses, while Thomas has a full no-trade clause.

Guerin has multiple assets to draw on for trade bait this summer. They include goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, rookie winger Danila Yurov, prospect forwards Charlie Stramel and Adam Benak, and his 2027 first-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guerin’s acquisition of Hughes was a bold move that has improved the Wild’s performance this season. A deep playoff run by the Wild could turn them into a favorable destination for stars on struggling teams itching to move on to a potential Cup contender.

We don’t know if Matthews, Tkachuk, or Thomas wants to move on. Thomas was the subject of frequent rumors leading up to the March trade deadline, but he said he was never asked to waive his no-trade clause, has never requested a trade, and remains committed to the Blues.

Nevertheless, if any of those guys are available this summer, Guerin will likely go after them.

STARS MAKE RE-SIGNING JASON ROBERTSON A PRIORITY

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars GM Jim Nill told NHL Tonight that he’s making the re-signing of Jason Robertson a priority.

Robertson, 27, is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. He’ll also be a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility, depending on the outcome of his negotiations this summer.

“He’s a big part of our team,” Nill said. “He’s one of the leading scorers in the league, he’s really in the prime of his career. He’s a big part of our team, so a priority for us is to get him signed this summer, and move on.”

Robertson leads the Stars with 80 points and is second on the team in goals with 36.

Nill said the two sides started discussions last summer but decided to table them for now. Robertson has also changed agents since then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson’s contract negotiations will be worth following during the offseason.

The Stars have a projected $14.9 million in salary-cap space next season with 18 active roster players under contract. Robertson is their most notable pending free agent, but they must also ensure they have enough space to re-sign RFA Mavrik Bourque (who also has arbitration rights) and team captain Jamie Benn, who is a UFA this summer.

Robertson is earning an AAV of $7.75 million and could seek between $10 million and $11 million annually on his next contract. That won’t leave much room for the Stars to fill out the rest of their lineup for next season without making a cost-cutting move or two.

The threat of an offer sheet could become a concern if negotiations drag on unless one side or the other files for arbitration.

COULD THE MAPLE LEAFS SHOP A GOALIE THIS SUMMER?

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox noted the Toronto Maple Leafs have four goaltenders in their system for at least the next two seasons. They signed Artur Akhtyamov over the weekend, joining Anthony Stolarz, Joseph Woll, and Dennis Hildeby.

Fox believes something has to give. Carrying more than two goaltenders is problematic, and the Leafs don’t want to risk losing one of them to waivers. He believes that’s why there were murmurs about Stolarz and Woll before the March trade deadline.

Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving can take his time addressing this issue. The free-agent market is thin on goalies, which could push teams seeking help between the pipes into the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Assuming they don’t move the recently signed Akhtyamov, Woll and Hildeby would be the easiest to move as they have affordable contracts and lack no-trade protection. Stolarz’s four-year contract extension kicks in on July 1 and carries a 16-team no-trade list. He also has a 16-team NTC on his current deal. 










NHL Rumor Mill – February 26, 2026

by | Feb 26, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 26, 2026

Who could the Maple Leafs peddle if they become trade deadline sellers? What’s the latest on Canadiens winger Patrik Laine? Could Brendan Shanahan and Marc Bergevin join the Predators’ front office? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MAPLE LEAFS TRADE CANDIDATES

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan looked at five potential Maple Leafs trade candidates if management becomes a seller by the March 6 trade deadline.

Bobby McMann topped the list. The 29-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Maple Leafs currently lack a first-round pick in this year’s draft. Given the way first-round picks are thrown around in trades now, McMann could fetch one.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Bobby McMann (NHL Images).

McMann has said he wants to re-sign with the Maple Leafs, but that could cost between $4.5 million and $5 million per season. Koshan believes he’ll be moved if he hasn’t signed an extension before next Friday.

Scott Laughton is also UFA-eligible, and he hasn’t provided the return that the Leafs sought when they sent a first-rounder and prospect Nikita Grebenkin to the Philadelphia Flyers last year to get him. He could be an effective depth player for a contender.

Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $3.5 million. He could be an attractive piece for teams with Stanley Cup aspirations.

Goaltender Anthony Stolarz’s four-year contract extension begins next season with an AAV of $3.75 million. Injuries have hampered his performance this season.

Like McMann and Laughton, forward Calle Jarnkrok is due to become a UFA on July 1.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos reports the Maple Leafs would like to re-sign McMann, but it doesn’t seem like they’re willing to pay him up to $5 million annually. They’d also like to keep Laughton, but where his salary number starts is debatable.

There’s not much of a goalie market heading toward the trade deadline. The Leafs might have to wait until the offseason to determine who stays or goes between Stolarz, Joseph Woll, and Dennis Hildeby.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon listed some possible trade destinations for McMann.

Topping his list is the Edmonton Oilers, followed by the Utah Mammoth, New York Islanders, Seattle Kraken, Detroit Red Wings, and Los Angeles Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McMann’s style of play and his affordable $1.4 million cap hit will make him among the most desirable players at this year’s trade deadline.

The Oilers lack their 2026 first-rounder, and their prospect pool is getting shallow. The other clubs have their first-rounders, while the Islanders and Kraken each have two, though their spare first-rounders come with conditions attached. Most of them also have plenty of prospects and promising young players to draw on for trade bait.

CANADIENS AND KINGS DISCUSSED PATRIK LAINE

TVA SPORTS: According to Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period, the Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings had talks about Patrik Laine in recent weeks.

The Kings are looking for a top-six forward and spoke with the Canadiens about Laine, who is due to return to action after being sidelined by abdominal surgery since October. However, there doesn’t seem to be a fit right now, and the Kings are looking elsewhere.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was expected that the Kings would return to the trade market following Kevin Fiala’s season-ending leg injury during the Olympics. No surprise that they checked in with the Canadiens, who could be having some difficulty fitting players returning from injuries back into their lineup.

It’s doubtful that Laine will end up with the Kings by the trade deadline, but the 27-year-old winger could end up with another playoff contender by March 6.

The Canadiens have played well in Laine’s absence, and he no longer fits in their plans. He’s UFA-eligible on July 1. The asking price won’t be high, and the Canadiens could be willing to retain part of his $8.7 million cap hit.

COULD SHANAHAN AND BERGEVIN JOIN THE PREDATORS?

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports multiple NHL sources claim Brendan Shanahan and Marc Bergevin have been linked to the Nashville Predators.

Shanahan is the former president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, while Bergevin is the former general manager of the Montreal Canadiens and currently an associate GM with the Buffalo Sabres.

Predators general manager Barry Trotz has indicated he will step down as soon as a suitable replacement is found. It’s rumored that Shanahan would become the Predators’ President of Hockey Operations while Bergevin would be their new general manager.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy stated that his sources caution that nothing is set in stone yet. Shanahan and Bergevin could be among several candidates for those positions.

For now, Trotz remains as general manager and is handling the club’s plans for the upcoming trade deadline. There is no timetable to replace Trotz, but it’s believed the club prefers to do so before the 2026 NHL Draft in June.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 22, 2026

by | Jan 22, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 22, 2026

Could Auston Matthews consider moving on if the Leafs miss the playoffs? Would Dougie Hamilton be a good fit in Toronto? Could the Penguins attempt to acquire Jason Robertson and re-sign Evgeni Malkin? Will the Blues trade Robert Thomas? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST MAPLE LEAFS SPECULATION

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos wonders what Auston Matthews will be thinking if the Maple Leafs miss the playoffs this season. The 28-year-old superstar center has two seasons left on his contract.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Kypreos believes Matthews will need assurances that the Maple Leafs are capable of building a contender. He pointed out that other elite NHL players, such as Matthew Tkachuk in 2022 and Quinn Hughes last month, forced a change of scenery, and wondered if Matthews might do the same at some point if the Leafs are no longer playoff contenders going forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews isn’t going anywhere this season, but it’s fair to raise the question about his future if the Maple Leafs missed the playoffs. Even if they squeak in but endure another early elimination, that will spark speculation about whether he’ll finish his contract in Toronto.

Kypreos also addressed whether Dougie Hamilton would be a good fit with the Maple Leafs. The 32-year-old New Jersey Devils defenseman has surfaced in the rumor mill after his agent recently indicated that the blueliner was willing to be flexible with his 10-team trade list.

“Aside from the high acquisition cost and a few warts in his game, the Devils defenseman does check many boxes the Leafs desperately need on their blueline for a playoff push.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Warts aside, the acquisition cost is the biggest stumbling block in the path of a trade here. Hamilton carries an average annual value of $9 million through 2027-28. It’ll likely take a sweetener to convince the Devils to retain any part of that cap hit.

The Leafs have limited cap room and trade capital. They could face difficulty trying to outbid other clubs.

Meanwhile, Kevin McGran noted the logjam in the Maple Leafs crease with Anthony Stolarz due to return soon from injury, joining Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby.

McGran believes Hildeby will likely return to their AHL affiliate because he’s waiver-exempt. If Stolarz regains last season’s solid form, the Leafs could be tempted to use one of those three goalies as a trade chip to shore up the defense.

COULD THE PENGUINS PURSUE JASON ROBERTSON AND RE-SIGN EVGENI MALKIN?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe speculated recently that the Pittsburgh Penguins might go the trade route this summer to bring in a young NHL star forward.

He believes the Penguins love Jason Robertson. The 26-year-old Dallas Stars winger is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. He will draw lots of attention if the Stars make him available in the trade market, suggesting the Penguins have the salary-cap space and the tradeable assets to make a solid pitch. He also doesn’t see them attempting to go the offer sheet route as the compensation required would be over the top.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas will probably be in touch with the Stars if they decide to trade Robertson this summer. And yes, it would be in the summer because the Stars are all-in this season to win the Stanley Cup, and that includes having Robertson in the lineup.

The Penguins would be well-situated to outbid most teams. The question is whether Robertson would be committed to joining them on a long-term deal. He could opt to go to arbitration, sign a one-year deal, and test the unrestricted free-agent market in 2027. That would crush his value in next season’s trade market, making him enticing only to Stanley Cup contenders seeking a postseason rental.

Yohe also reported that long-time Penguins star Evgeni Malkin is willing to sign a one-year contract and accept a pay cut to stay in Pittsburgh.

Malkin, 39, realizes this could be his final NHL season, but he’s not ready to retire yet. He’s not interested in playing for another team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas indicated last fall that he would meet with the Malkin camp during the upcoming Olympic break to discuss his future. Despite missing 15 games with an upper-body injury, he’s third among their scorers this season with 37 points in 34 games. It won’t be surprising if he ends up with that one-year deal at a reduced price.

COULD THE BLUES PEDDLE ROBERT THOMAS?

THE ATHLETIC: With St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas surfacing in recent trade speculation, Jeremy Rutherford and Shayna Goldman looked at his potential value in the trade market.

Thomas, 26, is in the third season of an eight-year contract with a AAV of $8.125 million. Rutherford and Goldman believe he’ll fetch more than the asking price of a comparable center on an expiring contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: You’ll need a subscription to see their detailed breakdown of comparables, cost, and whether it would be worthwhile for the Blues to trade Thomas. In my opinion, he could fetch three assets containing at least a first-round pick and a top prospect or a promising young NHL player.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 21, 2026

by | Jan 21, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 21, 2026

The Lightning’s points streak reaches 14 games, Senators goalie Linus Ullmark talks about his leave of absence, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING TUESDAY’S ACTION

NHL.COM: The Tampa Bay Lightning extended their points streak to 14 games (13-0-1) with a 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Brandon Hagel scored twice and collected an assist. Nikita Kucherov had three assists for the 31-13-4 Lightning, who hold first place in the Eastern Conference with 66 points, holding two games in hand over the Carolina Hurricanes (66 points). Tyler Toffoli replied for the Sharks (25-21-3).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning center Anthony Cirelli suffered an injury early in the third period. He will be reevaluated on Wednesday.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel (NHL Images).

Ottawa Senators forwards Tim Stutzle and Ridly Greig each had a goal and an assist as their club defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1. Jame Reimer stopped 21 shots as the Senators improved to 23-19-7. Sean Monahan scored for the Blue Jackets (22-20-7) as their four-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, TSN published an interview with Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark, who is currently on a leave of absence. Ullmark explained that he stepped away for mental health reasons after suffering panic attacks before and after the Senators’ game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Dec. 27. There is no timetable for his return.

Ullmark also addressed the rumors circulating on social media regarding his absence, prompting the Senators to release a statement on January 8, condemning the unfounded speculation.

“And people wonder why hockey players – professional athletes – are not talking. Why we’re not showing any sort of emotions. Why mental health in men and in women are a stigma,” Ullmark said.

Referring to the trolls on social media, he said that it took them 24 hours from the announcement of his leave of absence to come up with reasons why he stepped away. “Saying I’m a homewrecker, a person no one likes on the team. And I can’t defend myself.”

Ullmark said the rumors prompted family and friends to contact him and his wife to find out if they were okay. “They send text messages asking, ‘Hey, are you guys good?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, why?’ And then they tell you about the rumors, and you’re like, ‘What the f**k is wrong with people?’”

Speaking of the Senators, defenseman Jake Sanderson said he apologized to now-demoted Leevi Merilainen for publicly criticizing the goaltender’s performance in a 6-5 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. Sanderson said he still feels embarrassed about making those comments and feels bad about his teammate.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson scored twice to beat the Boston Bruins 6-2, ending the latter’s six-game win streak. Justin Hryckowian and Miro Heiskanen each had three points for the 28-13-9 Stars, ending a three-game losing skid. Morgan Geekie and Fraser Minten scored for the Bruins (28-20-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of Robertson, he recently changed agents amid contract extension talks with the Stars. He’s slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Meanwhile, Stars winger Mikko Rantanen missed the game due to illness.

Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield scored with 15 seconds remaining in regulation to nip the Minnesota Wild 4-3. Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov each had two points for the 28-15-7 Canadiens. Vladimir Tarasenko tallied twice for the Wild (28-14-9).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens winger Alexandre Texier missed this game as he’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin will miss the upcoming Winter Olympics with a lower-body injury. Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson could also miss that tournament as he recovers from a procedure on his left thigh. Both players were selected for Sweden’s Men’s Hockey Team.

The Los Angeles Kings got 27 saves from Anton Forsberg in a 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers, ending a four-game winless skid. Kevin Fiala had a goal and an assist for the Kings, who improved to 20-16-13. J.T. Miller scored two goals for the Rangers, who slipped to 21-24-6.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Forsberg took over late in the first period as Darcy Kuemper left the game with an upper-body injury.

New Jersey Devils forwards Arseny Gritsyuk and Cody Glass scored to defeat the Edmonton Oilers 2-1. Jake Allen made 22 saves for the 26-22-2 Devils, who have won four of their last five games. Matt Savoie replied for the Oilers (25-18-8).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils defenseman Luke Hughes missed this game after suffering an apparent shoulder injury against the Calgary Flames on Monday.

Buffalo Sabres rookie forward Konsta Helenius had a goal and two assists for his first NHL points in a 5-3 win over the Nashville Predators. Noah Ostlund scored twice to open the scoring for the Sabres (27-17-5). Ryan O’Reilly and Filip Forsberg each had three points for the Predators, who dropped to 23-22-4.

The Winnipeg Jets downed the St. Louis Blues 3-1. Mark Scheifele had two goals and an assist, and Josh Morrissey had a goal and two assists for the 20-23-6 Jets. Jordan Kyrou tallied for the Blues (19-23-8).

IN OTHER NEWS…

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was sent to the club’s AHL affiliate on a conditioning stint. It’s the next step in his return to the lineup after being sidelined with an upper-body nerve issue since Nov. 11.

CBS SPORTS: Vegas Golden Knights forward Brett Howden (lower body) was placed on injured reserve.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins acquired defenseman Ilya Solovyov from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for winger Valtteri Puustinen and a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.