NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 12, 2026

by | Jul 12, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 12, 2026

The notable players remaining in the UFA market, and Matthew Tkachuk bids farewell to former teammates Sergei Bobrovsky and Evan Rodrigues. Check out the details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

DAILY FACEOFF: Wingers Anthony Mantha, Patrick Kane, and Patrik Laine top the list of notable players still available in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mantha has been linked to the Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, and Montreal Canadiens in the rumor mill. It’s believed Kane could return to the Detroit Red Wings or sign with his hometown club, the Buffalo Sabres. Some observers have suggested the Chicago Blackhawks, Ottawa Senators, and Toronto Maple Leafs look into signing Laine, but there’s no indication whether those clubs are interested in him.

Other noteworthy players include defenseman Logan Stanley, wingers Vladimir Tarasenko, Michael Bunting, and Eeli Tolvanen, and goaltender Cam Talbot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There were some suggestions that Stanley would be a good option for the Canadiens or the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kurt Leavins and Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal recently debated whether Tarasenko would be a good fit with the Oilers.

Surprisingly, Tolvanen hasn’t been signed up yet. Given his age (27) and two-way play, he’d be an affordable middle-six addition for most clubs. As for Talbot, time may be catching up with the 39-year-old netminder.

Defensemen John Klingberg, Nick Blankenberg, and Carson Soucy, center Adam Henrique, goaltenders Connor Ingram and James Reimer, and wingers James van Riemsdyk and David Perron round out the list.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards reports Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk is going to miss former teammates Sergei Bobrovsky and Evan Rodrigues.

Bobrovsky departed the Panthers as an unrestricted free agent, signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1. Rodrigues was traded to the New Jersey Devils two weeks ago as part of the return for Jacob Markstrom, who replaced Bobrovsky as the Panthers’ starting goaltender.

Speaking with his brother (and new teammate) Brady Tkachuk on their Wingmen podcast, Matthew said he would miss Bobrovsky on and off the ice, calling him one of his favorite teammates. However, he is excited about reuniting with Markstrom. The two were teammates with the Calgary Flames until Tkachuk’s trade to the Panthers in 2022.

Tkachuk described Rodrigues as “a Swiss Army knife” because of his versatility. He hopes their paths cross again because he loved playing with him.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reports this season will be a critical one for Washington Capitals forward Ivan Miroshnichenko.

Chosen 20th overall in the 2022 draft, the 22-year-old winger has had 52 games with the Capitals over the past three seasons, but hasn’t yet nailed down a regular roster spot.

Silber observed that Miroshnichenko will face competition from incoming wingers Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, and Boone Jenner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miroshnichenko must elevate his game to have any chance of securing a regular spot on the Capitals’ roster this season. Otherwise, he’ll spend another season in the minors and could become a trade candidate before the March deadline.

ILLEGAL CURVE: Winnipeg Jets prospect Viggo Bjorck is leaving Swedish club Djurgardens to continue his playing career in North America.

Winnipeg chose the 18-year-old winger eighth overall in this year’s NHL Draft. It hasn’t been reported yet whether he’s signed an entry-level contract with the Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bjorck has either signed his ELC and it hasn’t been reported yet, or he will do so with the Jets later this summer, perhaps as early as this week.

THE ATHLETIC: Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley is hoping to bring an NBA expansion franchise to his city. He publicly declared his intent to do so last month and is rounding up a group to submit a bid.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Real estate executive Stephen Stroud, who played a role in bringing the Carolina Hurricanes to Raleigh, passed away Saturday at age 83.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Stroud’s family, friends, and the Hurricanes’ organization.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 4, 2026

by | Jul 4, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 4, 2026

A look at the remaining notable UFA players, plus the latest on Alexander Nikishin and Shane Wright in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE NOTABLE REMAINING UFA PLAYERS

SPORTSNET: On Friday, Luke Fox looked at the top players still available in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

Anthony Mantha topped the list. The 31-year-old winger had a career-best performance (31 goals, 33 assists, 64 points) last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, but he has a history of injuries and inconsistency.

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

According to Fox, the Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues, and Winnipeg Jets are still in the market for wingers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent reports out of Montreal claim the Canadiens prefer to address their roster needs through the trade market. The Jets made a noteworthy foray into the UFA market this week, signing defenseman Mario Ferraro.

The Detroit Red Wings would welcome back Patrick Kane, but the 38-year-old winger appears headed to his fourth NHL team. Fox claimed Kane is reportedly working on a contract with his hometown team, the Buffalo Sabres.

Logan Stanley, 28, is still weighing his options. The big defenseman is reportedly seeking a four- or five-year contract worth $25 million.

Winger Eeli Tolvanen, 27, was believed to be weighing offers of four or five years.

The Ottawa Senators are leaving the door open for Claude Giroux. However, the 38-year-old winger reportedly received interest from the Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche, and Philadelphia Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said there’s no confirmation yet that Giroux was about to return to the Flyers. That’s probably because they’ve been busy signing Leo Carlsson to an expensive offer sheet worth $18 million annually. If they succeed, they might not have enough cap space to bring Giroux back to Philadelphia.

Friedman also weighed in on Vladimir Tarasenko, wondering if the Edmonton Oilers might take a look at the 34-year-old winger.

Fox also heard that the New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, Tampa Bay Lightning, Calgary Flames, and Minnesota Wild were reportedly considering taking on winger Patrik Laine as a project.

UPDATES ON NIKISHIN AND WRIGHT

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the St. Louis Blues are taking a long look at Alexander Nikishin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Carolina Hurricanes indicated two weeks ago that they were open to moving Nikishin. The 24-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. He is ineligible to receive an offer sheet.

The New York Rangers were reportedly keen on acquiring him. However, that may have changed following their recent additions of Marcus Pettersson and Sean Durzi.

Friedman also indicated that Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright is a player to watch. According to his agent, Kurt Overhardt, the Kraken have agreed to move the 22-year-old Wright this summer to a team seeking a top young center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wright surfaced in the rumor mill before the March trade deadline, but nothing came of it. The fourth-overall pick in the 2022 NHL draft, he’s struggled to establish himself as the “top young center” that his agent considers him to be.

The Kraken reportedly seeks a fair price and won’t be rushed into moving Wright. Still, he could be an affordable gamble for a club looking for promising depth at center.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 29, 2026

by | Jun 29, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 29, 2026

The latest contract signings and news in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Philadelphia Flyers were closing in on a new contract for goaltender Dan Vladar.

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (NHL Images).

Vladar, 28, has completed the first season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.35 million. He is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

According to LeBrun, Vladar’s new contract will be a five-year, $27.5 million extension worth an average annual value of $5.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vladar spent five seasons as a backup with the Boston Bruins and Calgary Flames before signing with the Flyers last summer. He thrived as their starting goalie, posting a 29-14-7 record in 52 games with a 2.42 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage as he backstopped the Flyers into their first postseason since 2020. Vladar also had a solid playoff performance, finishing with a 2.18 GAA, a .922 SP, and two shutouts.

LeBrun also reported that pending unrestricted free agent Vladimir Tarasenko is heading to market on July 1. The 34-year-old winger played for the Minnesota Wild last season, finishing with 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points in 75 games. He also had five points in 11 postseason contests.

Tarasenko recently changed agents and is now represented by Dan Milstein. LeBrun stated that Milstein had permission to speak directly to teams before the free-agent market opens on Wednesday.

However, Michael Russo of The Athletic reported that the Wild had not permitted Milstein to speak with other clubs. Russo also said the league recently warned all teams that they cannot give blanket permission for UFAs to do this. The sole exception is when the player’s contract rights have been traded to another team, which would allow the acquiring team to speak with the player.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators signed center Jack Drury to a five-year, $22.5 million contract, with an AAV of $4.5 million.

Drury, 26, was acquired last week from the Colorado Avalanche. He was coming off a three-year contract with an AAV of $1.75 million and was due to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drury is expected to center the Predators’ third line next season. His new AAV will likely set the standard for comparable players around the league.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Sharks signed defenseman Michael Kesselring to a three-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million.

Kesselring, 26, was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres on June 17. He’s completed a two-year contract with a $1.4 million AAV and was due to become an RFA with arbitration rights on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kesselring is coming off an injury-shortened season in which his playing time was reduced. He’ll get an opportunity to earn second-pairing minutes with the rebuilding Sharks.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Buffalo Sabres are reportedly finalizing a new contract for Beck Malenstyn. The 28-year-old winger will sign a six-year deal worth an AAV of $3 million.

Malenstyn is completing a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.35 million. A physical, swift-skating checking-line forward, he is slated to become a UFA on July 1.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 23, 2026

by | Jun 23, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 23, 2026

Patrice Bergeron and Carey Price among the Hockey Hall of Fame’s 2026 class, the Senators plan their future without Brady Tkachuk, Darren Raddysh explains why he joined the Maple Leafs, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Center Patrice Bergeron, goaltenders Carey Price and Pekka Rinne, and winger Keith Tkachuk headline the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. The induction ceremony will take place in November. 

Longtime NHL executive Brian Burke will be inducted into the builder’s category. Former USA women’s star and coach Cindy Curley was also inducted into the player category. Curley was inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.

Patrice Bergeron, Carey Price, Pekka Rinne, and Keith Tkachuk will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame (NHL.com)

Bergeron was one of the greatest two-way players in NHL history. Spending his entire 19-season career with the Boston Bruins, he won the Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward a record six times. Bergeron also helped the Bruins win the Stanley Cup in 2011, and captained the club from 2021 until his retirement in 2023. He’s third all-time among the Bruins with 1,294 games played, 427 goals, and 1,040 points.

Price spent his 15-season NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens, becoming the franchise leader with 361 wins in 712 games. In 2014-15, he won the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP, Ted Lindsay Award as NHLPA MVP, Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender, and the Jennings Trophy for the fewest goals-against. Price also won the Masterton Trophy in 2021-22 and backstopped Canada to Olympic gold in 2014.

Rinne spent his entire 13-season NHL career with the Nashville Predators. He’s their franchise leader for goalies in every major statistical category, including wins (369), goals-against average (2.43), save percentage (.917), and shutouts (60) in 683 games. Rinne won the Vezina Trophy in 2017-18.

Tkachuk was among the greatest American-born goal scorers in NHL history. He’s third all-time in that category with 538 goals. In 18 NHL seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, and Atlanta Thrashers, Tkachuk had 1,065 points in 1,201 games. He won gold for Team USA at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.

Burke began his NHL management career with the Vancouver Canucks in 1987. He went on to become GM of the Canucks, Hartford Whalers, and Anaheim Ducks (winning the Stanley Cup in 2007), and Toronto Maple Leafs, and served as team president of the Calgary Flames and Pittsburgh Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the Class of 2026 for this well-deserved honor.

SPORTSNET: Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios has no intention of rebuilding his roster after trading Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers on Sunday.

Staios said he intends to be “active in the (trade) market” when it comes to the ninth and 25th overall picks in the upcoming NHL trade. He acquired those picks as part of the return for Tkachuk.

“I have no intention of this team taking a step back,” Staios said. “We’re active, and we’re open.”

Staios also indicated that Tkachuk told him of his wish to be traded about a week and a half after their season ended. He began with a list of four teams (Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, and Vegas Golden Knights) but whittled that list down to one.

The Senators GM indicated that he wouldn’t shy away from acquiring American players in the future. “I don’t look at the passport, I look at what they can offer the Ottawa Senators,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators are believed to be interested in center Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks. They also reportedly “kicked tires” on New York Rangers left wing Alexis Lafreniere, and Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell.

THE ATHLETIC: James Mirtle examined the factors that have recently led to stars from Canadians teams to head to the United States. Those include notable American players such as Brady and Matthew Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes and the late Johnny Gaudreau, as well as Toronto native Mitch Marner, Swedish defenseman Rasmus Andersson, and Danish winger Nikolaj Ehlers.

Mirtle cited several factors, including media attention, weather, taxes, and politics, but a key one is that Canadian teams have struggled to contend consistently in the salary cap era.

Before the salary cap, teams asked players to commit to long-term deals, then buy them out or trade them when their play declined. Today, players have more leverage, especially given the decline of the free-agent market and how vital the trade market has become to build a contending team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Players with no-trade and no-move protection have started using them to their advantage by requesting trades to only a limited number of destinations.

Since the Tkachuk trade, some fans suggested the NHL abolish no-trade or no-movement clauses, or change the rules to void those clauses if the player requests a trade.

Such changes can only occur in collective bargaining with the NHL Players’ Association, and good luck convincing them to buy into it. The CBA already limits eligibility to players with seven full NHL seasons or those 27 and older.

Tkachuk’s contract history is a good example. His first full NHL season was in 2018-19 when he was 18-years-old. Under the CBA, players on entry-level contracts don’t get no-trade protection. Following the completion of his ELC, Tkachuk signed an eight-year contract with the Senators. His no-movement clause (which was negotiated into his contract; they’re not automatic) didn’t begin until this season, after he had played seven full NHL seasons.

If this topic comes up during the next CBA talks in 2030, the PA might be willing to tweak the eligibility period by a year or two, but they’ll want something in return. It’s doubtful they’ll agree to eliminating those clauses or putting further limitations on them.

TORONTO SUN: Darren Raddysh met with the Toronto media via Zoom on Monday for the first time since his acquisition by the Maple Leafs. Having grown up in the Greater Toronto Area, the 30-year-old defenseman said it meant a lot to him to join his hometown team, and it would’ve meant a lot to his father, who passed away in March following a battle with cancer.

“It means the world,” Raddysh said. “To be able to play in front of the home fans, it’s awesome. A lot of friends and family have already texted me and are excited.”

Raddysh was acquired last week from the Tampa Bay Lightning and signed an eight-year contract extension with the Leafs worth an average annual value of $8.5 million.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers re-signed defenseman Connor Murphy to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $4.1 million.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Vladimir Tarasenko could be preparing to depart the Minnesota Wild. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the veteran winger has changed agents ahead of his UFA eligibility on July 1.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 14, 2026

by | May 14, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 14, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: what’s next for the Wild, more speculation about Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies, and potential cost-cutting trade candidates for the Stars.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE WILD?

ESPN.COM: Ryan S. Clark looks at what’s ahead for the Minnesota Wild following their second-round elimination by the Colorado Avalanche.

Wild general manager Bill Guerin has eight players slated to become unrestricted free agents this summer. They include Vladimir Tarasenko, Mats Zuccarello, Nick Foligno, Marcus Johansson, Michael McCarron, Zach Bogosian, and Jeff Petry.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild have just over $13.5 million in projected salary-cap space for 2026-27, with 17 active roster players under contract.

Zuccarello should be back for sure, given his value to the Wild. Johansson and Tarasenko might also return on affordable short-term deals if they remain interested in playing for a contender. McCarron’s physical style could also earn him a new contract.

Clark believes the Wild must consider adding top-six help. He noted that they will have limited cap space for next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored that Guerin was in the market for a first or second-line center before the March trade deadline. The Wild were linked to Vincent Trocheck, but there’s no certainty the 33-year-old New York Rangers center would agree to be traded to Minnesota when his preference is to remain in the Eastern Conference.

Guerin must balance his need to add a center for his top-two forward lines with signing some of those pending UFAs to affordable contracts.

THE LATEST MATTHEW KNIES SPECULATION

TSN: During an appearance on “Overdrive” with Jeff O’Neill and Jamie McLennan, Chris Johnston discussed the potential trade strategies this summer for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Among them was what type of return Matthew Knies might fetch in the trade market.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthews Knies (NHL Images).

Knies surfaced in the rumor mill before the March trade deadline as former Leafs general manager Brad Treliving was reportedly listening to offers for the 24-year-old power forward.

Johnston wondered if new Maple Leafs GM John Chayka would reopen those Knies discussions. He believes a key part of that deal would be what the Leafs would get back for a defenseman if they’re going to take a forward with the first-overall pick in this year’s draft.

Asked why Knies’ name came up in the trade market before the March deadline, Johnston said his lack of no-trade protection was the biggest factor. Trying to move someone like William Nylander would be difficult because his no-movement clause limits where he might prefer to go.

Johnston said he spoke with someone who works for an NHL team who claimed they would be willing to give up more for Knies than for Leafs superstar Auston Matthews. That’s because Matthews has only two years left on his deal, while they would have five years of Knies in his prime. Johnston claimed one team offered six pieces for Knies before the trade deadline, but it wasn’t good enough for Treliving.

There’s a new front office in Toronto now, and they might not be as willing to move Knies. However, Johnston isn’t ruling it out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those six pieces were probably mostly draft picks and prospects, whereas Treliving was seeking a return that would provide more immediate help for his struggling roster.

Recent reports suggest Chayka thinks highly of Knies and doesn’t seem keen to move him. We’ll see if that’s the case as the offseason unfolds.

WHICH MEMBERS OF THE DALLAS STARS COULD BECOME COST-CUTTING CANDIDATES?

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos listed four players the Stars could trade to create enough cap space to sign winger Jason Robertson to a new contract.

Robertson, 26, is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights who is also a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. He’s completing a four-year contract with an average annual value of $7.75 million. Robertson could seek a deal comparable to the eight-year, $96 million contract ($12 million AAV) signed by teammate Mikko Rantanen last year.

Assimakopoulos listed forwards Radek Faksa ($2 million annually through 2027-28), Sam Steel (one year at $2.1 million), and defensemen Ilya Lyubushkin (one year, $3.25 million) and Tyler Myers (one year, $1.5 million) as potential trade candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars have a projected $11 million in cap space for next season with 19 active roster players signed. How much Robertson gets will determine which (or how many) of those four will be moved.

Myers seems the most likely, as he wasn’t a good fit after being acquired from the Vancouver Canucks before the trade deadline. However, his struggles with the Stars could also hurt his trade value.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 22, 2025

by | Nov 22, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 22, 2025

Recaps of Friday’s action, Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck sidelined, Predators GM Barry Trotz stands by his coach, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING FRIDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Buffalo Sabres crushed the Chicago Blackhawks 9-3. Alex Tuch collected four assists, Josh Doan scored twice, and Jason Zucker had a goal and two assists for the Sabres, who’ve won three of their last four games and improved to 8-9-4. Tyler Bertuzzi tallied two goals for the 10-7-4 Blackhawks.

Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal tallied twice as his club extended its points streak to five games by downing the Winnipeg Jets 4-3. Nikolaj Ehlers collected an assist in his first game back in Winnipeg to face his former club. With the win, the 14-5-2 Hurricanes (30 points)opened a three-point lead over the New Jersey Devils for first place in the Eastern Conference. Gabriel Vilardi tallied twice for the 12-8-0 Jets.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Jets announced that goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will undergo knee surgery on Saturday and is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks. His absence will be a significant test for the Jets. Hellebuyck was last season’s winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP and the Vezina Trophy as the top goalie.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson turned in a 19-save shutout in a 5-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Matt Boldy scored two goals and picked up an assist for the Wild (11-7-4), who’ve won four straight and eight of their last 10 games. Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs gave up four goals on 10 shots and was replaced in the second period by Sergei Murashov, who stopped 10 of 11 shots for the 10-6-4 Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild forward Vinnie Hinostroza left the game with an undisclosed injury in the second period. He is flying back to Minnesota for a reevaluation. Meanwhile, the Wild activated Zach Bogosian and Nico Sturm off injured reserve, and placed winger Vladimir Tarasenko on IR.

An overtime goal by Morgan Geekie lifted the Boston Bruins to a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Geekie netted both goals for the 13-10-0 Bruins, who regained first place in the Atlantic Division with 26 points. Joel Armia scored for the Kings (10-6-6), who are winless in their last three games (0-2-1).

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE TENNESSEAN: Nashville Predators General Manager Barry Trotz praised Head Coach Andrew Brunette and his staff despite the club’s 6-10-4 record.

“I believe our coaches have done a really good job,” Trotz said. “Our record may not show it, but they are coaching their butts off.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz also defended Brunette and his staff through last season’s disappointing performance. His recent comments might quell the speculation about Brunette’s future for now, but if the Predators’ struggles continue, the pressure will grow to shake things up behind the bench and on the ice.

SPORTSNET: Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen was fined $5,000.00 for embellishment by the NHL department of player safety. The incident occurred during a Nov. 11 game against the Ottawa Senators.

CALGARY SUN: Flames rookie forward Samuel Honzek underwent season-ending surgery for an upper-body injury. He’s expected to be sidelined for six months.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens recalled center Florian Xhekaj from their AHL affiliate in Laval. He’s the younger brother of Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj. The move comes after center Jake Evans was injured during Thursday’s 8-4 loss to the Washington Capitals.