NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 30, 2025

by | Oct 30, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 30, 2025

Maple Leafs center John Tavares reaches a goal-scoring milestone, the Mammoth sign Logan Cooley to a lucrative extension, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares scored his 500th career NHL regular-season goal in a 6-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Charlie Coyle and Mathieu Olivier each had four, and Cole Sillinger scored twice and collected an assist for the 6-4-0 Blue Jackets, who’ve won three straight games. Sammy Blais and Nick Robertson each had a goal and an assist for the Maple Leafs, who dropped to 5-5-1.

Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tavares is the 49th player in NHL history to reach the 500-goal milestone. Teammate Steven Lorentz left this game in the second period with an upper-body injury.

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE: Logan Cooley signed an eight-year, $80 million contract extension with the Utah Mammoth. The 21-year-old center will earn an average annual value of $10 million starting in 2026-27.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cooley has become one of the Mammoth’s invaluable core players in a short period of time. Chosen third overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, he’s had 44 points as a rookie in 2023-24 and 65 points in his sophomore campaign. He currently leads the Mammoth with eight goals and is second with 12 points in 11 games.

Cooley has played a significant role in the Mammoth’s strong start as they jockey with the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights for first place in the Western Conference. Locking him up for eight years ensures he’ll be with Utah throughout most of his playing prime.

A $10 million AAV is an expensive raise for a rising young star such as Cooley. However, it’ll be worthwhile over the long term if he continues to improve at the same pace as he has since 2023-24.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers winger Zach Hyman’s return to the lineup from offseason wrist surgery has been pushed back a week. The 33-year-old winger was supposed to come off the long-term injury reserve list on Nov. 1. He’s now considered week-to-week.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes and teammate Conor Garland didn’t travel with the team to St. Louis on Wednesday. Hughes is day-to-day with a lower-body injury, and Garland is out with an undisclosed injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The early-season injuries are mounting for the Canucks. Filip Chytil, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Nils Hoglander, Derek Forbort, Teddy Blueger, and Victor Mancini are also sidelined.

GLOBAL NEWS: Brad Marchand took a leave of absence from the Florida Panthers to return home to Halifax, Nova Scotia, as a guest coach in a tribute game honoring the life of his long-time friend and trainer’s daughter.

Selah Panacci-MacCallum, daughter of JP MacCallum, was 10 years old when she succumbed to cancer last Friday. MacCallum is the owner of the March & Mill Co. Hunters. Marchand was behind the bench with former Halifax Mooseheads’ teammate Andrew Bodnarchuk during Wednesday’s game against the Halifax McDonalds at the Halifax Forum.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Say what you will about Marchand’s on-ice antics against his opponents, but he’s a stand-up guy off the ice. My condolences to the MacCallum family.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Carolina Hurricanes forward William Carrier (lower body) was placed on injured reserve.

DAILY FACEOFF: Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson is listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.

TSN: Calgary and Edmonton are among the cities bidding to host the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. Other bidders are believed to include Montreal, Vancouver, Las Vegas, Tampa Bay, and Dallas.

SPORTSNET: The NBA’s Dallas Mavericks have sued the Dallas Stars for breach of contract, alleging the NHL team is foiling attempts to improve American Airlines Center. The Stars have countersued, seeking to restore normal operations. The two teams have shared the arena since 2001.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 19, 2025

by | Oct 19, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 19, 2025

Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis achieves a unique record, the Avalanche, Golden Knights, and Kraken extend their season-opening points streaks, the Jets’ Mark Scheifele sets a franchise record, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Seth Jarvis gave the Carolina Hurricanes a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Jarvis became the first player in NHL history to score four game-winning goals through his club’s first five games of the season. Jordan Staal scored twice as the Hurricanes took a 3-0 lead, but the Kings rallied on goals by Trevor Moore, Andrei Kuzmenko, and Kevin Fiala.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes are the only undefeated team this season with a 5-0-0 record, sitting first in the Eastern Conference and second in the overall standings. The Kings are winless in their last four (1-3-2).

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon scored twice in a 4-1 win over the Boston Bruins. Artturi Lehkonen collected three assists as the Avalanche extended their season-opening points streak to six games (5-0-1), putting them atop the overall standings with 11 points. John Beecher replied for the Bruins, who have lost three straight after winning their first three games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm returned to action after missing three games with a lower-body injury. Before the game, the Avalanche announced that forward Joel Kiviranta is sidelined indefinitely with a lower-body injury.

The Seattle Kraken nipped the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 on an overtime goal by Josh Mahura. Shane Wright, Mason Marchment, and Chandler Stephenson each had two points for the Kraken as they extended their season-opening points streak to five games (3-0-2). John Tavares scored twice for the Maple Leafs, who are 3-2-1 in their first six games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tavares collected his 500th career point with the Maple Leafs, joining Ron Francis, Mark Messier, and Wayne Gretzky as the only NHL players to collect 500 points with two different teams. Tavares had 621 points with the New York Islanders. He needs three goals to reach 500 for his entire career. Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour missed this game as he’s on a leave of absence to attend to a family matter. 

Mitch Marner scored his first two goals with the Vegas Golden Knights as they rolled to a 6-1 drubbing of the Calgary Flames. Mark Stone also scored twice and collected two assists, and Jack Eichel had four assists as the Golden Knights are unbeaten in their first six games (4-0-2). Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau scored in his season debut after being sidelined by an injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stone left this game midway through this game with an undisclosed injury. Meanwhile, the Flames have lost five straight since winning their season-opener against the Edmonton Oilers.

Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele scored to pass Blake Wheeler as the franchise’s all-time points leader (813) in a 4-1 win over the Nashville Predators. Jonathan Toews, Nino Niederreiter, and Vladislav Namestnikov each had two points as the Jets have won four straight (4-1-0). Michael Bunting scored for the Predators, who are winless in their last three games and 2-2-2 in their first six contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault missed this game with a lower-body injury.

New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer collected an assist to extend his points streak to five games (1-4-5) as his club defeated the Ottawa Senators 5-4. Anders Lee tallied twice (including the winning goal) and set up another as the Isles have won two straight after dropping their first three games. Shane Pinto scored his league-leading seventh goal for the Senators, who have lost four of their first six games.

The New Jersey Devils picked up their fourth straight victory (4-1-0)with a 5-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers, handing the latter their third loss in their first five contests (2-2-1). Jack Hughes had two goals and an assist, and Nico Hischier collected two assists for the Devils. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored twice and Connor McDavid had two helpers for the Oilers.

Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon stopped 32 shots to shut out the Florida Panthers 3-0, giving his club their second straight win after dropping their first three games of the season. Josh Doan scored twice and Owen Power netted his first of the season. Sergei Bobrovsky made 28 saves for the Panthers, who have dropped four in a row after winning their first three of the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers winger Brad Marchand received two minor penalties in the second period after tangling with Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin. He took Dahlin’s helmet with him to the penalty box, where he tore off the straps and threw them and the helmet onto the ice.

Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola and Sabres blueliner Jacob Bryson left this game with upper-body injuries. There was no immediate word on their conditions.

The New York Rangers overcame an early 2-0 deficit to down the Montreal Canadiens 4-3, snapping the latter’s four-game win streak (4-2-0). Artemi Panarin led the way with a goal and three assists for the Rangers, who ended a three-game winless skid and are 3-3-1 on the season. Nick Suzuki and Noah Dobson each scored their first goals of the season for the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens were without three roster regulars for this game. Defenseman Kaiden Guhle is sidelined for four to six weeks with a lower-body injury, while forwards Patrik Laine and Kirby Dach are day-to-day with lower-body injuries.

An overtime goal by Noah Cates lifted the Philadelphia Flyers to a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Wild, leaving the latter winless in their last three and with a 2-3-1 record on the season. Owen Tippett also scored for the Flyers, who are 2-2-1. Vladimir Tarasenko scored his first of the season for the Wild.

The St. Louis Blues picked up their first home win of the season by holding off the Dallas Stars 3-1. Jordan Kyrou scored his first of the season while teammates Jimmy Snuggerud and Pius Suter also scored for the Blues (3-2-0). Mikko Rantanen replied for the Stars, who have lost two straight after winning their first three games.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko scored early in the third period to snap a 2-2 tie as his club defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2, leaving the latter with a record of 1-3-2 in their first seven games of the season. Kent Johnson and Damon Severson also scored for the 2-3-0 Blue Jackets. Ryan McDonagh and Anthony Cirelli tallied for the Lightning.

The Pittsburgh Penguins got a 31-save shutout from Tristan Jarry to blank the San Jose Sharks 3-0. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin each had a goal and an assist for the 4-2-0 Penguins. Alex Nedeljkovic made 24 saves for the Sharks, who remain winless through five games (0-3-2).










Notable NHL Trades and Signings – June 27, 2025

by | Jun 27, 2025

Notable NHL Trades and Signings – June 27, 2025

The Florida Panthers signed Sam Bennett to an eight-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $8 million. He was slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s doubtful anyone’s surprised by this news. Bennett, 29, won the 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy, helping Florida win their second straight Stanley Cup. His versatility and agitating two-way style made him an important part of the roster core that turned the Panthers into the NHL’s dominant team over the past two years.

Bennett completed a four-year contract with an average annual value of $8 million, which is what most observers projected he’d get. He might’ve received a little more on the open market from teams eager to overpay for his services, but he never had any intention of leaving a proven winner, especially when they were keen to pay up to keep him.

The Panthers intend to keep their roster core intact to remain a Cup contender for the foreseeable future. However, Bennett’s gritty style of play could catch up with him over the latter half of his deal, which could make this deal burdensome in its final years.

The Montreal Canadiens acquired defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders in exchange for the 16th and 17th overall picks in this year’s draft and forward Emil Heineman. The Habs also signed the 25-year-old defenseman to an eight-year contract worth an average annual value of $9.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the biggest move yet by Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes. Dobson is a right-shot blueliner who netted a career-best 70 points in 2023-24. His production dropped to 39 points last season, but so did the offensive output of most of the Islanders in 2024-25. There were also rumors that he was clashing with Islanders head coach Patrick Roy.

New York Islanders trade Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens (NHL Images).

Dobson is entering the prime of his career. If he returns to form under Montreal coach Martin St. Louis, it will take considerable pressure off young star Lane Hutson on the right side of the Canadiens’ blueline.

The Islanders didn’t seem to be much in return for Dobson. However, those two first-round picks could be used to make a trade to move up in the round, putting them in position to draft center (and Long Island native) James Hagens.

The Toronto Maple Leafs re-sign John Tavares to a four-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $4.38 million. He also gets a full no-movement clause in the first two years, followed by a five-team trade list for the final two seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was never in doubt. Tavares stated he wanted to stay in Toronto following the Leafs’ second-round playoff exit. He knew he’d have to accept a pay cut from the $11 million AAV of his previous contract. This shows his willingness to remain a Maple Leaf.

The Colorado Avalanche traded center Charlie Coyle and winger Miles Wood to the Columbus Blue Jackets for prospect center Gavin Brindley, a 2025 third-round pick, and a 2027 second-rounder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a salary dump by the Avalanche. The 33-year-old Coyle is a versatile middle-six forward who can play center or right. Acquired at the trade deadline from the Boston Bruins, he has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $5.25 million. 

Wood frequently surfaced in the rumor mill after struggling through injuries and inconsistency in 2024-25. The 29-year-old checking-line winger is signed through 2028-29 with an AAV of $2.5 million. 

Taking into account Brindley’s $775K cap hit, the Avalanche have $8.9 million in cap space with 16 active roster players under contract. They could be planning other moves with that cap room to shore up their depth. 










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 22, 2025

by | Jun 22, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 22, 2025

In the latest Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest on Jason Robertson, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, Rasmus Andersson and Noah Dobson, plus an update on the Flyers.

STARS ENTERTAINING OFFERS FOR JASON ROBERTSON

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Dallas Stars aren’t actively shopping Jason Robertson, but they are listening to offers for the 25-year-old winger.

Robertson carries an average annual value (AAV) of $7.75 million and is slated to become a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights next July. LeBrun expects the Stars will take their time with this situation, whether he’s re-signed or traded at some point this summer.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars general manager Jim Nill isn’t wasting time taking care of business this offseason. He re-signed Matt Duchene, Mavrik Bourque and Nils Lundkvist, and traded Mason Marchment to Seattle in a cost-cutting move.

The Stars have $2.75 million in cap space for 2025-26 with 18 active roster players under contract. Nill is expected to re-sign team captain Jamie Benn to a short-term, cost-effective deal. However, he must clear more cap space to re-sign or replace pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) Mikael Granlund, Evgenii Dadonov, Brendan Smith, Cody Ceci and Colin Blackwell.

Robertson lacks no-trade protection. Moving him would free up a significant chunk of cap space, but it would also remove one of the top scorers from their lineup. It’ll be interesting to see what Nill has in store over the next several weeks.

THE LATEST ON MITCH MARNER AND JOHN TAVARES

LeBrun reports the “rumor de jour” is winger Mitch Marner could be considering a two-year contract for between $12 million and $13 million annually. He wasn’t able to confirm it, but said he’s heard it from a couple of teams now.

That would put the 28-year-old pending UFA in a position to hit the open market in two years, when the salary cap could reach $113 million or higher.

The Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars and Los Angeles Kings are among the teams LeBrun believes are high on Marner’s list. The cap-strapped Stars are a long shot, but “never say never”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We could see some of this summer’s top UFAs accepting short-term contracts, hoping to cash in again in two, three or four years from now should the salary cap keep rising significantly.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares still aren’t close in contract extension talks. LeBrun still thinks they could get this done.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Score’s Josh Wegman cited LeBrun telling TSN’s Overdrive that there’s no way Tavares will sign for $5 million per season with the Leafs unless they’re willing to add term to the deal. That could mean four or five years instead of two to three.

Given the lack of quality centers in this summer’s UFA market, Wegman believes Tavares could be in high demand if he becomes available on July 1.

FLAMES ARE WILLING TO TAKE CALLS ABOUT RASMUS ANDERSSON

TSN: LeBrun cited sources indicating contract extension talks between the Calgary Flames and Rasmus Andersson didn’t go well this week. The 28-year-old defenseman is a year away from UFA status. He carries a cap hit of $4.55 million for 2025-26 and a six-team no-trade list.

LeBrun said the Flames are now ready to entertain trade offers for Andersson, suggesting there will be no shortage of interest in the right-shot blueliner. He could be a good fit with the Dallas Stars, but they’ve got salary-cap issues to sort out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames can afford to wait until next year’s trade deadline if they don’t get any suitable offers this summer for Andersson. Nevertheless, the limited number of available right-shot rearguards in this summer’s free-agent market could improve the chance of someone meeting the Flames’ asking price, which could be a right-shot, second-line center.

RED WINGS INTERESTED IN NOAH DOBSON?

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting the Red Wings are showing interest in Noah Dobson. The 25-year-old New York Islanders defenseman is an RFA with arbitration rights on July 1.

According to Duff, Friedman said forwards JT Compher and Jonatan Berggren were being offered as part of the return. Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman could also part with draft picks in the deal to make it happen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Compher and Berggren are third-line forwards. That would be a lowball trade offer for a skilled puck-moving defenseman like Dobson, who is rumored to be seeking a long-term contract with an AAV of $11 million.

UPDATE ON THE FLYERS

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reported last week that the Philadelphia Flyers aren’t in a position to make a major addition to their roster this summer. They have roughly $13 million in dead cap space, and while they could put Ryan Ellis ($6.25 million) on long-term injury reserve (LTIR), they prefer not to do that if possible, to accrue cap space during the season.

Di Marco believes the Flyers will look for stopgap measures to address their depth at center. They could look at someone like Adam Gaudette of the Ottawa Senators in free agency. The Flyers are well-stocked with wingers, making it unlikely they’ll pursue someone like JJ Peterka of the Buffalo Sabres or Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 21, 2025

by | May 21, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 21, 2025

Check out the latest on Mitch Marner and Nikolaj Ehlers, plus a look at the Golden Knights’ possible offseason plans in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST MARNER SPECULATION

TSN: Pierre LeBrun noted the contrast between Toronto Maple Leafs forwards John Tavares and Mitch Marner when discussing their futures during Tuesday’s media availability.

Tavares was optimistic about returning with the Leafs next season. However, Marner spoke in the past tense about loving being a Leaf, and his intention to take time with his family to discuss his future.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Chris Johnston believes Marner intends to test the free-agent market on July 1. He noted that the 28-year-old winger didn’t want to discuss a contract during this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner’s situation has reached the point of no return. He’s a goner to the highest bidder on July 1.

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons also believes it’s time for the Leafs and Marner to part ways. He believes the winger’s rights can be traded for next to nothing before July 1 or he leaves in free agency.

Simmons noted the Leafs will have around $22 million in cap space to work with if they don’t re-sign Marner and Tavares. He suggested using that money to get into the bidding for forward Sam Bennett if he doesn’t re-sign with the Florida Panthers before July 1. Simmons also noted that Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad could also be available.

Other free-agent options could include Nikolaj Ehlers of the Winnipeg Jets, Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks, Patrick Kane of the Detroit Red Wings and the Panthers’ Brad Marchand.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli doesn’t rule out the possibility of the Leafs finding a trade destination for Marner where he wants to pre-negotiate before July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs won’t get a big return for Marner if they trade his rights before July 1. The Carolina Hurricanes got a 2025 third-round pick for Jake Guentzel when they traded his rights to the Tampa Bay Lightning last June.

WILL NIKOLAJ EHLERS STAY WITH THE JETS OR TEST THE MARKET?

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates looked at what the Winnipeg Jets must address during the offseason.

Sorting out their contract signings is a priority, with Nikolaj Ehlers being the biggest question mark. The 28-year-old winger is UFA-eligible on July 1 and might be inclined to test the market after 10 years in Winnipeg. He wasn’t available at the Jets’ media availability on Tuesday as he departed for the World Championships to play for his native Denmark.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers’ teammates praised him during the media availability, expressing their hope that he’ll re-sign with the Jets. If he hits the open market, he won’t lack for suitors. The Province’s Ben Kuzma believes the Vancouver Canucks will be among the bidders.

UPDATE ON THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Hannah Kirkell doesn’t expect Golden Knights management to blow up the roster after their elimination from the second round of the 2025 playoffs.

She acknowledged the Golden Knights’ inability to score against the Edmonton Oilers led to their elimination. Their shallow prospect pool means they don’t have many tradeable assets, meaning they’ll have to turn to free agency to bolster their offense.

The Golden Knights will have over $9.6 million in cap space next season. That’s not enough to add someone like Mitch Marner via free agency. Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers could be just out of their price range, and there will be plenty of suitors for Vancouver’s Brock Boeser.

General manager Kelly McCrimmon will have to get creative. Jack Eichel is the only untouchable on the Golden Knights’ roster. Five of their nine forwards and three of their five defensemen signed through next season have some form of no-trade protection.

Kirkell suggested winger Ivan Barbashev as a trade candidate because he only has an eight-team no-trade list. Their depth at center could allow them to dangle Nicolas Roy as trade bait for a scoring winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McCrimmon and the Golden Knights’ front office have a reputation for making surprising moves to improve their roster. It won’t be shocking if they swing a major deal this summer to improve their offense.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 21, 2025

by | May 21, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 21, 2025

The Panthers defeat the Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final, the highlights of the Leafs and Jets end-of-season interviews, an update on the CBA talks, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

PANTHERS TAKE GAME 1 OF THE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL

NHL.COM: Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made 31 saves to backstop his club to a 5-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Carter Verhaeghe had a goal and an assist while Aaron Ekblad tallied the winning goal in the first period. Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho cut the lead to 2-1, but the Panthers put the game out of reach on goals by A.J. Greer, Sam Bennett and Eetu Luostarinen.

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (NHL Images).

Game 2 is in Raleigh on Thursday, May 22, at 8 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers only had a one-day break from eliminating the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday before facing the Hurricanes. Nevertheless, they opened the scoring, never relinquished the lead thanks partly to Bobrovsky’s solid goaltending, and made the most of their opportunities while adjusting to their new opponent.

The Hurricanes tried to get under Bobrovsky’s skin with frequent contact, but he shook it off and remained focused. Carolina captain Jordan Staal summed up the game by saying the Panthers capitalized on their scoring chances and the Hurricanes didn’t.

Florida’s Brad Marchand was tossed from the game in the third period for tussling with Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere after the latter appeared to shoot the puck intentionally at Marchand. The Panthers winger got a four-minute roughing minor and a 10-minute misconduct, while Gostisbehere received a minor for roughing.

Game 1 of the Western Conference Final between the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers is on Wednesday, May 21, in Dallas at 8 pm ET.

HEADLINES

THE ATHLETIC: Auston Matthews declined to disclose the specifics of an injury that plagued him throughout this season during the Toronto Maple Leafs’ end-of-season media availability. Matthews said he suffered the injury during training camp and wouldn’t require surgery, saying he believes he’ll be fully healthy next season.

Mitch Marner’s return to the Leafs remains in doubt. The 28-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He said he’ll talk with his wife in the coming weeks about his next steps. Marner tried to put an optimistic spin on what playing in Toronto meant to him, but his voice seemed to be a mix of resignation and disappointment.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll have the latest Marner speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

John Tavares is also UFA-eligible on July 1. However, the 34-year-old center remains “very optimistic” that he’ll be back next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs head coach Craig Berube said he’d love to have Tavares and Marner return next season. He’ll likely get his wish with Tavares but not with Marner.

Max Pacioretty had a solid postseason with the Leafs, but seems to be considering retirement. Injuries have limited the 36-year-old winger to 37 regular-season and 11 postseason games with the Leafs.

Matthew Knies is slated to become a restricted free agent without arbitration rights on July 1. The 22-year-old winger could receive an offer sheet from a rival club, but he shot down that notion. “I want to be here, I want to play here, that’s all that really matters to me.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There has been recent speculation over which RFA players could get offer sheets this summer. That’s because of the rising salary cap and last summer’s successful signings of Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg by the St. Louis Blues.

However, the player has to be receptive to signing an offer sheet. Knies doesn’t sound like he’s open to the idea.

Goaltender Anthony Stolarz said he suffered a concussion in Game 1 of the second-round series against the Panthers. He missed Games 2 through 6, returning as a backup for Game 7.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stolarz said he suffered the injury after being struck in the head by the forearm of Panthers center Sam Bennett. He didn’t believe there was any ill intent on Bennett’s part.

NHL.COM: Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck believes the adjustments he made to his game may have resulted in a drop in his performance during the postseason.

Hellebuyck made the comments during his club’s end-of-season media availability. He struggled at times, getting pulled three times during their first-round series with the St. Louis Blues. Hellebucyk admitted he overthought the game at times.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey suffered a strained knee ligament in Game 6 of their second-round series with the Dallas Stars. He admitted he would’ve been out for the rest of the playoffs had the Jets forced a Game 7. Morrissey indicated that he wouldn’t require surgery.

Jets blueliner Luke Schenn said he suffered a couple of cracked ribs during the second game of their first-round series with the Blues.

THE ATHLETIC: NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the league and the NHL Players Association have made good progress in their current collective bargaining agreement negotiations.

According to Daly, the talks began last month and are well underway. He remains optimistic of a successful conclusion well before the September 2026 expiration of the current agreement.

Daly confirmed that future rules regarding the usage of long-term injury reserve have been a central part of the discussions, adding that there has been good progress in those talks. He also insisted the league isn’t looking to expand and hasn’t been soliciting bids, though there have been some conversations with various potential owners.

The deputy commissioner also indicated that there have been no discussions regarding a change to the playoff format.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see what changes emerge in the next CBA, but it’s good news for fans (and those of us who cover the league) that a new agreement could be in place soon. We’ve enjoyed over 12 years of labor peace. Nobody wants another lockout.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins signed general manager Don Sweeney to a two-year contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This isn’t surprising given the Bruins’ overall record under Sweeney. Nevertheless, the reaction seems mixed among the club’s followers, some of whom believe it’s time for a change in the front office.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: New York Islanders center Bo Horvat suffered a lower-body injury playing for Canada in the World Championships. He’s left the team early and returned to Long Island to meet with the Isles’ team doctors.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators defenseman Nick Jensen underwent surgery on Monday for a lower-body ailment. There is no timeline for his recovery.