NHL Rumor Mill – December 14, 2024

by | Dec 14, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 14, 2024

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

LATEST RANGERS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple recently listed several players who could trade targets for the New York Rangers. He noted that general manager Chris Drury has some prospects, his 2025 and 2026 first-round picks, and some players on his current roster to use as trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple assured us tongue-in-cheek that no tampering went into the compilation of his list, a none-too-subtle dig at Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer. In case you missed it, Andlauer made a recent insinuation about “soft tampering” involving the Rangers’ rumored interest in Senators captain Brady Tkachuk. The league is not investigating the allegation.

Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (NHL Images).

Speaking of Tkachuk, he appears on this list. Staple acknowledged the Senators’ vehement denials that their captain was available and acknowledged the asking price would be high, starting with winger Alexis Lafreniere. Staple also included Tkachuk’s teammate Thomas Chabot.

Other notable names on Staple’s wish list included Buffalo Sabres forwards Dylan Cozens and Alex Tuch, Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin, and Vancouver Canucks center (and former Ranger) J.T. Miller.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the players on this list (following the link if you have a subscription) are very unlikely to end up with the Rangers, including those mentioned above.

Drury could become a seller instead of a buyer if the Rangers’ fortunes don’t improve soon. Look for the lists of Blueshirts trade candidates to appear in February if they’re out of playoff contention by then.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey cited ESPN’s Emily Kaplan speculating Drury could attempt to sign a big-name unrestricted free agent this summer. She believes he could pursue Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner or Colorado Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen if they test the market next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the cap rises by $4.4 million as projected, the Rangers will have over $20 million in cap space for 2025-26 with 14 roster players under contract. Drury could afford a big-ticket signing but it will take up most of that cap space, leaving little to flesh out the roster unless he intends on shedding more salary first.

OILERS COULD TARGET A DEFENSEMAN AT THE TRADE DEADLINE

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Edmonton Oilers CEO and president of hockey operations Jeff Jackson likes how his club’s defense corps has played and has no issues with them this season.

LeBrun believes they could bolster their blueline by the March 7 trade deadline. Jackson maintained they’re happy with their defense but are open to opportunities.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples recently cited Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer suggesting the Oilers seek a right-side defenseman. Staples suggested Cam Fowler of the Anaheim Ducks, Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers, Ben Chiarot of the Detroit Red Wings or Nick Jensen of the Ottawa Senators as potential trade targets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap space will determine if the Oilers pursue a defenseman and how big of a splash they might make in the trade pool by March 7. They have just under $3.5 million in projected trade-deadline cap room. The Oilers will have to shed salary or get one of those teams to agree to retain some salary to take on one of those defensemen.

ARE THE PENGUINS INTERESTED IN CANUCKS FORWARD NILS HOGLANDER?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe recently cited rumors linking the Pittsburgh Penguins to Nils Hoglander. The 23-year-old Vancouver Canucks winger has seen reduced playing time of late.

Yohe noted that Hoglander has fallen out of favor with Canucks coach Rick Tocchet, who was an assistant coach with the Penguins several years ago under Mike Sullivan. If Hoglander’s out of favor with Tocchet, Yohe doubted that Sullivan would want him in the Penguins lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hoglander trade rumors have cooled off lately. He could end up peddled before the trade deadline, perhaps for a right-side defenseman. Based on Yohe’s observation, the Penguins might not be a trade partner.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 8, 2024

by | Oct 8, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 8, 2024

The latest on Igor Shesterkin plus some under-the-radar options at the 2025 trade deadline.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman expressing confidence that the New York Rangers will re-sign goaltender Igor Shesterkin.

“I believe it’s going to work out,” said Friedman. “I think the Rangers have made the choice they’re going to pay him and, to me, it just comes down to what the numbers are going to be. Until I’m told otherwise, I expect them to work out. Work it out. I believe the Rangers have made their choice here.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

Shesterkin, 28, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July. It was reported that his camp would shelve contract talks until the end of the season if a deal wasn’t reached by the Rangers’ season opener on Oct. 9. However, Mastey cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reported management isn’t fazed by this supposed deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers will re-sign Shesterkin to a long-term extension and he will become the NHL’s highest-paid goaltender. The only question is how much? It’s reported his camp seeks an average annual value of $12 million while the Rangers are willing to pay around $11 million. That doesn’t seem like a bridge too far.

As for that rumored deadline, it’s doubtful Shesterkin’s camp would refuse to discuss the matter after Oct. 9 if the Rangers offer up close to what they want.

BLEACHER REPORT: Adam Herman looked at six players who could be under-the-radar trade options at the March 7, 2025, NHL trade deadline.

Topping the list is Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri. Herman cites the Flames’ current rebuilding phase and the 34-year-old Kadri’s $7 million AAV through 2029 as reasons he could be moved by the deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri surfaced several times in this summer’s rumor mill. At the start of training camp, he told reporters to “pump the brakes” on the trade speculation. He has a full no-movement clause giving him complete control over his situation. The remaining value and length of his contract would also make him a difficult sell at the trade deadline even if he agreed to be moved.

Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch was next on Herman’s list. While the Sabres might be reluctant to move the 28-year-old winger, they might have to consider it if they’re out of contention by the deadline. Tuch’s contract expires in 2026, and it’s fair to wonder if he’d be willing to stick around and face more uncertainty.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a fair point. Tuch could have more value leading up to the 2025 deadline because he wouldn’t be a rental player. Having him around for two playoff runs could entice Stanley Cup contenders. He also has Cup Final experience, having played in the 2018 Final with the Vegas Golden Knights.

New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren is another option. He’s on a one-year deal, wasn’t productive last season, and has an injury history.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Never say never, but it’s doubtful the Rangers will move Lindgren this season even at the risk of losing him to free agency next summer. Herman noted they expect to be a contender plus he usually pairs with top blueliner Adam Fox. It’s unlikely they’ll want to split them up.

Herman speculates the Pittsburgh Penguins could attempt to shop Erik Karlsson if they’re out of the playoff race by the deadline. They need to get younger and peddling the 34-year-old defenseman could fetch picks and prospects they need to rebuild in earnest. It’ll also free up salary cap room.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Herman believes Karlsson’s contract wasn’t as problematic as it once was. The Penguins are carrying $9,999,998 of his $11.5 million cap hit through 2026-27. That’s still a big chunk to swallow unless the Pens agree to retain some of it. He’s also reaching the stage in his career when his performance steadily declines. Karlsson also still has his full no-movement clause over the remainder of his contract.

Anaheim Ducks forward Cam Fowler is also on Herman’s list. The 32-year-old defenseman could welcome a move to a contender after spending the last several years with the rebuilding Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was reported last month that Fowler has had discussions with Ducks management about his future, including the possibility of a trade that would mutually benefit them. He has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $6.5 million and a four-team trade list, though it’s believed he’s expanded that list to double digits. He could interest a contender seeking a puck-moving blueliner who would be more than a rental player.

Herman wonders about Boone Jenner’s future with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The rebuilding Jackets have two promising young centers in Adam Fantilli and Cayden Lindstrom. Jenner, 31, is signed through 2025-26 and would interest contenders seeking depth at center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jenner would be a tempting trade target. He’s a big, versatile forward with leadership skills who can play in all situations. He also carries an affordable $3.75 million annual cap hit. Jenner also has an eight-team no-trade list but that’s unlikely to be much of an obstacle. It depends on where first-year general manager Don Waddell sees Jenner in his plans for the Jackets and if his captain wants to be part of them.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 6, 2024

by | Aug 6, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 6, 2024

Could the Wild acquire Patrik Laine? When will Sidney Crosby re-sign with the Penguins? Are the Rangers interested in Ducks forward Trevor Zegras? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILD INTERESTED IN PATRIK LAINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith and Michael Russo believe Patrik Laine is the type of player Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin would take a chance on if he could afford him.

NHL Network’s Mike Rupp believes the Wild could “kick the tires” on the 26-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets winger, who requested a trade this spring. He felt they needed the “star power” that Laine could bring. “They need somebody else that can help carry the workload as far as putting up big numbers,” said Rupp.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

However, Rupp also expressed concern over how well Laine would fit into the Wild’s system. He noted their style is that of a hardworking, lunchpail group all pulling in the same direction while the Blue Jackets winger is more of a freelancer.

Smith and Russo suggest it might make sense if they can get Laine at half his $8.7 million annual cap hit. However, the cap-strapped Wild have just $1.531 million available, which drops by $1 million if they carry goaltender Jesper Wallstedt.

The Wild could include goaltender Filip Gustavsson in the deal as his cap hit ($3.75 million) almost lines up with Laine’s half-salary. However, former Wild coach Dean Evason is now the Blue Jackets bench boss and couldn’t get good goaltending from Gustavsson before he was fired as the Wild’s coach last fall.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be a bold move by Guerin but would involve plenty of moving parts, such as a third team getting involved to spread Laine’s cap hit around. It could prove too complicated to pull off for the Wild.

MORE MUSINGS OVER THE STATUS OF SIDNEY CROSBY’S CONTRACT EXTENSION.

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: Tim Benz cited Mark Madden expressing his belief that Sidney Crosby will sign his contract extension on his birthday (Aug. 7). “If he doesn’t, I think we can start wondering,” said Madden, suggesting the Penguins should consider trading their captain to avoid the situation becoming a distraction if it drags through the season. However, he stressed he doesn’t see it coming to that.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Jason Mackey also thinks the superstitious Crosby could sign on his birthdate (8/7), pointing out the long-time Penguins star wears that number on his jersey and his current AAV is $8.7 million. Nevertheless, he admits it could become a concern if he doesn’t sign that extension soon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Rob Rossi last week cited sources claiming the two sides were comfortable enough in the direction of those negotiations that they felt comfortable enough to engage in their summer plans and enjoy some downtime.

They may have reached an agreement that could be announced on Aug. 7 or at the latest before the start of training camp. However, if training camp starts without an extension in place, then it’s time to start worrying about the situation.

RANGERS NOT INTERESTED IN TREVOR ZEGRAS

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, Arthur Staple was asked about trade rumors linking New York Rangers winger Kaapo Kakko to someone like the Anaheim Ducks’ Trevor Zegras.

Staple replied he doesn’t think the Rangers have ever been interested in Zegras, “much as the local kid would love to be a Ranger. If they were, it would take more than Kakko to pry him away from the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple was also asked about Kakko being linked to the Buffalo Sabres’ Alex Tuch. He doesn’t believe the Sabres have ever seriously considered moving Tuch but Kakko wouldn’t be enough to entice them.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 5, 2024

by | Mar 5, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 5, 2024

The trade deadline is 3 PM ET on Friday, March 8. Check out the latest on Jake Guentzel, Noah Hanifin, Jacob Markstrom, Pavel Buchnevich, Vladimir Tarasenko, Adam Henrique, and many more trade candidates in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman did a quick summary on Monday of where each club stands leading up to Friday’s trade deadline. Here are the more notable tidbits:

Friedman’s big question regarding Jake Guentzel is whether the Pittsburgh Penguins will grant permission for interested clubs to discuss a contract extension with the 29-year-old winger. They also prefer to receive prospects rather than draft picks as part of the return for Guentzel.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images)

Interested clubs could include the Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, and Carolina Hurricanes with the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks seen as longer shots. Other Penguins who could garner trade interest include winger Reilly Smith and goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun included the Canucks and Oilers among six-plus suitors for Guentzel.

Turning to the Calgary Flames, Friedman believes defenseman Noah Hanifin remains locked in on joining the Tampa Bay Lightning. He thinks the Lightning are interested in Hanifin but if was that easy it would’ve been done by now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning’s lack of a first-rounder in the 2024 and 2025 drafts is likely a complicating factor, especially if they’re trying to outbid other teams.

Friedman noted the Boston Bruins are believed to have contacted the Flames about Hanifin. Their limited cap space means they’d have to move a roster player. That’s why goaltender Linus Ullmark has been mentioned in the rumor mill. Ullmark’s 16-team no-trade gives him some control plus the tandem of Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman gives the Bruins their best chance to win the Cup this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils have looked into Ullmark’s availability if they can’t swing a deal with the Flames for Jacob Markstrom.

Speaking of Jacob Markstrom, his disappointment over how management handled a potential trade to New Jersey hasn’t affected his performance.

The Devils haven’t given up on acquiring Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom. They could revisit that attempt in the offseason if a deal isn’t reached by the trade deadline. Friedman isn’t convinced that the Devils could trade winger Tyler Toffoli.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Calgary Hockey Now’s Trevor Neufeld cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli claiming Flames ownership spiked the deal that would’ve sent Markstrom to the Devils. If so, we can forget about the 34-year-old goaltender going anywhere at the trade deadline. It would also cast doubt over any potential offseason deals unless Markstrom asks to be moved.

St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong has set a very high asking price for winger Pavel Buchnevich. There’s been what Friedman calls “non-stop noise” over winger Jordan Kyrou.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of Kyrou, The Athletic’s Jeremy Rutherford recently suggested the odds are 50-50 that the Blues trade him before his no-trade clause begins in July 2025. If that move takes place my bet is it’s more likely an offseason trade.

Ottawa Senators winger Vladimir Tarasenko could be a consolation prize for teams that don’t get Jake Guentzel. The Senators could also look into the goalie market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Score cited the Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch claiming the Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Edmonton Oilers have kicked tires on Tarasenko. The 32-year-old has a $5 million cap hit and a full no-trade clause but is expected to waive it to join a contender.

Speaking of the Senators, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reports there is growing interest in defenseman Jakob Chychrun from clubs seeking more than a playoff rental. However, the Senators remain in listening mode and haven’t set an asking price for him yet.

Friedman believes the Florida Panthers could pursue a winger such as Guentzel or Tarasenko. He said he’s heard mixed responses that they might have an interest in Hanifin.

The asking price is high for Anaheim Ducks winger Frank Vatrano. It’s more likely that pending UFAs like Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick will be moved.

With the Vegas Golden Knights placing Mark Stone on LTIR, they will be buyers. Friedman thinks they could pursue one or two wingers, including one of those near the top of the market like Buchnevich and Guentzel.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights always try to make a big splash near the NHL trade deadline. With over $7.3 million in cap flexibility, they will try and land a big fish by the deadline.

Jake Guentzel, Vladimir Tarasenko or Tyler Toffoli (if available) would be perfect fits for the Carolina Hurricanes. They have the prospect depth to make competitive bids. Meanwhile, Friedman believes the Martin Necas situation is coming to a head.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas has been floated recently as a trade candidate if the Hurricanes decide to pursue a big-ticket scorer.

It’s believed the Colorado Avalanche remains in the market for a second-line center. They’re looking at short-term options like Adam Henrique and medium-term ones like Arizona’s Nick Bjugstad and Alex Kerfoot.

Defensemen remain a priority for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Friedman believes they’ve been linked to most of the notable trade candidates. He also thinks they’ve looked at adding another forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Toronto Sun’s Terry Koshan wonders if Leafs GM Brad Treliving might pursue a center such as Adam Henrique.

The Edmonton Oilers have been looking at adding a defenseman. They have also been linked to Adam Henrique and his teammate Sam Carrick in a rumored “double deal.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of the Oilers, winger Warren Foegele has popped up as a possible trade candidate as the deadline nears.

There was some social media speculation suggesting the New York Islanders might move Brock Nelson. Friedman dismissed it, pointing out among other things that the Isles aren’t giving up on the playoff race.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No one knows what secretive Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello has in store for his team. Nevertheless, I agree with Friedman’s dismissal of the Nelson trade rumors.

The asking price for Philadelphia Flyers center Scott Laughton is high, creating doubt that they want to move him. Contract talks continue with defensemen Sean Walker and Nick Seeler.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the Flyers still in the thick of the playoff race, I don’t see them moving those guys unless someone is willing to overpay for them.

Friedman felt Arizona Coyotes defenseman Matt Dumba might be a good fit with the Toronto Maple Leafs as they looked into him before signing John Klingberg last summer. However, he said he received pushback on that idea.

Teams are assessing whether Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins could benefit from a change of scenery. Meanwhile, Ivan Provorov could become available as the Jackets deal with a blueline backlog.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Merzlikin’s $5.4 million AAV through 2026-27 and inconsistent play will likely keep him in Columbus for the rest of this season. As for Provorov, he has a year left on his contract. The Jackets can wait until the summer to shop him if they don’t get any suitable offers now.

Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams has rebuffed requests from other clubs to discuss winger Alex Tuch. He’s prepared to move pending UFAs such as Erik Johnson. Friedman wondered if team captain Kyle Okposo would be a fit with the New York Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers need a top-six right wing but they’re probably eyeing other options. Meanwhile, The Buffalo News’ Lance Lysowski reports Adams is open to trading notable young players but only if it’s a move that helps the Sabres now. In other words, he’s not interested in a return of draft picks and prospects.

Seattle Kraken defenseman Adam Larsson is coveted in the trade market but Friedman would be shocked if he got traded. There’s been contract extension talk with winger Jordan Eberle. Forward Brandon Tanev could be a trade deadline wild card.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman published this column hours before the Kraken scratched center Alex Wennberg from their game last night against the New York Rangers for trade-related reasons. The 29-year-old Wennberg seems the most likely to be moved out of Seattle.

Speaking of the Rangers, Friedman noted they’ve asked about Anaheim’s Frank Vatrano and Buffalo’s Alex Tuch. He thinks they could also look at Pittsburgh’s Reilly Smith or St. Louis’ Pavel Buchnevich.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Again, this was published before the report about Wennberg becoming a healthy scratch for trade-related reasons amid speculation the Rangers were pursuing him.

Friedman still wonders if Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland might have an interest in Washington Capitals winger Anthony Mantha. Holland knows him from their days with the Detroit Red Wings.

Speaking of Mantha, Friedman thinks he’d be a good fit with the Winnipeg Jets if Gabriel Vilardi should be sidelined longer than expected.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Winnipeg Sun’s Paul Friesen anticipates the Jets will make another move before the deadline. He believes GM Kevin Cheveldayoff would like to add a puck-moving defenseman.

There’s nothing on the front burner for the Montreal Canadiens. Defenseman David Savard wants to stay and they can sit back and say, “Make us consider it.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun said there are some teams interested in acquiring goalie Jake Allen after this season when he’ll have just one year left on his contract with a $3.85 million cap hit. Teams could have the same approach toward Savard. Either way, the Canadiens seem fine with both players remaining on their roster beyond the trade deadline.

Friedman reports the Minnesota Wild are working on a contract extension for defenseman Zach Bogosian.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Chris Johnston believes the Maple Leafs could be interested in Bogosian if he and the Wild fail to agree to an extension by March 8.

The San Jose Sharks have been open for business for a while but it’s been quiet. They’re trying to move as many of their pending UFAs as possible. Friedman noted there’s been talk about players with term left on their contracts like Mario Ferraro and Mikael Granlund but they’re more costly to acquire.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was recently reported the Sharks aren’t shopping Ferraro but could be willing to listen to offers. At this point, I’ll be surprised if he or Granlund are moved.

The Nashville Predators surge up the standings since mid-February has turned them into buyers rather than sellers.

Friedman sees the Detroit Red Wings doing something to secure a playoff berth. He wondered if they’d pursue Jake Guentzel but GM Steve Yzerman isn’t much for signing 30-year-old player to term.

The Los Angeles Kings aren’t expected to do anything major. Forward Arthur Kaliyev has been in and out of the lineup and isn’t guaranteed to move.

After acquiring Chris Tanev from Calgary last week, the Dallas Stars could make one more depth move before the deadline.

The Vancouver Canucks must soon decide if they’ll sign free agent Phil Kessel if they hope to have him for the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The deadline for signing free agents to be eligible for the postseason is the same as the trade deadline.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 12, 2023

by | Dec 12, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 12, 2023

John Tavares and Jamie Benn reach personal milestones, the three stars of the week are named, while suspensions are handed down to David Perron and Erik Gudbranson. Details on these stories and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares had a goal and an assist to reach his 1,000th career NHL point in a 4-3 loss to the New York Islanders. Tavares collected his assist in the game-tying goal against his former club as the Leafs overcame a 3-1 deficit but Bo Horvat’s overtime goal gave the Islanders the victory. The Leafs (14-6-5) sit third in the Atlantic Division with 33 points while the Islanders (13-7-7) picked up their third straight victory and sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 33 points.

Toronto Maple Leafs captains John Tavares (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders fans lustily booed Tavares’ accomplishment. They still haven’t forgiven their club’s former captain for signing with the Leafs in 2018.

Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn collected his 500th career NHL assist as his club clipped the Detroit Red Wings 6-3. Miro Heiskanen scored two goals and set up another for the 16-8-3 Stars (35 points), who sit one point back of the first-place Colorado Avalanche in the Central Division. Shayne Gostisbehere picked up two assists for the 14-9-4 Red Wings, who dropped their third straight game and hold the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings were without winger David Perron following his six-game suspension by the NHL department of player safety for a dangerous cross-check against Ottawa Senators defenseman Artem Zub on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Red Wings placed captain Dylan Larkin, J.T. Compher and Klim Kostin on injured reserve and recalled Zach Aston-Reese, Jonatan Berggren and Austin Czarnik. Larkin was knocked unconscious following hits from Senators forward Mathieu Joseph and Parker Kelly, sparking the melee that led to Perron’s cross-check on Zub.

The Colorado Avalanche tallied three unanswered third-period goals to overcome a 5-3 deficit in a 6-5 win over the Calgary Flames. Nathan MacKinnon scored the game-winner to push his points streak to 12 games while teammate Mikko Rantanen had a goal and two assists for the 17-9-2 Avalanche. Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman each had a goal and an assist for the 11-14-3 Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames also lost defenseman Chris Tanev early in the first period after being hit from behind into the boards by Avalanche forward Ross Colton, who was not penalized on the play. There was no postgame update on Tanev’s condition.

Buffalo Sabres forwards Kyle Okposo and Eric Robinson each had a goal and two assists to beat the Arizona Coyotes 5-2. Michael Carcone netted his team-leading 14th goal of the season for the Coyotes (13-12-2) as they cling to the final Western Conference wild-card spot with 28 points. The Sabres sit at 12-14-3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sidelined Sabres forward Alex Tuch (hamstring) participated in his club’s morning skate but didn’t play in this game. He’s expected to be in the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Avalanche.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov, San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl, and Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart are the league’s three stars for the week ending Dec. 10, 2023.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson received a one-game suspension from the department of player safety for his retaliation on Florida Panthers forward Nick Cousins on Sunday. Gudbranson was hit from behind into the boards by Cousins, who initially received a five-minute major penalty that was reduced to a two-minute minor on review. Later in the game, Gudbranson grabbed Cousins, slammed him to the ice and rained six punches on the Panthers forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: None of this would’ve happened had the on-ice officials properly handled this situation from the outset. It’s part of what The Athletic’s Ian Mendes calls “a consistency problem” for NHL officials regarding hits from behind. Mendes fears it could lead to another Steve Moore-Todd Bertuzzi incident.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Strome will not face supplemental discipline for a knee-on-knee hit on Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor on Sunday. It was determined that Strome had planted his foot and did not intentionally attempt to injure Connor, who underwent an MRI on his knee on Monday. No word yet from the Jets regarding Connor’s status. Strome received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins winger Bryan Rust is out week-to-week with an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas continues to support head coach Mike Sullivan as his club struggles through its lengthy slump.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas may be sincere in his support of Sullivan but he’ll face growing calls to do something to snap the Penguins out of their current funk. If a trade isn’t possible because of salary cap constraints, a coaching change could be his only recourse.

TSN: Montreal Canadiens winger Tanner Pearson will miss four-to-six weeks with an upper-body injury.

St. Louis Blues winger Jakub Vrana was not placed on waivers despite an earlier report indicating he was about to hit the waiver wire.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll have more about Vrana in today’s Rumors update.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Chicago Blackhawks placed defenseman Jarred Tinordi (concussion protocol) on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 5.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 26, 2023

by | Feb 26, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 26, 2023

Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark scores in his 30th win of the season, the Sharks retire Patrick Marleau’s number, the Jets acquire Nino Niederreiter, the Blues claim Kasperi Kapanen off waivers, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark celebrated his 30th win of the season by scoring an empty-net goal in a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Ullmark had 26 saves while Hampus Lindholm and Brad Marchand also scored for the 45-8-5 Bruins, who opened a nine-point lead over the Carolina Hurricanes for first place in the overall standings with 95 points. Brock Boeser scored for Vancouver as they dropped to 23-31-5 on the season. Canucks defenseman Ethan Bear left the game in the first period with an upper-body injury.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, the Canucks acquired winger Vitali Kravtsov from the New York Rangers in exchange for winger Will Lockwood and a seventh-round pick in 2026. The 23-year-old Kravtsov was the ninth overall pick in the 2018 draft but struggled to establish himself with the Rangers. He becomes an affordable reclamation project for the rebuilding Canucks. The Rangers, meanwhile, shed some cap space ($875K) for perhaps another move at the March 3 trade deadline.

Speaking of the Hurricanes, their five-game winning streak ended after dropping a 3-2 decision to the Anaheim Ducks. John Gibson kicked out 51 shots while Trevor Zegras and Ryan Strome each collected two assists for the 19-34-7 Ducks. Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Jesper Fast replied for the Hurricanes (39-11-8) as they sit second in the overall standings with 86 points.

As for the Rangers, their winless skid stretched for four games (0-3-1) after falling 6-3 to the Washington Capitals. Evgeny Kuznetsov scored twice and collected two assists while T.J. Oshie also tallied twice for the 29-26-6 Capitals as they sit one point out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 64 points. Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad each had two points for 33-17-9 Rangers as they sit in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 75 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren left the game in the first period with an injured left shoulder following a hit into the boards by Oshie. Earlier in the day, they also placed forward Jake Leschyshyn on waivers in what’s expected to be a cost-cutting move for the upcoming trade deadline.

The Pittsburgh Penguins reclaimed that final Eastern wild-card spot with a 3-2 win over the St. Louis Blues on an overtime goal by Bryan Rust to snap their four-game losing skid. Rust, Evgeni Malkin and Marcus Pettersson each had a goal and an assist as the Penguins (65 points) improved to 28-21-9. Jordan Binnington made 45 saves for the Blues as they fell to 26-28-5.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Blues claimed winger Kasperi Kapanen off waivers from the Penguins. The 26-year-old winger did not play in this game. The Blues did the Penguins a favor as this move cleared Kapanen’s $3.2 million cap hit through 2023-24 off their books, providing some cap flexibility to perhaps make a move before the trade deadline.

A four-point performance by Connor McDavid couldn’t prevent the Edmonton Oilers from falling 6-5 to the Columbus Blue Jackets. McDavid scored twice and set up two other goals as his Oilers overcame a 4-0 deficit to tie the game but Columbus rallied with two more goals and held on for the win. Jack Roslovic also had two goals and two assists as the Blue Jackets improved to 19-35-5. The Oilers (32-20-8) sit third in the Pacific Division with 72 points.

New Jersey Devils goalie Akira Schmid made 23 saves for his first NHL shutout in a 7-0 drubbing of the Philadelphia Flyers. Jonas Siegenthaler had a goal and two assists while Dawson Mercer scored to extend his goal streak to six games for the Devils (39-15-5) as they sit three points back of the Hurricanes with 83 points. The 23-28-10 Flyers played without winger Travis Konecny (upper body) as he was placed on injured reserve.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers winger James van Riemsdyk didn’t play in this game. Head coach John Tortorella claimed he was “a little banged-up.” The 33-year-old van Riemsdyk is expected to be moved by the March 3 trade deadline.

The Dallas Stars ended a five-game losing streak by nipping the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2 on shootout goals by Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz, who also tallied the game-tying goal with 38 seconds remaining in regulation. Jake Oettinger stopped 41 shots for the 31-16-12 Stars as they hold a three-point lead over the Winnipeg Jets for first place in the Central Division with 74 points. Jack Eichel netted his 20th goal of the season for the Golden Knights (35-18-6) as they sit atop the Western Conference standings with 76 points.

Tampa Bay Lightning netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy made 45 saves to blank the Detroit Red Wings 3-0. Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov and Alex Killorn were the goal scorers as the Lightning improved to 37-17-4 and sit two points behind the second-place Toronto Maple Leafs in the Atlantic Division with 78 points. Detroit (28-22-8) sits one point out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 64 points. Red Wings forward Michael Rasmussen left the game in the first period with a lower-body injury.

The Colorado Avalanche beat the Calgary Flames 4-1. Mikko Rantanen scored for the fourth straight game while Alexandar Georgiev made 28 saves as the Avalanche (33-19-5) moved past the Winnipeg Jets into second place in the Central Division with 71 points. Tyler Toffoli scored his 25th goal of the season as his Flames fell to 27-21-12 and four points out of the final Western Conference wild-card spot with 66 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche also acquired minor-league goaltender Keith Kinkaid from the Bruins in exchange for forward Shane Bowers. Bringing in Kinkaid could be an insurance move as Pavel Francouz remains sidelined with a lower-body injury.

The Ottawa Senators swept their season series with the Montreal Canadiens with a 5-2 win. Derick Brassard had a goal and an assist while Mads Sogaard stopped 30 shots as the Senators improved to 28-26-4 to sit five points out of the final Eastern wild-card spot with 60 points. Nick Suzuki tallied his 20th goal of the season for the 25-30-4 Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens also announced defenseman Arber Xhekaj will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. Center Kirby Dach is out indefinitely with a lower-body injury while forward Joel Armia is day-to-day with an upper respiratory infection.

Chicago Blackhawks goalie Petr Mrazek turned aside 45 shots in a 4-3 win over the San Jose Sharks on a shootout goal by Philipp Kurashev. The Blackhawks improved to 21-32-5 while San Jose sank to 18-30-12. Before the game, the Sharks retired Patrick Marleau’s No. 12 in a pregame ceremony.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marleau is the Sharks’ all-time leader with 1,607 games played, 522 goals and 1,111 points. He’s also second in assists with 589. Marleau is the first player in franchise history to have his number retired.

IN OTHER NEWS…

WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets acquired winger Nino Niederreiter from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A nice pickup by the Jets to bolster their scoring depth. The 30-year-old Niederreiter is a big-bodied winger who is on pace (18 goals) to reach the 20-goal plateau for the sixth time in his career. He’s not a rental player as he carries a $4 million annual cap hit through 2023-24. The Jets might not be done making moves as Cap Friendly shows they’ve got over $5.4 million in projected trade deadline cap space.

SPORTSNET: The Buffalo Sabres placed winger Alex Tuch on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This could be a big blow to the Sabres’ playoff hopes. Tuch is second in scoring with 28 goals and 62 points. This could prompt management to shop for a replacement if he’s sidelined for a long period.

TSN: The Toronto Maple Leafs will send a second-round pick in 2025 to the Arizona Coyotes to complete last February’s trade that sent forward Nick Ritchie to the Coyotes in exchange for defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin and forward Ryan Dzingel.