NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 23, 2020

by | Jan 23, 2020

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 23, 2020

Game recaps, Auston Matthews to miss the All-Star Game, a good deed by Matt Dumba goes viral, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines. 

NHL.COM: The Columbus Blue Jackets picked up their sixth straight win by edging the slumping Winnipeg Jets 4-3. Oliver Bjorkstrand scored twice and has four goals (including two game-winners) in his last two games. Teammate Pierre-Luc Dubois picked up three assists. 

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Oliver Bjorkstrand has scored four goals in his last two games (Photo via NHL Images).

Mats Zuccarello and Eric Staal each had a goal and an assist as the Minnesota Wild doubled up the Detroit Red Wings 4-2. Filip Zadina scored both Red Wings goals. 

TORONTO SUN: A nagging wrist injury will sidelined Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews from the upcoming NHL All-Star Game. 

OTTAWA SUN: Senators winger Brady Tkachuk is Matthews’ replacement. 

TWINCITIES.COM: Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba is downplaying his good deed that went viral on social media. Dumba provided roadside assistance to a family stranded on a highway following Monday’s game against the Florida Panthers. 

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Local police are investigating an alleged physical assault allegation against Gritty after the Flyers mascot allegedly punched a 13-year-old boy in the back during a game at Wells Fargo Arena in November. 










NHL Injury Outlook – The First Bye Week

by | Jan 21, 2020

NHL Injury Outlook – The First Bye Week

 










NHL Rumor Mill – January 17, 2020

by | Jan 17, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – January 17, 2020

Are the Oilers eying one of the Leafs’ affordable young forwards? Are the Flames interested in Kings’ winger Tyler Toffoli? Could Wild defenseman Matt Dumba become trade bait? Check out the latest in today’s NHL rumor mill.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LATEST “INSIDER TRADING”

TSN: Darren Dreger believes the Edmonton Oilers will keep a close eye on what happens with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He notes there’s speculation surrounding Leafs forwards Kasperi Kapanen, Andreas Johnsson and maybe Alex Kerfoot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers seek secondary scoring depth. It’s assumed the Leafs would have to move one of those young forwards to bring in a skilled top-four defenseman, something I don’t believe the Oilers have enough to spare right now. The Leafs might part with Kapanen, Johnsson, or Kerfoot for someone like Darnell Nurse, but I don’t see the Oilers agreeing to that. 

Could Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba be moved before the trade deadline? (Photo via NHL Images)

Dreger also said he’s been told Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin is open for business. Part of the trade bait could include defenseman Matt Dumba.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Michael Russo also believes Guerin is open for business. He thinks rival GMs are wondering if players like Dumba or Jason Zucker are available. Russo also believes blueliner Jonas Brodin could be getting some interest from the Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes, and Vegas Golden Knights.

Dumba would draw plenty of interest in the trade market, but it would be a mistake to move him. He’s a 25-year-old defenseman with the talent to become the linchpin of their blueline for years. Perhaps he’ll benefit from a coaching change instead of a trade.

Pierre LeBrun reports the Calgary Flames are hoping to add a top-six forward with a right-hand shot before the Feb. 24 trade deadline. He believes they have interest in Los Angeles Kings winger Tyler Toffoli, among others.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Toffoli would fit the bill for the Flames. I expect the Kings will want at least a decent draft pick and a quality prospect or young NHL-ready player in return.

Bob McKenzie reports the Chicago Blackhawks are facing a big decision between goaltenders Corey Crawford and Robin Lehner. Both will become unrestricted free agents in July. Lehner indicated he won’t take a hometown discount and wants a lucrative long-term deal. Crawford, meanwhile, indicated he has no intention of being anyone’s backup. McKenzie wonders if GM Stan Bowman will trade one of them and which one he’ll sign.

Pierre LeBrun believes the Carolina Hurricanes could be interested in Lehner if he hits the open market in July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crawford was a key reason behind the Blackhawks last two Stanley Cup championships, but he’s now 35 and being outplayed by the 28-year-old Lehner, who was a Vezina Trophy finalist last season. While Bowman could still have loyalty toward Crawford, re-signing Lehner is the right move.

UPDATES ON THE FLYERS

NBC SPORTS PHILADEPHIA/THE ATHLETIC: Jordan Hall and Charlie O’Connor reports the Flyers’ limited salary-cap space will make it difficult for GM Chuck Fletcher to become a buyer leading up to the trade deadline. The Flyers need at least another top-nine forward, preferably a center, but Cap Friendly indicates they only have around $580K in deadline cap room. Unless they can ship out a higher-price veteran, or convince a rival club to absorb half of an incoming player’s salary-cap hit, they could be forced to acquire a lower-salaried depth player or look to within their system.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Several Flyers fans in recent days asked me if I think their club will make a big move by the deadline. Unless GM Chuck Fletcher can get creative or swings a dollar-in, dollar-out deal that improves his roster, I think his hands are tied by the salary cap for this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 10, 2020

by | Jan 10, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – January 10, 2020

Updates on the Penguins, Rangers, and Canadiens in today’s NHL rumor mill.

PENGUINS SHOPPING GALCHENYUK, INTERESTED IN TOFFOLI OR ZUCKER?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Pittsburgh Penguins are talking to teams again about moving winger Alex Galchenyuk. They’d like a draft pick or a bottom-six forward in return because that’s the role Galchenyuk’s filling with them, one that’s not suited for his skills.

Bob McKenzie reports replacing sidelined winger Jake Guentzel remains the priority for Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford. It’s assumed he’ll look at rental players like the Rangers’ Chris Kreider or the LA Kings’ Tyler Toffoli. However, McKenzie said Rutherford could seek a hockey trade by moving players off his roster to acquire a top-six forward signed beyond this season.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Jason Mackey reports Rutherford could free up cap space by placing Guentzel’s $6 million annual average salary on long-term injury reserve for the remainder of the season. He could also attempt shopping Galchenyuk ($4.9 million) or Nick Bjugstad ($4.1 million).

Could the Pittsburgh Penguins take another run at acquiring Minnesota Wild winger Jason Zucker? (Photo via NHL Images)

It’s hard to imagine Rutherford getting much in return for Galchenyuk, leading Mackey to speculate the Pens might have to part with draft picks and/or prospects, perhaps even their 2020 first-round pick. He listed Kreider, Toffoli, Chicago’s Brandon Saad, or Ottawa’s Jean-Gabriel Pageau as trade targets.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: cited a report from The Athletic’s Michael Russo indicating the Penguins have renewed interest in Minnesota Wild winger Jason Zucker. They attempted to acquire Zucker last spring in exchange for Phil Kessel but the latter nixed the deal. TSN’s Bob McKenzie suggested Kings winger Tyler Toffoli as another trade option for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rutherford will do something before the deadline. With his club playing well despite their injury-depleted roster, he can take his time finding a suitable deal. I think he’ll try moving out Galchenyuk and/or Bjugstad, perhaps to bring in that top-six winger like Saad or Zucker with term on his contract. That could involve packaging his first-round pick in the deal.

Zucker is nearing a return to action after being sidelined by a broken leg since Dec. 17. His availability will depend upon where the Wild are in the standings and if GM Bill Guerin is willing to part with him for the right offer.

It was Guerin’s predecessor Paul Fenton who nearly shipped Zucker to Pittsburgh for Kessel. Fenton was also close to sending Zucker to Calgary at last year’s trade deadline. Guerin, however, could decide Zucker’s worth retaining, especially if the Wild remain in the playoff chase by the trade deadline.

LATEST ON ANDERSSON AND DEANGELO

TSN: Darren Dreger said reports are suggesting New York Rangers forward Lias Andersson is potentially dealing with mental health issues. He and his agent denied this, indicating he’s to undergo a minor surgical procedure on his foot. Unhappy over his role with the Rangers, Andersson returned to Sweden last month and requested a trade.

Bob McKenzie reports the Rangers are receiving calls on Andersson. They’re prepared to move him before the Feb. 24 trade deadline if they get the right prospect in return. They’re less interested in a draft pick. They also don’t want to be hasty moving Andersson to avoid sending the wrong message that they’ll trade players in their system who pack up and go home.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports Rangers management is staying mum on Andersson’s situation, their three-goaltender system, and potential decisions on pending UFAs Chris Kreider and Jesper Fast and RFAs Tony DeAngelo, Ryan Strome, and Alexandar Georgiev. It’s believed Andersson hasn’t spoken with the Rangers since his suspension for walking out on their AHL affiliate in Hartford. Brooks said there’s an extreme disconnect between the young forward’s self-evaluation and the Rangers’ assessment of his status and performance

Brooks also reports DeAngelo could put the Rangers in salary-cap hell next season. The 24-year-old defenseman is on pace for a 69-point performance this season. Forced to accept a one-year, $925k contract last summer, DeAngelo has salary-arbitration rights this summer.

Brooks suggests Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson’s new contract (six years, $4.55-million per season) as a comparable, wondering how high DeAngelo’s asking price could go. He also thinks Ryan Strome’s play this season could push the winger into the $5-$6 million per season range.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson’s made cryptic statements to the Swedish media regarding his time within the Rangers’ organization. He said many incidents disturbed him, leading one journalist to speculate the young forward was bullied. It seems there are irreconcilable differences between Andersson and Rangers’ management. If he’s not moved before the trade deadline, he’ll likely get traded in the offseason.

Cap Friendly indicates the Rangers have over $66.7 million invested in 15 players for 2020-21. At DeAngelo’s current rate of production, he could seek over $5 million annually on his next contract. Given his age and value to the Rangers’ blueline, they can’t afford to lose him. It could force the Rangers to part ways with Kreider and Fast.

LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

TSN: Darren Dreger yesterday told TSN Radio 690 that the conversation around the league that the Montreal Canadiens aren’t thinking about a complete rebuild, nor are they interested in doing so soon. Pierre LeBrun believes Habs management will decide their plans for the remainder of the season during their Jan. 20 bye week.

If they haven’t gained ground in the standings by then, LeBrun feels they could become sellers. If recently-acquired winger Ilya Kovalchuk continues playing well, LeBrun thinks he could be flipped at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’ S NOTE: Barring a stunning reversal of fortune, the Canadiens will be sellers leading up to the Feb. 24 trade deadline. Pending UFAs like Kovalchuk, Nate Thompson, and Marco Scandella are the most likely trade candidates.

Don’t expect high-priced talent like Carey Price and Shea Weber to be going anywhere. I also don’t see them shopping RFA Max Domi. He’s well-liked within the organization, loves playing in Montreal, and among their few skilled veteran forwards. Maybe they try shopping Tomas Tatar, who’s a year away from UFA eligibility.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 2, 2020

by | Jan 2, 2020

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 2, 2020

The Dallas Stars defeat the Nashville Predators in the 2020 Winter Classic, John Tortorella fined again, injury updates, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

NHL.COM: The Dallas Stars overcame a 2-0 deficit to double up the Nashville Predators 4-2 in the 2020 Winter Classic before over 85,000 fans at the sold-out Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas. Alexander Radulov tallied the game-winner over five minutes into the third period, teammate Mattias Janmark had a goal and an assist, and Stars goaltender Ben Bishop made 31 saves. Matt Duchene had a goal and an assist for the Predators.

Alexander Radulov tallied the game-winner as the Dallas Stars defeated the Nashville Predators in the 2020 NHL Winter Classic (Photo via NHL Images)

Stars winger Corey Perry was ejected early in the first period for elbowing Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis in the head. Ellis left the game and didn’t return. Perry faces a disciplinary hearing from the league’s department of player safety. He insists the incident was unintentional, and hopes Ellis will be ok.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 2020 Winter Classic was among the most entertaining games since the league began staging outdoor contests. The Perry incident aside, the game had a good pace and the crowd was definitely into it. No word on Ellis’ status, but we should learn more later today.

The Minnesota Wild will host the 2021 Winter Classic at Target Field in Minneapolis. Their opponent has yet to be determined, but reports suggest the Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues, and Winnipeg Jets have been discussed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild have a natural local rivalry with the Jets, but the other three clubs could draw bigger ratings in the U.S. TV market. The defending Stanley Cup champion Blues and the upward-trending Avalanche would be better opponents than the declining Blackhawks, who’ve been in more Winter Classics than any other NHL club.

SPORTSNET: Columbus Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella was fined $20,000 by the league for his post-game comments about the officiating following his club’s 3-2 shootout loss to the Blackhawks. He’s also been assessed a conditional $25,000 fine which will be collected in the event of what the league calls “similar inappropriate behavior” through Dec. 29, 2020.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Former Sportsnet analyst John Shannon reports this is the ninth time Tortorella has been fined by the NHL. He’s also been suspended three times.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Alex Stalock was fined $2,000.00 for diving/embellishment during his club’s 6-0 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Dec. 21.

THE DETROIT NEWS: Red Wings forward Andreas Athanasiou will be sidelined two-three weeks with a lower-body injury.

WBNS: Blue Jackets forward Alexandre Texier is on injured reserve with a lumbar stress fracture.

TSN: Los Angeles Kings defenseman Kurtis MacDermid will have a hearing with the department of player safety regarding an illegal hit to the head on Philadelphia Flyers blueliner Ivan Provorov.