NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 12, 2025

by | Mar 12, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 12, 2025

Recaps of Tuesday’s games include a milestone for Sidney Crosby, the latest in the Mikko Rantanen trade drama, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Sidney Crosby scored two goals and Erik Karlsson tallied in overtime as the Pittsburgh Penguins upset the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2. Tristan Jarry stopped 35 shots and Rickard Rakell had two assists for the Penguins. Pavel Dorofeyev and Noah Hanifin each had a goal and an assist for the Golden Knights as they sit first in the Pacific Division with 83 points.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby became the first player in league history to have multi-goal games against 31 different NHL franchises. Penguins defensemen Ryan Shea and Pierre-Olivier Joseph missed this game as they’re week-to-week with upper-body injuries. Forward Tommy Novak is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

Washington Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas tallied his first NHL hat trick in a 7-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Alex Ovechkin collected three assists and Pierre-Luc Dubois had a goal and two assists for the Capitals, who have won five straight games and hold first place in the overall standings with 94 points. Frank Vatrano, Pavel Mintyukov and Drew Helleson each had a goal and an assist for the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After a disappointing season with the Los Angeles Kings, Dubois has rediscovered his scoring touch with the Capitals. He has 57 points in 65 games, putting him on track to exceed his career-best 63-point performance with the Winnipeg Jets in 2022-23. He considers playing with Ovechkin in his quest to break the all-time goal record on a team that looks like a Stanley Cup contender the opportunity of a lifetime.

The Winnipeg Jets kept pace with the Capitals atop the overall standings with a 2-1 win over the New York Rangers. Vladislav Namestnikov and Gabe Vilardi scored and Cole Perfetti added two assists for the Jets (94 points). Mika Zibanejad scored for the Rangers (68 points), who sit two points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals sit ahead of the Jets with a game in hand. Meanwhile, Jets defenseman Luke Schenn admitted feeling a little overwhelmed after being traded twice within a day and a half. On March 5, he was acquired from the Nashville Predators by the Penguins, who flipped him to the Jets.

Speaking of the Blue Jackets, they dropped a 5-3 decision to the New Jersey Devils. Jesper Bratt had a goal and two assists, while Luke Hughes and Cody Glass each collected two points for the Devils, who sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 76 points. Mathieu Olivier scored twice for the Blue Jackets (70 points).

The Ottawa Senators opened up a little breathing room between themselves and the Blue Jackets by defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2. Brady Tkachuk scored his 400th NHL point while Dylan Cozens scored to pick up his third straight point since joining the Senators at the trade deadline. The Senators have won four straight and hold the first Eastern wild card with 73 points. Jamie Drysdale and Rodrigo Abois replied for the Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cozens seems rejuvenated since being acquired from the Buffalo Sabres, providing a welcome jolt of energy to the Senators’ lineup.

Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky had a goal and two assists in a 4-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield each had a goal and an assist and Sam Montembeault made 29 saves for the Canadiens, who sit two points behind the Blue Jackets. Filip Hronek had a goal and an assist for the Canucks (69 points), who remain one point behind the Calgary Flames for the final Western wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games. Canucks captain Quinn Hughes remained sidelined with a lower-body injury but could return to action for Wednesday’s game against the Flames in Calgary.

The Boston Bruins also sit two points behind the Blue Jackets after rallying to nip the Florida Panthers 3-2. Dmitry Kulikov and Mackie Samoskevich scored for the Panthers but the Bruins replied with third-period goals by David Pastrnak, Mason Lohrei and Pavel Zacha. The Panthers hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 83 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Former Bruins captain Brad Marchand skated with the Panthers during their gameday skate but remains week-to-week with an upper-body injury. The Panthers acquired Marchand at the trade deadline.

Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield scored for the fourth straight game in a 4-1 win over the New York Islanders. Darcy Kuemper turned aside 33 shots for the Kings, who’ve won three straight and sit third in the Pacific Division with 77 points. Anders Lee scored for the Islanders (65 points) as they remain five points behind the Blue Jackets.

The Carolina Hurricanes got their fifth straight win by downing the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1. Seth Jarvis scored to extend his goal streak to three games and Pyotr Kochetkov stopped 23 shots for the Hurricanes, who sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 82 points. Gage Goncalves scored for the Lightning, who are third in the Atlantic Division with 78 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov left this game near the end of the second period with an undisclosed ailment.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson made 27 saves to nip the Colorado Avalanche 2-1, ending the latter’s six-game win streak. Mats Zuccarello scored in regulation and the shootout, while teammate Matt Boldy tallied the winning goal. Joel Kiviranta replied for the Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild hold the first Western wild card with 78 points, while the Avalanche is third in the Central Division with 81 points.

The Nashville Predators picked up their fourth straight win with a 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Filip Forsberg had a goal and an assist and Kieffer Bellows tallied the game-winner for the Predators. Patrick Giles and Collin Graf scored for the Sharks.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE SCORE: Mikko Rantanen’s agent refuted the claim by Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour that the superstar winger didn’t want to play in Carolina.

Andy Scott said Brind’Amour was “completely misinformed”, claiming his client had an open mind when he arrived in Carolina but later felt that the Hurricanes weren’t a good fit “from a style-of-play standpoint.” Scott said it was “nothing personal” on Rantanen’s part, adding that his client respected Brind’Amour and the Hurricanes’ players.

The Hurricanes acquired Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche in January. After failing to agree to a contract extension, they shipped him to the Dallas Stars at the trade deadline. He signed an eight-year extension with the Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whatever the reason behind that situation, Hurricanes management did not ensure Rantanen was open to a contract extension before acquiring him from the Avalanche. They brought him in to improve their chances of winning the Stanley Cup, but ended up trading him to the Stars for a return that helps them long-term but won’t move them closer to the Cup this season.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Speaking of the Stars, forward Roope Hintz avoided a facial fracture when a puck struck him in the face during a weekend game against the Edmonton Oilers. However, he’ll be sidelined for five to seven days.

ROTOWIRE: Buffalo Sabres forward JJ Peterka is being evaluated for a lower-body injury. His status for Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings remains uncertain.

SPORTSNET: Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson underwent heart surgery during the 4 Nations Face-Off break in the NHL schedule. Born with a heart defect known as Tetralogy of Fallot, he had surgery to replace a pulmonary valve after it had stopped working properly by inserting a new valve into the one already in his heart.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to Davidson for a swift recovery.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 5, 2025

by | Mar 5, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 5, 2025

Recaps of Tuesday’s games, the Bruins ship Trent Frederic to the Oilers in a three-team trade, the Canadiens re-sign Jake Evans, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov became the third player to reach the 90-point plateau in a 6-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Kucherov had a goal and two assists, while Jake Guentzel and Victor Hedman each scored two goals and collected an assist for the Lightning, who sit third in the Atlantic Division with 76 points. Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski scored twice as his club clings to the first Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 68 points.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kucherov is third among the scoring leaders. Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon leads the pack with 93 points, while Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl is second with 92 points. Werenski reached the 20-goal plateau for the second time and sits second in goals and points behind Colorado’s Cale Makar among defensemen.

Earlier in the day, the Lightning placed forwards Cam Atkinson and Logan Brown on waivers.

Speaking of MacKinnon and the Avalanche, he collected two assists in a 4-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Artturi Lehkonen scored twice for Colorado, who have won three straight games and hold the first Western Conference wild-card spot with 74 points. Rickard Rakell replied for the Penguins, who’ve dropped seven of their last eight contests.

The Anaheim Ducks upset the Edmonton Oilers 6-2, handing the latter their sixth loss in their last seven outings. Mason McTavish tallied twice for the Ducks, while Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid each had a goal and an assist for the slumping Oilers.

New York Islanders center Brock Nelson had a goal and an assist in a 3-2 upset of the Winnipeg Jets. Kyle Palmieri netted his 20th goal of the season and Ilya Sorokin stopped 26 shots as the Islanders (63 points) sit three points behind the Detroit Red Wings for the final Eastern wild-card berth. Josh Morrissey and Nikolaj Ehlers scored for the Jets, who remain in first place in the overall standings with 88 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nelson was named the game’s first start. He gave an emotional postgame interview about what it meant to him to have spent his career with the Islanders. Trade rumors continue to swirl around the 33-year-old center. He’s eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1.

Speaking of the Red Wings, they dropped a 2-1 decision to the Carolina Hurricanes. Jordan Martinook led the way with a goal and an assist and Frederik Andersen turned aside 24 shots for the Hurricanes, who’ve won three of their last four and sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 76 points. Elmer Soderblom replied for the Wings.

Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley scored with five seconds remaining in the third period to nip the New Jersey Devils 4-3. Roope Hintz had a goal and two assists as the Stars have won 11 of their last 14 games, sitting second in the Central Division with 82 points. Nico Hischier and Timo Meier each had a goal and an assist for the Devils, who are in third place in the Metro Division with 72 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton left this game with a lower-body injury. There was no postgame update on his condition. The Devils were playing without Jack Hughes, as he’s still being evaluated for an upper-body injury suffered during Sunday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary tallied twice in a 6-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Dustin Wolf made 26 saves while Morgan Frost collected two assists against his former team as the Flames (67 points) moved two points ahead of the Vancouver Canucks in the final Western wild-card berth. Former Flame Andrei Kuzmenko had a goal and an assist for the Flyers (62 points), who remain four points out of the final Eastern wild card.

The Minnesota Wild held off the Seattle Kraken 4-3. Mats Zuccarello, Frederick Gaudreau and Jared Spurgeon each had a goal and an assist as the Wild sit third in the Central Division with 76 points. Kraken winger Kaapo Kakko collected two assists.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kraken center Yanni Gourde returned to the lineup after spending the past two months recovering from sports hernia surgery. He’s frequently appeared in the rumor mill as the March 7 trade deadline approaches.

Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly scored two goals and had an assist in a 6-3 victory over the Boston Bruins, snapping a six-game road losing skid. Predators forward Steven Stamkos had a goal and two assists, including his 600th regular-season assist. Charlie Coyle, Jordan Oesterle and Morgan Geekie replied for the Bruins (64 points), who remain two points out of the final Eastern wild card.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins captain Brad Marchand missed this game as he’s week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

The San Jose Sharks beat the Buffalo Sabres 6-2. Sharks rookies Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini each scored, with Smith also collecting an assist. JJ Peterka and Tage Thompson scored for the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: San Jose defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic become the NHL’s all-time leader with 2,165 blocked shots. The Sharks held goaltender Vitek Vanecek out of the lineup for trade purposes.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: The Boston Bruins traded forward Trent Frederic to the Edmonton Oilers in a three-team deal involving the New Jersey Devils.

The Bruins sent Frederic to the Devils for unsigned forward Petr Hauser and retained 50 percent of his $2.3 million cap hit. The Devils flipped him to the Oilers for unsigned forward Shane Lachance while retaining 50 percent of their share of his cap hit ($575K). The Bruins traded Hauser and forward Max Jones to the Oilers for defenseman Maximus Wanner, a 2025 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-rounder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Frederic is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He’s week-to-week with an upper-body injury but is expected to return to action in two weeks. Frederic and Jones will provide some affordable depth to their checking lines for the postseason.

The move signaled that the Bruins are sellers as the March 7 trade deadline draws near. They’re expected to entertain offers for UFA-eligible players like Justin Brazeau but not for team captain Brad Marchand. They could also listen on Morgan Geekie, a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights.

SPORTSNET: The Montreal Canadiens signed Jake Evans to a four-year contract extension with an average annual value of $2.85 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Evans was slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He’s completing a three-year contract with an AAV of $1.7 million. The 28-year-old center has become an effective checking-line center for the rebuilding Canadiens. His name surfaced in the rumor mill, but they see him as an important part of their roster moving forward.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers signed center Jesper Boqvist to a two-year contract extension worth $1.5 million annually. He was scheduled to become a restricted free agent this summer.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 3, 2025

by | Mar 3, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 3, 2025

Check out the latest on Mikko Rantanen, Brayden Schenn, Erik Karlsson and John Gibson, plus updates on the Flyers, Blue Jackets, Senators, and Wild in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TEAMS STILL CALLING ABOUT MIKKO RANTANEN

TSN: Darren Dreger considers it “not very realistic” that the Carolina Hurricanes will trade Mikko Rantanen. Nevertheless, he thinks “there’s always the potential” that they’ll move the 28-year-old winger by the March 7 trade deadline.

Dreger believes it would “take something silly,” like an offer that Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon and general manager Eric Tulsky weren’t expecting. He thinks they’ll hang onto Rantanen, hope for a deep playoff run, and convince him that Carolina is a good long-term fit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We didn’t expect Rantanen to be traded by the Avalanche, but Tulsky swung a creative three-way deal to get him. It’s unlikely another club will swoop in with a mind-blowing offer, but we can’t dismiss that possibility.

UPDATE ON BRAYDEN SCHENN

St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn (NHL Images).

Dreger also said that it looks unlikely that Brayden Schenn will be traded with the St. Louis Blues in the mix for a Western Conference wild-card berth. He noted that they don’t have to trade the 33-year-old center this season because he’s got three more years left on his deal. They could revisit this in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s also been reported that the Blues set a high asking price for Schenn, making a move by the trade deadline unlikely.

PENGUINS HAVEN’T ASKED ERIK KARLSSON TO WAIVE HIS NMC

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: Seth Rorabaugh reports that Erik Karlsson said he hasn’t been approached by Penguins management about waiving his no-movement clause.

Karlsson acknowledged it’s been a stressful time for his teammates with the trade deadline approaching and the Penguins considered to be sellers. “As for my situation, like I said, I’ll deal with that if it, and when it, comes. Until then, I’m not.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson’s strong performance for Sweden in last month’s 4 Nations Face-Off prompted some observers to suggest rival general managers could take an interest in him. However, his contract remains a big hurdle in the path to a trade.

The Penguins carry $10 million of his $11.5 million average annual salary through 2026-27, plus his NMC gives him complete control over the situation. A rival team could pitch an offer to the Penguins’ liking that would make Karlsson agree to waive his clubs. However, it will take a creative proposal to do so.

THE FLYERS COULD HAVE A QUIET TRADE DEADLINE

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz wouldn’t be surprised if Scott Laughton and Rasmus Ristolainen remain with the Philadelphia Flyers after the March 7 trade deadline. The Flyers aren’t in any rush to move two players considered integral parts of their roster. Their asking price for Laughton could be too expensive for most suitors, while Ristolainen hasn’t generated much interest in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton is signed through next season and Ristolainen through 2026-27. There’s no need to move them to cut costs because they already did that by trading Joel Farabee to Calgary in January. Laughton and Ristolainen will remain in Philadelphia unless someone makes a significant offer this week. 

THE LATEST ON JOHN GIBSON

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens noted recent reports indicating John Gibson is open to being traded by the Anaheim Ducks, but he wants to go to a team where he’d have a clear path to being the starting goaltender. It’s believed the Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers are among the clubs on his list of trade destinations.

The Ducks prefer not retaining any portion of Gibson’s $6.4 million average annual cap hit, but they aren’t ruling it out completely. They also have the cap space to take on an expiring contract if it’ll enable them to move Gibson’s full contract. That would keep cap space clear down the road to re-sign their promising young players when they are due for new contracts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson’s been in the rumor mill for a while now with no indication that a trade is in sight. A move seems more likely in the offseason unless a contender with goaltending issues steps up with a suitable offer by March 7.

BLUE JACKETS BECOME TRADE DEADLINE BUYERS

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer reports the Columbus Blue Jackets’ push for a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference makes them increasingly look like buyers as the trade deadline approaches.

A source told Biringer that the Jackets are looking at adding depth to their forward lines. They were active in talks with the Nashville Predators about forward Gustav Nyquist before he was shipped to the Minnesota Wild on Saturday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After overcoming front-office turmoil and the tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau last summer, the Blue Jackets are the feel-good story of the season. General manager Don Waddell has no reason to be a seller now. He’ll likely keep an eye open for a player in the trade market who can help the Jackets maintain their current momentum.

ARE MORE MOVES COMING FOR THE WILD?

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report the Minnesota Wild don’t have much cap space after acquiring forward Gustav Nyquist from the Nashville Predators on Saturday. GM Bill Guerin is keeping an open mind leading up to the trade deadline. However, it would have to be a dollar-in, dollar-out move and the Wild don’t have many tradeable pieces on their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Russo and Smith suggest such a move would require salary retention or a three-team deal.

UPDATE ON THE SENATORS

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie reports Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios continues working the phones but we shouldn’t expect his club to be a big player in the trade market. They lack sufficient cap space to make a major move.

If Staios makes a trade, it’ll likely be for an affordable veteran forward. Options could include Seattle’s Brandon Tanev, Chicago’s Ryan Donato, and Boston’s Trent Frederic.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 3, 2025

by | Mar 3, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 3, 2025

Milestone performances for Auston Matthews and Sidney Crosby in Leafs-Penguins game, the latest on Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-5. William Nylander had a goal and an assist, including the game-winner in overtime. Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies each had a goal and an assist as the Leafs regained first place in the Atlantic Division with 78 points. Penguins forwards Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust each had a goal and two assists and Rickard Rakell scored two goals.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was a milestone game for Matthews and Crosby.

Matthews scored his 390th regular-season goal to surpass Darryl Sittler as the second-leading goal scorer in Leafs history. Mats Sundin is the all-time leader with 420. The Leafs captain also reached the 700-point plateau.

Crosby picked up his 1,050th assist to move past Gordie Howe into 10th among the all-time assist leaders. Steve Yzerman is ninth with 1,063.

The Leafs played without defenseman Chris Tanev, who was placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. Forward Connor Dewar was activated off IR for this game.

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill made 25 saves for a 2-0 shutout of the New Jersey Devils. Mark Stone and Noah Hanifin scored for the Golden Knights, who hold first place in the Pacific Division with 78 points. Devils center Jack Hughes left the game late in the third period favoring his right arm after getting tangled up with Golden Knights center Jack Eichel and crashing into the endboards. The Devils sit in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 72 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe was ejected from the game after complaining to officials about what he felt was a non-call for interference by Eichel on Hughes. There was no postgame update regarding Hughes’ status. Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom made 22 saves in his first game since suffering a knee injury on Jan. 22.

New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick turned in a 34-save shutout in his 800th regular-season game to blank the Nashville Predators 4-0. Artemi Panarin and J.T. Miller each had a goal and an assist as the Rangers (64 points) moved within two points of the Detroit Red Wings for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Justus Annunen stopped 30 shots for the Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers held winger Reilly Smith out of the lineup for “roster management purposes,” sparking speculation that another trade could be in the works. On Saturday, the Rangers shipped defenseman Ryan Lindgren and winger Jimmy Vesey to the Colorado Avalanche.

Rangers forward Matt Rempe could face supplemental discipline after elbowing Nick Blankenburg in the face while trying to check the Predators defenseman. Rempe was called for elbowing and received a fighting major for his subsequent scrap with Predators defenseman Andreas Englund.

Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston tallied three power-play goals in a 6-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Roope Hintz had a goal and three assists for the Stars as they hold second place in the Central Division with 80 points. Blues goaltender Joel Hofer got the hook after giving up three goals on nine shots but Joel Binnington was the losing goalie, allowing three goals on 12 shots. The Blues are one point behind the Calgary Flames for the final Western wild-card spot.

Speaking of the Flames, they dropped a 2-1 decision to the Carolina Hurricanes. Sebastian Aho scored the overtime winner for the Hurricanes, who hold sole possession of second place in the Metro Division with 74 points. Dustin Wolf made 31 saves for the Flames, who are 0-2-1 in their last three games but picked up a point to move ahead of the Vancouver Canucks into the final Western wild card.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames and Canucks each have 65 points but Calgary has 28 regulation wins to Vancouver’s 27.

The Minnesota Wild nipped the Boston Bruins 1-0 to end a three-game losing skid, Filip Gustavsson made 28 saves for the shutout and Frederick Gaudreau scored the only goal as the Wild hold third place in the Central Division with 74 points. David Pastrnak’s point streak ended at 17 games as his club remains two points behind the Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins captain Brad Marchand missed this game with an upper-body injury suffered during his club’s 3-2 win over Pittsburgh on Saturday. The Wild played without defenseman Jonas Brodin, who is week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

IN OTHER NEWS…

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers placed sidelined winger Matthew Tkachuk (lower body) on long-term injury reserve to free up salary-cap space to recall goaltender Chris Driedger. They had limited cap room after acquiring defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday.

Placing Tkachuk on LTIR prompted speculation that he could be sidelined for the rest of the regular season. That would free up salary-cap space for the Panthers to make more moves ahead of the March 7 trade deadline.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks rookie center Macklin Celebrini (lower body) is a game-time decision for Monday’s contest with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Defenseman Henry Thrun (upper body) has been ruled out for that game.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: The Kraken recalled goaltender Philipp Grubauer from their AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley.










NHL Trades – March 1, 2025

by | Mar 1, 2025

NHL Trades – March 1, 2025

Panthers Acquire Seth Jones From The Blackhawks

The Florida Panthers acquired defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for goaltender Spencer Knight, a conditional first-round pick in 2026 and Chicago’s fourth-round pick in 2026.

Chicago Blackhawks traded defenseman Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers(NHL Images).

The Blackhawks retain 26 percent of Jones’ $9.5 million average annual value through 2029-30 ($2.5 million).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whenever we think an expensive contract is too difficult to move, two general managers find a creative way to make it work.

Jones spoke with Blackhawks management over a week ago about the possibility of a trade. The 30-year-old defenseman forced the issue earlier this week by criticizing the club’s play during a 2-1 loss to the Utah Hockey Club. He waived his no-movement clause to facilitate this move.

The Panthers had to improve their blueline depth if they intend to successfully defend the Stanley Cup this spring. Jones should address that issue. He is a big-minute, puck-moving defenseman with a right-hand shot who will line up alongside Niko Mikkola on their second defense pairing. He could also become an insurance policy for the Panthers if Aaron Ekblad departs via free agency on July 1.

Sending Knight to Chicago freed up his $4.5 million cap hit from the Panthers’ books, making it possible (with the Blackhawks retaining some salary) to acquire Jones. The deal leaves them with just over $629K in projected trade deadline cap space. Chris Dreidger will replace Knight as their backup goaltender.

Trading Jones to Florida leaves a gaping hole on the Blackhawks’ blueline while gaining another goaltender. They were using Petr Mrazek and Arvid Soderblom as their goalie tandem with Laurent Brossoit sidelined by knee surgery for the season.

Knight has another season remaining on his contract. They could demote Soderblom to their AHL affiliate, but he’s not waiver-exempt. Perhaps one of them (other than Brossoit) will be dealt to another club by the March 7 deadline.

Rangers Trade Lindgren to Avalanche In Multiplayer Deal

The New York Rangers traded defenseman Ryan Lindgren, forward Jimmy Vesey and prospect defenseman Hank Kampf to the Colorado Avalanche for center Juuso Parssinen, defenseman Calvin de Haan, a conditional 2025 second-round pick and a conditional 2025 fourth-rounder.

The Rangers retained 50 percent of Lindgren’s $4.5 million cap hit.

New York Rangers trade  defenseman Ryan Lindgren to the Colorado Avalanche (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the fourth major trade made by the Rangers since Dec.6. The previous three deals saw Jacob Trouba shipped to Anaheim, Kaapo Kakko dealt to Seattle, and Filip Chytil sent to Vancouver.

As of March 1, the Rangers are four points out of the final wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. However, this move suggests that general manager Chris Drury is looking ahead to next season. Lindgren and Vesey are eligible to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

This is the second time the 23-year-old Parssinen has been traded this season. The Avalanche acquired him in December from the Nashville Predators. He has 11 points in 37 games split between those two clubs seeking checking-line duty and is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. Meanwhile, the 33-year-old de Haan is UFA-eligible this summer. He had seven points in 44 games.

The Avalanche made this move to shore up their roster for the playoffs. Lindgren is a defensive-minded blueliner who will likely slot in on their third defense pairing. Vesey could play left wing on their third or fourth line.

Nyquist to the Wild

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators held forward Gustav Nyquist out of the lineup for Saturday’s game against the New York Islanders. They’re discussing a trade with the Minnesota Wild, but the deal has yet to go through.

**UPDATE** The Wild acquired Nyquist from the Predators in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick. The Predators retained 50 percent of the 35-year-old forward’s $3.185 million cap hit. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild sought affordable scoring depth ahead of the trade deadline. Nyquist has 21 points in 57 games this season with the Predators but tallied 75 points in 2023-24. Perhaps the change of scenery will boost his production.

The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus believes they need more than a third-line forward, but they’re running out of tradeable assets to add someone else. This is likely the only significant move the Wild can afford to make before March 7.

Meanwhile, this move gives the Predators an extra second-rounder in next year’s draft to retain for themselves or use as a trade chip to add an established player. 










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 27, 2025

by | Feb 27, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 27, 2025

The Jets extend their win streak to 11 games, Nathan MacKinnon regains the lead in the scoring race, and updates on Roman Josi, Miro Heiskanen, Adam Fox and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Winnipeg Jets extended their franchise-record win streak to 11 games by defeating the Ottawa Senators 4-1. Kyle Connor had a goal and an assist, Mark Scheifele tallied his team-leading 33rd of the season, and Connor Hellebucyk made 24 saves for his league-leading 36th win. The Jets opened a three-point lead over the Washington Capitals in the overall standings with 87 points. Thomas Chabot scored and Linus Ullmark made 36 saves for the Senators as their losing skid reached five games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 62 points, the Senators remain two points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. They’re feeling the absence of forwards Brady Tkachuk, Josh Norris and Shane Pinto, who remain sidelined by injuries.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images).

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon scored twice in the third period in a 5-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. MacKinnon also collected an assist to finish with three points, regaining the lead in the NHL scoring race with 90 points. Martin Necas had three assists and Cale Makar collected two as the Avalanche snapped a two-game losing skid. They hold the first Western Conference wild-card spot with 70 points. Jack Hughes replied for the Devils as they remain in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 70 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon holds a three-point lead over Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl. Necas has quickly developed a strong offensive chemistry with MacKinnon since being acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes on Jan. 24, collecting 12 points in 11 games since the trade. The Avs also welcomed back Valeri Nichushkin. He’d been sidelined with a lower-body injury since Dec. 31.

The Vancouver Canucks nipped the Los Angeles Kings 3-2. Forward Conor Garland tallied twice, including the winner in overtime. Nils Hoglander also scored, Filip Chytil had two assists and Quinn Hughes picked up an assist in his return to the Canucks lineup after missing six games with an undisclosed injury. Adrian Kempe and Warren Foegele scored as the Kings overcame a 2-0 deficit to force the extra period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The win vaulted the Canucks over the Calgary Flames into the final Western wild-card spot with 65 points, while the Kings are third in the Pacific Division with 70 points. Meanwhile, Vancouver winger Brock Boeser is frustrated over the lack of progress in contract extension talks with management, prompting speculation that he could be traded if the Canucks stumble in the playoff race.

HEADLINES

THE TENNESSEAN: Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi is listed as day-to-day as he continues to be evaluated for an upper-body injury suffered during Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to the Florida Panthers.

TSN: The Predators made a minor trade on Wednesday, acquiring forward Jesse Ylonen from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Anthony Angello. Both are playing in the American Hockey League (AHL).

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars general manager Jim Nill said his club will probably get a clearer timeline on defenseman Miro Heiskanen’s recovery from knee surgery by mid-to-late March. Heiskanen underwent surgery on Feb. 4 and was listed as month-to-month.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s assumed the Stars could place Heiskanen on long-term injury reserve, freeing up his $8.45 million cap hit to put toward adding players before the March 7 trade deadline. However, that only works if they know for certain that he’ll be sidelined for the rest of the regular season. Otherwise, they would have to free up space to be cap-compliant when he returned to action.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (upper body) was placed on injured reserve. He’ll be out for at least seven days but is expected to return before the end of the regular season.

Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson will return to action on Thursday against the Boston Bruins. He’s been out since Jan. 20 with a lower-body injury.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He will remain with the team but isn’t expected to suit up for Friday’s game against the Rangers.

TSN: The Edmonton Oilers reclaimed defenseman Travis Dermott off waivers from the Minnesota Wild, who claimed him from the Oilers on Dec. 13.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Wild acquired forward Tyler Madden from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for defenseman Joseph Cecconi. Both players will report to their new teams’ respective AHL affiliates.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins placed forward Matt Nieto on waivers.