NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 31, 2025

by | Jul 31, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 31, 2025

Oilers GM Stan Bowman begins contract discussions with Connor McDavid’s camp, possible adjustments for the Maple Leafs and Rangers for 2025-26, the Jets avoid arbitration with Dylan Samberg, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said he’s “very encouraged” by the early discussions he’s had with Connor McDavid’s agent about a contract extension.

The 28-year-old Oilers captain is in the final season of his contract and can become an unrestricted free agent next July. Bowman indicated that they haven’t had detailed talks yet, but expects to have further conversations soon.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid is in the prime of his NHL career. If he and the Oilers fail to agree to a new contract, he would become the biggest name in next summer’s UFA market. However, most observers believe McDavid will sign an extension with the Oilers, making him the league’s highest-paid player starting in 2026-27.

TSN: Travis Yost recently examined the potential effect of Mitch Marner’s departure on the Toronto Maple Leafs, especially team captain Auston Matthews.

Yost believes the Maple Leafs remain a very good team despite Marner’s absence. Matthews is a superstar who should continue to produce with just about anyone as his linemates.

Matthews will have power forward Matthew Knies at left wing. Finding a suitable fit on right wing could be challenging, but Max Domi and recently acquired Matias Maccelli should get significant opportunities.

The Leafs should continue doing well at even strength. However, their power play suffered a downturn midway through last season and into the playoffs. If it persists, it could become a problem.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner’s departure will put the Maple Leafs under a brighter spotlight this season. They could attempt to address any offensive concerns via the trade market, but they have few expendable assets to use as bait.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears looked at the issues the Rangers must address before the start of the regular season.

How well players like Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, and Alexis Lafreniere rebound from their disappointing performances last season is among the crucial factors. Their depth at center could be another, especially if Zibanejad remains on the wing. Fox’s season will depend on how quickly he and recent addition Vladislav Gavrikov can establish chemistry on the top defense pairing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Leafs, the Rangers will be among the more closely scrutinized teams this season. General manager Chris Drury has been retooling his roster since December, and he could end up on the hot seat if his efforts fail to pan out.

THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: The Jets avoided salary arbitration with Dylan Samberg, as the two sides agreed to a three-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $5.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a big raise from the $1.4 million AAV of Samberg’s previous contract. It’s also much closer to the $6 million cap hit he was seeking when he filed for arbitration, and well above the $2.5 million the Jets originally sought.

The Jets, however, had little choice. Samberg emerged last season as a solid top-four defenseman. Had this gone to arbitration, he would’ve become eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July. They want to keep this roster intact as much as possible as they pursue the Stanley Cup.

This agreement leaves Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson as the only restricted free agent still scheduled for arbitration. His hearing will take place on August 3 unless he and the Leafs agree to a contract before that date.

CALGARY SUN: The Calgary Flames signed forward Martin Pospisil to a three-year contract extension beginning in 2026-27. PuckPedia indicates the 26-year-old will earn an AAV of $2.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pospisil is currently in the final season of a two-year deal with an AAV of $1 million. A versatile physical forward who can play center or left wing, his hard-hitting style has made him a fan favorite in Calgary.

RG.ORG: Jimmy Vesey is considering offers from KHL teams. SKA St. Petersburg is viewed as the front-runner for the 32-year-old forward’s services.

Vesey’s future in the NHL is uncertain after the Colorado Avalanche declined to re-sign him. He’s spent nine seasons with the New York Rangers, Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, and the Avalanche.

THE ATHLETIC: Carter Yakemchuk is hoping to crack the Ottawa Senators’ roster this season. The Senators need depth among their right-side defensemen, something the 19-year-old Yakemchuk hopes to address. A skilled puck-mover, he’s been working on improving his defensive game since last season.

KARPAT.FI: Former NHL defenseman Markus Nutivaara is staging a comeback with Finnish team Karpat, signing a one-year contract with his hometown club. The 31-year-old retired two years ago due to hip surgeries. His last game was with the Florida Panthers in 2021-22.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 16, 2025

by | Jul 16, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 16, 2025

The latest on Mika Zibanejad and Sidney Crosby, the Sharks hire Joe Thornton in a development role, and the latest contract signings in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NEW YORK POST: Where Mika Zibanejad plays under new head coach Mike Sullivan could determine the outcome of the 2025-26 season for the Rangers.

New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (NHL Images).

Zibanejad struggled while playing at center for most of 2024-25. The 14-year NHL veteran’s performance improved when shifted to right wing alongside J.T. Miller late in the season. He was also employed as a right winger while playing for Sweden during the 2025 IIHF World Championship.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring a significant improvement by Zibanejad at center, it likely won’t take Sullivan long to determine which position the 32-year-old is best suited for in the coming season.

What do you think, Rangers fans? Let us know in the comments section below.

THE ATHLETIC: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby had a hand in the Columbus Blue Jackets’ hiring of their new head equipment manager.

Paul DeFazio spent over 25 years in the Penguins’ organization. Crosby’s endorsement helped him land the job with Columbus. Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said Penguins GM Kyle Dubas also backed DeFazio’s application.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It certainly doesn’t hurt to have Crosby and Dubas as recommendations on your job application. Classy move by the Penguins captain to help out his former equipment manager.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of hirings, the San Jose Sharks have brought in former star Joe Thornton as a player development coach and hockey operations advisor.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thornton played 15 of his 24-season NHL career with the Sharks. He’s their single-season leader with 92 assists and 114 points, and their all-time leader with 804 assists. Thornton will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Utah Mammoth have brought back forward Michael Carcone, signing him to a one-year, $775,000 contract.

Speaking of the Sharks, they signed defenseman Jack Thompson earlier this week to a one-year, two-way deal worth $800,000 at the NHL level.

The Carolina Hurricanes inked forward Skyler Brind’Amour to a one-year, two-way deal worth $775,000 at the NHL level.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brind’Amour, 25, is the son of Carolina head coach Rod Brind’Amour. He played two games with the Hurricanes last season, spending most of his time with their AHL affiliate in Chicago.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: The Blackhawks signed center Anton Frondell to a three-year entry-level contract. Chosen third overall in this year’s draft, the 18-year-old Frondell is expected to spend this season with Djurgardens IF in the Swedish Hockey League.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres signed defenseman Radim Mrtka to a three-year entry-level deal. He was chosen ninth overall in this year’s draft.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 17, 2025

by | Jun 17, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 17, 2025

Updates on Rangers forward Mika Zibenejad and Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, plus the latest on the Flyers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

ZIBANEJAD STAYING PUT?

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports Mika Zibenjad’s wife revealed some telling information amid speculation the Rangers are looking to move on from him.

New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (NHL Images).

Irma Zibenajad told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet that Mike Sullivan, the Rangers’ new head coach, recently flew to Sweden to meet with Mika. She also pointed out they have a new home in New York, expressing shock over how newspapers were spreading rumors without considering the source.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The speculation picked up recently following the trade of Zibanejad’s friend and now-former teammate Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks. The 32-year-old center has a full no-movement clause and there’s no indication he has any intention of waiving it.

UPDATE ON PIETRANGELO

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Hannah Kirkell reports that Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman expressed concern again about the health of Alex Pietrangelo. He recently speculated the 35-year-old Golden Knights defenseman might not be ready for the start of 2025-26.

Appearing on The Fan 590 in Toronto, Friedman said he felt the Golden Knights could be among the teams that attempt to sign winger Mitch Marner when he becomes UFA-eligible on July 1. He mentioned that a lot of teams are wondering what they’re going to do, especially with what might happen with Pietrangelo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights have less than $10 million in cap space for 2025-26. However, if Pietrangelo goes on long-term injury reserve, it frees up another $8.8 million, which could give them enough room to make a competitive bid for Marner on July 1.

So far, there’s no word from Pietrangelo or the Golden Knights regarding his status for next season.

LATEST ON THE FLYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz recently reported a team source rejected a recent rumor claiming the Philadelphia Flyers were interested in acquiring Golden Knights defenseman Nic Hague. He also cited multiple sources saying they had no knowledge of the Flyers having any deal in place with Russian forward prospect Maxim Shabanov.

Kurz cited a team source reiterating the Flyers won’t be pursuing any big-money free agents this summer. He thinks they might have been interested in Sam Bennett, but his recent playoff run will likely put him out of their price range.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 8, 2025

by | May 8, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 8, 2025

Could the Canadiens attempt to trade Carey Price’s contract? Which centers could they target in this summer’s trade market? Could the Rangers shop Alexis Lafreniere? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST CANADIENS SPECULATION

PUCKPEDIA: Marco D’Amico believes the Montreal Canadiens could attempt to trade Carey Price’s contract to free up cap space for next season.

A knee injury ended Price’s playing career in 2022. Since then, the Canadiens placed him on long-term injury reserve (LTIR) to garner salary-cap relief. However, it could complicate things next season with promising youngsters like Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov carrying performance bonuses in their contracts. If those players hit those bonuses, the Habs will be tagged with an overage.

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price has been sidelined since 2022 (NHL Images).

Price’s contract has one year left with a $10.5 million cap hit, but he’ll earn an actual salary of $7.5 million, of which $5.5 million will be paid out as a signing bonus on July 1. The Canadiens could peddle it to a team trying to reach the salary-cap minimum next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens did the same thing with Shea Weber’s contract in 2022, trading it to the Vegas Golden Knights for winger Evgenii Dadonov. The Golden Knights flipped it to the Arizona Coyotes (now the Utah Mammoth) in 2023. Utah sent that contract to the Chicago Blackhawks at this year’s trade deadline.

Price carries a full no-movement clause but he won’t block the Habs from moving his contract. The $2 million base salary would make it quite affordable for teams hoping to keep their payrolls near the league minimum.

TVA SPORTS: Vincent Duquette listed 10 possible trade targets for the Canadiens to address their need for a second-line center, examining the pros and cons of each player.

Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders top his list, followed by Nashville’s Ryan O’Reilly, Minnesota’s Marco Rossi and Anaheim’s Trevor Zegras.

Boston’s Pavel Zacha, Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin, Seattle’s Matty Beniers, Mika Zibanejad of the New York Rangers, and Dallas’ Mavrik Bourque round out the list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Isles aren’t trading Horvat or Barzal unless one of them wants out, and even then, the Canadiens might not be on their lists of preferred destinations. O’Reilly lacks a no-trade clause, but the Predators treat him like he has one.

Rossi has resurfaced in the rumor mill. He’s a restricted free agent coming off an entry-level contract and finished second among Stars scorers with 60 points. However, the Canadiens could prefer a more physically imposing center.

Injuries have hampered Zegras over the past two seasons. He’s been primarily employed as a winger.

The Bruins are unlikely to move Zacha because they’re already thin at center and hope to bounce back from this season’s disappointing performance. Malkin intends to retire as a Penguin. The Kraken won’t part with Beniers unless the Canadiens are willing to overpay.

Zibanejad’s decline over the past two seasons screams “Buyer Beware!” Bourque is a promising player. but hasn’t established himself as a second-line center.

Looking at the list, the Canadiens’ best option might be Rossi, but it means adding another small forward to their roster.

COULD THE RANGERS TRADE ALEXIS LAFRENIERE?

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker took note of a reader’s point suggesting Alexis Lafreniere didn’t come up as much for poor play compared to some of his teammates this season. She believes it’s because the 23-year-old is still considered in their younger players category.

Walker noted that Lafreniere caught his share of flak after signing a seven-year contract extension last October. She doesn’t think it would be off-board for the Rangers to trade him, pointing out he’s underperformed during his five-year career.

Lafreniere lacks no-trade protection until 2026-27. Walker suggested that might prompt general manager Chris Drury to do something sooner rather than later if that’s the route he wishes to go.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Veteran winger Chris Kreider remains the player most likely to be moved in a cost-cutting trade this summer. Drury could hang on to Lafreniere, hoping he improves next season. Nevertheless, we can’t dismiss the possibility that he moves the young winger if he fetches a better return than Kreider.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 28, 2025

by | Apr 28, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 28, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad and what could be next for the Islanders after parting ways with Lou Lamoriello.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reported that Mika Zibanejad knows his disappointing performance this season has put him at a crossroads with the Rangers.

The 32-year-old center was among several notable underperforming Rangers. He also reportedly didn’t like how general manager Chris Drury handled “certain business” this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would be Drury waiving popular checking-line forward Barclay Goodrow last June, his attempts to peddle Jacob Trouba last summer before trading him to Anaheim in December, and the league-wide memo last November indicating veteran leaders like Trouba and Chris Kreider were available.

New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (NHL Images).

Walker indicates there is speculation about Zibanejad’s future in New York. He has five years left on his contract with an average annual value of $8.5 million and a full no-movement clause. She wondered if Zibanejad and the Rangers could put this season aside and trust each other going forward, or would Drury sit down with him and convince him to accept a trade.

“I know what my contract says,” Zibanejad said the day before the Rangers’ final game of the season. “Both parties agreed to it, and like I said, I think I’ve earned it. Until it’s time to adjust it, I have no plans of going anywhere. I’ve invested a lot of years here.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zibanejad saying “until it’s time to adjust it” suggests he could be open to waiving his no-movement clause for the right team. He was rumored to be part of the return to the Vancouver Canucks for J.T. Miller but was said to have refused to waive his clause. The Rangers part with Filip Chytil instead.

Zibanejad could be difficult to move even if he agreed to be traded. He turned 32 earlier this month, his production has steadily declined since his career-best 91-point performance in 2022-23, and few teams will be willing to take on his cap hit for the next five years.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple recently looked at what lies ahead for the New York Islanders after parting ways with general manager Lou Lamoriello.

Certain players will want to know what the future holds. Kyle Palmieri was said to be close to a contract extension with Lamoriello before the latter was fired last week. Restricted free agents Noah Dobson, Simon Holmstrom and Alexander Romanov will also want to know where they stand.

There’s also the possibility of contract buyouts when the two-week window opens in late June. Winger Pierre Engvall and defenseman Scott Mayfield could be buyout candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dobson, Holmstrom and Romanov will likely be re-signed. Palmieri’s future is less certain if the next GM believes the money would be better invested in pursuing a younger player.

Engvall has five years left on his contract with an AAV of $3 million. Buying him out would count as $1 million annually against the Isles’ cap until 2034-35. Mayfield also has five years left with a $3.5 million AAV. His buyout would run through 2034-35 with an annual cap hit of $1.166 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 17, 2025

by | Apr 17, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 17, 2025

Check out the latest about the possible offseason plans for the Rangers, Blackhawks and Flames in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BIG CHANGES COMING FOR THE RANGERS THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh reported the New York Rangers have fallen behind younger Eastern Conference rivals like the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Rangers carry an older roster that fell from being considered a Stanley Cup contender a year ago to missing the playoffs, raising concerns about their future. They have a middle-of-the-pack prospect pool and gave up one of their next two first-round picks acquiring J.T. Miller from the Vancouver Canucks.

New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

Baugh expects general manager Chris Drury will fire head coach Peter Laviolette. He’ll likely try to keep reworking the roster as he did during this season. However, the Rangers only have $9.672 million in cap space for next season. Most of that will have to go to re-signing restricted free agents Will Cuylle and K’Andre Miller, though the latter could become a trade candidate this summer.

Chris Kreider is the most obvious cost-cutting candidate. However, the 33-year-old winger had a disappointing performance this season. He also has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million and a 15-team no-trade list. Drury could also try moving Mika Zibanejad, but his full no-movement clause gives him complete control over his situation.

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer reports the Rangers face a massive roster overhaul after missing the playoffs this season.

Teams called about Zibanejad and Kreider last fall when Drury let it be known they were looking to make changes. Biringer wondered if they could be moved this summer. He also wondered if Artemi Panarin could be shopped. He’s in the final year of his contract. Like Baugh, Biringer suggested Miller could become a trade candidate.

The Rangers could also decide to make a coaching change. Biringer also cited a source suggesting a management change might be in order.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panarin, Zibanejad, Kreider and Miller have frequently surfaced in this season’s rumor mill, with Kreider considered the leading trade candidate.

Like Zibanejad, Panarin has a full NMC and controls his fate. That doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t accept a trade, but their preferred destinations would be limited.

Laviolette seems all but certain to be relieved of his coaching duties. As for Drury, he’s not going anywhere. He wouldn’t have made the moves he did in this season’s trade market without the blessing of team ownership.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE BLACKHAWKS?

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus and Scott Powers wondered who would become the next head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks.

They believe interim bench boss Anders Sorensen will probably get an interview. University of Denver coach David Carle is the hottest name among this year’s NHL coaching candidates, but there’s no guarantee he’ll leave Denver.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: RG.Org’s James Murphy cited a league source claiming the Blackhawks want Carle badly and are willing to “show him the money if the situation presents itself.” However, they’re not the only NHL club hoping to pry him away from his current job. Another source told Murphy to keep an eye on the Seattle Kraken and the Utah Hockey Club.

The Blackhawks would love to re-sign UFA-eligible forward Ryan Donato. There is a three-year offer worth an AAV of $4 million on the table but the 28-year-old hasn’t accepted it. Donato’s coming off a career-best performance of 31 goals and 31 assists for 62 points.

Lazerus and Powers believe the Blackhawks would be first in line if Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner hits the open market on July 1. They have the cap space to offer him an AAV of between $12 million and $14 million.

The Blackhawks could also get creative by going the offer-sheet route. “The Rangers’ Will Cuylle could be a target, or maybe Dallas’ Mavrik Bourque.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks have the cap space and tradeable assets to improve their roster through trades, the unrestricted free-agent market, and offer sheets. Whether they can land the talent they need could be easier said than done.

Signing Marner would be a major acquisition by the Blackhawks that could accelerate their rebuild process if he clicks with franchise player Connor Bedard. However, he could prefer signing with a playoff contender if he goes to market.

THE LATEST ON THE FLAMES

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes the Calgary Flames must improve an offense ranked 30th overall this season.

GM Craig Conroy knows a team can’t be built through free agency, but he isn’t ruling out finding assets that could improve their roster in the UFA market. He’s also looking at adding young players from within their system.

The Flames’ top need is a right-shot center. They were interested in Dylan Cozens before the Buffalo Sabres traded him to the Ottawa Senators at the trade deadline.

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson reports the Flames must decide on Rasmus Andersson’s future with the club. The 28-year-old defenseman is a year away from UFA eligibility. He could be traded away if he’s not signed to a contract extension this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Blackhawks, the Flames have a lot of cap space for next season ($34.2 million) and tradeable assets like draft picks and prospects. Some cap room will go toward new contracts for Matt Coronato, Connor Zary, Adam Klapka, Morgan Frost and Kevin Bahl. However, there should be enough to add that elusive right-shot center if one can be found this summer.

Andersson indicated that he loves living and playing in Calgary and wants to stay. Whether he and the Flames can find the right deal remains to be seen.