Notable NHL Trades – March 8, 2024

Notable NHL Trades – March 8, 2024

The San Jose Sharks traded center Tomas Hertl and two third-round picks (2025 and 2027) to the Vegas Golden Knights for Vegas’ 2025 first-rounder and prospect center David Edstrom.

New Jersey Devils trade winger Tyler Toffoli to the Winnipeg Jets (NHL Images).

TSN’s Darren Dreger reports the Winnipeg Jets have acquired winger Tyler Toffoli from the New Jersey Devils. TSN reports the return is a 2024 third-round pick and a 2025 second-rounder. 

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Washington Capitals traded center Evgeny Kuznetsov to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 third-round pick. The Capitals also retain 50 percent of Kuznetsov’s $7.8 million annual cap hit through 2024-25. 

Montreal Canadiens traded goaltender Jake Allen to the New Jersey Devils in return for a conditional third-rounder in 2024. The Canadiens also retain half of Allen’s contract.

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reports the New Jersey Devils traded goaltender Vitek Vanecek to the San Jose Sharks for goalie Kaapo Kahkonen. 

Buffalo Sabres traded winger Kyle Okposo to the Florida Panthers in exchange for minor-league defenseman Calle Sjalin and a conditional 2024 seventh-round pick. 

Minnesota Wild traded forward Pat Maroon to the Boston Bruins for a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick and minor league winger Luke Toporowski.

New York Rangers acquire Jack Roslovic from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a conditional fourth-round pick. 

Arizona Coyotes traded defenseman Matt Dumba and a 2025 seven-rounder to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 2027 fifth-round pick. 

Arizona Coyotes trade winger Jason Zucker to the Nashville Predators for a 2024 sixth-round pick.

Buffalo Sabres traded defenseman Erik Johnson to the Philadelphia Flyers for a 2024 fourth-rounder.

Boston Bruins trade defenseman Jakub Zboril to the Columbus Blue Jackets for defenseman Andrew Peeke. 










NHL Rumor Mill – March 8, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 8, 2024

The trade deadline is at 3 pm ET today. Check out the latest on Tyler Toffoli, Elias Lindholm, Jacob Markstrom, Frank Vatrano, Jason Zucker, Jakob Chychrun, Bryan Rust, Ryan Johansen and more in the NHL Rumor Mill.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils scratched winger Tyler Toffoli from last night’s game against the St. Louis Blues for trade-related reasons. No indication as to which teams are calling about him or potential destinations.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun said it’s not 100 percent that Toffoli gets traded as they still believe they can get back into the playoff race. However, the teams that were in on Jake Guentzel before he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes also kept tabs on the Devils winger.

New Jersey Devils winger Tyler Toffoli (NHL Images).

Chris Johnston reports Vancouver Canucks center Elias Lindholm isn’t going anywhere. It was rumored he would be on his way to the Boston Bruins had the Canucks acquire Jake Guentzel from the Pittsburgh Penguins. That’s not happening now.

Johnston thinks the Canucks could try to add one more piece before the deadline. They were believed to have an interest in Arizona Coyotes winger Jason Zucker. Speaking of Zucker, Johnston tweeted the Coyotes held the veteran winger and defenseman Matt Dumba out of last night’s game against the Minnesota Wild for trade-related reasons.

Darren Dreger reports Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom remains in the rumor mill. He believes the New Jersey Devils want to make one more attempt to acquire the 32-year-old Markstrom, who has a full no-movement clause. A rumored trade that would’ve sent him to the Devils last month reportedly fell through over salary retention amid speculation that Flames ownership nixed the deal.

Johnston believes the Winnipeg Jets could try to add a depth forward or defenseman…The Ottawa Senators have received some interest in Jakob Chychrun as well as Erik Brannstrom…The Montreal Canadiens remain open for business. The players they want to move (Jake Allen and David Savard) have a year remaining on their contracts.

THE ATHLETIC: The Philadelphia Flyers hope to find a trade partner for Ryan Johansen. They acquired the 31-year-old center on Wednesday from the Colorado Avalanche as part of the Sean Walker trade.

Johansen cleared waivers on Thursday and was reassigned to the Flyers AHL affiliate. However, general manager Daniel Briere said he informed the center to stand pat for a day or two as they attempt to see if another team could use him.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports the Rangers are eyeing a reunion with Anaheim Ducks winger Frank Vatrano, who is signed through next season with $3.65 million cap hit. They’ve also been linked to St. Louis Blues winger Pavel Buchnevich but the Blues would have to retain part of his $5.8 million cap hit.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen reports rumors of the Red Wings acquiring Pittsburgh Penguins winger Bryan Rust are running hot. However, he believes it’s unlikely to happen as the Penguins haven’t asked Rust to waive his no-movement clause.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Geoff Baker reports the Kraken’s improving odds of qualifying for the playoffs could complicate a possible trade of winger Jordan Eberle. Contract discussions were underway but reportedly stalled on Wednesday. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli believes Eberle will be traded by today’s deadline.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger considers Jack Roslovic to be the Blue Jackets’ most likely trade candidate. The 27-year-old forward is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont reports The Toronto Maple Leafs were among the clubs that inquired about Canadiens defenseman David Savard. However, those teams have balked at the Canadiens’ high asking price.

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Jason Moser lists Erik Johnson, Kyle Okposo, Zemgus Girgensons and Victor Olofsson among the Sabres’ most likely trade candidates as today’s deadline approaches.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 7, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 7, 2024

The trade deadline is March 8. Check out the latest on Jake Guentzel, Tyler Toffoli, Pavel Buchnevich, Jason Zucker, Anthony Duclair and Alexander Barabonov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

JAKE GUENTZEL

SPORTSNET: Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli listed the Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers as being in the mix for Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel. He thinks the Panthers and Canucks don’t have enough they’re willing to part with to land the 29-year-old Penguins forward.

SPORTSNET 590: Appearing on the Jeff Marek Show, Elliotte Friedman speculated the Carolina Hurricanes could be interested in Guentzel. He noted they usually don’t pursue rental players but could be spurred by yesterday’s trade activity.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy wondered if the Bruins could end up landing Elias Lindholm from the Canucks in a possible three-team deal that would send Guentzel to Vancouver. He cited ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reporting one scenario he’d heard had the Bruins shipping winger Jake DeBrusk to the Penguins as part of the deal.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston speculated the Canucks could target more affordable options such as the Arizona Coyotes’ Jason Zucker or the Buffalo Sabres’ Jordan Greenway if they fail to land Guentzel, Anaheim’s Frank Vatrano or New Jersey’s Tyler Toffoli.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images)

THE ATHLETIC’s Josh Yohe tweeted last night that the Canucks are keen to land Guentzel but the Penguins’ asking price is more than they’re willing to pay.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers probably can’t afford Guentzel after acquiring Alex Wennberg from Seattle yesterday. The Panthers’ acquisition of Vladimir Tarasenko from Ottawa takes them out of the Guentzel sweepstakes.

The Canucks might be able to pull it off if the Penguins are willing to bend a bit, in which case that rumored three-team deal with the Bruins could take place. As for the Hurricanes, they could try to sign Guentzel to a contract extension. If that’s not possible, they’ll have to decide if they’ll make an exception from their usual aversion to adding big-ticket rentals.

TYLER TOFFOLI

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited reports claiming multiple teams are interested in Tyler Toffoli. New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald is having contract extension discussions with the winger’s representatives but he’s been linked to several teams.

TSN’s Darren Dreger reported Toffoli was in play with the Devils open to a return of multiple draft picks or a pick and a prospect. The Los Angeles Kings are reportedly interested in bringing back Toffoli, who spent nearly eight seasons with them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Teams are calling but Fitzgerald seems intent on maintaining contract talks with the Toffoli. He indicated he’s willing to continue those discussions beyond the trade deadline. As The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun speculated, this could go down to the wire.

PAVEL BUCHNEVICH

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli reports the St. Louis Blues are willing to “get creative” and retain up to half of Pavel Buchnevich’s $5.8 million cap hit through next season to facilitate a trade. The asking price is said to be a first-round pick and a first-round equivalent while retaining salary could mean adding another premium asset. He speculates the New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights could be in on Buchnevich.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Buchnevich would be more to the Hurricanes’ liking given that extra year on his contract but he’s not as much of an impact player as Guentzel. Still, he could be the second choice for teams that lose out in the bidding for Guentzel.

JASON ZUCKER

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey cited Sporstnet’s Jeff Marek recently reporting the Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, Nashville Predators, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils and Vegas Golden Knights expressed interest in Arizona Coyotes winger Jason Zucker.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zucker’s fate could depend on what happens with Guentzel, Toffoli and Buchnevich.

ANTHONY DUCLAIR AND ALEXANDER BARABANOV

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng reports winger Anthony Duclair hired Paul Theofanous as his agent. There were some contract talks with the Sharks but the 28-year-old winger believes he’ll be traded.

Nikita Sokolov cited reports indicating the Sharks are also actively shopping forward Alexander Barabanov. Like Duclair, he’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. However, he’s indicated that he wants to play for a contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was reported there wasn’t much interest in the Sharks’ available assets but that was before yesterday’s frenzy of activity in the trade market. Duclair and Barabanov could become more enticing if the market becomes further depleted before tomorrow’s trade deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2024

The NHL Trade Deadline is two days away. Check out the latest on Jake Guentzel, Noah Hanifin, Vladimir Tarasenko, Tyler Toffoli, and other notable trade candidates in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

**UPDATE**

The Ottawa Senators trade Vladimir Tarasenko to the Florida Panthers for a 2025 third-round pick and a conditional 2024 fourth-rounder that becomes a third-round pick if the Panthers win the 2024 Stanley Cup. The Senators also retain 50 percent of Tarasenko’s $5 million cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators reportedly sought a first or second-round pick plus another asset. It appears Tarasenko’s trade value wasn’t as high as rumored. 

COULD THE PENGUINS MOVE GUENTZEL IN A THREE-TEAM DEAL WITH THE CANUCKS & BRUINS?

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the Pittsburgh Penguins hope to move Jake Guentzel as early as today. He reports the Vancouver Canucks are interested in the 29-year-old winger. To free up cap room for Guentzel, they’ve had discussions with the Boston Bruins to flip Elias Lindholm to the Bruins. The Canucks acquired the 29-year-old center from the Calgary Flames on Jan. 31.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images)

Due to the Penguins’ high asking price, Johnston doesn’t put the Canucks at the front of the line for Guentzel. Darren Dreger reports the Penguins are seeking a first-round pick, a young NHL player and a prospect or prospects.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes the Vegas Golden Knights had talks with the Penguins about Guentzel but don’t appear in the mix as much anymore in part because they acquired Anthony Mantha from the Capitals on Tuesday. The Edmonton Oilers have also kept tabs on Guentzel.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cited an NHL source claiming the Penguins like Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk and rookie center John Beecher. He wondered if they could end up in Pittsburgh if this rumored three-way trade goes down.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports the Florida Panthers are also believed among the suitors for Guentzel.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That proposed three-way deal would become the biggest deal leading up to or including the trade deadline in the salary-cap era. As Johnston noted, however, nothing’s confirmed as there are plenty of moving parts here, not the least of which is making the dollars fit.

THE LATEST ON NOAH HANIFIN

SPORTSNET: Adam Vingan listed the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers and Boston Bruins as three potential destinations for Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin. The Lightning are believed to be his preferred destination.

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson included the Detroit Red Wings among the possible suitors for Hanifin.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun wonders if the Lightning and Bruins can find suitable assets to acquire Hanifin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Finding a suitable trade package is the biggest issue for the Lightning and Bruins. The Panthers and Red Wings appear better situated with their depth in young players and prospects to make a competitive bid.

WILL THE BRUINS MOVE LINUS ULLMARK AT THE DEADLINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa wondered if Tuesday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers might be the last start for Linus Ullmark as a Boston Bruins goaltender. There’s speculation the 30-year-old Ullmark could be moved in a cost-cutting deal to enable the Bruins to address their roster needs. Moving him, however, would weaken their goaltending depth.

The New Jersey Devils are in the market for a goaltender. Ullmark could be their Plan B if they cannot pry Jacob Markstrom away from the Calgary Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ullmark carries a $5 million cap hit through next season and has a 16-team no-trade clause for 2023-24. It’ll be interesting to see if those constraints can be overcome. The Bruins could listen to offers but they could stick with their current goalie tandem if they don’t get anything suitable.

WHERE WILL VLADIMIR TARASENKO LAND?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators are trying to send Vladimir Tarasenko to a contender. The 32-year-old winger has a $5 million cap hit and a full no-trade clause. He believes the Sens might have to wait to find out what happens to Jake Guentzel before they can move Tarasenko

Garrioch suggests keeping an eye on the Carolina Hurricanes as they were a finalist for Tarasenko last summer before he signed with the Senators. He claims the Florida Panthers are his preferred destination and they’ve looked into it, along with the Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers and Boston Bruins.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes the Senators seek a first-round pick and another asset for Tarasenko. However, that price could drop as it seems to be a buyer’s market for forwards.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whatever happens to Guentzel will determine the fate of most notable wingers in the trade market. Teams that lose out on the Penguins winger could shift their attention to Tarasenko.

COULD THE DEVILS TRADE TYLER TOFFOLI?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun cited New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald saying he’s still discussing a potential contract extension with Tyler Toffoli’s camp. Contract term was an issue in those talks.

LeBrun thinks this could go to the trade deadline on March 8. He indicated that Fitzgerald doesn’t want to move Toffoli but he might have to given the high number of teams calling about the 31-year-old winger. LeBrun suggested Toffoli would be a good fit on the Edmonton Oilers second line.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fitzgerald told reporters that he’s not shopping Toffoli but admitted he’s listening to offers. If he does move the winger he’s not going to just give him away. Teams that lose out on Jake Guentzel could look into his availability.

UPDATES ON SEAN WALKER AND NICK SEELER

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports teams are circling back and getting more serious about Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Sean Walker. It’s believed the Flyers seek a first-round pick but LeBrun hasn’t ruled out the possibility of them trying to re-sign him before the trade deadline. He believes it’s more likely than not that Walker gets moved.

LeBrun’s colleague Kevin Kurz reports the Flyers remain engaged in contract talks with Walker and defense partner Nick Seeler. He thinks there’s a chance the two could stay with the Flyers on multi-year deals but this could go down to the wire.

Kurz also noted a report that the Flyers “checked in” on young Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras. However, he doesn’t anticipate they’ll make any blockbuster deadline moves for Zegras or other high-end players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli also thinks one of those two Flyers defensemen will be traded and considers Walker the most likely candidate.

Speaking of the Flyers, they’re not expected to trade center Scott Laughton.

OILERS PURSUING HENRIQUE

TSN: Chris Johnston believes the Edmonton Oilers’ priority is to acquire versatile forward Adam Henrique from the Anaheim Ducks. Arizona Coyotes winger Jason Zucker appears to be the kind of forward they might like but Johnston said they’re not in on him.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun also reports the Oilers are in on Henrique. Finding a way to sort out the 33-year-old forward’s $5.825 million cap hit is a sticking point but the Ducks could retain part of it. He also thinks they’ve kept tabs on Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Sean Walker.

COULD THE CAPITALS MOVE MAX PACIORETTY?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun thinks Washington Capitals winger Max Pacioretty could waive his no-movement clause to join a contender. He wondered if the Florida Panthers might be a fit for him.

THE LATEST ON ALEX WENNBERG AND JASON ZUCKER

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple noted the Seattle Kraken have sat center Alex Wennberg for the past two games for trade-related reasons. He wonders if the New York Rangers could be a fit. The Kraken will have to retain half of Wennberg’s $4.5 million cap hit but that could cost them a first-round pick.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reported the Rangers are engaged in trade negotiations with the Kraken. He thinks popular Rangers rookie Matt Rempe could be squeezed from the lineup if they acquire Wennberg. It’s also believed the Rangers are in talks with the Anaheim Ducks for winger Frank Vatrano.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey cited Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek listing the Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, Nashville Predators, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils and Vegas Golden Knights as having interest in Jason Zucker. The Arizona Coyotes held the 32-year-old winger out of the lineup during Tuesday’s game against Chicago for trade-related reasons.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 6, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 6, 2024

Recaps of Tuesday’s games feature a five-point performance by the Stars’ Wyatt Johnston, the Golden Knights acquire Anthony Mantha, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

**UPDATE**

The Ottawa Senators trade Vladimir Tarasenko to the Florida Panthers for a 2025 third-round pick and a conditional 2024 fourth-rounder that becomes a third-round pick if the Panthers win the 2024 Stanley Cup. The Senators also retain 50 percent of Tarasenko’s $5 million cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators reportedly sought a first or second-round pick plus another asset. It appears Tarasenko’s trade value wasn’t as high as rumored. 

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston tallied his first career NHL hat trick and collected two assists in a 7-6 win over the San Jose Sharks. Roope Hintz scored in overtime as the Stars overcame a 6-3 deficit on three unanswered third-period goals with Johnston scoring two of them. Jamie Benn and rookie Logan Stankovan each had four points for the Stars (38-17-5) as they moved ahead of the Winnipeg Jets into first place in the Central Division with 85 points. Anthony Duclair scored twice and had two assists for the 15-39-7 Sharks.

Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stankovan now has five goals and eight points in six games for the Stars. Meanwhile, Duclair’s improved performance of late could bolster his trade value.

The Jets, meanwhile, dropped a 4-3 decision to the Seattle Kraken as Andre Burakovsky broke a 3-3 tie late in the third period. Jared McCann had a goal and two assists while Joey Daccord stopped 30 shots for the 28-23-11 Kraken. Adam Lowry had a goal and an assist for the Jets (39-17-5) as they sit two points back of the Stars in the Central Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken held center Alex Wennberg out of the lineup for the second straight game. I’ll have more about Wennberg in today’s Rumors update.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl scored the tying and winning goals in a 2-1 overtime victory over the Boston Bruins. Oilers captain Connor McDavid collected two assists for the Oilers (38-20-2), who’ve won five straight games and sit in second place with 78 points in the Pacific Division. Pavel Zacha replied for the 36-13-15 Bruins, who slipped into third place in the overall standings with 87 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid (99 points) sits six points behind league leaders Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche in the scoring race. Meanwhile, Bruins winger James van Riemsdyk played his 1,000th career NHL game.

The league-leading Florida Panthers (90 points) picked up their sixth straight win (43-16-4) by beating the New Jersey Devils 5-3. Sam Reinhart tallied his 45th goal of the season, Nick Cousins scored twice and Aaron Ekblad collected an assist to become the all-time assist leader (230) among Panthers defensemen. Jack Hughes had a goal and an assist for the 30-28-4 Devils, who were playing their first game under interim head coach Travis Green.

An overtime goal by J.T. Miller lifted the Vancouver Canucks to a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Elias Pettersson scored the tying goal while Quinn Hughes collected two assists for the 40-17-7 Canucks, who moved into second place in the overall standings with 87 points. Trevor Moore replied for the Kings (31-19-11) as they sit third in the Pacific Division with 73 points.

Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki scored in overtime to defeat the Nashville Predators 4-3, snapping the latter’s eight-game win streak. Suzuki and linemate Cole Caufield each had two points for the 24-28-10 Canadiens. Ryan O’Reilly had a goal and two assists for the Predators (35-25-3) as they hold the final Western Conference wildcard berth with 73 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Canadiens placed forward Colin White (upper body) on injured reserve.

The New York Islanders picked up their fourth straight by doubling up the St. Louis Blues 4-2. Kyle Palmieri had a goal and an assist while Brock Nelson and Adam Pelech each collected two assists for the Islanders (27-20-14) as they sit four points out of the final Eastern Conference wildcard spot with 68 points. Joel Hofer made 29 saves for the 32-27-3 Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Islanders placed defenseman Scott Mayfield (lower body) on long-term injury reserve as he’s expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks. Meanwhile, Isles general manager Lou Lamoriello said his club won’t be a seller at the upcoming trade deadline.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Reilly Smith had a goal and two assists in a 5-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Evgeni Malkin had a goal and an assist for the 28-24-8 Penguins. Jack Roslovic and Andrew Peeke each had a goal and an assist for the 21-31-10 Blue Jackets.

The Chicago Blackhawks beat the Arizona Coyotes 5-2. Seth Jones scored twice as the Blackhawks (16-42-5) ended their 22-game road losing skid. Connor Ingram made 27 saves for the 25-32-5 Coyotes, who held winger Jason Zucker out of this game for trade-related reasons.

HEADLINES

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights acquired winger Anthony Mantha from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-rounder. The Capitals also retained half of Mantha’s $5.7 million cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mantha reached the 20-goal plateau this season for the first time since 2018-19. He should be a good rental scorer for the Golden Knights. They might not be done adding to their roster as they still carry over $4.4 million in salary cap flexibility.

STARTRIBUNE.COM: The Minnesota Wild signed defenseman Zach Bogosian to a two-year, $2.5 million contract extension. Bogosian, 33, averages over 17 minutes of ice time per game, blocking 51 shots and sitting second among the Wild with 80 hits.

THE ATHLETIC’s Kevin Kurz reports Philadelphia Flyers blueliner Nick Seeler could miss a bit of time with an undisclosed injury but isn’t expected to be sidelined for long.

CALGARY HOCKEY NOW: The Flames plucked defenseman Joel Hanley off waivers yesterday from the Dallas Stars.

CALGARY SUN: Meanwhile, Flames forward Martin Pospisil faces a disciplinary hearing with the league on Wednesday for a dangerous hit on Kraken defenseman Vince Dunn on Monday.

TSN: The Edmonton Oilers placed forward Sam Gagner on waivers.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 4, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 4, 2024

Auston Matthews is the first player to score 30 goals this season, Max Pacioretty makes his season debut with the Capitals, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Auston Matthews reached the 30-goal plateau with the game-winner in overtime as the Toronto Maple Leafs nipped the Anaheim Ducks 2-1. John Tavares scored the tying goal in the third period to set the stage for Matthews’ overtime heroics as the Leafs improved to 19-10-7 and sit third in the Atlantic Division with 45 points. Lukas Dostal kicked out 55 shots for the 13-23-1 Ducks.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews is the first player to reach 30 goals this season. He’s only the 10th player in NHL history to reach that plateau in each of his first eight seasons.

Matthews’ teammate Bobby McMann was ejected from this game in the second period for boarding Ducks defenseman Pavel Mintyukov, who was uninjured on the play. The Ducks also played without Ryan Strome (upper-body injury, day-to-day) and Troy Terry (injured reserve).

New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier had a goal and two assists in a 6-3 victory over the Washington Capitals. Dawson Mercer and Michael McLeod each tallied twice for the Devils (20-14-2), holding the first Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Kuznetsov each had two points while Max Pacioretty was held pointless in his season debut with the Capitals (18-12-6), who sit just behind the Devils with 42 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been nearly a year since Pacioretty suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. He was critical of his performance following this game, saying it couldn’t get any worse than it did for him on this night. Pacioretty remains hopeful that he’ll get up to speed as time goes on.

Before this game, the Capitals placed goaltender Charlie Lindgren on injured reserve. Meanwhile, Devils winger Ondrej Palat missed this game with a lower-body injury.

HEADLINES

ARIZONA SPORTS: Coyotes winger Jason Zucker was given a three-game suspension by the NHL’s department of player safety for boarding Florida Panthers forward Nick Cousins during Tuesday’s game. Zucker’s hit was in retaliation for Cousins’ hitting Coyotes defenseman Juuse Valimaki from behind while the latter was on his knees near the boards.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zucker deserved his suspension but Cousins hit was also dangerous. Speaking of the Panthers forward, he was placed in concussion protocol.

TSN/DAILY FACEOFF: The Minnesota Wild placed winger Kirill Kaprizov (upper body) and Jared Spurgeon (undisclosed) on injured reserve.

CBS SPORTS: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev (lower body) is on injured reserve.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Chicago Blackhawks winger Anthony Beauvillier is on IR with an injured left wrist. The club also claimed defenseman Jaycob Megna off waivers yesterday from the Seattle Kraken.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Islanders defenseman Robert Bortuzzo is on IR with an injured right leg.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins placed defenseman John Ludvig on IR with an undisclosed injury.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers recalled winger Brennan Othmann and he’ll make his NHL debut on Thursday against the Blackhawks. He replaced Tyler Pitlick, who is sidelined with a lower-body injury.

Speaking of the Rangers, former Blueshirts winger Artem Anisimov signed a professional tryout contract with their AHL affiliate in Hartford.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A 13-year NHL veteran from 2008-09 to 2020-21, the 35-year-old Anisimov skated in the KHL in 2021-22 and spent last season with the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms.