Blue Jackets’ Patrik Laine exits the player assistance program, Martin St. Louis talks about Steven Stamkos’ departure from the Lightning and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
SPORTSNET: Patrik Laine was cleared by doctors to return from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.
The 26-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets winger entered the program in January for mental health issues. He endured a difficult, injury-plagued season that limited him to six goals and nine points in 18 games.
Laine is still recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered during last season. He reportedly requested a trade but interested teams couldn’t speak with him while he was in the program.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine is among the few notable names in this summer’s NHL trade rumors. I’ll have more about this situation in today’s NHL Rumors.
TSN: Martin St. Louis commented on former teammate Steven Stamkos’ departure from the Tampa Bay Lightning, occurring 10 years after St. Louis was traded from the Lightning to the New York Rangers.
Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis (NHL Images).
St. Louis acknowledged it’s difficult to leave a team where you’ve played for a long time, but he doesn’t think it’ll be bad for Stamkos to experience something new.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be a different feeling for Stamkos playing with new teammates while he and his family adjust to a new city. However, it could be a positive experience for him. Many stars have made successful transitions to new teams.
THE SCORE: New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider was surprised by Barclay Goodrow’s departure last month. Goodrow was plucked off waivers by the San Jose Sharks, freeing the Rangers from the remaining three years of his contract.
“That’s the awful side of our business, I guess,” said Kreider. “That it is a business…It’s a friend for life, but it’s a guy you expected to be suiting up with again.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers general manager Chris Drury wasn’t afraid to attempt bold moves this summer. He also attempted to trade team captain Jacob Trouba to the Detroit Red Wings but the defenseman used his no-movement clause to block the trade.
NEW YORK POST: Speaking of the Rangers, Matt Rempe is training with Kreider as he seeks a larger role with the club.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rempe saw fourth-line minutes in an enforcer role during his call-up last season but he did see action in 11 playoff games. He garnered attention earlier this summer by training with former NHL enforcer George Laraque. Training with Kreider, however, suggests he wants to see more playing time as a power forward.
THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens forward Rafael Harvey-Pinard underwent surgery to repair a broken leg suffered during a summer scrimmage session. The recovery time is four months.
PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins signed 2023 first-round pick Brayden Yager to an entry-level contract.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Dallas Stars prospect Emil Hemming will not be returning to Finland, signing with the OHL’s Barrie Colts for 2024-25. The 18-year-old right winger was chosen 29th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft.
OTTAWA SUN: Former Senators assistant coach Bob Jones passed away on Friday following a battle with ALS. He was 54. Jones coached in the OHL and AHL before joining the Senators.
TORONTO SUN: Cindy Cherry, daughter of Don Cherry, passed away suddenly on July 15 at age 67. Her father co-hosted Hockey Night in Canada’s “Coach’s Corner” for 33 years following his NHL coaching career. Her brother, Tim, recalled that she saved his life when he was 18 by donating one of her kidneys when both of his failed.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to the families of Bob Jones and Cindy Cherry.