The preseason schedule is announced, Evgeny Kuznetsov talks of his struggles with the Capitals and Hurricanes, the Blue Jackets shake up their coaching staff, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
NHL.COM: The league released its 15-day, 106-game preseason schedule across 40 NHL and neutral-site venues in North America and Europe from Sept. 21 to Oct. 5.
The highlights include the Utah Hockey Club’s debut, the Buffalo Sabres playing in Munich, Germany and the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrating Kraft Hockeyville in Elliot Lake, Ontario.
The opening day of preseason features the Penguins facing off against the Buffalo Sabres, the St. Louis Blues going up against the Dallas Stars, and the Minnesota Wild meeting the Winnipeg Jets.
Former Carolina Hurricanes center Evgeny Kuznetsov (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: So what are your thoughts on the preseason? Are you looking forward to it? Is it too long? Let me know in the comments below.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Evgeny Kuznetsov told Russia’s MatchTV that he wasn’t happy with his performance during the final two seasons of his NHL career. It bothered him so much that he didn’t want his children to watch him play.
The former Capitals and Hurricanes center admitted last week that he’d been dealing with rheumatoid arthritis that causes pain in the joints. He was taking medication and injections to address the condition. He was also dealing with severe insomnia. Kuznetsov sought help through the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.
Kuznetsov said he’s been off the medication for three months and is feeling better as he begins the next stage of his career. He terminated the final year of his NHL contract and signed a four-year deal with KHL club SKA St. Petersburg.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuznetsov said he wants his family, including his children, to see what he can really do now that he’s back in the KHL.
THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Columbus Blue Jackets shook up their coaching staff under new bench boss Dean Evason.
Assistant coach Mark Recchi was fired after only one season. He joined the club under unusual circumstances last September after Pascal Vincent was promoted to replace head coach Mike Babcock when he was fired just before training camp.
Mike Haviland was promoted from associate coach with their AHL affiliate in Cleveland to join the Blue Jackets staff. Assistant coaches Steve McCarthy and Jared Boll will be retained. Meanwhile, Derek Dorsett resigned from his position as a player development coach.
TSN: New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said he isn’t closing the door to bringing back Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck. The two forwards remain unrestricted free agents.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello has previously waited until the last minute to sign some UFAs due to salary cap constraints. He could do the same with Clutterbuck or Martin but the Islanders are right at the $88 million cap with 22 active roster players under contract.
THE BUFFALO NEWS: Konsta Helenius is foregoing the final season of his contract in Finland and is heading to North America to play for the Sabres or their AHL affiliate in Rochester this season. The 18-year-old forward was chosen 14th overall by the Sabres in this year’s NHL Draft.
OTTAWA SUN: Carter Yakemchuk signed his entry-level contract with the Senators. The 18-year-old defenseman was chosen seventh overall in this year’s draft.
NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: The Blackhawks signed winger Marek Vanacker to an entry-level deal. The 18-year-old was the 27th overall pick in this year’s draft.