NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 21, 2026

Bedard recovering, focused on Chicago’s future

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard said he’s feeling good after undergoing shoulder surgery two weeks ago and plans to spend most of the summer rehabbing in Vancouver. His recovery timeline is estimated at roughly four months, which should keep him on track for the new season.

Bedard indicated that Leo Carlsson’s contract with the Anaheim Ducks didn’t have much impact on his own negotiations, adding that he’s “very happy” with the money in his new deal. He also stressed how pleased he is with life in Chicago and the Blackhawks’ progress, and made it clear he’d welcome a Patrick Kane reunion: “Hopefully, he decides to come back. It would make us a way better team.”

NOTE: Bedard’s five-year contract carries an average annual value of $$15$$ million, which reflects how central he is to the Blackhawks’ future. Kane, meanwhile, is believed to be weighing a return to Chicago or a move to his hometown Buffalo Sabres.

Islanders eye Schaefer as future leader

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh reports that New York Islanders head coach Peter DeBoer sees significant leadership potential in 18-year-old defenseman Matthew Schaefer, and believes Schaefer could eventually become the team’s captain.

DeBoer took over late last season but was quickly impressed by Schaefer’s play and presence in the room. He expects the young blueliner to be part of the Islanders’ leadership group and thinks a captaincy could be in his future, while emphasizing the need to avoid piling too much pressure on him too soon.

NOTE: With longtime captain Anders Lee departing via free agency this summer, the Islanders need a new player to wear the “C.” It’s unlikely they hand that responsibility to Schaefer right away, but it’s clear he’ll be a key voice for them as he matures.

Cooley thrilled to team up with Trocheck in Utah

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley is eager to play alongside Vincent Trocheck after admiring him growing up.

Both players hail from the Pittsburgh area and have trained together in the offseason, building a friendship that helped influence Trocheck’s decision to accept a trade to Utah earlier this summer. That familiarity could ease Trocheck’s transition and give the Mammoth a strong foundation for their forward group.

NOTE: Trocheck is a natural center, but he’s said he’s willing to shift to the wing for Utah. That flexibility opens the door for Cooley and Trocheck to share a line, which could give the Mammoth a dangerous combination of speed, skill, and two-way reliability.

Capitals adopt “Cup or bust” mindset

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals forward Dylan Strome said the team’s mindset is “Stanley Cup or bust” heading into the season. “I mean, I think it has to be,” Strome said. “I think that with the pieces that we’ve added, you can’t ask much more from management, so now it’s time for the players to step up and do what’s asked of us.”

The Capitals were among the busiest teams in the offseason, adding Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, and Boone Jenner via trades and free agency, and re-signing captain Alex Ovechkin on a one-year deal.

NOTE: Washington’s aggressive approach comes after a disappointing follow-up to their first-place finish in the Eastern Conference in 2024–25. This isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about giving Ovechkin one more legitimate shot at a second Stanley Cup as the end of his legendary career approaches.

Canadiens add Lalonde to bench

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: The Montreal Canadiens have officially hired former Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde as their new associate coach, replacing Trevor Letowski.

Lalonde brings head-coaching and long-term NHL experience to Montreal’s staff, signaling that the Canadiens are continuing to refine their bench as they move from rebuilding toward contending.

Remembering Eddie Joyal

Former NHL center Eddie Joyal has passed away at age 86.

Joyal played nine seasons in the NHL from 1962–63 to 1971–72, suiting up for the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, and Philadelphia Flyers. He then spent four seasons in the WHA between 1972–73 and 1975–76, bridging an important era in pro hockey history.

Across 465 NHL games, Joyal scored 128 goals and added 134 assists for 262 points. In the playoffs, he contributed 11 goals and 19 points in 50 games, showing he could step up in pressure situations.

NOTE: Condolences to Joyal’s family, friends, and former teammates. His career spans a formative period for the NHL and WHA, and he remains part of the sport’s rich early expansion-era story.