NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: March 31, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

NHL Front Office Shakeups & Management Moves

The Toronto Maple Leafs moved swiftly to dismiss General Manager Brad Treliving Monday in a dramatic overhaul following the team's impending failure to reach the postseason for the first time since the 2016-17 campaign. Team CEO Keith Pelley later cited culture misalignment as a primary catalyst for the firing, suggesting deeper structural issues beyond on-ice performance. In contrast, the Dallas Stars secured commitment from their executive core, rewarding GM Jim Nill with a two-year contract extension running through the 2027-28 season. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers bolstered their business side by appointing former Amazon and Disney executive Michael White as the new President of Business Operations, positioning the club for potential future growth initiatives.

Playoff Race Dynamics & Player Returns

As the regular season nears its conclusion, teams received a new administrative tool from the league office designed to help calculate salary cap compliance under evolving playoff roster rules. On the ice, the battle for positioning remained fierce, with the Carolina Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets facing must-win scenarios in their Tuesday matchup, where the critical two points on offer directly impact seeding projections. On a positive note for a contender, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby returned to the lineup Monday night after sitting out the previous contest with a lower-body ailment, helping Pittsburgh secure a decisive rout over the Islanders in his comeback performance.