NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: April 18, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

League Player Insights & Injury Updates

Sidney Crosby is widely viewed by his peers as the player most likely to transition into a head coaching role, according to the annual player poll released by the NHLPA. Separately, Rangers center Vincent Trocheck revealed that a significant absence early in the season stemmed from a serious bacterial infection in a lung that ultimately required surgical intervention.

Future Projections

While current events shape the discussion, one analyst is already presenting a hypothetical 2026 playoff bracket that forecasts the winner of every series matchup across the four rounds, culminating in a prediction for the eventual Stanley Cup champion.