NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: May 20, 2026, 5:53 AM ET

Stanley Cup Conference Finals

The NHL's final four teams are set for conference finals action with the Avalanche facing the Golden Knights in the West and the Hurricanes battling the Canadiens in the East. Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar sat out another practice on Tuesday ahead of their Western Conference finals matchup against Vegas, raising questions about his availability for the crucial series. Meanwhile, multiple NHL teams are waiting to interview Bruce Cassidy but have yet to receive permission from the Vegas Golden Knights as of Tuesday, creating uncertainty around the coaching vacancy while the team continues its playoff run. The Avalanche-Golden Knights series begins Wednesday with Sports Line's projection model favoring Colorado in what promises to be a highly competitive Western Conference final.

Coaching Carousel

In coaching news, the Canucks fired first-year head coach Adam Foote on Tuesday after just one season with the team that resulted in a disappointing 25-49-8 record. Foote and three assistants were dismissed as the organization looks to rebuild following a challenging campaign. On a more positive note, Devils coach Sheldon Keefe will return after new general manager Sunny Mehta completed his evaluation of the organization. The decision provides stability to New Jersey's coaching staff as they prepare for the upcoming season.

League Growth

The women's professional hockey landscape continues to expand as the PWHL added San Jose as its 12th team, completing an ambitious four-team expansion process. The move brings the professional women's hockey league to California for the first time, further establishing its presence across North America and providing more opportunities for female athletes.

Player Developments

Buffalo forward Alex Tuch, who struggled significantly during the Sabres' second-round series loss to the Montreal Canadiens, will hit free agency this summer despite his postseason performance. His agent, Scott Bartlett, told ESPN that the 30-year-old's disappointing showing won't affect his next contract negotiations. Meanwhile, Gavin McKenna's journey from Whitehorse, Yukon, to Medicine Hat to Penn State has positioned him as the expected No. 1 pick in the upcoming NHL draft, with his unique path to the professional ranks drawing significant attention from scouts and analysts.

International Competition

At the ice hockey world championship in Switzerland, Hungary secured its first victory at this year's tournament by shutting out Britain, a newcomer to the top division, 5-0 on Tuesday. The win provides a boost to Hungary as they continue to establish themselves in international competition.

Offseason Planning

As teams look ahead to the 2026-27 season, the Wild's free agency plans are among those being closely examined by league analysts. With the offseason approaching, organizations are evaluating their rosters and determining the best strategies to improve their competitive positioning for next year while managing salary cap constraints.