NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: June 2, 2026, 2:48 AM ET

Coaching Changes

The Vancouver Canucks named Manny Malhotra as their new head coach on Monday, promoting the AHL coach who led Vancouver's affiliate to the Calder Cup in 2025. Meanwhile, the expansion Goldeneyes fired coach Brian Idalski after their inaugural season, with the team finishing sixth out of the PWHL's eight teams.

Stanley Cup Final Preview

As the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Final approaches, the Carolina Hurricanes are favored to hoist the Stanley Cup over the Vegas Golden Knights in their first Final appearance since 2006. Sports Line's projection model has revealed its picks for Tuesday's Game 1 between the Golden Knights and Hurricanes. Analysts cite five key reasons the Hurricanes will prevail, while the top 11 impact players for the Final have been identified, with honorable mentions included.

Player News & Reactions

Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart discussed personal growth since joining Vegas after his reinstatement by the NHL following his acquittal in the Hockey Canada case. Teammate Jack Eichel defended Mitch Marner, stating the Maple Leafs forward was treated unfairly during his time in Toronto. In international play, Buffalo Sabres rookie Konsta Helenius scored in overtime to give Finland a 1-0 victory over Switzerland in the men's ice hockey world championship final. Meanwhile, Norway stunned Canada with a 3-2 overtime win in the bronze medal game, capturing the country's first ice hockey world championship medal.

Hockey Community Mourns

The hockey community mourned the passing of five-time All-Star forward Dennis Hull at age. Hull starred alongside his brother Bobby Hull with the Blackhawks, helped Canada win the 1972 Summit Series over the Soviet Union, and appeared in five NHL All-Star games. In other news, former NHL player Claude Lemieux's brain donation to the Boston University CTE Center will research the long-term effects of repetitive brain injuries.

Team Transactions & Developments

Billionaire philanthropist Melinda French Gates will become a minority investor in the Seattle Kraken, pending NHL approval. The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired the rights to forward prospect Jack Pridham from the Chicago Blackhawks in a trade on Monday. In junior hockey, the Kitchener Rangers defeated the Everett Silvertips 6-2 to win the Memorial Cup, marking the third championship in the city's history.

Offseason Planning

As teams prepare for the 2026-27 season, the offseason plans for the Minnesota Wild and other franchises are under scrutiny, with analysts exploring potential free agency strategies and expectations for the upcoming campaign.