NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: June 16, 2026, 5:42 PM ET

Coaching Changes and Investigations

The Golden Knights confirmed that John Tortorella will not return after steering the team from an eight‑game hire to a Stanley Cup Final appearance, leaving the franchise to seek a new leader for next season. Meanwhile, the league announced an investigation into Mike Babcock’s September resignation, scrutinizing whether procedural breaches occurred before he ever coached a Columbus Blue Jackets game, a move that could affect future contractual standards for hired staff.

Roster Moves and Legacy

In a mid‑season shake‑up, the Philadelphia Flyers acquired goaltender Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit from Toronto, adding depth to a roster aiming to solidify its playoff push after a sub‑.500 start. The trade underscores the Flyers’ urgency to improve back‑end performance as they chase a postseason berth. On a somber note, former forward Kyle Calder died at age 47 following a brief illness, prompting tributes from former teammates and highlighting the NHL community’s focus on player health and post‑career support.

Women’s Hockey Expansion

The PWHL’s newest franchise in Las Vegas appointed Kim Weiss as its inaugural head coach, bringing AHL assistant experience to the role. Weiss’s hiring reflects the league’s strategy to blend seasoned professional coaching with emerging talent, aiming to accelerate competitive balance as the expansion team prepares for its debut season.