NHL Hockey 24 Hours

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

Coaching Carousel and Front Office Shifts

The coaching landscape shifted significantly after the NHL cleared Mike Babcock to return to the bench, immediately sparking interest from the Edmonton Oilers. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights appointed Ryan Craig as their new head coach on Wednesday, elevating him from their AHL affiliate just one day after parting ways with John Tortorella. Amid these changes, the Washington Capitals secured stability by signing head coach Spencer Carbery to a multiyear contract extension, while the Nashville Predators bolstered their staff by hiring Jamie Langenbrunner as a special assistant to general manager Chris Mac Farland.

Draft Strategy and Roster Development

The Buffalo Sabres executed a trade with the San Jose Sharks to acquire the 20th overall selection in next week’s draft, sending defenseman Michael Kesselring and the 27th overall pick to San Jose in return. Clubs across the league continue to evaluate prospect pipelines to address specific roster holes, with each team tailoring its draft approach to its current stage in the contention cycle. These organizational decisions remain under intense scrutiny as the Vegas Golden Knights, despite topping fan villain polls for their aggressive roster management, maintain their status as one of the NHL's most successful franchises.

Injury Updates and Women’s Hockey

The Anaheim Ducks face a setback as forward Troy Terry is slated for a five-to-six-month recovery following surgery to treat a hip impingement and a labral tear. In the professional women’s ranks, the Vancouver Goldeneyes selected Caroline Harvey with the first overall pick in Wednesday’s PWHL entry draft, securing the standout NCAA defenseman and 2026 Olympic gold medalist to anchor their defensive core for the coming seasons.