NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: September 16, 2026, 2:03 PM ET

NHL Coaching Carousel

The Minnesota Wild have locked up head coach John Hynes on a multiyear contract extension, rewarding a bench boss who has steadied the club through a competitive Central Division slate. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils are making waves with a landmark hire, bringing in former Kraken assistant Jessica Campbell as manager of player development — making her the first woman to coach full time in the NHL — as part of a broader staffing overhaul in Newark.

Free Agency Frenzy

The Washington Capitals have been among the busiest clubs of the summer. They re-signed forward Ryan Leonard to an eight-year, $84M extension, then followed up by inking 24-year-old forward Justin Sourdif to an eight-year deal. The Richmond, British Columbia native had 15 goals in a breakout campaign and now factors into Washington's long-term core alongside Leonard and captain Alex Ovechkin.

Goaltending & Fantasy Prep

With fantasy drafts approaching, netminders are drawing fresh scrutiny. A goalie guide breaks down the top-tier starters, midround gambles, and timeshare situations that could swing a league title, offering managers a roadmap from elite workhorses to under-the-radar sleepers.

Expansion Talk Heats Up

A 33rd NHL franchise could begin play in the coming seasons, with its home rink potentially in Texas — either Austin or Houston. The league's growth ambitions were a hot topic at the NHL/NHLPA player media tour, where a superstar poll canvassed players on summer highlights, potential Texas team names, and evolving fan culture across the sport.

Captaincy & Returns

The Chicago Blackhawks have named 21-year-old Connor Bedard the second-youngest captain in franchise history, handing the face of the rebuild the leadership mantle. In Florida, captain Aleksander Barkov is not taking anything for granted as he returns, determined to lead the Panthers to a third Stanley Cup. And in Carolina, veteran forward Jordan Staal, has earned a new deal from the Hurricanes through 2027-28 after captaining the club to a Stanley Cup and earning playoff MVP honors.

Ducks & Devils Commit

Anaheim created salary-cap space by releasing Chris Kreider, then used it to sign Cutter Gauthier to a six-year deal worth $13.5M AAV, per a source. The Devils, still active, gave newly acquired forward Luke Evangelista a five-year extension worth $3.625M annually just weeks after trading for him.

Ovechkin Political Ad

Off the ice, the Capitals told The Associated Press that Alex Ovechkin was asked to appear in a United Russia political advertisement, a development that adds another layer to the star winger's complicated profile as he continues his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's goal record.