NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: April 16, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

NHL Offseason Moves & Contract Status

The Blackhawks organization announced Wednesday the extension of General Manager Kyle Davidson's contract, a move that signals stability as the team prepares for the upcoming draft and roster construction. GM Davidson stated that securing a long-term deal for phenom Connor Bedard, who is eligible for restricted free agency, remains an "important" priority for the franchise, suggesting a resolution is likely before the RFA window opens Blackhawks GM: Bedard deal is 'important' priority. Elsewhere, Auston Matthews remained noncommittal regarding his tenure with the Maple Leafs, telling reporters Thursday he "can't predict the future" when pressed about remaining in Toronto next season. Furthermore, the Sharks finalized the signing of Hobey Baker Award finalist Eric Pohlkamp to a two-year, entry-level contract following his NCAA championship success.

Coaching Stability & Criticism

In Columbus, Rick Bowness has agreed to return as head coach for the Blue Jackets next season, despite having delivered harsh criticism late in the previous campaign where he publicly questioned his players' desire after a season-ending loss to the [Capitals] Jacket coach torches players: 'They don't care'. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers are seeing their captain, Aleksander Barkov, receive a clean bill of health; he confirmed he will participate in the World Championship for Finland in May, indicating his lower-body recovery that sidelined him for the entire NHL season is complete Barkov to play for Finland in championship.

Playoff Seeding & Roster Setbacks

As the regular season concluded with a flurry of games determining the final playoff picture and the draft lottery order Playoff watch: What's at stake on the season's final day, the Western Conference bracket took shape with the Anaheim Ducks clinching their first berth since 2015, despite a mediocre 3-5-2 record in their last ten contests Ducks in, Sharks out as West's bracket shapes up. Conversely, the Philadelphia Flyers secured the final Eastern Conference spot by defeating the top-seeded Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in a shootout Monday, marking their first postseason appearance since 2020 Flyers get 1st berth since '20; Canes tops in East. However, the Dallas Stars face an immediate hurdle as top-line center Roope Hintz will miss the start of the playoffs following a setback in his lower-body injury recovery Stars' Hintz to miss start of playoffs after setback.

Goaltending Questions & Team Weaknesses

Teams entering the postseason must contend with league-wide statistical trends, including the fact that the average NHL goalie save percentage has dipped below .900 for the first time in three decades NHL goalies' save percentage lowest in 30 years. This statistical downturn adds urgency to the Minnesota Wild's decision regarding their Game 1 starter against the Stars, as coach has remained secretive whether Filip Gustavsson or Jesper Wallstedt will get the nod Wild coach mum on Game 1 goalie against Stars. Beyond individual performance, analysts are already dissecting the inherent flaws within the top Stanley Cup contenders, preparing to exploit specific areas of vulnerability during the playoffs Stanley Cup contender flaws: Biggest issues for the NHL's top playoff teams.

Franchise Development & Off-Ice Issues

The Colorado Avalanche franchise is facing discussions regarding whether 30-year-old Nathan Mac Kinnon has surpassed franchise icon Joe Sakic as the greatest player in team history Is Nathan MacKinnon already the best player in Avalanche history?, as he continues his elite performance run. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers announced plans Monday to launch a new girls travel hockey program utilizing team facilities, demonstrating a commitment to grassroots development in the region Granato's brother to run new Panthers' girls teams. On a more contentious note, the New York Islanders are fielding scrutiny over a jumbotron promotion encouraging fan donations to a former NYPD sergeant recently convicted of manslaughter for hurling a cooler Islanders' fundraiser for convicted cop causes stir.

Future Outlook & Draft Preparation

With the playoff field set and the final seeding locked in following games earlier this week NHL playoff watch: What to look out for in each of Tuesday's games, attention is already shifting toward the offseason priorities for eliminated clubs. Experts are forecasting the necessary free agency signings and draft strategies for every non-contender as they plan their ascent toward the 2026-27 season Keys to the offseason: Free agency and draft plans for every eliminated NHL team. This forward-looking analysis includes GM and coaching predictions for the 2026 playoffs, speculating on which teams might exceed expectations or face potential collapse Postseason roundtable: NHL player, coach, GM predict the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Buffalo Sabres, having ended their playoff drought, capped their Monday by securing the Atlantic Division title, their first such honor since the 2009-10 season Sabres take division after ending playoff drought.