NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: June 9, 2026, 11:51 PM ET

Oilers Gear Up for New Era

The Edmonton Oilers are on the cusp of a historic front‑office shuffle, with sources confirming the club is “closing in on a deal” to bring veteran coach Mike Babcock back to the NHL. The 63‑year‑old, who captured a Stanley Cup in 2008 with the Detroit Red Wings and ranks 12th all‑time in career victories, would mark his return after a decade away from the league. The move signals Edmonton’s intent to blend Babcock’s proven playoff pedigree with the youthful core that led the team to a first‑round exit last season. A Babcock hire could also accelerate the development of star Connor McDavid, whose 2025‑26 campaign was already highlighted by a Ted Lindsay Award win that month. The Oilers’ pursuit of a high‑profile coach comes just as the franchise’s ownership structure faces scrutiny over salary‑cap compliance and long‑term competitiveness, positioning Babcock as a potential catalyst for a rapid rebuild. Oilers edge toward Babcock

Kings Pursue Quick Fix

The Los Angeles Kings have announced the appointment of Peter Laviolette as head coach, a decision expected to inject experience and stability into a squad that has struggled to translate talent into playoff success. Laviolette, whose résumé includes a 2014 Stanley Cup with the New York Rangers, brings a reputation for disciplined systems and a knack for turning around underperforming teams. His hiring follows a season where the Kings finished 31st in the league, three points shy of a playoff berth. The organization hopes Laviolette’s return to the bench will catalyze a turnaround before the 2026‑27 campaign, especially as the team faces a congested offensive lineup that has yet to coalesce. The move reflects a broader trend among struggling franchises seeking veteran leadership to bridge the gap between talent acquisition and competitive results. Kings hire Laviolette

Plano’s $700 M Bubble

Plano City Council’s recent approval of a $700 million public‑funding package for a new arena at The Shops of Willow Bend marks a significant step toward relocating the Dallas Stars from downtown. The approval, part of a roughly $1 billion project, sets the stage for the Stars to move into a modern, fan‑centric venue that promises increased revenue streams and a stronger local presence. The council’s decision follows months of negotiations that saw the franchise explore multiple sites before settling on Plano, citing the city’s proximity to the core fan base and the potential for long‑term economic impact. The arena’s construction is slated to begin in late 2026, with a projected opening in 2028, positioning the Stars to capitalize on the NHL’s expansion momentum and the growing appetite for high‑profile sports entertainment in the region. Plano’s funding OK

Larkin’s Trade List Sparks Rumors

Captain Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings has reportedly submitted a three‑team trade list, signaling his desire for a move after a season that saw the Wings finish 13th in the league. The list, disclosed by a source familiar with the discussions, includes teams that possess the depth and cap space to accommodate Larkin’s $10.3 million annual cap hit. Detroit’s management faces pressure to address a roster that has struggled to find offensive consistency while maintaining a defensive core that remains competitive. Larkin’s request underscores a broader debate about the balance between loyalty and pragmatism in the NHL, as veteran players increasingly seek environments that align with their career goals. The trade list also opens the door for a potential blockbuster that could reshape the Wings’ competitive window. Larkin’s trade list

Wild Secure Key Forward

The Minnesota Wild have locked down forward Michael McCarron with a six‑year, $20 million contract, a move that eliminates the looming free‑agent risk posed by his breakout performance after a midseason trade. McCarron’s 35‑point campaign was instrumental in keeping the Wild in playoff contention, and the new deal reflects the organization’s commitment to building around a core of young talent. The contract’s structure, featuring a substantial performance‑based component, aligns McCarron’s incentives with the team’s success while preserving salary‑cap flexibility for future acquisitions. The deal also signals the Wild’s intention to remain competitive in a Western Conference that has seen a influx of high‑scoring franchises, ensuring that McCarron remains a central figure in the team's offensive strategy Wild lock McCarron

Hurricanes Rethink Goaltending in Cup Final

Facing a 2‑1 series deficit against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Carolina Hurricanes made a strategic shift in Game 4 by starting Brandon Bussi over Frederik Andersen. The decision, announced by head coach Rod Brind’Amour, stemmed from Andersen’s recent struggles and a desire to reset the team’s defensive momentum. Bussi’s performance in the previous game, where he posted a 2.07 goals‑against average and a 93% save percentage, provided a compelling case for the change. The move reflects the Hurricanes’ broader approach to playoff resilience, prioritizing short‑term adjustments over long‑term consistency in the face of a formidable opponent. The decision also highlights the growing importance of goaltender analytics in playoff strategy, as teams increasingly rely on data to inform critical lineup changes. Hurricanes swap goalies

Avs’ Landeskog Earns Dual Honors

Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche was named the recipient of both the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award and the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in a ceremony held on Tuesday. Landeskog’s leadership on and off the ice has been instrumental in guiding the Avalanche to a 56‑point season, while his perseverance and dedication to the sport exemplify the Masterton Trophy’s emphasis on perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication. The dual recognition underscores the Avalanche’s culture of holistic player development, where on‑ice performance is matched by community engagement and personal resilience. Landeskog’s accolades also serve as a benchmark for franchise expectations, reinforcing the team's commitment to fostering leaders who embody both competitive excellence and character. Avs’ Landeskog honored

McDavid’s Lindsay Award Cementing Legacy

Connor McDavid’s recent receipt of the Ted Lindsay Award, voted on by his peers, solidifies his standing as the league’s most outstanding player. The award, which honors a player’s impact on the game, reflects McDavid’s statistical dominance, including a league‑leading 108 points, as well as his influence on team dynamics and the Oilers’ overall success. The recognition comes at a time when the Oilers are navigating a rebuild, and McDavid’s leadership is seen as pivotal to maintaining competitiveness in the Western Conference. The award also positions McDavid as a central figure in the narrative of the NHL’s evolving power play, where speed and skill continue to redefine offensive strategies. McDavid ties Lindsay

Hockey’s Women’s Frontier Expands

Hilary Knight’s foundational contract with the Las Vegas expansion team in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) marks a significant milestone for the league’s growth strategy. Knight, a five‑time Olympian, will bring elite skill and national recognition to a market that has recently embraced women's professional hockey. The signing, part of a broader sign‑and‑trade initiative involving the Detroit PWHL franchise, signals the league’s commitment to building competitive rosters through strategic player movement. Knight’s presence is expected to boost ticket sales, media coverage, and youth engagement in the Las Vegas area, further cementing the PWHL’s status as a rising force in North American sports. Knight inks Vegas

Knights’ Defensive Heroics Continue

Defenseman Brayden McNabb’s return to the Golden Knights lineup for Game, after sustaining significant facial injuries in Game, showcased the team's depth and resilience. McNabb’s performance, which included two assists and a 97% save percentage from the back line, earned him praise from head coach Gerard Gallant, who highlighted McNabb’s “warrior” spirit. The Knights’ ability to adapt to player injuries while maintaining offensive momentum underscores a broader trend of tactical flexibility in the NHL, where teams increasingly rely on versatile defensemen to anchor both defensive schemes and transition play. McNabb’s comeback also provided a morale boost that translated into a crucial 4‑2 victory, keeping the Knights within striking distance of a championship. Knights salute McNabb

Vezina Trophy Secures Vasilevskiy’s Reign

Andrei Vasilevskiy’s second Vezina Trophy win reaffirms his status as one of the NHL’s elite goaltenders. The Lightning’s 2.44 goals‑against average and 94% save percentage over the regular season positioned him as a clear front‑runner, while his 34 wins surpassed the league average for starting goaltenders. The award, awarded by the NHL Players’ Association, reflects Vasilevskiy’s consistent performance under pressure, particularly in high‑stakes games that determined playoff seeding. His dual triumphs—both individual and team—have solidified his reputation as a clutch performer, a quality that will be scrutinized as the Lightning advance deeper into the postseason. Vasilevskiy wins Vezina