NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: June 12, 2026, 2:48 AM ET
Front Office Shakeup
The Edmonton Oilers are closing in on Mike Babcock as their next head coach, with the 63-year-old veteran reportedly finalizing a deal after a storied career that includes the 2008 Stanley Cup championship and 12th place on the NHL's all-time wins list. This comes as star defenseman Darnell Nurse has provided the Oilers with a trade list of teams he would accept a move to, adding another layer to what has become a turbulent offseason in Edmonton. Meanwhile, Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin submitted his own three-team trade list to management, signaling the end of his tenure with the Original Six club after years of speculation about his future. In Los Angeles, the Kings are turning to Peter Laviolette to revitalize a stagnant offense that ranked in the bottom third league-wide during the regular season, marking the well-traveled coach's latest opportunity to rebuild a franchise.
Stanley Cup Final Drama
Carolina's 5-3 victory over Vegas on Tuesday evened the Stanley Cup Final at two games apiece, with Jordan Staal scoring the decisive goal while lying on his stomach to push the puck across the goal line for his second marker of the night. The dramatic winner came after the Golden Knights had taken their first two-goal lead of the series, only to watch it evaporate in a third-period collapse that shifted series momentum. With the series now a best-of-three heading into Game 5 in Raleigh, Vegas is implementing a four-point plan to regain control after squandering their home-ice advantage. Brandon Bussi will likely start in goal for Carolina on Thursday, giving the rookie netminder his first taste of Stanley Cup Final action after serving as the backup throughout most of the playoffs.
Leadership Honored
Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog captured both the Mark Messier Leadership Award and Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy during Tuesday's ceremony, recognition for his character and perseverance through injury challenges that limited him to just 22 games this season. The dual honors mark a fitting conclusion to Landeskog's season of advocacy and mentorship, as the 31-year-old veteran continues to influence the game despite reduced playing time. His achievements stood in contrast to the Hart Trophy voting, where Tampa Bay's Nikita Kucherov claimed his second MVP award by edging out fellow superstars Connor McDavid and Nathan Mac Kinnon in a tightly contested race that highlighted the exceptional individual performances across the league this season.
Business & Contracts
The Minnesota Wild locked up Michael McCarron with a six-year, $20 million extension, removing a potential free agent from the market after the forward contributed 18 goals and 22 assists following his acquisition from Montreal at the trade deadline. This signing represents the Wild's commitment to maintaining their core while other teams pursue major shakeups. Dallas Stars ownership moved closer to a Plano relocation after city council approved $700 million in public funding toward what would become a roughly $1 billion development project at The Shops of Willow Bend, though the franchise still needs to finalize details before construction can begin.
Women's Hockey Expansion
The Professional Women's Hockey League continues its rapid expansion with multiple coaching and roster moves across the league. Seattle Torrent hired Christine Bumstead as their second head coach, while the Toronto Sceptres named Pascal Rheaume to their coaching staff, making him the second member of his family to join the PWHL this spring. Boston Fleet re-signed Susanna Tapani to keep the Finnish star in the fold, and Seattle also inked forward Julia Gosling as part of the league's ongoing expansion process that has doubled the number of franchises since its inception.
Future Prospects
Nearly 15% of NHL players during the 2025-26 season entered the league as undrafted free agents, including six participants in the Stanley Cup Final, underscoring how teams increasingly value overlooked talent in an era of salary cap constraints and draft pick valuation. The NHL scouting combine recently concluded in Buffalo, where the next wave of prospects underwent rigorous testing and interviews that will shape draft boards ahead of June's selection process. These events highlight the league's ongoing evolution in player development and acquisition strategies.
Series Outlook
With the Stanley Cup Final now deadlocked at 2-2, Carolina opened as slight favorites to capture the championship despite Vegas's superior regular season record and home-ice advantage. The shift reflects how the Hurricanes have managed significant family expansions during their playoff run, with three defensemen becoming fathers in recent months while maintaining their competitive edge. This resilience has defined Carolina's postseason journey and positioned them as legitimate champions regardless of the outcome.