NHL Hockey 3 Days

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

Front Office and Coaching Carousel

The NHL coaching landscape shifted dramatically this week as the Golden Knights promoted Ryan Craig from their AHL affiliate to lead the NHL bench, just one day after the club parted ways with John Tortorella, who had previously left the door open for a return following a Stanley Cup Final loss despite his unconventional tenure. In Toronto, the Maple Leafs hired Jim Hiller as head coach to spearhead a wider front office overhaul, while the Nashville Predators added Jamie Langenbrunner as a special assistant to general manager Chris Mac Farland. Meanwhile, the league has officially launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mike Babcock's resignation from the Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2023.

Trade Activity and Roster Management

General manager movement fueled player transactions as Chris Mac Farland utilized his new role to acquire forward Ross Colton from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for two draft picks, a move designed to gain immediate salary cap flexibility. The Philadelphia Flyers also secured goaltender Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit in a separate transaction with the Toronto Maple Leafs, while the Buffalo Sabres landed the 20th overall pick by sending defenseman Michael Kesselring and their 27th pick to the San Jose Sharks. These moves arrive as the league prepares for the upcoming draft in Buffalo, where all 32 teams are finalizing their boards for the June 26 and 27 event.

Championship Reflections and Future Odds

Following their Stanley Cup victory, the Carolina Hurricanes cemented a winning culture built on a unique collaboration between coach Rod Brind'Amour and GM Eric Tulsky, a long-term strategy that eventually rewarded their patience after years of playoff heartbreak. Goaltender Frederik Andersen and his tandem partner Brandon Bussi shared the spotlight during the post-game celebrations, as Jaccob Slavin made American hockey history by becoming only the second player to win an Olympic gold medal and the Stanley Cup in the same season. Looking toward the 2026-27 campaign, the Hurricanes are currently favored at +700 to repeat, with the Avalanche at +800 and the Golden Knights at +850 leading a highly competitive field of contenders.

PWHL Developments and League Growth

The Professional Women's Hockey League celebrated a successful season, highlighted by the Boston Fleet dominating the awards as goaltender Aerin Frankel earned both the Billie Jean King MVP trophy and goalie of the year honors. The league's expansion efforts continue as the Las Vegas club appointed Kim Weiss as head coach, tasking her with building a program after her recent tenure as an AHL assistant. These milestones coincide with the Vancouver Goldeneyes selecting Caroline Harvey first overall in the entry draft, a process that evaluates top prospects ahead of future league growth.

League News and Industry Impact

Broadcast television is facing a significant change as Hockey Night in Canada will not return to the CBC next season, marking the end of a nearly 75-year tradition on the public network. Despite the shift in viewing habits, the NHL reported that the 2026 playoffs achieved record viewership in the U.S., averaging 1.8 million viewers per game. Amid these developments, the hockey community is mourning the loss of former player Kyle Calder, who passed away at age 47 following a brief illness. Meanwhile, star forward Mitch Marner offered a candid reflection on his time in Toronto, specifically addressing the mental health challenges he navigated during his nine seasons with the franchise. As fans look to the fall, early power rankings provide a glimpse at how the league will reset following the conclusion of the most-watched postseason in history.