NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: June 18, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Championship Reflections and Coaching Carousel

The Carolina Hurricanes hoisted the Stanley Cup this week, ending a two-decade drought behind a front-office strategy that blended analytical precision with veteran grit. As the league prepares for a new cycle, the Hurricanes are early favorites at +700 to repeat in 2027, narrowly edging out the Colorado Avalanche at +800 and the Vegas Golden Knights at +850. The transition in leadership across the league remains intense, as the Washington Capitals signed Spencer Carbery to a multiyear extension, while the Maple Leafs hired Jim Hiller to spearhead a significant front-office overhaul following his tenure with the Los Angeles Kings.

The landscape in Las Vegas is shifting rapidly after the organization moved on from John Tortorella just one day before promoting Ryan Craig from their AHL affiliate to lead the NHL bench. Amid these changes, Mike Babcock has been cleared by the NHL to resume coaching duties, drawing interest from the Edmonton Oilers following an investigation into his 2023 tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Golden Knights continue to dominate headlines, both for their on-ice success and their reputation as the league’s most polarizing franchise, while star forward Mitch Marner recently opened up about his mental health struggles during his nine-year stint in Toronto.

Personnel Moves and Retirements

A wave of veteran departures and medical setbacks has reshaped several rosters this week. Pierre-Edouard Bellemare has officially announced his retirement at age, closing the book on a career that saw him reach the NHL at 29 and compete on the international stage. Meanwhile, the Anaheim Ducks face a long recovery window as Troy Terry undergoes surgery for a hip impingement and labral tear, with a projected absence of five to six months. The hockey community also mourns the loss of former NHL player Kyle Calder, who passed away at 47 following a brief illness.

Transaction activity remains high as teams jockey for position before the draft. The Nashville Predators have hired Jamie Langenbrunner as a special assistant to general manager Chris Mac Farland, a move that followed the acquisition of Ross Colton from the Colorado Avalanche to add depth to their forward group. In a separate deal, the Philadelphia Flyers added goaltender Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit from Toronto, while the Buffalo Sabres landed the 20th overall pick from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Michael Kesselring and the 27th selection.

League Growth and Women’s Hockey

The NHL continues to see record-breaking engagement, confirming that the spring playoffs drew 1.8 million viewers on average, the highest numbers ever recorded in the United States. Despite this growth, the media landscape is evolving as Hockey Night in Canada will depart CBC after nearly 75 years, signaling a major shift in how the sport is broadcast to the public. As teams evaluate their future rosters, scouting departments are currently identifying critical pipeline needs based on their specific spots in the contention cycle to guide their draft strategy.

In the Professional Women's Hockey League, the talent pool continues to expand, highlighted by the selection of Caroline Harvey as the first overall pick by the Vancouver Goldeneyes during Wednesday’s entry draft. The league’s prestige was further bolstered as the Boston Fleet swept the major awards, with Aerin Frankel taking home both the Billie Jean King MVP trophy and the goalie of the year honor. As the league looks toward the future, prospects are being heavily scouted for the upcoming 2026 class, ensuring a consistent infusion of talent into the professional ranks. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins have scheduled a ceremony to retire Patrice Bergeron’s No. 37 jersey next season, honoring the legacy of one of the game's most respected figures.