NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: June 20, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Personnel Changes and Coaching Staff

The coaching carousel accelerated Wednesday as the Vegas Golden Knights promoted Ryan Craig from their AHL affiliate to lead the NHL club, a move coming just one day after the organization parted ways with John Tortorella. Meanwhile, the league cleared Mike Babcock to return to an NHL bench following a comprehensive review of his 2023 tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets, leaving the Edmonton Oilers as a primary suitor for his services. In the nation’s capital, the Washington Capitals secured head coach Spencer Carbery with a multiyear contract extension on Thursday, reflecting the team's commitment to his vision, while the Nashville Predators added Jamie Langenbrunner as a special assistant to general manager Chris Mac Farland to bolster their front-office operations.

Retirements and Legacy Honors

The hockey world bid farewell to two respected veterans this week as Jonathan Toews announced his retirement, concluding a decorated career that featured three Stanley Cup championships with the Chicago Blackhawks and two Olympic gold medals with Canada. Joining him in retirement is Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, the 41-year-old forward who defied the odds by reaching the NHL at age 29 and later debuted on the Olympic stage. Boston Bruins fans will have a permanent reminder of their own legend next season, as the organization confirmed plans to retire Patrice Bergeron’s No. 37 jersey during a formal ceremony.

Trade Market and Draft Preparations

The Toronto Maple Leafs initiated a sign-and-trade for Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh, a move that effectively removes a top target from the upcoming free agent market. Analysts suggest Toronto is betting on Raddysh's late breakout to solidify their blue line, a high-stakes gamble as the team looks to balance its roster before the July 1 opening of free agency. As teams project potential offseason swaps ahead of the June 26-27 draft, the Buffalo Sabres executed a draft-day maneuver by sending defenseman Michael Kesselring and their No. 27 pick to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for the No. 20 overall selection.

Injury Updates and League Developments

The Anaheim Ducks face a significant setback after announcing that forward Troy Terry requires a five-to-six-month recovery period following surgery to repair a hip impingement and a labral tear. On the ice, the Carolina Hurricanes secured the Stanley Cup championship in a series defined by a standout performance from Jordan Staal, who claimed the Conn Smythe Trophy. Elsewhere, the Professional Women's Hockey League selected Caroline Harvey with the first overall pick in their entry draft, highlighting the rapid growth of the women's game. As the NHL landscape shifts, the Vegas Golden Knights remain a polarizing force among fans, recently topping a poll as the league’s most disliked team despite their consistent success. Clubs are simultaneously evaluating prospect pipeline needs to determine which positions to prioritize in next week's draft to maintain their specific spots in the league's competitive cycle.