NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: June 23, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Stanley Cup Aftermath & Hall of Fame Buzz

The Carolina Hurricanes celebrated their recent Stanley Cup victory with a massive parade through downtown Raleigh on Sunday, drawing thousands of jubilant fans jamming sidewalks. Despite the team's success, coach Rod Brind'Amour, was notably absent from the latest Hockey Hall of Fame class announced Monday, a decision that surprised many given his championship pedigree as both player and coach passed over by the Hall. In a separate Hall of Fame development, Keith Tkachuk was elected to the Hall of Fame, an honor that arrived less than 24 hours after his sons, Brady and Matthew, became teammates in Florida elected into the Hall.

Blockbuster Trades & Signings

The NHL saw significant player movement in the days following the Stanley Cup Final. Brady Tkachuk, captain of the Ottawa Senators, was traded to the Florida Panthers in a major deal that sent multiple draft picks to Ottawa dealt to Florida, reuniting him with his brother Matthew on the Panthers roster joining brother Matthew. As part of the Panthers' maneuvering, they also sent forward Mackie Samoskevich to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for the No. 25 pick in the upcoming NHL draft acquiring Samoskevich. On the contract front, the Edmonton Oilers secured defenseman Connor Murphy with a five-year, $20.5 million extension signing Murphy to a deal, and also re-signed center Jason Dickinson to a five-year, $20 million contract, keeping him off the free agent market re-signing Dickinson. Meanwhile, forward Bobby McMann will remain with the Kraken after agreeing to a six-year deal staying with the Kraken.

League Expansion & Coaching Moves

The Utah Mammoth organization bolstered its coaching staff, signing head coach André Tourigny and assistant Blaine Forsythe to new multiyear contracts signing Tourigny and Forsythe. In a significant development for women's professional hockey, the PWHL announced its first two investors: Detroit-based Ilitch Companies and Toronto-based Kilmer Sports Ventures, signaling a push for sustained growth in the league adding first investors.

League-Wide Storylines & Draft Anticipation

As the dust settles on the Stanley Cup, several storylines are already dominating discussions around the league, including the ongoing player movement and the imminent NHL Entry Draft five storylines dominating. With the draft just days away, teams are finalizing their strategies, and the recent trades suggest a busy period ahead for NHL general managers. The league is also gearing up for the upcoming NBA Draft, which is scheduled for the day after the NHL Entry Draft NBA Draft a day away.