NHL Hockey 3 Days

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

NHL News Briefing

Coaching Carousel and Front Office Moves

The Edmonton Oilers are making headlines with a significant coaching change, officially naming Mike Babcock as their new head coach on Tuesday. Babcock, who previously coached the Toronto Maple Leafs before his dismissal in 2019, steps into a role that some analysts suggest invites disaster given the team's recent history. Meanwhile, the Utah Mammoth are bolstering their coaching staff, with André Tourigny and Blaine Forsythe agreeing to new multiyear contracts.

Player Movement and Roster Shakeups

The NHL offseason is heating up with a notable trade that sees Brady Tkachuk heading to the Florida Panthers from the Ottawa Senators in a blockbuster deal. This move allows Tkachuk to join his brother, Matthew, on the Panthers roster, creating a family reunion on a team that has reached the Stanley Cup Final in consecutive seasons sources confirmed. In exchange for Tkachuk, the Senators received a package of draft picks, including the No. 25 selection in the upcoming draft, which the Panthers subsequently traded to the Seattle Kraken for forward Mackie Samoskevich Kraken acquire forward. The Kraken also secured their own future by agreeing to terms on a six-year deal with forward Bobby McMann.

The Oilers are keeping busy on the roster front as well, signing defenseman Connor Murphy to a five-year contract worth $20.5 million. Additionally, the team re-signed center Jason Dickinson to a five-year deal valued at $20 million, preventing him from exploring free agency.

Hall of Fame and League Growth

The Hockey Hall of Fame welcomed a new class, with Keith Tkachuk earning a spot in the Hall of Fame just a day after his sons, Brady and Matthew, became teammates in Florida. However, Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour, was notably passed over for the Hall of Fame class of 2026, despite leading his team to a Stanley Cup title last week and a championship as a player in 2006 Brind'Amour overlooked. On the league growth front, the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) announced its first two investors, with Ilitch Companies and Kilmer Sports Ventures stepping in to support the league's expansion and development.

League-Wide Storylines and Draft Anticipation

As the dust settles on the Stanley Cup Final, several storylines are already dominating discussions across the league five storylines emerge. The upcoming NHL Entry Draft, scheduled for Friday, is a major focus, with speculation about who might be traded next and potential offer sheets for restricted free agents like Robertson adding to the anticipation. Meanwhile, thousands of Hurricanes fans celebrated their Stanley Cup win with a parade in Raleigh, marking a triumphant end to their season.