NHL Hockey 8 Hours

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

League Personnel and Retirements

The retirement of veteran forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare marks the end of a 41-year-old journey that saw him achieve his NHL dream at 29 before representing his country on the Olympic stage. As one chapter closes, the Boston Bruins will honor franchise icon Patrice Bergeron by retiring his No. 37 jersey during a formal ceremony next season. Meanwhile, the league has officially cleared Mike Babcock to coach following a comprehensive investigation into his 2023 tenure with the Blue Jackets, a move that coincides with active interest from the Edmonton Oilers in securing his services behind the bench.

Injury Updates and Championship Honors

The Carolina Hurricanes hoisted the Stanley Cup following a hard-fought postseason, punctuated by Jordan Staal securing the Conn Smythe Trophy for his contributions to the championship run. While the league celebrates its newest titleholders, the Anaheim Ducks face a difficult recovery timeline as Troy Terry undergoes surgery to address a hip impingement and labral tear. The organization expects the forward to remain sidelined for five to six months, significantly impacting the team's offensive depth for the start of the upcoming campaign.