NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: September 10, 2026, 10:20 PM ET

Barry Melrose, 1956–2026

The hockey world is mourning Barry Melrose, the former NHL player and coach turned longtime ESPN analyst, who died at age, his wife Cindy confirmed to ESPN's Steve Levy. For 27 years, Melrose served as the face and voice of hockey in the United States, defining the sport for generations of viewers and leaving a legacy with everyone he worked alongside.

Vegas Locks Up Bowman

The Golden Knights committed to forward Braeden Bowman on Thursday, signing him to a six-year extension carrying an average annual value of $3.4M. The deal could cover what shapes up as his first full season in Vegas, giving the club cost certainty on a young forward.

Kings' Fiala Sidelined Again

Los Angeles will open camp without Kevin Fiala, as the Kings forward undergoes follow-up surgery on the broken leg he sustained at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Fiala will miss the start of training camp, leaving a hole in the Kings' top six.

Kreider Waived by Ducks

Anaheim placed veteran forward Chris Kreider on waivers for termination, with a source saying Kreider wants to play closer to the East Coast. The move ends a brief Ducks tenure and sets up a potential Eastern Conference landing spot.

Hughes, Werenski Address Futures

Quinn Hughes said he feels no pressure to rush into an extension with the Minnesota Wild, though he expects talks with GM Bill Guerin to pick up as camp opens. In Columbus, Zach Werenski said he anticipates a positive reception from Blue Jackets fans after an offseason that raised questions about his future with the franchise.

Detroit, Atlanta and Camp Storylines

Alex DeBrincat said he would welcome Dylan Larkin back in Detroit despite Larkin's trade request. League-wide, camps opening means a fresh set of burning questions for all 32 teams, from Quinn Hughes' future to the Sharks' playoff hopes to the Panthers' new faces. Expansion remains in the air, too: deputy commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN the NHL is in talks with a third Atlanta group seeking a team.

Fantasy Angles

With drafts approaching, analysts see breakout conditions for forwards such as Quinn and Coronato. And winning a league takes more than a good first round — it's everything after, which is why experts preach a full-season plan.