The Golden Knights return to the Stanley Cup Final for the third time since debuting in the NHL for the 2017-18 season, as they'll meet the Carolina Hurricanes, who are also making their third appearance in the Cup Final.
Both teams are 1-1 in the Stanley Cup, with the Golden Knights hoisting the Cup in 2023, and the 'Canes winning in 2006.
Here's a glance at what you need to know with this series:
REGULAR-SEASON SERIES
Oct. 20: Golden Knights 4-1 in Vegas
Oct. 28: Golden Knights 6-3 in Carolina
ALL-TIME SERIES NUMBERS
RECORD: Golden Knights are 7-6-3 against Carolina
GOALS: Golden Knights 51, Hurricanes 47
RECORD (in Vegas): Knights are 3-3-2
GOALS (in Vegas): Golden Knights 22, Hurricanes 22
RECORD (in Raleigh): Knights are 4-3-1
GOALS (in Raleigh): Golden Knights 29, Ducks 25
HURRICANES STRENGTHS
If anything, Carolina will be one of the most complete teams the Golden Knights have faced during the postseason, and realistically, all season. The Hurricanes' strengths show up both in numbers and in how they play on the ice. Coach Rod Brind’Amour has the Hurricanes playing with a disciplined and system-driven style that saw them turn in a 12-1 mark during the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Hurricanes provide a strong emphasis on forechecking, puck possession, and defensive responsibility, a structure that makes them consistent each game and tough to break down. This team has a balanced scoring attack with multiple scoring threats, including Logan Stankoven, Taylor Hall, Jackson Blake, Nikolaj Ehlers and Sebastian Aho - the team's top five goal scorers during the postseason. The Hurricanes ranked second in the league during the regular season with 291 goals scored, and ranks fifth in the postseason with 42. The team's structured defense limits chances by keeping pressure on opponents, which is why it ranked tied for fifth during the regular season in allowing 236 goals. Goaltender Frederik Andersen ranks first in the postseason with a 1.41 goals-against average.
HURRICANES WEAKNESSES
Because Carolina plays a structured system based on speed and skill, rather than a bruising one, it could struggle if Vegas employs its physicality and decides to play heavy with its bruising forwards and big defensemen. Carolina's finesse game opens the door for a bully-like team to crowd the crease, win board battles and disrupt puck movement. With physicality ramping up in the Cup Final, and the Knights bringing experience in from their 2023 championship team, they could have the edge in that area. Also, by playing with their controlled pace and with clean breakouts, the Hurricanes might struggle in broken-play situations amid chaos. The Knights tend to wreak havoc in front of the net, and it might limit Carolina's chances with rebounds. So despite high-shot volume, finishing inconsistency on the part of the Hurricanes could prove to be a detriment.
SCHEDULE (all times pacific)
1. Tuesday, June 2, 5 p.m., Raleigh, NC
2. Thursday, June 4, 5 p.m., Raleigh, NC
3. Saturday, June 6, 5 p.m., Las Vegas, NV
4. Tuesday, June 9, 5 p.m., Las Vegas, NV
*5. Thursday, June 11, 5 p.m., Raleigh, NC
*6. Sunday, June 14, 5 p.m., Las Vegas, NV
*7. Wednesday, June 17, 5 p.m. Raleigh, NC
* if necessary
PHOTO CAPTION
Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) gets the shot away against Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Domenick Fensore (89) during the third period at Lenovo Center on Oct. 28, 2025.
The Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights will be going head-to-head for the Stanley Cup, as the final two teams remaining in the 2025-26 season.
It's the third Stanley Cup Final appearance for each franchise and both teams are also looking to capture their second ever Stanley Cup.
Every game will be broadcasted on ABC in the U.S. and Sportsnet, CBC and TVA Sports in Canada.
As the higher seed, the Hurricanes will open up the series at Lenovo Center on Tuesday.
Here's the full schedule:
Game 1: Tuesday, June 2 at 8 p.m. (Lenovo Center) Game 2: Thursday, June 4 at 8 p.m. (Lenovo Center) Game 3: Saturday, June 6 at 8 p.m. (T-Mobile Arena) Game 4: Tuesday, June 9 at 8 p.m. (T-Mobile Arena) Game 5: Thursday, June 11 at 8 p.m. (Lenovo Center) Game 6: Sunday, June 14 at 8 p.m. (T-Mobile Arena) Game 7: Wednesday, June 17 at 8 p.m. (Lenovo Center)
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The Edmonton Oilers have reached the point where every offseason move has to thread a needle, or whatever.
They need to improve. They need to get younger. They need to stay competitive around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. And they need to do it without a whole lot of cap space or draft capital.
The funny thing is, the future Edmonton has been trading away for years isn't really the future anymore. Some of those first-round picks would already be in Bakersfield. A couple might even be pushing for NHL roles. Instead, the Oilers are once again looking for creative ways to patch holes around an expensive core.
And if there's one area that still feels unsettled, it's the blue line.
If Stan Bowman decides to make a significant move this summer, three names jump off the page.
Let's start with the one that makes the most sense.
Jacob Trouba.
A few years ago, this would've been a much tougher sell. His contract was bloated, and his offensive numbers didn't match his reputation. There were nights where the game seemed to be moving faster than he was.
But hockey players age, roles change and expectations shift.
The version of Trouba available now isn't being asked to carry a defensive core. He's being asked to bring something Edmonton has lost.
A little menace.
There was a time when Darnell Nurse played with a certain snarl. Opposing forwards knew they'd pay a price around the crease, and scrums didn't end until Nurse decided they were over.
But that version shows up less and less these days.
If you were building a playoff defenceman in a lab, he'd check a lot of boxes. Right shot, good skater, competitive, moves the puck, plays tough minutes, and doesn't need to be sheltered.
Every contender would love to have him. Which is exactly the issue.
The moment Andersson becomes available, the line forms quickly.
The Oilers would undoubtedly have interest, but interest and ability aren't always the same thing. Edmonton has spent years moving picks and prospects in pursuit of immediate help. That's understandable when you're chasing Cups. It's also why acquiring a player like Andersson becomes difficult.
Right-shot defencemen don't grow on trees. Neither do affordable ones.
He moves the puck well, skates efficiently and can handle a serious amount of minutes on any given night. Those players tend to become more valuable the deeper a team gets into the playoffs.
The Oilers know that better than most.
Of course, before Edmonton can realistically add anyone, there's the uncomfortable conversation.
Maybe that's Darnell Nurse, whose contract continues to grow past his game. To be clear, Nurse is still a useful NHL defenceman, and the problem isn't whether he can play. It's whether he's providing value relative to the cap hit.
Or maybe it's Mattias Ekholm.
This is where hockey gets cruel.
Ekholm is still smart enough to defend half the league. He cares more than most defencemen on that team, but there were stretches this season where you could see the clock ticking.
The legs are always the first to go, and teams chasing a Stanley Cup in the next two years have to make tough decisions.
The Oilers don't need a complete makeover on defence. They need another option, another layer of defenceman who can pressure offence without creating problems.
Of the names available, Andersson is probably the best player. Raddysh might be the best value.
But if Edmonton is looking to change the personality of its blue line, Trouba is the most interesting fit.
Because for all the skill on this roster, there are still nights where the Oilers look a little too easy to play against.
Trouba wouldn't solve every problem. He'd just make sure the other team had a few more of their own.
The Canadian captain was named the tournament's best forward by the International Ice Hockey Federation directorate. He also was one of the three forwards named to the media all-star team.
Celebrini, who turns 20 in June, ranked second in the tournament with 14 points, one behind Switzerland's Sven Andrighetto. He was tied for the second-most goals with six.
He had one of the plays of the tournament with a long backhand flip pass that led to a Dylan Holloway goal against Finland.
Captain Canada Macklin Celebrini feeds Dylan Holloway for the go ahead goal in the first period. Former #SJSharks defender Dylan DeMelo with the secondary assist. Canada up 2-1 in #MensWorlds Semis pic.twitter.com/MIM5FKfuzQ
— TEAL TOWN USA - A San Jose Sharks Podcast (@TEALTOWNUSA) May 30, 2026
Celebrini was named captain before the tournament and held the position even after the arrival of Sidney Crosby.
Canada, which was upset by Norway in last year's quarterfinals, won its seven preliminary round games and beat the defending champion United States in the quarterfinal.
But it lost to Finland in the semifinals and to Norway in the bronze medal game to finish without a medal for the third year in a row.
Celebrini also represented Canada in the last year's world championships and in the Olympics.
He was one of the heaviest-hitting defenseman the Detroit Red Wings have ever had, and he played a key role in their most recent Stanley Cup-winning season of 2007-08.
Now, Niklas Kronwall is getting some well-deserved recognition, having recently been inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Additionally, former Red Wings forward Tomas Vanek was also announced as an inductee.
Kronwall was selected by the Red Wings in the first round (29th overall) of the 2000 NHL Draft while playing for Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Hockey League, and would eventually make his NHL debut in the 2003-04 season.
Injuries limited him in 2005-06, though he would eventually appear in 68 games the following season.
2007-08 was his true coming out party, as reached career highs in goals scored (seven), assists (25), and would later contribute 15 assists in 22 postseason games, helping the Red Wings win the Stanley Cup.
He'd eventually play 953 career NHL games, all with Detroit, finishing his career with 83 goals and 349 assists, while also contributing five goals and 42 assists in 109 career Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Representing Sweden internationally, he won a gold medal in the 2006 Winter Olympics and the 2006 World Championship,. as well as a silver medal in the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Not only could he chip in offensively, but he also became known for his thunderous body checks that eventually became known as being "Kronwalled".
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The Vancouver Canucks are ushering in a new era with their changes to their management group. Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin are out, with Daniel and Henrik Sedin and Ryan Johnson taking their places. With it comes the hope that Vancouver’s culture will undergo a shift.
The first head coach to take up a role under the old management regime was Bruce Boudreau. The veteran NHL coach spent around one year with the Canucks before being fired mid-season in 2023 in a drawn-out process that resulted in Vancouver receiving backlash. Rich Tocchet later came in to take Boudreau’s place.
Earlier today, Boudreau gave his thoughts on how the team’s new management team will differ from the old group, not shying away from his critique of his former Vancouver colleagues.
“I think [Johnson and the Sedins] are going to be so much better than to have Jim there and Patrik Allvin, who did whatever Jim wanted anyway, so it didn’t really matter if Patrik was there or not,” he said on the Fellowship of the Rink podcast.
While his tenure with the Canucks wasn’t long, Boudreau did get to work with both Johnson and the Sedins at some points during his time with Vancouver. The former Canucks head coach had ample praise for Johnson, who had been the Abbotsford Canucks’ GM during Boudreau’s time with Vancouver.
“He was the only one that was easy to talk to. The only one that would have a conversation where you weren’t worried that, ‘what do I have to say now,’ to make sure that it doesn’t get back to anybody,” he said. “It makes you feel comfortable to talk to him.”
Oct 24, 2022; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks head coach Bruce Boudreau on the bench against Carolina Hurricanes in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
Boudreau was also quick to celebrate the Sedins’ promotion, citing their commitment to the organization and willingness to be involved on all levels as an indicator that they should do well in the roles they have taken up.
“They would go to Abbotsford, they would go on the ice, they’d show the kids faceoffs, they would show our guys faceoffs,” he said. “The players in both Abbotsford and Vancouver felt comfortable to talk to them because they weren’t judging you outwardly. They weren’t sitting there and making public statements about you that didn’t need to be made.”
In Boudreau’s time as head coach, the Canucks posted a record of 50–40–13, including a 32–15–10 stretch during the final 57 games of the 2021–22 season. During the first half of the 2022–23 season, in Boudreau’s final 46 games with the Canucks, Vancouver put up a record of 18–25–3. The longtime NHL head coach registered his best season record with the Washington Capitals in 2009–10 (54–15–13).
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Coach Jim Montgomery could be welcoming in his assistant coaching hire of the off-season, as Vinny Prospal has recently been linked to the St. Louis Blues.
“Vinny Prospal, really good NHL player,” Friedman said. “There’s talk out there he could be joining Jim Montgomery on the bench in St. Louis. They have some openings, and I think he’s a contender for one of those jobs.”
Since retiring in 2013, Prospal has worked several jobs in the NHL, most recently serving as an assistant coach with the Rochester Amerks, the Buffalo Sabres’ AHL affiliate. With the Amerks, Prospal was in charge of the power play and has found plenty of success with it. In 2025-26, the Amerks ranked third in the AHL on power play.
Prior to working as an assistant coach in the AHL, Prospal was the head coach of HC Motor České Budějovice in Czechia. Prospal helped the franchise achieve promotion to the top professional league after just his second season with the club.
Dating back even further, Prospal worked as an assistant coach for Czechia at several international events, including the 2018 Olympics and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. He also worked as a pro scout for the New York Rangers during the 2013-14 season.
The Blues’ power play ranked 26th in the NHL and has been a non-factor for several seasons now. With skilled players like Robert Thomas, Dylan Holloway, Jimmy Snuggerud, Jordan Kyrou, Dalibor Dvorsky, and several others, there is no reason for the power play to struggle as much as it has.
Bringing Prospal on board would help the Blues address a vital issue and, hopefully, improve their offense. With the Amerks, Prospal worked with several young players who have recently graduated to the NHL and played critical roles with the Sabres in the regular season and playoffs.
The Blues want to be younger and sharper across their players, management, and coaching staff. Hiring the 51-year-old Prospal would do so.
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A pair of former Florida Panthers, defenseman Mike Reilly and goaltender Brandon Bussi, will have the opportunity to win the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Following the Hurricanes’ five-game series win over the Montreal Canadiens, they’ll move on to the Stanley Cup final against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup in 2005-06 and went to the finals in 2001-02. This will be the third time that they have made the final.
The Hurricanes have been dominant in the post-season, losing just one game en route to the finals.
Reilly and Bussi haven’t been the most prominent figures on the Hurricanes roster, but it takes an entire roster to get to the finals. Reilly has featured in just two games this post-season, but has notched two assists.
During the regular season, Reilly recorded one goal and nine points in 42 games.
As for Bussi, he hasn’t appeared in any playoff games, but he was vital to the Hurricanes’ success in the regular season. The Hurricanes dealt with several injuries to goaltenders during the regular season, and Bussi stepped up for the Canes.
He played 39 games during the regular season, winning 31 of those contests and posting an .895 save percentage. Although Frederik Andersen has held down the fort for the Hurricanes in the playoffs, Bussi has been ready as the backup goaltender.
Bussi and Reilly’s history with the Panthers wasn’t too extensive. Bussi was signed to a two-way deal in the off-season, but was claimed off waivers by the Hurricanes during pre-season.
Reilly played just two games with the Panthers in the 2023-24 season and was placed on waivers by the Panthers. He was then claimed by the New York Islanders, ending his tenure with the Panthers.
The 2025-26 NHL Stanley Cup finals begin on Tuesday with the Hurricanes hosting the Golden Knights.
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The Detroit Red Wings celebrated their centennial season in 2025-26, which was commemorated by memories of glories past and multiple cameos from some of the most important players in team history.
It was on this day in 2002 that the Red Wings enjoyed one of the most meaningful victories in their history, defeating the Colorado Avalanche by a whopping 7-0 final score in Game 7 of the Western Conference Final.
The Red Wings, who had defeated the Vancouver Canucks and St. Louis Blues in the opening two rounds of the postseason, found themselves in a precarious position after five games against Colorado.
The Avalanche beat the Red Wings 2-1 in overtime in Game 5, taking a three-games-to-two series lead back to Denver. But it was a crucial error from Hall of Fame goaltender Patrick Roy that opened the door for Detroit late in the first period of Game 6.
Thanks to a standout shutout performance from Dominik Hasek, the Red Wings and Avalanche returnred to Detroit for one final showdown for a spot in the Stanley Cup Final.
Not only did the Red Wings strike early and often, but ultimately chased Roy from the net by the midway point of the second period in front of a rocking sellout crowd at Joe Louis Arena.
Moving on to face the Carolina Hurricanes, the Red Wings were surprised in Game 1 with a 3-2 overtime defeat before ultimately winning four straight games to claim the 10th Stanley Cup in team history.
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The Montreal Canadiens will be a team to keep an eye on during this off-season. After taking a major step in the right direction this season and making it to the Eastern Conference Final, they should be looking to boost their roster this summer.
One area that the Canadiens could look to improve is their blueline. Because of this, they are being urged to strike a deal for one of the NHL's top defenseman trade candidates.
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Adam Gretz urged the Canadiens to trade for New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton this off-season.
"A second-line center upgrade should be high on the list. Another right-shot defenseman should be right there with it. For now, we will focus on the latter area and propose a trade involving New Jersey's Dougie Hamilton," Gretz wrote. "Adding him to a defense that already has Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson would give Montreal one of the best puck-moving, possession-driving blue lines."
The thought of the Canadiens bringing in Hamilton is an interesting one. If they acquired him, he would give them another proven top-four defenseman for their right side. He would also provide them with another clear option for their power play because of his ability to produce offense from the point.
In 77 games this season with the Devils, Hamilton had 12 goals, 27 assists, 39 points. However, he notably ended the campaign on a high note, posting 30 points in his final 38 games.
Yet, Hamilton has a $9 million cap hit until the end of the 2027-28 season. Even if the Devils retained some of his salary, there would still be a good amount of risk in the Canadiens bringing in Hamilton. Not only has he had injury trouble in recent seasons, but he is also turning 33 years old in June.
It will be interesting to see if the Canadiens end up making a push for Hamilton this off-season. He would undoubtedly have the potential to give the Canadiens more offense from the point, but his contract and age would him a risky addition for Montreal.
DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 11: Claude Lemieux is honored at the the Colorado Avalanche's 30th Anniversary Celebration of the 1995-1996 season prior to the game against the Florida Panthers at Ball Arena on December 11, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
The Colorado Avalanche, and the rest of the hockey world at large, are mourning the passing of one its most iconic names in the sport.
Claude Lemieux passed away this past Thursday in Palm Beach, Florida, on Thursday. He was 60 years old.
Lemieux’s reputation of being a hard-hitting, physical winger had been cemented long before Avalanche fans were Avalanche fans. A second round draft pick by the Montréal Canadiens in 1983, Lemieux scored ten goals and six assists during the playoffs, capturing his first Stanley Cup championship as a rookie in 1986. He spent five seasons with Montréal before being traded to the New Jersey Devils in September 1990.
Lemieux would spend the next five seasons in New Jersey building on his burgeoning playoff resume, which culminated in New Jersey’s first (and his second) Stanley Cup championship during the 1995 Stanley Cup Final, a sweep over the Detroit Red Wings. He scored thirteen goals and three assists during New Jersey’s playoff run, and was awarded the Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP.
Upon the arrival of the newly rechristened Quebec Nordiques as the Colorado Avalanche, general manager Pierre Lacroix set out to build a roster capable of winning the Stanley Cup. Lacroix’s first step in creating that championship caliber roster came on October 3, 1995, when he acquired Lemieux from New Jersey in a three-team trade involving the New York Islanders. Now a multiple Stanley Cup champion, Lemieux immediately brought to Colorado a proven playoff performer.
Lemieux earned his first point in an Avalanche sweater with an assist on Valeri Kamensky’s game-winning goal in the Avs first home game at McNichols Sports Arena in a 3-2 victory over—who else?—the visiting Detroit Red Wings.
Lemieux would forever intertwine Colorado and Detroit with his hit on a vulnerable Kris Draper during Game Six of the 1996 Western Conference Final, sparking what became one of the most bitter and competitive rivalries ever known in hockey. Games featuring the Avalanche and the Red Wings were the highlight of the hockey schedule, and their playoff series, bursting with equal parts talent and toughness, were legendary. Colorado would capture the Stanley Cup with Lemieux—the third of his career—in 1996 alongside goaltender Patrick Roy, who was teammates with Lemieux during Montréal’s Stanley Cup victory a decade earlier.
In just over four seasons with the Avs, Lemieux recorded 106 goals and 106 assists for 212 points in 297 regular season games. He played in 62 playoff games with Colorado, scoring 24 goals and 31 assists for 55 points. On November 3, 1999, Lemieux would be traded back to New Jersey, where he would capture his fourth and final Stanley Cup in 2000.
Lemieux signed as a free agent in December 2000 with the then-Phoenix Coyotes, where he played until he was acquired by the Dallas Stars in January 2003. Lemieux skated with Zug EV in the Swiss-A League during the 2003-2004 season, and the China Sharks in the Asia League Ice Hockey (AL) to begin the 2008-2009 season. He would make a return to North America after signing a contract with the Worcester Sharks in November 2008, and finished his NHL career as a member of the San Jose Sharks after being called up in January 2009.
Not long after his playing career ended, Lemieux served as team president of the ECHL’s Phoenix Roadrunners, a position he held for two years. He also participated in the Canadian reality television show Battle of the Blades. He was paired with Canadian figure skater Shae-Lynn Bourne, with the pair finishing in second place. His appearance on the show also provided Lemieux with the opportunity to showcase his vocal talents, which some may view as a stark contrast to his hard-hitting hockey persona.
Lemieux would become a certified player agent, joining 4sports Hockey, a firm representing several players across the NHL. According to The Athletic, Lemiuex’s client list spans many NHL markets, including Fredrik Andersen (Carolina) Rasmus Andersson (Vegas), Joel Eriksson Ek (Minnesota), Hampus Lindholm (Boston), and Timo Meier (New Jersey), among others.
Both Andersen and Andersson will face each other in the Stanley Cup Final beginning later this week.
Lemieux remained adored by Avs fans, who warmly welcomed him whenever he returned to Colorado. In 2011, he participated in a special opening night ceremony commemorating the Avs’s fifteenth anniversary of bringing Colorado its first ever major league sports championship. Five years later, he would skate with the alumni squad during the Avs’ inaugural Stadium Series event at Coors Field. Just as he did in the first-ever Avs game back in 1995, he recorded an assist on a Valeri Kamenski goal, which opened the scoring in the eventual 5-2 victory over Detroit’s alumni squad, which served as the final chapter of the storied rivalry shared between both clubs.
Last December, Lemieux would return to Colorado as part of the franchise’s thirtieth anniversary celebrations, participating in a special reunion with teammates of the 1996 Stanley Cup championship team featuring anecdotes and fond memories of their arrival in the Mile High City three decades ago.
Last season, prior to the Avalanche hosting the Florida Panthers—who faced them in the 1996 Stanley Cup Final—Lemieux and the 1996 Stanley Cup roster were honored at Ball Arena.
In what would be his final public appearance this past Monday, Lemieux carried the torch into Centre Bell this past Monday as part of a special pregame ceremony in Montréal, receiving a rousing ovation prior the start of Game Three against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final.
Upon learning of Lemiuex’s death, Colorado Avalanche president Joe Sakic issued the following statement:
On Saturday, in a statement released via his son Brendan’s Instagram account (more below), the Lemieux family announced that, “In the hope that Claude’s life can continue to help others, the family has chosen to donate his brain to the UNITE Brain Bank at the Boston University CTE Center for research into the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain injury. The family has also given permission for the CTE Center to identify Claude by name in connection with his donation and any findings it may publicly share in accordance with its research protocols.”
In an interview conducted last year as part of the Crave miniseries Toujours Canadiens, Lemieux offered the following on what he hoped for his children when asked about life beyond hockey. “Happiness. Being happy is not about winning the Stanley Cup or money. Being happy is to be comfortable in your own skin, to have a good partner, to be there for your kids,” he said. “I’m a grandfather now, so that’s something I wish for them, too.”
In addition to Brendan, Lemieux is survived by his wife, Deborah, sons Michael and Christopher, daughter Claudia, and his grandchildren.
We at Mile High Hockey extend our condolences to Lemieux’s family, friends, and colleagues.
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In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Adam Gretz discussed one move that each team in the NHL should make. When it came to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Gretz argued that they should look to add a young defenseman with good upside.
Gretz then named Buffalo Sabres defenseman Michael Kesselring, Boston Bruins blueliner Mason Lohrei, and New Jersey Devils defender Simon Nemec as three potential trade targets for the Penguins to consider.
With the Sabres having limited cap space and Kesselring struggling during his first season in Buffalo, he has come up in the rumor mill often now that their season is over. While Kesselring had a quiet 2025-26 season with Buffalo (two assists in 34 games), he has shown in the past that he can be an impactful top-four defenseman. Just back in 2024-25 with Utah, he had seven goals and 29 points in 82 games. Perhaps he could bounce back in a more significant role in Pittsburgh.
We here at The Hockey News Penguins recently discussed Lohrei as a potential fit for Pittsburgh, and it would make sense if they targeted him. The 6-foot-5 defenseman has shown promise early on in his career with Boston and could break out if given a fresh start on a team like the Penguins. In 73 games this season, he scored a career-high seven goals and recorded 26 points.
As for Nemec, he would be the biggest pickup out of the three. The 22-year-old defenseman was the second-overall pick of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft and has the potential to emerge as a legitimate star. He took a notable step forward in his development this season with New Jersey, posting new career highs with 11 goals and 26 points in 68 games.
The 2025-26 season was a tough year for Buffalo Sabres defenseman Michael Kesselring. He had trouble finding his fit with the Sabres, and questions about his future in Buffalo have been coming up because of it.
Now, Kesselring is only continuing to be the subject of trade speculation with June just about here.
"Michael Kesselring was acquired in last year’s J.J. Peterka trade but managed to play just 34 games. He is also an arbitration eligible RFA this summer and the Sabres might be in tough to even live with his qualifying offer, putting the possibility of a trade on the table," Kypreos wrote.
Given how this season went for Kesselring and the Sabres having some notable players due for new contracts, it would be understandable if they moved the right-shot defenseman during the off-season. He would have the potential to get the Sabres a decent return, too, as NHL clubs are always on the hunt for big right-shot defenseman like him.
In 34 games this season with the Sabres, Kesselring had zero goals, two assists, and 50 penalty minutes. This is after he set career highs with seven goals, 22 assists, and 29 points in 82 games during the 2024-25 season with the Utah Mammoth.
The Colorado Avalanche’s 2025–26 campaign, despite finishing atop the NHL standings with a Presidents’ Trophy, concluded in disappointment after a postseason exit that has placed several roster decisions and pending free agents under scrutiny heading into the offseason.
Zakhar Bardakov (Forward)
Bardakov appeared in 60 games for Colorado during the 2025–26 regular season, contributing one goal and nine assists while operating primarily in a depth role. He averaged 7:12 of ice time per game and registered 35 shots on goal. In the faceoff circle, Bardakov recorded a 42.4% win rate, which is less than ideal. However, he's still young and developing. His usage increased during stretches when injuries affected the Avalanche lineup.
Nick Blankenburg (Defenseman)
Blankenburg joined the Avalanche via a mid-season acquisition from the Nashville Predators and went on to play 12 regular season games with Colorado. He produced two goals and one assist in that span. Listed at 5-foot-9 and 177 pounds, Blankenburg was deployed in a depth defensive role while contributing offensively in limited minutes.
Brent Burns (Defenseman) (UFA)
Burns played the 2025–26 season on a one-year contract with Colorado, appearing in all 82 regular season games. He recorded 12 goals and 23 assists while continuing a consecutive games streak that has reached 328 appearances since last missing time in the 2020–21 season with the San Jose Sharks. Over the course of the season, he also accumulated more than 100 turnovers. Burns’ role included regular minutes on the blue line, and he provided veteran presence throughout the campaign.
Will he return? There is belief within the organization that Brent Burns could return for the 2026–27 season, potentially continuing his pursuit of Phil Kessel’s iron-man streak of 1,064 consecutive games. Beyond durability, his value to the Avalanche is also tied to his presence in the locker room and the energy he brings to the team on and off the ice. Prior to the start of the Western Conference Final, Nathan MacKinnon explained to reporters why the 41-year-old is such a great asset to the team and also had a funny explanation for his longevity.
"He sleeps a lot. More than anybody. He's like a big bear."
"He'll nap from 3-6 pm and then go to sleep for another 10 hours. It's crazy."
“He sleeps a lot. More than anybody—he’s like a big bear. He’ll nap from like 3 PM to 6 PM and go to sleep for another ten hours. It’s crazy. I think that’s a big reason why he’s played so long. And also, he’s got such a great attitude. He’s like—everyone says it—he’s like a little kid. With three kids, himself. He’s a special guy, super positive, just super great to be around. He comes to the rink with a smile on his face, and I think that’s the biggest reason why he’s played so long."
Jack Drury (Forward)
Drury was utilized across multiple forward roles during the season and finished the year with 10 goals and 17 assists in 82 games, both representing or approaching career-high production marks. He logged 969 faceoffs and posted a 58.1% win rate, ranking 12th among NHL players with at least 200 faceoffs taken. Drury’s role shifted during the season following roster adjustments that included the addition of Nic Roy, after which he moved into a fourth-line center position.
According to DNVR's AJ Haefele, Drury turned down multiple offers this season to remain with the Avalanche, so it'll be interesting to see what happens. Drury is one of the best 4C's in the NHL, and his faceoff win percentage was well over 60% during the postseason. Can they afford to let him walk?
Joel Kiviranta (Forward) (UFA)
Kiviranta appeared in 51 games during the 2025–26 season, recording three goals and six assists. Across his previous seasons with Colorado, he had produced 56 games played with three goals and six assists in 2023–24, followed by a career-high 16 goals and seven assists in 79 games during the 2024–25 campaign. In 2025–26, he also posted a 62.5% goals-for percentage and a 59% Corsi For rate, both representing career-best marks.
From our perspective, it's very unlikely we see #94 back in Colorado next season.
Brett Kulak (Defenseman) (RFA)
Kulak was acquired during the season in a trade involving Samuel Girard and appeared in 27 games for Colorado. He registered three assists while averaging just over 19 minutes of ice time per game. During his time with the Avalanche, Kulak skated with multiple defensive partners across six different pairings. He also scored the series-clinching goal in Colorado’s playoff series against the Minnesota Wild, contributing to the team’s advancement in the postseason.
Who do you think the Avalanche will retain? Who do you think will get traded and/or released?
The Edmonton Oilers’ coaching search is heating up, and with the Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl window a major factor in who is ultimately hired, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
After parting ways with Kris Knoblauch following another early playoff exit and an interview request that blew up in their face, Edmonton is aggressively pursuing a proven, battle-tested bench boss who can finally push this star-studded roster over the top.
Bruce Cassidy is the known frontrunner, but new names like Jared Bednar have suddenly surged into the conversation, while veterans such as Peter Laviolette, Craig Berube, and Patrick Roy might all be receiving serious consideration. The Oilers are expected to ramp up their efforts in the coming weeks, hoping to land a respected coach who can command attention and install structure while extracting maximum performance from a talented but underachieving group.
Let's take a look at the list of names being linked to the Oilers' search.
1. Bruce Cassidy (Clear Frontrunner)
By now, everyone knows that Bruce Cassidy is on Edmonton's radar. Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon confirmed it and said the Oilers leaked the denial of the request to speak to their former coach. Cassidy has also confirmed it, saying people have now heard that two teams requested access to him.
The Oilers have aggressively pursued him, and many insiders view him as the top choice due to his pedigree as a coach, the fact that he's won a Stanley Cup, and the fact that he takes a no-nonsense approach.
Pros: While his style has a shelf life, he gets the most out of high-skill rosters, and he's a proven winner. Vegas obviously still thinks he's a top coach because they're willing to pay him millions not to join a division rival. Cassidy would bring immediate credibility.
Cons: Vegas is still blocking permission, and it's possible the Oilers are never granted an interview this summer. If that's the case, they'll have no choice but to move on if they're not prepared to hire an interim coach until Cassidy's contract expires. They likely aren't prepared to do that, given how critical every year is in their current window.
Bednar's name exploded into the conversation after Colorado’s disappointing playoff exit. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Oilers (along with Toronto and LA) are “very curious” about his situation. As a Saskatchewan native, the Alberta connection adds appeal.
If the Avalanche move on from Bednar, many will see it as an overreaction. He remains one of the NHL's best coaches and he'll be out of work only as long as he wants to be.
Pros: Stanley Cup winner (2022 with Avs); excellent at developing young talent while also managing elite stars. He can manage a fast, modern system that would fit McDavid/Draisaitl perfectly. He's well respected, and the Oilers' stars wouldn't question his style and instruction.
Cons: He's not been fired. Even if he is, Bednar is still under contract in Colorado for one more year and they would have to grant permission to speak with other teams. His availability is all speculative.
3. Peter Laviolette
According to Jason Gregor of Sports 1440, the Oilers have already reached out to Laviolette (or intend to). He’s a veteran coach available after sitting out 2025-26 season and known for quick turnarounds with star-heavy teams.
Of the big names in coaching, he's on the Plan A list, or at worst, he's a solid Plan B.
Pros: Stanley Cup experience; aggressive, offensive-minded style that suits Edmonton’s roster. He's unafraid of big personalities and the pressure of coaching in Edmonton won't bother him.
Cons: He hasn’t coached recently, and for as much success as he's had (took the Rangers to Round 3 in 2023-24), he's also coached teams that didn't perform well. With the New York Rangers, Washington Capitals, and Nashville Predators, his teams either didn't make the playoffs or were eliminated quickly.
4. Craig Berube
The Oilers have interviewed the recently fired Toronto coach. That took place almost immediately after the Bruce Cassidy drama became public. Berube is said to be extremely interested in the job, but it's unclear if the Oilers see him as one of their top candidates.
Pros: Berube is a tough, gritty personality who has won before. He led the St. Louis Blues to a Stanley Cup and he likes his team to play a physical game with a focus on two-way hockey.
Cons: His underlying numbers in Toronto were abysmal and his style reportedly clashed with the pure skill players on the Maple Leafs. That might be a problem in Edmonton is personalities clash.
5. Patrick Roy
This one feels more like a long shot, but local media have floated Roy as a high-upside “shake-up” candidate. He proved he can win and he's got a reptuation as a players coach.
Pros: Roy is a Hall of Famer with an intense, competitive personality. He's the polar opposite of what Knoblauch brought to the Oilers. He brings energy and passion, which might be what this Oilers team needs.
Cons: Fire is good, but too much is problematic. His polarizing personality and shorter NHL coaching track record make him somewhat of a risk behind the bench.
The Vegas coach is leading his team into the Stanley Cup Final, but he doesn't have a contract for next season. The fact Vegas is playing as well as they are, Tortorella has shown he's still got gas left in the tank as an NHL head coach. Elliotte Friedman noted that if Vegas doesn't re-sign him, someone will scoop him up.
Pros: In a short run, Tortorella may be able to get more out of the Oilers than any other coach. His modus operandi is to win immediately, even if he's not a great fit in most places long term.
Cons: Tortorella is not everyone's cup of tea. He's combative with media and he's unafraid to call out his players and ruin his relationships with them.
Bonus Mentions Getting Traction
Jay Woodcroft — Familiar internal option (former Oilers coach), low-risk comfort pick. His name has popped up of late, but it's unclear how seriously he's being considered by other teams. He's currently an assistant coach with the Anaheim Ducks.
Gerard Gallant / Dean Evason — Veteran “tough love” alternatives if the big names fall through.
Bruce Cassidy remains the dream hire if Vegas softens their stance and Jared Bednar has suddenly become a very realistic Plan B (or even A) depending on how quickly Colorado moves.
The Oilers want a proven Cup winner with playoff experience to maximize the McDavid/Draisaitl window.
