10 overpriced NHL contracts that could be traded this offseason
The rising salary cap makes it easier to get out from under problem contracts. Here are 10 to keep an eye on.
Ice Hockey
20th June 2026
2026 NHL Draft class superlatives: Ranking best skaters, shooters, hands and more
Here's how the 2026 NHL Draft class slots across different categories and traits.
Which 2026 NHL Draft prospects have the best skills? Ranking 6 different tools and traits
Corey Pronman evaluates the best skaters, puck handlers, competitors and smartest players in the 2026 NHL Draft class.
First HBCU men’s hockey program, Tennessee State, in jeopardy due to lack of funding
The program was first announced in June 2023 at that year's NHL Draft in Nashville, with the intention of beginning play in 2024.
Friends remember Kyle Calder as beloved coach after NHL days: 'Hall of Fame, first ballot human'
From 1999 to 2009, Calder played in 590 regular-season games with the Blackhawks, Flyers, Red Wings, Kings and Ducks.
Is the Maple Leafs’ giant bet on Darren Raddysh really worth the risk?
The sign-and-trade for Darren Raddysh is a bold gamble for new Leafs GM John Chayka.
Jonathan Toews, 3-time Stanley Cup winner, retires after 16 NHL seasons
Bruce Bennett via Getty ImagesLongtime Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews announced his retirement after 16 NHL seasons. "I have to say I'm satisfied; I'm fulfilled. I'm so thankful and grateful for the career I had," said Toews.
Jonathan Toews retires after 16 seasons in the NHL
Toews, 38, finished his career with his hometown Winnipeg Jets after playing 15 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks.
NHL contract grades: Darren Raddysh is a gamble worth taking for the Maple Leafs
The Leafs are swinging for the fences with Raddysh. It's a risk they have to take.
NHL rumblings: Pavelski on Leafs talks, how Raddysh got done, latest on Thomas, Zacha, Ovechkin, more
Also from around the NHL: The Bruins are listening on Zacha, and Hischer-Devils and Benn-Devils are getting closer to extensions.
Maple Leafs kick off player-movement season. Plus: Babcock is back
The NHL draft is a week from today and free agency opens five days after that. Plus: Everyone finally (almost) has a coach.
19th June 2026
Maple Leafs acquire defenseman Darren Raddysh in blockbuster sign-and-trade
Given his 2025-26 season was such a career outlier, Raddysh was considered the most high-risk, high-reward free agent in the NHL.
Why Jets should (and should not) trade franchise goaltender Connor Hellebuyck
Should Winnipeg keep its franchise goaltender, who's among the best in the world? Or cash in on a bidding war that "could get stupid"?.
Gavin McKenna's floor? Caleb Malhotra to Canucks? 2026 NHL Draft mailbag
With the 2026 NHL Draft a week away, Corey Pronman opened the mailbag and answered your questions.
Brayden Point? John Carlson? 6 active players who could be tough Hall of Fame calls
Not every player who's eligible to enter the Hockey Hall of Fame has an easy yes or no case.
NHL free agency 2026: 10 players teams should avoid this offseason
Here’s who I think are the players to avoid based on their projected contracts courtesy of AFP Analytics.
What can Matthew Knies and Mason McTavish offer as trade targets?
Both Knies and McTavish have incredibly promising potential but saw their stats crater in 2025-26. To move or not to move?.
2026 NHL Draft consensus big board: McKenna, strong D crop headline class
Comparing five experts' draft lists reveals which prospects have universal appeal and which ones are more divisive.
Troy Terry set to miss the start of Ducks' 2026-27 season with surgery recovery
Terry is expected to miss 5-6 months while recovering from surgery to address hip impingement and a labral tear.
NHL clears Mike Babcock to return after investigation
An NHL investigation into Babcock's time with the Blue Jackets found "no current basis to restrict his employment in the league.".
18th June 2026
This Week in Sports Trivia: June 18, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
Every NHL team’s worst value contract in 2025-26
Whether it was a down year, injuries, age-related decline or worse, here are the players who didn’t live up to their contracts last season.
Introducing The Hockey 100: The story of the greatest NHL players in modern history
The Hockey 100, the definitive ranking of the greatest players in modern NHL history, will be published on Oct. 27, 2026.
NHL offseason trade board 2.0: Latest on all the top targets as action heats up
Valeri Nichushkin, Tomáš Hertl, Bryan Rust and Connor Hellebuyck join the big board with summer trade activity already rolling.
NHL free agency 2026: 10 players teams should target this offseason
Which unrestricted free agents project to provide surplus value relative to what they’re expected to be paid?.
The Golden Knights are the NHL's most hated team, but they say 'it's jealousy'
Vegas' ruthless decision-making was on display again this week with how the coaching situation was handled.
NHL Draft Guide 2026: Prospect rankings, mock drafts and more
A collection of the top NHL Draft stories and analysis from our prospects experts Corey Pronman and Scott Wheeler.
NHL rumblings: Checking in on the market for scorers, plus latest on Bobrovsky, Cassidy, more
Also: Shea likely heading to market, Greer could return, Brunette back with the Predators and a Team Canada GM update.
NHL Mock Draft 2026: Starting with Gavin McKenna to Maple Leafs, Pronman makes all 223 picks
In Corey Pronman's annual seven-round mock, he predicts how the entire 2026 NHL Draft will go next week.
What Maple Leafs can expect from Jim Hiller as head coach, based on his time with Kings
The turning point of Hiller's time behind the Kings' bench will follow him in his second stint as head coach in the NHL with Toronto.
Caroline Harvey selected by Vancouver Goldeneyes with first pick in 2026 PWHL Draft
Harvey, 23, was the clear No. 1 prospect in a deep draft class that features five players who won gold at the Milan Olympics with Team USA.
Sabres trade Michael Kesselring to Sharks, move up 7 spots in 2026 NHL Draft
The teams swapped 2026 first-round picks in the deal, with Buffalo receiving the No. 20 choice and San Jose getting the No. 27 selection.
Golden Knights hire Ryan Craig as coach, promoting him from AHL role
Craig amassed a 96-95-13-12 record as coach of Vegas' AHL team, leading them to their first playoff appearance since 2022 this past season.
17th June 2026
PWHL Mock Draft: Harvey goes to Vancouver, but Seattle faces a choice at No. 2
The 2026 draft is Wednesday night in Detroit, with a record 235 players (including 23 Olympians) hoping to hear their name over six rounds.
Maple Leafs hire Jim Hiller as coach
The 57-year-old, who most recently spent two seasons as head coach in Los Angeles, is the first coaching hire by new Leafs GM John Chayka.
Stanley Cup playoffs: NHL draws highest-ever postseason ratings, best Final since 2019
The NHL, like many other sports, is thriving right now. After turning in its best regular-season ratings in 14 years, the league carried that momentum into the playoffs, where it drew it's highest-ever postseason ratings, per Sports Business Journal.
The Athletic Hockey Show NHL Mock Draft: Gavin McKenna to Maple Leafs, what will Sharks do?
The Athletic Hockey Show's annual mock draft episode offered new insights for how the 2026 draft could unfold.
How do the 2026 NHL Draft’s best prospects compare with 2025’s top picks?
Corey Pronman merged his top 10 prospects for 2026 with the top 10 players selected last year to make a combined list.
Are the 2025-26 Hurricanes the best team with no future Hall of Famers in NHL history?
Much has been said of the Hurricanes' strategy of winning by solid depth rather than star power. It might be to an unprecedented extent.
2026 NHL Draft player survey: Top prospects pick their own comparables
Each prospect's answer provides insight into the way they think about themselves and the style of game they play.
Rod the Bod deserves the nod: A Hockey Hall of Fame case for the Canes coach
A former two-way force for Carolina now leading from behind the bench, Brind'Amour makes a strong case for inclusion. But in what category?.
Golden Knights' Mitch Marner opens up about mental health: 'Some really dark moments'
After the best playoff performance of his career and falling just short of a title, Marner used his platform to discuss mental health.
Golden Knights players react to the end of John Tortorella's short tenure in Vegas
Vegas enters a search for its fifth head coach after only its ninth season of existence.
Avalanche trade Ross Colton, Isak Posch to Predators for draft picks, Magnus Chrona
Colton's contract goes through 2027 with a $4 million cap hit. The 29-year-old had nine goals and 24 points in 73 games this season.
John Chayka’s first trade as Maple Leafs GM is a huge roll of the dice
Trading their No. 1 goalie for an intriguing, third-pairing defenceman and a mid-round pick is a gamble for the Maple Leafs.
Maple Leafs' coaching search in 'final phases': GM John Chayka
Chayka says the hire should come “in the next several days.” Candidates include Joe Pavelski, Patrick Roy, Jay Woodcroft and Dallas Eakins.
CBC, 'Hockey Night in Canada' will no longer carry NHL games as Sportsnet agreement ends
The move coincides with the end of CBC and Rogers Communications' 12-year sublicensing agreement for NHL games.
NHL rumblings: Final thoughts on the Cup, plus the latest on Carlson, Rielly, Hischier and more
Two days after the Cup was awarded to the Hurricanes, we're two weeks away from free agency. Here's the latest buzz from around the NHL.
NHL trade grades: Maple Leafs send Joseph Woll to Flyers in surprising goalie swap
This move feels like a net loss — literally — for the Maple Leafs given the uncertainty now around their goaltending situation.
Maple Leafs trade Joseph Woll, Simon Benoit to Flyers for Samuel Ersson, Emil Andrae
Joseph Woll posted an .899 save percentage and 3.34 goals-against average in 39 games with the Leafs last season.
John Tortorella will not return as coach of Vegas Golden Knights next season
Tortorella was hired with eight games left in the regular season and then led the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final.
John Tortorella not returning as Golden Knights head coach after run to Stanley Cup Final
John Tortorella will not return as Vegas Golden Knights head coach, the team announced on Tuesday."We thank Torts for the guidance he provided our team since joining the organization in March," said general manager Kelly McCrimmon in a statement.
NHL offseason guide to the draft, trade rumors and thin unrestricted free-agent market
Plus: How the Hurricanes broke through to win the Stanley Cup for the second time.
16th June 2026
How controversial did the 2026 NHL playoffs get? Remembering the 10 biggest incidents
Remember Jordan Martinook's bizarre penalty shot? What about the world's longest goal review, or Vegas getting fined a draft pick?.
6 realistic offer-sheet candidates NHL teams should target this offseason
With a weak free-agent class this summer, teams should look at making a savvy move for RFAs who won't break the bank.
2026 NHL Draft player survey: Prospects pick most talented, underrated in class
The Athletic polled 65 of this year's draft prospects and the results were insightful, candid and revealing throughout.
Will the Golden Knights retain coach John Tortorella? Are there better options?
Tortorella seems likely to seek a return to Vegas, but the situation requires plenty of evaluation.
Inside the disconnect between NHL evaluators and the public on defensemen
NHL front offices are more likely to bet on defensemen with premium physical traits than pure offensive ability.
NHL free agent big board 3.0: Expanding to 75 top targets with offseason upon us
The race to July 1 is on. With the Stanley Cup now handed out, teams enter a critical period for business.
How the Hurricanes assembled a Stanley Cup champion: Lessons for the NHL's other 31 teams
It's often said that champions inspire copycats. But can rival franchises really replicate Carolina's unique path to success?.
Caroline Harvey and Laila Edwards, best friends and Olympic champions, prepare for life apart
With the PWHL Draft approaching, top prospects Edwards and Harvey will soon be on different teams for the first time in nearly a decade.
For sports fans looking for a piece of peace, June is busting out all over
Something special is going on throughout North America. We’re stepping outside to join others to partly root, root, root for the home team.
Key NHL offseason dates: What to watch for the draft, free agency, arbitration, more
It won't be long until transactions and other offseason activity dominate the NHL's news cycle, and it begins sooner than you think.
Blues hire Greg Cronin, Vinny Prospal as assistant coaches on Jim Montgomery's staff
Cronin will oversee the team's defensemen and penalty-kill unit, while Prospal will work with the forwards and the power play.
PWHL Las Vegas names Kim Weiss coach ahead of inaugural season
The 27-year-old Weiss has spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach with the Colorado Eagles, the AHL affiliate of the Avalanche.
15th June 2026
2026 NHL Staff Mock Draft 2.0: Gavin McKenna goes to Toronto, but what comes after that?
With less than two weeks to go before the draft, we're expanding our staff mock to the full first round.
Submit your NHL Draft and hockey prospects questions for Corey Pronman’s mailbag
With the 2026 NHL Draft less than two weeks away, Corey Pronman is opening up the mailbag.
Inside Carolina's Stanley Cup celebration: An unlikely hero, brotherly love and a 'storybook' ending
After their 3-0 defeat of the Golden Knights on Sunday night, the Hurricanes’ celebration in Las Vegas was a family affair.
Rod Brind'Amour leads the Hurricanes to a Stanley Cup — this time from behind the bench
"I think he is literally the most important thing we have in Carolina," Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon said of his coach.
NHL 2025-26 Stanley Cup playoff chances and projected standings
Welcome to our 2025-26 NHL projections where you will find each team’s projected point total and chances of winning the Stanley Cup.
2027 Stanley Cup odds: Hurricanes favored to repeat ahead of Avalanche, Golden Knights
Carolina just won the Stanley Cup and is already favored to win it again next year. Colorado and Vegas are close behind.
Golden Knights fall short in Stanley Cup Final but prove their window is still open
It was an incredible run by all standards, but it fell just short of a second championship in four years. What comes next for Vegas?.
Jordan Staal wins Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP: 'He's a beast'
The 37-year-old just became the oldest player ever awarded the Conn Smythe.
Hurricanes win Stanley Cup for first time since 2006, finish off dominant 16-3 playoff run
It's the first Stanley Cup win since 2006 for the Canes, who went to the conference final three times between 2019 and 2025.
14th June 2026
Can a 12-point forward really be NHL playoffs MVP? Jordan Staal's unprecedented Conn Smythe case
Staal is tied for 22nd in postseason scoring but has six goals in the final on top of his usual shutdown role for the Hurricanes.
How the Golden Knights executed the perfect development plan for Pavel Dorofeyev
Dorofeyev, who has the second-most playoff goals in the NHL, is in line for a mammoth payday as a pending restricted free agent this summer.
Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes: How to watch Game 6 of the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Final tonight
The Carolina Hurricanes now lead the Las Vegas Golden Knights 3-2 in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final after a rousing Game 5 that saw the Hurricanes score two power-play goals to nab a 4-2 win. Game 6 of the seriesis scheduled for Sunday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas at 8 p.m. ET/5.
Three keys for Hurricanes and Golden Knights in Game 6 with Stanley Cup on the line
Carolina looks to close out the series and claim its second Stanley Cup title, while Vegas looks to stay alive and force Game 7.
Meet Ethan Belchetz, the 2026 NHL Draft prospect with a 'freak physical package'
Belchetz, a 6-foot-5 winger, is expected to be selected in the lottery picks of the draft's first round.
Babies in the Stanley Cup: Tales from the NHL's cutest playoff tradition
For more than a century, championship-winning fathers have celebrated by sticking their infants inside hockey's holy grail.
Carter Hart on ‘no means no’ chants in Carolina during Stanley Cup Final: ‘It's just noise’
In all three Hurricanes home games thus far, fans at Lenovo Center have intermittently broken out the chant.
13th June 2026
'Hug it out?' How NHL teammates moved past gold-medal Olympic rivalry for Stanley Cup run
Is it awkward coming back together as teammates after facing off in the gold medal game? Seth Jarvis: "It set off a lot of emotions.".
A hockey player's bloody celebration went viral. Can it help him score an NHL contract?
The story of an undrafted junior hockey player went viral after a championship celebration gone wrong, and what's next for his playing days.
Why these 8 NHL teams could be aggressive on the trade market this offseason
A weak free agent class might make for an unusually robust trade market. These teams are ready and willing to make some moves.
What can Darnell Nurse offer as a trade target? The risks, rewards and suitors
Moving Nurse won’t be easy, but with his request in the open, he could be a reclamation project for some teams.
John Tortorella's wardrobe confidence, and why the Golden Knights believe Game 7 will happen
“We’ll be back here,” Tortorella said after a Game 5 loss that leaves them facing elimination for the first time in these playoffs.
Inside OHL's return to centralized draft: Past and future stars, a no-show and an American takeover
The OHL's first in-person draft in 26 years is a big win for the sport's preeminent junior league as it endeavors to maintain that status.
PWHL teams expand player protection lists during expansion: Who is still available?
The next step comes Sunday (at noon ET), when the expansion teams can continue filling out their rosters to 10 players.
Canes close in on Stanley Cup, Dylan Larkin's trade list expands and more NHL drama
As Carolina moves just one win away from its second championship, there's plenty of noise around the rest of the league.
12th June 2026
Stanley Cup Final: John Tortorella says Golden Knights will force a Game 7 — 'I'm going to leave my clothes here'
The Vegas Golden Knights are leaving North Carolina in an unexpected position: Down 3-2 in the Stanley Cup Final. But Golden Knights coach John Tortorella knows his team will be back.
What is Vincent Trocheck's trade value? Evaluating 7 mock offers for the Rangers center
Seven beat writers, who cover possible Trocheck suitors, offered hypothetical packages for the veteran New York center.
Golden Knights might need their goalie to steal Game 6. Adin Hill has done it before
Vegas has reached a point of desperation. Hill could be the best chance at turning around the Stanley Cup Final.
When the Carolina Hurricanes needed a star, Andrei Svechnikov finally looked like one
Svechnikov has been through scoring slumps before. This time, he got his groove back at the best possible moment.
The Hurricanes needed Brandon Bussi to avoid disaster. He's given them much more
For the first time this series, a multi-goal lead never truly looked in danger. Bussi's play in Game 5 was a big reason why.
'Hurricane hockey' took over the Stanley Cup Final amid the Golden Knights' worst effort
Carolina continues to improve in this NHL championship series, while Vegas looks stuck in neutral.
Who belongs at the top of the 2026 NHL Draft? Pronman and Wheeler debate
The Athletic's prospect experts go head-to-head on the players and topics they most disagree about in the upcoming draft.
What was the best game to be decided by the worst goal in hockey history?
A surprising number of legendary hockey games have ended with a goal that was … iffy, questionable or downright terrible.
William Karlsson probably 'not going to be with' Golden Knights after Game 5 injury, Tortorella says
William Karlsson left Thursday's game in the second period and did not return.
NHL 2025-26 Stanley Cup playoff chances and projected standings
Welcome to our 2025-26 NHL projections where you will find each team’s projected point total and chances of winning the Stanley Cup.
Hurricanes take control in Game 5, push Golden Knights to brink in Stanley Cup Final: Takeaways
The Canes shored up a couple areas of struggle in Game 5 and are now one win away from their first Stanley Cup title in two decades.
