Rangers superfan 'Dancing Larry' to be added as defendant in Madison Square Garden lawsuit
An ex-member of the Rangers' in-game hype team accused superfan Larry Goodman of "a pattern of persistent and unwelcome physical contact.".
Ice Hockey
6th August 2026
4th August 2026
Why these 7 NHL teams are in danger of getting stuck in the mushy middle
While some of these teams may have notably good or bad immediate futures, it's hard to see a medium-term path toward contention.
Is NHL hockey on the radio a dying art? Veteran broadcasters worry about its future
Five teams now have gone to a radio-TV simulcast. What's behind the change, and what are listeners missing?.
3rd August 2026
Maple Leafs continue organizational overhaul with hire of Sidney Crosby's trainer, Andy O'Brien
O’Brien will oversee strength and conditioning, as well as areas like nutrition, injury rehabilitation and sport science.
An ex-NHLer's 'Odyssey': How Sean Avery became a go-to Christopher Nolan cast member
Cast as the muscular, helmet-clad Laodamas alongside Matt Damon's Odysseus, Avery continues an unlikely post-hockey pivot to Hollywood.
2027 World Juniors roster projections for Canada, USA, Sweden, Finland, Czechia
With the World Junior Summer Showcase complete, here's how The Athletic's prospects specialists see the rosters shaking out so far.
1st August 2026
Which NHL jerseys should make a comeback? One pick for every team
Nostalgia is in the air across the NHL, and jersey talk among all 32 fan bases is a hot topic this offseason.
From 'the compound' to the Canadiens: Behind the rise of top prospect LJ Mooney
The 2025 fourth-round pick looks to continue following in the footsteps of his cousin, star Mammoth forward Logan Cooley, into the NHL.
Penguins sign forward Tommy Novak to 3-year extension worth $4.65 million per season
Novak was the only Penguins player to appear in all 82 games last season.
31st July 2026
Swedish hockey team Färjestad BK terminates Cal Foote contract after backlash
Foote was one of five members of Team Canada's 2018 World Junior squad acquitted on sexual assault charges following an alleged incident.
Russia’s ice hockey ban extended by international federation
Russia will not be permitted to field teams at four international competitions, including the 2027 Men's World Championship.
NHL's summer of money: Macklin Celebrini's record contract, and what's next
Young stars are cashing in now while fixing their focus on an even bigger payday down the line.
30th July 2026
Why Macklin Celebrini's contract spells the end of long-term deals for young NHL stars
It used to be that GMs could expect to save money on restricted free agents, and that going long made sense for those players. No more.
What's the best NHL team in the salary-cap era to not get a single Hart Trophy vote?
We found something weird while trying to find the best team in the cap era that was completely shut out of the Hart love.
Inside the Macklin Celebrini contract negotiations: Priorities, percentages, trajectories
The contract is the biggest in San Jose Sharks history. But to hear GM Mike Grier tell it, Celebrini could have gotten even more.
With Macklin Celebrini on board, it's time for liftoff in San Jose
The Sharks are in good hands with GM Mike Grier, and it's all lining up for them to be the team of the future.
Blue Jackets part ways with broadcaster Bob McElligott, move to simulcast model
Under the new format, the TV broadcast audio feed will be carried on the club's radio network.
Danièle Sauvageau named GM of Canadian women's hockey team
Sauvageau will maintain her position as GM of the PWHL's Montreal Victoire during the 2026-27 season.
NHL contract grades: Macklin Celebrini gets paid but still gives Sharks a discount
The Sharks got a great deal on Macklin Celerini — even if it may not look like it at first glance.
Sharks' Macklin Celebrini becomes NHL's highest-paid player with 5-year, $94M extension
The San Jose Sharks have signed center Macklin Celebrini to a five-year, $94 million extension, the team announced on Wednesday. Celebrini's $18.8 million average annual value will become the highest in the NHL once the deal kicks in, beginning with the 2027-28 season.
Macklin Celebrini signs NHL record 5-year, $94 million extension with Sharks
The superstar center is set to become the highest-paid player in the league when his contract kicks in for 2027-28.
29th July 2026
NHL contract efficiency rankings 2026: Which teams spend their money most wisely?
Every NHL team gets the same amount of cap space, but not all clubs put it to good use. Here are this year's cap-efficiency rankings.
Harvard men's hockey charts new course amid radical NCAA changes and legendary coach's exit
In hiring former assistant Rob Rassey to replace Ted Donato, the Crimson tabbed a proven recruiter to help navigate a new college landscape.
Amazon Prime to broadcast Wednesday night NHL games, playoff series in deal with Rogers
The 12-year deal includes at least 26 national regular-season games and gives Amazon select early playoff series to broadcast in Canada.
28th July 2026
Every NHL team's top-6 center duos, ranked from best to worst
Finding a dominant one-two punch down the middle is every team’s dream. Let's analyze all of the top-six center duos across the NHL.
27th July 2026
Will Joel Ward become the NHL's second Black head coach? His peers have 'no doubt'
A former NHL winger, Ward was recently named head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights' AHL affiliate. His sights are set on the next level.
25th July 2026
Which NHL player is the biggest on-ice villain in every team's franchise history?
Whether it’s a rival who is despised for agitating or competitive success, many players have found themselves loathed in certain cities.
Patrick Kane's Blackhawks return isn't about nostalgia. It's about winning
"I want to come back and make a difference and help the team win," Kane said of wanting to help Chicago take the next step in its rebuild.
Blue Jackets, Cole Sillinger avoid arbitration with 3-year deal
Sillinger played 81 games last season, totaling eight goals and a career-high assists.
24th July 2026
What's the deal with NHL GM geniuses who fall flat after switching teams?
Here are a half-dozen of the most notable GMs who failed in their second jobs, and the lessons we can learn.
John Tortorella on the end with the Golden Knights and what's next: 'I want to coach'
Speaking publicly for the first time since Vegas announced he wouldn't be back, Tortorella said he's still trying to swallow losing his job.
How Blue Jackets, Jet Greaves avoided arbitration: 'We were so far apart on the money'
Columbus and Greaves avoided arbitration by agreeing to a three-year, $5 million AAV contract at the 11th hour.
Inside Patrick Kane's return to the Blackhawks: 'It just makes so much sense'
After 16 seasons and three Stanley Cup titles in Chicago, history was only a part of Kane's decision to return to the Blackhawks.
With Patrick Kane, Blackhawks combine past and future into a tantalizing present
This isn’t just about ticket sales. It isn’t just some novelty signing, a nostalgia play or a farewell tour. At least, not entirely.
Patrick Kane returns to Blackhawks on a 2-year, $16M deal
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / REUTERSConnor Bedard is getting his wish — Patrick Kane is returning to the Chicago Blackhawks. The 37-year-old Kane and the Blackhawks have agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal, the team announced on Thursday.
Who's next for a big swing? Plus: Remembering early season starts
Our calendar reads, “Only 55 days until NHL training camps open.” And, hey, we even have some news to discuss.
23rd July 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets, Jet Greaves reach 3-year deal worth $5 million AAV
The goaltender Greaves, 25, was a restricted free agent after a breakout season, his first in the NHL.
Patrick Kane returns to Chicago Blackhawks on 2-year, $8 million AAV deal
Kane is the last active NHLer among the seven players who won three Stanley Cup titles with the Blackhawks.
This Week in Sports Trivia: July 23, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
Can Pavel Dorofeyev become the New York Rangers' go-to scorer? Their future depends on it
Team president Chris Drury is banking on the offensively gifted trade acquisition to jolt an attack that's stagnated in recent years.
What is the next Red Wings general manager inheriting?
The Red Wings are looking for a new GM after moving on from Steve Yzerman. What kind of situation will his successor inherit?.
NHL’s 10 worst contracts, 2026 edition: Jonathan Huberdeau (again), Leo Carlsson and more
According to each player’s projected value over the remainder of their deals, these are the league’s 10 worst contracts.
Re-drafting the 2023 NHL Draft: Connor Bedard, Leo Carlsson lead do-over
The 2023 re-draft from Scott Wheeler stays the same through the first four picks, which is extremely rare.
22nd July 2026
More NHL teams than ever are without a captain. Does wearing the 'C' still matter?
Ten teams lacked captains as of Tuesday, a believed league record. But leadership isn't always about just one player and one letter.
NHL’s 10 best contracts, 2026 edition: Lane Hutson, Jake Sanderson and more
According to each player’s projected value over the remainder of their deals, these are the league’s 10 best contracts.
NHL contract grades: Jason Robertson's deal with Dallas delays long-term decision
Neither side here should be terribly happy, which is often the sign of a fair deal.
Jason Robertson settles with Stars, signs 1-year contract to avoid arbitration
Robertson had rejected a sign-and-trade with the Seattle Kraken last month before filing for arbitration.
Rangers hire ex-players Jonathan Quick, Derick Brassard in development roles: Source
Quick will be named the team's director of goaltending development, while Brassard will work as a player development assistant.
Blue Jackets and Jet Greaves $4.7 million apart in arbitration filings
The Blue Jackets filed for a $2.8 million salary for Greaves, while the goalie and his agent have requested $7.5 million for one year.
21st July 2026
What does Steve Yzerman's exit mean for Dylan Larkin's trade request? It's complicated
With Yzerman out, the immediate next question is whether Detroit's captain might now reconsider his trade request.
NHL prospects I was wrong about: Shane Wright, Easton Cowan, Beckett Sennecke
Scott Wheeler was either too high or too low on these five players from recent NHL Drafts.
Which NHL Draft year makes the best lineup of players traded for first-round picks?
Exploring which year can make the best six-man lineup of players who were traded for first-round picks in that year’s draft.
NHL offseason hype-o-meter: Capitals' moves, East playoff race and player empowerment
There’s been a lot to get hyped about around the NHL this summer. .
Connor Bedard reaffirms commitment to Blackhawks: ‘Chicago’s the only place I want to play’
Bedard’s five-year, $75 million contract extension is proof that he believes in his teammates and what the Blackhawks are building.
Connor Bedard hoping for Patrick Kane, Blackhawks reunion: 'Would make us a way better team'
"Hopefully he comes back and we can play together," Bedard said of Kane, who continues to weigh his options as an unrestricted free agent.
20th July 2026
Islanders coach Peter DeBoer on NHL offseason of preparation, need for team changes
DeBoer was hired by the Islanders late in the 2025-26 season to replace Patrick Roy. Can he get them back to the Stanley Cup playoffs?.
2027 NHL mock expansion draft: What would a 33rd team look like?
With the NHL in the exploratory phases of expanding, we're going to test the waters to get an early gauge on the expansion draft process.
19th July 2026
Inside Connor Bedard's contract negotiations with the Blackhawks: 'He's totally committed'
Leo Carlsson's offer sheet shook up the NHL, but Chicago's star never wavered in what he wanted for his next contract, his agent says.
Blackhawks make Connor Bedard NHL's third-highest paid player in average annual salary with 5-year, $75 million deal
The Chicago Blackhawks signed star center Connor Bedard to a five-year, $75 million contract on Saturday. Bedard will earn the third-highest average annual salary in the NHL with the new deal.
Blackhawks star Connor Bedard agrees to 5-year contract extension with $15M AAV
Bedard's contract extension has been a topic of conversation since he was drafted with the No. 1 pick in 2023.
18th July 2026
2026 NHL offseason trends: Trades, RFA market, contracts and cap implications
With the dust beginning to settle on the offseason, let's reflect on some trends in how the NHL is shifting.
Florida Panthers, Team USA equipment manager arrested on battery charge
Thaddeus "Teddy" Richards was arrested Friday.
Flyers sign Jamie Drysdale to 4-year, $6.5 million AAV deal, avoiding arbitration
Drysdale made noticeable improvements to his defensive game this past season.
17th July 2026
Where it went wrong for Steve Yzerman as Detroit Red Wings general manager
Yzerman's tenure in Detroit didn't take on the fairytale arc so many hoped for when he was hired. Where did it go wrong?.
NHL schedule release: Analyzing the biggest games and dates of the 2026-27 season
From revenge games to notable debuts and more, catch up on the biggest matchups coming next season.
Montreal Canadiens re-sign Kirby Dach to 1-year, $3.6 million contract
This contract suggests it's now or never for Dach to realize his untapped potential.
Blues sign Connor McMichael for 6 years, $6.75 million AAV in pre-arbitration settlement
The Blues acquired McMichael from the Washington Capitals in the Jordan Kyrou trade in June.
Leo Carlsson offer sheet 'noticed around the league' as Flyers extend Trevor Zegras
For GM Daniel Briere, who made tidy work of Zegras’ extension, the failed Carlsson offer sheet showed the Flyers are serious.
Chaos comes to Hockeytown. Plus: World Cup lessons for the NHL
We had a bit of a bomb dropped on us yesterday, in what’s normally the slow-news dead zone of mid-July: Steve Yzerman is out in Detroit.
16th July 2026
Inside the Vincent Trocheck trade: How the big Rangers-Mammoth move came together
Exclusive interviews with Trocheck and Mammoth management detail how the center's long-awaited move out of New York finally came together.
Red Wings general manager candidates: Who could replace Steve Yzerman?
Thirteen names to know as the Red Wings begin their search in the wake of Steve Yzerman's repositioning.
Which NHL teams improved the most this offseason?
From most value added to least, here’s how each team has changed this offseason.
Trevor Zegras, Flyers agree to 4-year, $36.5 million contract extension
Zegras, who posted a career-high 67 points in 81 games in his first season with the Flyers in 2025-26, was a restricted free agent.
Winnipeg Jets sign Cole Perfetti to 5-year, $30 million extension
The Winnipeg Jets avoided arbitration with forward Cole Perfetti.
The Steve Yzerman era is over for the Red Wings. Now what?
As Yzerman's tenure as general manager comes to an abrupt conclusion, the Red Wings are now left to search for a new way out.
NHL releases 2026-27 opening-night schedule: Why does the season start in late September?
Due to an 84-game schedule implemented by the league's latest collective bargaining agreement, next season will launch earlier than usual.
Steve Yzerman’s departure as Red Wings GM adds wrinkle to Wild’s pursuit of Dylan Larkin
Any momentum Minnesota potentially built toward a Larkin trade is probably gone as Detroit looks for a new head of hockey operations.
15th July 2026
Steve Yzerman out as Red Wings GM, transitioning to senior adviser role
The Red Wings will now begin searching for a new head of hockey operations.
Devils sign Anthony Mantha for 2 years, $9.5 million: What he brings to New Jersey
Mantha, who turns 32 in September, put his talent on display last season after a somewhat disappointing career.
Are the Sabres and Jets a trade match? Breaking down fit, cost and more
Could the Sabres and Jets still be a fit in a Connor Hellebuyck trade? We break it all down.
Top 20 NHL goalie prospects ranking: Fowler, Ravensbergen lead summer 2026 list
These are Scott Wheeler's picks for the best goalie prospects under 25 and not fully established in the NHL.
NHL offer sheet rules used to be wild. Here’s how history looks if that never changed
In the early days of offer sheets, the two teams would be forced to work out a trade. Let's bring that back and apply it to history.
NHL 27 cover athlete: Sharks C Macklin Celebrini becomes youngest player featured
The NHL announced Tuesday that San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini would grace the cover of NHL 27. The next generation is here. Macklin Celebrini is the youngest NHL cover athlete in history.Tune in for the #NHL27 Reveal Trailer July 16 at 11 AM ET: https://t.
Sharks' Macklin Celebrini unveiled as cover athlete for 'EA Sports NHL 27'
The video game cover appearance is yet another example of the 20-year-old Celebrini's growing profile as a marketable hockey star.
14th July 2026
Top 100 drafted NHL prospects ranking: McKenna, Stenberg, Martone lead summer 2026 list
The Blackhawks lead this edition with eight prospects in the top 100, followed by the Flames and Predators with seven.
NHL offseason concern-o-meter: The Larkin stalemate, Ducks’ cap outlook and more
Let’s look at some concerning trends developing around the NHL. .
Rangers re-sign Braden Schneider on 1-year, $5.5 million deal to avoid arbitration
The New York defenseman had entered restricted free agency after the expiration of a two-year, $4.4 million deal.
Buffalo Sabres re-sign forward Peyton Krebs to 4-year contract extension
The Sabres and Krebs have avoided arbitration, agreeing to a four-year contract with a $4.5 million cap hit.
13th July 2026
Anders Lee on emotional New York Islanders departure, joining Utah Mammoth
In an exclusive with The Athletic, the left wing reflected on 923 games with the Islanders and his excitement for the future in Utah.
2026 NHL fan survey: Your thoughts on the current state of hockey and its future
Welcome to The Athletic's NHL fan survey. It's time for you to chime in on the state of the game and more.
10th July 2026
Why are children of Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon named on Stanley Cup? Explaining NHL's engraving process
Six of Dundon's family members are among the 53 names newly included on the Stanley Cup.
What can Alexander Nikishin offer as a trade target? The game, cost and suitors
If Nikishin is available as a trade candidate this summer, a handful of teams should be kicking the tires.
Training tips from NHL, PWHL performance coaches: Lavender oils, speed tests, 'skater jacks'
A team of pro, college and independent performance coaches recently gathered for a virtual summit. Here's some of the intel they shared.
Can the Anaheim Ducks build a Stanley Cup contender around an $18 million player?
The Ducks firmly believe the best version of Carlsson is coming. They’ve put $90 million behind that belief.
Maple Leafs part ways with key staff amid front-office overhaul
Hayley Wickenheiser, Darryl Metcalf, Dave Morrison and Mark Leach are out as John Chayka and Mats Sundin reshape the front office.
PWHL's Ottawa Charge set to move into Canadian Tire Centre as permanent home
The Charge will be full-time tenants at the Canadian Tire Centre starting in 2026-27 after spending the last three years at TD Place.
What's next for the Flyers after the failed Leo Carlsson offer sheet?
The Flyers have shown they will be aggressive, but is there another move to be made this summer?.
What is the best free-agency fit for Patrick Kane? Blackhawks reunion or Sabres homecoming?
Kane is a Buffalo native and a Chicago icon, so either would be fitting for the twilight of one of the best careers in modern NHL history.
Ducks match Flyers’ record-setting 5-year, $90 million offer sheet to Leo Carlsson
Carlsson leapfrogged Kirill Kaprizov as the highest-paid player in NHL history on an annual basis.
Hurricanes' Stanley Cup engraving features names of owner Tom Dundon's entire family
Nearly a month after the Carolina Hurricanes clinched the second Stanley Cup title in franchise history, the team got to see the names that are forever engraved on Lord Stanley's Cup. As is tradition, each member of the team will get a day with the Cup this offseason.
