2026 NHL Draft Grades By Daily Faceoff

Here are the 2026 NHL Draft grades by Daily Faceoff.

2026 NHL Draft First Round Recap

Here is a recap of the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft. 

Edmonton Oilers Need To Learn From Players Like Sidney Crosby To Win A Stanley Cup. It's Entirely On The Players To Push Themselves To The Limit. Don't Think A Coach Will Do This For You.

Sidney Crosby is a good example of the type of mindset a player needs to win a Stanley Cup. He has three of them! There are very few players in the history of the NHL that work as hard as Sidney Crosby to push to the limit in order to win. He doesn't rely on a coach to push him. The Edmonton Oilers players seem to think a coach will turn the switch on for them. Mike Babcock was brought in by the Oilers leadership to push the players to a Stanley Cup. Sadly for the Oilers, it doesn't work this way unless the players have it within to self push themselves to the limit everyday to be champions. There is more here on why the Oilers leadership wanted a coach that could push them. 

Alex Tuch Going To Washington Capitals In Sign-And-Trade Deal

The Washington Capitals are acquiring the rights to forward Alex Tuch in a sign-and-trade deal that will see Tuch sign an eight-year, $84 million contract with the Capitals. In return for the rights to Tuch, Buffalo will receive a 3rd round draft pick from Washington. The story is here. 

USHL Announces West Coast Expansion Markets

The USHL has announced expansion to six new markets on the US West Coast. The teams will be located in Northern California (exact location not disclosed at this time), Simi Valley, CA, Orange County, CA, San Diego, CA, Prescott Valley, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. The teams are scheduled to debut for the 2027-28 season. The story is here.

Thoughts On A Busy Trade Day In The NHL

It was a busy trade day in the NHL yesterday, as multiple significant trades were executed. 

The Calgary Flames acquired a significant piece in defenceman Simon Nemec, the former 2nd overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. This was a strong pickup for Calgary, as Nemec will now be afforded the opportunity to fulfill his potential and progress towards being a top pairing defenceman. Here is more on Nemec and the Calgary trade with New Jersey.

The Ottawa Senators still have work to do in order to replenish their roster after the Brady Tkachuk trade, but their trade with San Jose for William Eklund and two prospects (for the 9th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft) is a great start. Eklund's offensive production in San Jose has been solid and the 23 year-old is just starting to hit his stride in the NHL A good addition for Ottawa in their top six! Here is more on the Eklund trade.

The Washington Capitals wanted to stay relevant in Stanley Cup consideration and the St. Louis Blues are okay in building further through youth, knowing that their time is coming down the road. Proven goal-scorer Jordan Kyrou was dealt to Washington from St. Louis, in exchange for forward Connor McMichael, the 16th overall pick in this year's NHL Draft and prospect Milton Gastrin. Reasonable return for both teams, with Washington looking to take their shot now. Here is more on that trade.

The Chicago Blackhawks pulled off a trade with Buffalo to acquire defenceman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway in exchange for the 4th overall draft pick in this year's NHL Draft, a second round draft pick and defenceman Louis Crevier. Buffalo gets a good chip (to either trade or keep the pick) with the 4th overall draft pick. There are no guarantees that even the 4th overall pick in a draft will work out, but a pick at that level quite often does work out. Buffalo also frees up some money to be in a better position for either trade acquisitions or to use in free agency starting next week. What Chicago got is a very sure thing and a still young defenceman in Bowen Byram. He's a second pair defenceman at worst, but with added responsibilities and playing time in Chicago, he will be a first pair defenceman that should help push Chicago forward significantly. He will need to be signed to a new deal soon and hopefully for Chicago and Byram, it will be at a number and term that is good for both sides. Here is more on the Byram trade.

Calgary Flames Acquire Simon Nemec And Maxim Tsyplakov From New Jersey Devils

The Calgary Flames have acquired defenceman Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov from the New Jersey Devils for defence prospect Etienne Morin, as well as two 1st round draft picks and a 2nd round draft pick. The story is here.

Edmonton Oilers Hire Mike Babcock As Head Coach And Anything Short Of A Stanley Cup Will Be A Failure

The Edmonton Oilers have hired Mike Babcock as their new head coach. Ownership and the Oilers leadership group really wanted this to happen, regardless of the numerous red flags surrounding Babcock. Now the team has put themselves in a position where anything short of a Stanley Cup will be a failure. If the leadership group thinks a head coach will be able to drag them over the finish line by himself, they are in for a rude awakening. Winning a Stanley Cup by the Edmonton Oilers now falls entirely on the Oilers leadership group. They have to be the ones to push themselves to the limit to get the job done. There are no excuses now! Here is more on the Mike Babcock hiring. 

Ottawa Senators Receive Significant Return for Brady Tkachuk, Allowing For Quick Pivot

The Ottawa Senators are trading forward Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers for three 1st round draft picks and one 2nd round draft pick. Two of the 1st round draft picks are #9 and #25 overall in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft, as well as Florida's 1st round pick in 2029 and their 2nd round pick in 2030. The trade leaves the Senators with significant draft capital to trade with, as well as significant cap space moving forward. With Ottawa coming off of a strong 2025-26 campaign, don't expect them to let their foot off the gas. Expect there will be further trades coming for Ottawa and some free agent signings as they set their sights on advancing further towards being a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.  There's more on the trade here. 

Zack Stortini Named First Head Coach of New Mexico Goatheads

Former NHLer Zack Stortini has been named as the first head coach of the ECHL's New Mexico Goatheads. Stortini most recently served as an assistant coach with the AHL's Tucson Roadrunners. The story is here. 

Toronto Marlies Win Calder Cup

The Toronto Marlies have won the Calder Cup, as their 4-3 victory in Game 5 over the Chicago Wolves sealed the franchise's second American Hockey League championship. The story is here.

Another Wild Mike Babcock Story

Here is another wild story about Mike Babcock's character, this time from three-time Stanley Cup champion Aaron Ward. Are the Edmonton Oilers really going to make this hire after all that they know about Babcock? If he does get hired as the Oilers next head coach, it sounds like some current Oilers players have already expressed concern, as well as a large percentage of players within the league that will balk at going to Edmonton as long as Babcock is there.

Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire Darren Raddysh In Sign-And-Trade

Darren Raddysh was scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency on July 1, but the Toronto Maple Leafs stepped in with a sign-and-trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning, acquiring the defenceman for a 5th round draft pick. Toronto signed Raddysh to an eight-year deal worth $68 million. There's more here.

Caroline Harvey Chosen 1st Overall By Vancouver In PWHL Draft

The 2026 PWHL is in the books. Defenceman Caroline Harvey was chosen 1st overall by the Vancouver Goldeneyes. There's more on that here and a full draft recap.

Ryan Craig Named Head Coach of Vegas Golden Knights

Henderson Silver Knights head coach Ryan Craig has been promoted to the position of head coach with the Vegas Golden Knights. The story is here.

Jim Hiller Named Head Coach of Toronto Maple Leafs

Former Los Angeles Kings head coach Jim Hiller has been named as the new head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. There's more here.

Patrik Laine Linked To Mike Babcock Investigation

Patrik Laine has now been linked to the NHL's investigation into Mike Babcock. Laine was a point per game player with Columbus over two seasons previous to the arrival of Babcock in Columbus. Laine barely played during the 2023-24 season and entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in January of 2024 to address his mental health and well-being. Here is the release of Laine entering the assistance program and here is more on the Laine link to the Babcock investigation. 

Mobile Mysticks Announced As Newest SPHL Franchise

The Mobile Mysticks were announced as the SPHL's newest franchise on Tuesday night. The franchise revealed their name and logo. The story is here.

Maple Leafs And Flyers Make A Trade

Let the flurry of off-season trades begin! The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded goaltender Joseph Woll and defenceman Simon Benoit to the Philadelphia Flyers for goaltender Samuel Ersson, defenceman Emil Andrae and a 3rd round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Under new management, watch for the Toronto Maple Leafs to continue a trend of accumulating high to mid round draft picks to help rebuild their pipeline of young players. The story is here.

Florida Beats Kansas City To Win ECHL Title

The Florida Everblades beat the Kansas City Mavericks 5-4 in double overtime on Monday to claim the 2025-26 ECHL title. The story is here.

Players Express Concern About Playing In Edmonton If Mike Babcock Is The Coach

Players and their agents, both currently with the Edmonton Oilers and also elsewhere in the league, have expressed concerns about playing for the Edmonton Oilers if Mike Babcock is the head coach. There's more here.

Stanley Cup Champions Carolina Hurricanes Built For Potential Dynasty

The Carolina Hurricanes just won the Stanley Cup. Almost all of their roster is set to come back. They just have one key unrestricted free agent and they have plenty of cap space. They have a potential dynasty in the making! There's more here.

Ontario Reign Unveil New Brand Identity

The AHL's Ontario Reign have unveiled a new brand identity. The story is here.

NAHL Announces Newly Formed Mountain Division

The NAHL has announced a newly formed Mountain Division for the 2026-27 season. The five teams that will compete in the Mountain Division include the Billings Cattle Punchers, Idaho Falls Spud Kings, Ogden Mustangs, Grand Junction River Hawks and a yet to be named team in Pueblo, Colorado (the relocated Chippewa Steel franchise). The story is here.

OHL Priority Selection First Round Recap

The first round of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection is in the books. The Oshawa Generals selected forward Kane Cloutier of the Vaughan Kings 1st overall. Here is a recap of the first round.

NAHL's Chippewa Steel Relocating To Pueblo, Colorado

The Chippewa Steel are relocating to Pueblo, Colorado and will compete in a newly formed Mountain Division of the NAHL. Joining Pueblo in the Mountain Division will be new NAHL teams Billings Cattle Punchers, Idaho Falls Spud Kings, Ogden Mustangs and the Grand Junction River Hawks. The story is here. 

Calgary Wranglers Hire John Dean As Assistant Coach

The AHL's Calgary Wranglers have hired former Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) head coach John Dean as an assistant coach. There's more here.

Seattle Torrent Names Christine Bumstead As Head Coach

The PWHL's Seattle Torrent has named Christine Bumstead as their head coach. Bumstead had served as an assistant coach with the team during the 2025-26 season. The story is here. 

Darnell Nurse Reportedly Asks For A Trade. It's Hardly A Surprise Given The Current Mess Of The Edmonton Oilers

Darnell Nurse has reportedly asked for a trade from the Edmonton Oilers, according to sources. This is hardly a surprise at this time, due to the current mess that the Edmonton Oilers have created with their bungled coaching search. Nurse has apparently given the Oilers 3-5 teams that he would consider to be traded to. The story is here.

Bruce Cassidy Interested In Toronto Maple Leafs Head Coach Position

Former Vegas Golden Knights head coach (and currently still under contract to Vegas for one more season) Bruce Cassidy is interested in the Toronto Maple Leafs open head coach position, provided he gains permission from Vegas to speak to the Maple Leafs about their job. Once the Stanley Cup Playoffs have concluded, it stands to reason that Vegas will grant Toronto permission to speak with Cassidy, given that Toronto does not play in Vegas' Western Conference. There's more here.

This Yardbarker Article Is On The Mark-The Edmonton Oilers Are Embarrassing Themselves With Their Mike Babcock Pursuit And The Damage Is Already Done!

This Yardbarker article here is on the mark regarding the Mike Babcock situation and the Edmonton Oilers. 

NHLPA Apparently In Receipt Of Significant Additional Claims Against Mike Babcock

The NHLPA is apparently in receipt of significant additional claims against Mike Babcock that are serious enough to likely prohibit Babcock from ever coaching in the NHL again. There's more here.

"I Think Players Want To Be Pushed." An Interesting Quote Tied To A Potential Edmonton Oilers Mike Babcock Hiring.....If Players Can't Push Themselves To The Limit To Win, You Have The Wrong Players!

"I think players want to be pushed." An interesting quote in the story here that's tied to the Edmonton Oilers trying to hire Mike Babcock as their new head coach.....if players can't push themselves to the limit to win, you have the wrong players!

Ivar Stenberg Ranked #1 in Jason Bukala's Final Draft Rankings

Winger Ivar Stenberg has been ranked #1 overall in Jason Bukala's final 2026 NHL Draft rankings. Here are Bukala's Top 100 draft rankings. 

NHLPA Asks NHL To Investigate Mike Babcock Allegations

The NHLPA has asked the NHL to investigate allegations against Mike Babcock. The allegations involve the invasion of player privacy during his short tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The story is here.

If You Have To Ask The Question, You Already Know The Answer Is No

If you have to ask the question if Mike Babcock is the right person to guide the Edmonton Oilers, you probably already know the answer is no. He's been called a scumbag, terrible person and bully, among other things, by players that he's coached. If the Oilers braintrust does the unthinkable and does end up hiring Babcock as their new head coach, it will go against all or most of the Oilers fan base and local media. If the Oilers do end up hiring Babcock, it will be right around this time next season that Connor McDavid will be nearing his exit from the organization. Here is more on Mike Babcock potentially becoming the Oilers next head coach. 

Barring Any Trades, This 2026 NHL Mock Draft Might Be The Most Accurate At The Top Of Draft

Barring any trades, this 2026 NHL Mock Draft (by theScore) may end up being the most accurate at the top of the draft. Here is their latest mock draft and below is a look at their Top 10.

1. Toronto Maple Leafs-Gavin McKenna (LW)

2. San Jose Sharks-Chase Reid (RHD)

3. Vancouver Canucks-Ivar Stenberg (LW) 

4. Chicago Blackhawks-Carson Carels (LHD)

5. New York Rangers-Caleb Malhotra (C)

6. Calgary Flames-Viggo Bjorck (C) 

7. Seattle Kraken-Keaton Verhoeff (RHD)

8. Winnipeg Jets-Wyatt Cullen (LW)

9. Florida Panthers-Alberts Smits (LHD)

10. Nashville Predators-Malte Gustafsson (LHD)

Los Angeles Kings Set To Announce Peter Laviolette As New Head Coach

The Los Angeles Kings are set to name veteran NHL bench boss Peter Laviolette as their new head coach. The story is here. 

Preliminary Groups Announced For 2027 IIHF Men's World Championship In Germany

The IIHF has announced the preliminary groups for the 2027 IIHF Men's World Championship in Germany. Games will be played in Mannheim and Dusseldorf. The story is here. 

Joe Pavelski To Interview With Toronto Maple Leafs For Vacant Head Coach Position

Joe Pavelski will interview with the Toronto Maple Leafs for their vacant head coach position. Even though Pavelski doesn't have experience as a professional head coach, don't bet against him! His reputation as an NHL player is outstanding and he could be just what Toronto is looking for. Here is more on this story.

Moncton Wildcats Intend To Bid To Host 2028 Memorial Cup

The QMJHL's Moncton Wildcats have submitted their intention to bid to host the 2028 Memorial Cup. The story is here. 

McKeen's Final 2026 OHL Priority Selection Rankings

Here are the final rankings for the 2026 OHL Priority Selection (June 12-13) by McKeen's. The Oshawa Generals have the 1st overall pick in this year's draft and McKeen's has forward Tanner Adams ranked as the top prospect. 

2026 QMJHL Draft Recap. Thomas Boisvert Chosen #1 Overall By Rouyn-Noranda Huskies

The first round of the 2026 QMJHL Draft is in the books and the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies chose forward Thomas Boisvert #1 overall. Here is a recap of the first round.

More Leaks Coming Out Of Edmonton Oilers Organization

Insiders within the Edmonton Oilers organization can't seem to help themselves. They just can't keep confidential news quiet and it's destroying the credibility of the franchise with its players, as well as players and management around the league. Who on earth would want to play or work for this organization when sensitive information can't be kept out of the media? The Darnell Nurse potential trade situation is another example of the Oilers inability to keep a lid on things. Word is out (to the media) that they want to move Nurse this off-season and will be approaching him about that subject soon (Nurse has a full no movement clause in his contract through the 26-27 season). Now it seems that word got out to the media last season that Nurse was approached about moving and he was rightfully upset about this leak. There's more on that here. He wasn't upset about asking if he would entertain moving. It was the leak to the media by the Oilers that upset him. Nurse may want to exercise his power and decline any trade scenarios through the 26-27 season.....

Hockey Notches A Victory And The NCAA Backs Down

Hockey has notched a victory and the NCAA has backed down somewhat, as NCAA eligibility rules for age have been altered from an earlier NCAA proposal. The story is here.

Newfoundland Regiment Intends To Bid For 2028 Memorial Cup

The QMJHL's Newfoundland Regiment has formally submitted their intent to bid to host the 2028 Memorial Cup in St. John's. If the bid is successful, it would mark the first time the Memorial Cup would be hosted in Newfoundland and Labrador. The story is here.

Rochester Jr. Americans Go On Hiatus For 2026-27 NAHL Season

The Rochester Jr. Americans have gone on hiatus for the 2026-27 NAHL season. The story is here.

OHL Pushing For Expansion

If OHL commissioner Bryan Crawford has his way, the league will grow by as many as four franchises within the next 5-10 years. Some of the target cities include the Ontario markets of Vaughan, Burlington, Chatham and Cornwall. The story is here.

Leaks To The Media By Edmonton Oilers Employees Is Troublesome

When employees of NHL teams have the inability to keep quiet on team matters and leak information to the media, it's a troublesome sign for a franchise. The fact that the Vegas Golden Knights did not grant permission (at this time) for the Edmonton Oilers to interview former Vegas head coach (and currently under contract) Bruce Cassidy, came from within the Oilers organization. Now several current and former employees have spoken to the media about the team's plan to trade defenseman Darnell Nurse as soon as possible. Nurse has a full no movement clause in his contract for one more season and he has balked at being moved from Edmonton in the past. It's almost as if the Oilers are using the media to pressure Nurse to agree to a move sooner rather than later. Only the Oilers general manager Stan Bowman should be speaking to the media on the subject of Darnell Nurse's future with the team, yet so many employees feel that they can speak on the subject. It's like these employees are trying to undermine Bowman. It's not the way to go about building a championship culture. Loose lips.......Here is more on the Darnell Nurse situation.  

USHL Announces West Coast Expansion

In collaboration with the NHL and USA Hockey, the USHL has announced expansion to the West Coast area of the USA, with the intent of establishing teams in California, Arizona and Nevada. An announcement on team markets and timelines will take place on June 24. The story is here. 

Ownership Change For FPHL's Baton Rouge Franchise

Ownership of the FPHL's Baton Rouge franchise has changed hands and will now be led by Matt Pace, a partner with Rimon Law in New York City. The story is here. 

Nashville Predators Hire Chris MacFarland As President Of Hockey Operations And General Manager

The Nashville Predators have taken a major step in their hockey operations by naming former Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland as their new president of hockey operations and general manager, giving MacFarland full control of all hockey decisions. The story is here. 

Vancouver Canucks Get It Right With Manny Malhotra Hiring

The Vancouver Canucks have hired Manny Malhotra as their new head coach and they may have hit a home run with this hiring. The former Canuck was a sought-after coach on the NHL job market and recently led the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks to a Calder Cup championship in the 2024-25 season. The story is here. 

Finland Beats Host Switzerland In OT To Win 2026 Men's World Hockey Championship

Konsta Helenius was the hero on Sunday with his overtime goal, as Finland defeated host Switzerland 1-0 to win the 2026 Men's World Hockey Championship. The story is here. 

Kitchener Rangers Win 2026 Memorial Cup

The Kitchener Rangers defeated the Everett Silvertips 6-2 on Sunday to win the 2026 Memorial Cup. The story is here.