Stanley Cup win a bittersweet moment for Hurricanes winger Nikolaj Ehlers, the league officially opens an investigation into Mike Babcock’s 2023 resignation from the Blue Jackets, the final order of the upcoming draft is set, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
THE WINNIPEG SUN: Following the Carolina Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup win on Sunday, winger Nikolaj Ehlers got emotional when he was asked about his former team, the Winnipeg Jets.
Carolina Hurricanes winger Nikolaj Ehlers (NHL Images)
“I loved being in Winnipeg,” Ehlers said in a quivering voice. “This (winning the Stanley Cup) was the dream there.”
Ehlers began his NHL career with the Jets in 2015-16, spending a decade in Winnipeg before signing with the Hurricanes last summer as a free agent.
“I’m obviously sad I wasn’t able to do that with the guys in Winnipeg and the city of Winnipeg,” Ehlers said. He added that the team and the city hold a special place in his heart. He said it was a hard decision to leave and how much he loved his time there.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers isn’t the only former member of the Jets who spoke fondly of their time in Winnipeg after winning the Stanley Cup. Following the Florida Panthers’ Cup win in 2024, head coach Paul Maurice said he hoped the Jets would one day win hockey’s holy grail.
SPORTSNET: The NHL has officially opened its investigation into Mike Babcock’s resignation from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023.
Babcock stepped down as the Blue Jackets’ head coach in September 2023 regarding concerns over invasion of privacy after he reportedly asked his players to share personal photos from their cellphones.
The Edmonton Oilers hope to hire Babcock as their new head coach, but the NHL Players Association has requested that the league look into the details of his resignation from the Blue Jackets. It’s since been reported that there were other issues beyond looking at players’ phones that got him into trouble.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers’ attempt to hire Babcock has garnered mixed reactions. Some observers condemn it, while others feel he deserves another chance.
BETMGM.COM: The Colorado Avalanche and the Hurricanes are the way-too-early favorites to win the Stanley Cup in 2027.
NHL.COM: The final order of the 2026 NHL Draft was set following the end of the Stanley Cup Final.
The Golden Knights traded their 2026 first-round pick to the Calgary Flames in March 2024. That pick is now 30th overall. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes pick is 31st, while the Ottawa Senators hold the 32nd and final pick in the first round.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Chicoutimi Sagueneens forward and Anaheim Ducks prospect Maxim Masse is the Canadian Hockey League’s player of the year. He led his club to the 2026 Memorial Cup Final, and was the QMJHL’s leading scorer with 102 points as his club won the Gilles-Courteau Trophy as the league’s playoff champions.
SPORTSNET: Medicine Hat Tigers and Montreal Canadiens prospect Bryce Pickford was named the CHL’s top defenseman. Pickford was named the Western Hockey League’s MVP and top blueliner.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Barrie Colts center and Utah Mammoth prospect Cole Beaudoin was named the CHL’s Sportsman of the Year.
The New York Islanders signed defenseman Ethan Bear to a one-year, two-way contract.
The St. Louis Blues hired Vinny Prospal and Greg Cronin as assistant coaches.
SPORTSNET: The Florida Everblades won the ECHL’s Kelly Cup for the fourth time in five years, defeating the Kansas City Mavericks 5-4 in double overtime of Game 6 on Monday.
The Everglades are affiliated with the Blues, and the Mavericks are an affiliate of the Seattle Kraken.
CALGARY SUN: Flames co-owner Alvin Libin passed away at age 95. He’d been part of the club’s ownership group since 1994.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Libin’s family, friends, and the Flames’ organization.