Around the NHL: Jordan Staal wins Conn Smythe, Devils shopping Jacob Markstrom, Dylan Larkin’s preferred trade list expands
Congratulations to the Carolina Hurricanes for winning the 2026 Stanley Cup. The ‘Canes were led by head coach Rod Brind’Amour, who instilled a passion for hard work, and a culture of doing whatever it takes for your teammates, and to win.
“It’s an unbelievable ending to a great story,” coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “I’m so proud of him, and I’m proud that he was able to do that in front of the whole hockey world. Everyone got to see now what I’ve known forever, what kind of player he is, but a leader. We’re not hoisting that without him. It’s just not even close.”
“I was shocked,” Andersen said. “I was a deer in the headlights. “Yeah, I was not really ready for that, but it was a very cool moment. I think I obviously waited for that a long time and been dreaming of it for a long time.
“So, yeah, that felt good.”
Once again, congrats to the entire Hurricanes organization for winning the Stanley Cup, and happy offseason to all who celebrate.
Here’s the very latest from around the NHL.
New Jersey Devils shopping goaltender Jacob Markstrom
Markstrom, 36, has two seasons left on his contract at $6 million AAV, and owns a 20-team no-trade list. The Devils have Jake Allen and Nico Daws, who’s a pending restricted free agent, and capable of playing backup to the veteran Allen. As for Markstrom, he appeared in 44 games last season, posting a 23-19-1 record, along with a .883 save percentage, and 3.07 goals against average.
As far as potential trade destinations go, the Florida Panthers jump out as an option. The Panthers haven’t been able to come to terms with Sergei Bobrovsky and could see Markstrom has a capable replacement. Markstrom broke into the NHL with the Panthers and spent parts of four seasons previously with the organization.
Detroit asks Dylan Larkin to add more teams to preferred list
Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is dealing with a mess on his hands. After a multi-year feud with captain Dylan Larkin, the Red Wings GM is now busy trying to land the best package possible in trade talks.
The Mammoth could quickly become sneaky favorites as they’re loaded with NHL-ready young talent, including Cole Beaudoin, Tij Iginla, and Caleb Desnoyers. They also have Barrett Hayton, who is available, and could be a nice plug-and-play option for Yzerman. There’s also Red Wings goaltending prospect Sebastian Cossa, who has been rumored to asked out as well, and Cossa makes sense as a trade target for Utah, as they look to find a long-term solution to tandem with Karel Vejmelka.
Larkin’s getting dealt, that much we know. The feud stems from Yzerman’s lack of additions over the course of the last three seasons, something Larkin’s publicly called him out for in the past.
Quick hits from around the NHL
- Darnell Nurse trade request continues, as the Oilers’ defenceman has been linked to the Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and San Jose Sharks.
- If Nurse goes to Philly, don’t be surprised to see Owen Tippett heading back the other way.
- Taylor Hall became the first NHL player to be drafted first overall, win the Hart Trophy, and win the Stanley Cup, all with three different teams.
- Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella doesn’t know what his coaching future holds.
- Brendan Gallagher will be traded or bought out by the Montreal Canadiens, and trade talks continue to link him to the Vancouver Canucks.
- Tons of speculation brewing recently that the Toronto Maple Leafs informed Gavin McKenna he’s going number one.
- Ottawa Senators are expected to offer Stuart Skinner a contract on July 1.
- So far, Zach Werenski hasn’t asked to be traded by the Columbus Blue Jackets, but certainly something to monitor this summer.
- It appears Alex Tuch will be heading to free agency, as the Buffalo Sabres and Tuch’s camp continue to be far apart in contract talks.
- Along with Tuch, the same situation is brewing for Anders Lee and the New York Islanders.
- All signs are pointing to the NHL allowing Mike Babcock to coach the Edmonton Oilers.
- Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens have significant interest in Anaheim Ducks’ Mason McTavish.
- Columbus Blue Jackets expected to explore trade market on goaltender Elvis Merzlikins this offseason.
- For what it’s worth, Joe Pavelski’s son Nathan was drafted by the Ontario Hockey League’s Kitchener Rangers over the weekend.
- Remember when Marner rejected a trade to the Hurricanes last season? It’s funny how things work out sometimes.
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