This edition (June 7, 2026) of NHL Trade Talk Recap includes three wild storylines right now: Chayka’s Maple Leafs coaching search is already throwing curveballs with names like Joe Pavelski getting interviews and a grab-bag of unconventional candidates in the mix. Oilers captain Connor McDavid just grabbed his fifth Ted Lindsay, matching Gretzky and continuing to pile up hardware while still hunting that elusive Cup. And the Stanley Cup Final served up chaos when Golden Knights forward Mitch Marner’s record-fast natural hat trick, the Hurricanes’ jaw-dropping 39-second three-goal rally, and a 5-4 OT finish that leaves Vegas up 2-1 but this series feeling anything but decided.
Chayka’s Coaching Search — Pavelski’s Just the Start
John Chayka’s not playing it safe. His coach hunt for the Maple Leafs has already thrown curveballs. Joe Pavelski getting an interview is exactly the kind of bold move you’d expect from him. Pavelski may be just a fact-finding name, but with Chayka running things, don’t be shocked if he actually goes unconventional.
Chayka’s talked to 20+ candidates, from former NHLers to hot NCAA and CHL coaches. Surprises are likely once phase two trims the list. This search doesn’t resemble past Maple Leafs coaching hires. Fans should expect weird-ish, intriguing choices until someone’s name gets cemented.
Insider Claims Pavelski Isn’t Only ‘Interesting Name’ in Leafs’ Coaching Search
McDavid Does It Again — Five Ted Lindseys and Counting
Connor McDavid just won his fifth Ted Lindsay Award, tying him with Wayne Gretzky for the most ever. Fellow players — the ones who actually have to try and stop him — voted him the league’s most outstanding player again. That’s the highest honour.
At 28, McDavid keeps outclassing everyone with his skating, vision, and setup game, piling up hardware (five Ted Lindseys, three Harts, six Art Rosses, a Rocket Richard and a Conn Smythe. But he’s still chasing that one big missing thing: a Stanley Cup. One more Ted Lindsay and he’ll own the record outright.
McDavid Wins Fifth Ted Lindsay Award, Matching Wayne Gretzky’s Record
Marner’s Fast Hat Trick, Hurricanes’ Huge Rally — Vegas Survives in OT
Mitch Marner blew the roof off T‑Mobile with a natural hat trick in just 6:10 of the second period. It was the fastest in Stanley Cup Final history. As a result, Vegas raced out to a 4‑0 lead. It looked like the Golden Knights had the game locked up and a firm grip on the series.
Carolina flipped the game in a blink by putting up three goals in 39 seconds to make it 4–4 and force OT. Yet Vegas found a way in extra time for a 5–4 win and a 2–1 series lead. This matchup’s far from over.
Marner’s Historic Hat Trick Helps Golden Knights Take 2-1 Series Lead
Recent Posts:
For One Moment, Tortorella Stopped Talking Like a Coach
Ottawa Intends to Scoop Oilers Goaltender in Free Agency
NHL Weekend Rumours: Maple Leafs Next Coach, Nurse Trade, Larkin Leaving, Sens Plans
Canadiens Called About Dylan Larkin Trade, Are They Willing to Pay The Price?
The Oilers Shot Themselves in the Foot Yet Again
Joe Pavelski to Coach the Maple Leafs? It’s Not as Strange as It Sounds
Discover more from NHL Trade Talk
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
