In terms of Islanders news, we are in that quiet before the draft and free agency storm while the Stanley Cup final plays itself out. Could this be the best final ever? I’ve actually heard a few people say that after three games. They’ve certainly been eventful and exciting thus far, so here’s hoping Carolina evens the series in Game 4 to make it a best-of-three.
Meanwhile, NHL teams continue to do what they do, hiring established names to coach them to their next firing.
NHL News
- Debating whether the Hurricanes should stick with Brandon Bussi after the lefty came on in relief for the 0-4 comeback that ended in a double-OT loss on a fluke goal. [NHL]
- The Wild extended some guy by the name of Michael McCarron to an Engvallian six-year deal for $20 million. [NHL]
- Peter Laviolette rides again: the well-traveled coach will now helm the L.A. Kings. [NHL]
- But wait, there’s more! Barred from accessing Bruce Cassidy (for now?), the Oilers are apparently set to hire Mike Babcock to help push Connor McDavid out the door. (No but seriously, this move reportedly has the team’s “leadership group” support.) [Sportsnet]
- Ray Ratto: Babcock is proof no one is too weird to coach in the NHL, “an inward facing phenomenon along the lines of the Hapsburg dynasty.” [Defector]
- Speaking of the Oil, poor Darnell Nurse was never going to live up to that contract; now it seems his team agrees. [Sportsnet]
- We can out-outside-the-box you! The Leafs want to interview Joe Pavelski for their coaching job. [Sportsnet]
- SHOCKING NEWS: Milan Lucic wasn’t already retired. [Sportsnet]
- Here’s a ranking of 100 draft prospects that you should be mad about the Islanders selecting/passing over. [Sportsnet]
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