“No IR for Robertson-Harris yet,” Dan Duggan of The Athletic stated on his X account.

The fact it’s taking this long leaves room for speculation. Perhaps, the Giants are holding on to some hope. Needless to say, it feels unlikely Robertson-Harris could be back at any stage of the 2026 NFL campaign. As Duggan noted, the delay may not be related to New York’s cap space, either.

NY Giants make a move in the meantime

For whatever reason—that right now feels unclear—the G-Men have yet to make a roster decision on Robertson-Harris. The fact John Harbaugh is reuniting with former Ravens DT Josh Tupou on the Giants raises even more eyebrows around East Rutherford.

Tupou’s arrival is a clear replacement for the injured DT, yet his signing didn’t come with Robertson-Harris’ IR designation. The timing of his arrival suggests Tupou was likely a participant during the private workout in which the Giants hosted veteran Eddie Goldman.

Potential timeline for IR decision

June 1st is right around the corner, and if it has taken this long, it may be reasonable to believe Robertson-Harris will indeed be placed on injured reserve once June begins. However, the G-Men may gain no real benefit from doing so—at least none that is clear to sources close to the organization.

Who knows? Maybe, even while dealing with distress and losing a veteran presence for the season, Harbaugh and company can still pull a rabbit out of their hat.

Robertson-Harris’ contract in New York

The former alum of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) signed a two-year, $9 million contract with the Giants in 2025. His season-ending injury only casts further doubt on his future, and it may put New York in an uncomfortable position when the time comes to make a decision on him next offseason.

According to a report, the Buffalo Sabres may be the perfect trade partner for the Blueshirts. Provided the Rangers are looking to make a big splash, the organization in Western New York boasts a surplus of candidates who would be instant upgrades to the lineup in the Big Apple. Namely, Bowen Byram, who could help New York in a position of need: left-handed defensemen.

“Buffalo is loaded with left-handed defensemen and could decide to trade from an area of strength to free up cap space. The Rangers have a huge need for LHD and could be a logical fit if Byram becomes available,” as stated by Vincent Mercogliano on The Athletic.

Potential trade for Byram

Byram is 24 years old and set to become a pending UFA next season, as his two-year, $12.5 million contract comes to an end after the 2026-27 campaign. Buffalo has 21 rostered players set to become UFAs or RFAs between this summer and next year’s offseason—and only approximately $12 million in projected cap space to operate with.

Thus, they will face crucial decisions time and again. Byram may become a cap-space sacrificial lamb, and the Rangers may be ready to pounce on him if they want to speed up their retool.

What exactly can the Rangers offer the Sabres? That’s a different question, but perhaps veteran center Vincent Trocheck, eager for playoff success and a new home in the East Coast, comes in handy. If Buffalo loses Alex Tuch to free agency, Trocheck could very well be the perfect replacement, at an even lower price.

NY Rangers could secure key piece in trade

In the City That Never Sleeps, Drury and the front office would much rather get some rest. Perhaps the best way to achieve that is by working extra hours during the summer and striking a deal with their cross-state competitors.

Buffalo and New York are in very different situations, with starkly opposite aspirations, but it is often teams in such situations that agree to the biggest moves in the NHL. As the two organizations enter the offseason, they will remain names to watch. However, if New York remains patient—for once—the deal may fall through.

Byram is not Rangers’ priority

Right now, adding Byram, who is coming off a 42-point campaign in the City of Good Neighbors, looks far from a priority for the Rangers. Still, they may not be able to help themselves.

The Blueshirts may be repeating the mistakes they made during their full rebuild back in 2020. In the long run, cutting corners proved to be a bad decision. Years later, they may come across another fork in the road, and it will be up to Drury and company not to stumble over the same stones again.

Both Bedard and the Hawks want to make it work, so the process should not take long. However, the player’s camp may be unwilling to budge on the term of the pending deal. It shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it may be something that Chicago comes back to regret.

“I don’t think Bedard is [going to re-sign for] full term. I think it’ll be shorter,” David Pagnotta said on Oilers Nation Everyday. According to Pagnotta, if Bedard chose to re-sign for the full term (seven or eight years), he could make up to $16–17 million in AAV. Such a contract would make him the highest-paid center in the NHL, surpassing Leon Draisaitl’s $14M AAV.

Whether that value is realistic or justified for Bedard—who has yet to record a 100-point season—is a different question. In his defense, it is hard to put up that many points while playing on one of the worst and shallowest rosters in the league.

Contract terms implications for Bedard

By choosing to sign a shorter deal, Bedard would likely pass on a couple of million dollars, but the financial loss might be worth it if it grants him an easier way out in case the Blackhawks’ rebuild explodes in his face. If Bedard were to sign a long-term contract, he would virtually chain himself to United Center and brace for whatever comes next in Chicago.

The former first overall pick remains confident in the organization, but he has been in Windy City for three NHL seasons and has yet to experience any form of team success. By signing a mid-term extension, he leaves the door slightly open to ask out in case his patience runs thin.

Moreover, Bedard may not want to sign such a lucrative contract. He is well aware that the Blackhawks need every dollar they can get to bolster the lineup around him. Bedard can live with a couple fewer million dollars if it means the supporting cast will improve. He is not one to call out his teammates, but it is no secret that Chicago has failed him in that regard since drafting him in 2023.

Bedard hopes for change

The North Vancouver kid wants to see winds of change blow through Windy City, and it may start with him taking a few cents on the dollar. Determined to help the team in every way he can, Bedard may not want a franchise-record-breaking contract, but saving money will come at a cost for the Hawks—namely in the form of term.

Cheaper rarely means better, and the Blackhawks may revisit that lesson soon. For the time being, though, they are content with any way they can keep Bedard in town. If it is only for four or five years, then so be it.

“Source said Thibodeaux has impressed the new staff this offseason and is valued significantly higher than what the rest of the league offered,” as reported by Jeremy Fowler.

Thibodeaux has struggled to establish himself as a starter on the Giants defense. Last year, rookie Abdul Carter took over, joining Brian Burns as one of the top pass-rushing options off the edge and relegating Thibodeaux to more of a complementary role.

Giants have options to replace Thibodeaux

New York’s selection of Arvell Reese with its No. 5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft only complicates things for Thibodeaux. Although the G-Men’s original plan is to utilize the talent out of Ohio State as a weakside, off-ball linebacker, Reese can still line up on the edge, and thus could drive Thibodeaux out of business.

The Oregon alum has some ground to make up and not much time to do so. Starting the 2026 offseason on the right foot is paramount. So far, so good. At least that is what the buzz around Bergen County suggests.

Thibodeaux’s contract

Thibodeaux’s four-year, rookie contract is up after the 2026 NFL campaign. The Giants have opted not to exercise his fifth-year option, meaning the former first-round selection is up for a prove it season. Everybody has a lot on the line during Harbaugh’s first year in East Rutherford, but perhaps none higher stakes than Thibodeaux.

The potential scenarios unfolding for Thibodeaux include being traded away before the trade deadline, walking as an unrestricted free agent in 2027, or being franchise-tagged by the Giants, which would then repeat the same cycle the following year.

Signing a long-term extension is also a possibility, albeit an unlikely one. New York is already committed to Burns’ contract and will have to extend Carter at some point in the coming years. Spending on another top-dollar deal like the one Thibodeaux may ask for might not be the soundest decision on Big Blue’s part.

Thibodeaux can still change the narrative

Regardless, anything can happen. Although the writing may well be on the wall, Thibodeaux still controls his destiny. If he is capable of having a breakout season in 2026, he could put the Giants in an uncomfortable situation, from which he could emerge as the biggest winner. Based on his early impression on Harbaugh, he might be off to the best possible start.

“Peter Laviolette is on [the Oilers’] radar. Gerard Gallant probably fits the bill,” insider Chris Johnston said on the Chris Johnston Show. Laviolette continues to be a name to watch in the coaching carousel. According to reports, the former Rangers head coach could make his NHL return with the Oilers.

As for Gallant, his candidacy for Edmonton’s vacant gig is more surprising considering he has been away from the league since he stepped down from his job in the Big Apple after the 2022-23 NHL campaign.

Oilers are the new Rangers

It appears having strong regular seasons with the Blueshirts is something that stands out to the front office in the Gateway to the North. Whether that’s wise on Edmonton’s part or not, that’s a question for another day.

Gallant coached the Rangers to back-to-back 100-point seasons in his first two years in New York City—becoming the first coach in franchise history to achieve such a milestone. As for Laviolette, he led New York to the most wins in franchise history with 55 victories during the 2023-24 NHL season.

They both had something in common, however: they could not add another trophy to the Rangers’ Stanley Cup collection. Now, they share another trait in that they are contenders for the Oilers’ vacancy.

Question marks around Gallant

While he proved his value throughout his NHL coaching career, there are several questions around Gallant that need answering, and they aren’t exclusively hockey-related. Back in January, Gallant relinquished his position as head coach for the Shanghai Dragons in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

According to reports at the time by Pierre LeBrun and TSN, Gallant prioritized his health and chose to focus on the illness he is battling. Gallant returned from Asia’s Magic City to be back home on Prince Edward Island.

Whether he will be interested in taking a demanding 24/7 job on the opposite coast of the Great White North—as well as whether the Edmonton Oilers are serious about hiring him—remains to be seen.

Growing up a Maple Leafs fan in Markham, becoming Toronto’s scapegoat for its playoff heartbreaks was something Marner may never be able to live down. However, he is finding closure in Las Vegas.

No one is a messiah in his own land, and it took Marner heading to Sin City to find his best self in the postseason. Just four wins away from his first Stanley Cup, Marner looked back on his career, and it did not take long for him to remember just how much he had been through with the Maple Leafs.

“It was a special moment. There’s been some dark times in hockey for myself,” Marner said, via NHL.com, after the Golden Knights swept the Avalanche in the Western Conference Final. “We want to make each other better, and we just have so much trust in whoever is going over the boards. I’ve always believed in myself. I know the guys in this locker room believed in me as well.”

Special handshake line for Marner

Having been on the losing end of emotional handshake lines several times—nine, to be precise—during his time in Hogtown, Marner finally experienced being on the opposite side of one. After the Golden Knights eliminated the Avalanche in four games, Marner came across familiar faces. However, none as special as Nazem Kadri, and their interaction reflected just how much both had been through, as well as the mutual respect born from living through similar situations in Toronto.

Both Ontario kids when the Maple Leafs drafted them in the top 10 of NHL Drafts, both experienced heartbreaking eliminations, and both were essentially driven out after becoming fall guys for the organization’s systematic shortcomings. Moreover, both Marner and Kadri found success shortly after changing addresses in the NHL. Kadri went on to win the Cup in 2022, and Marner is now four wins away from hoisting Lord Stanley as well.

Kadri and Marner played together for three seasons in The Six. As they met at center ice, emotions came flooding in for both. The two embraced in a long hug, extending the typical duration of this hockey ritual. They exchanged a few words—only they know what was said—and then went their separate ways.

Next up: Stanley Cup Final

For Marner, his next stop is the Stanley Cup Final. For a very long time, he imagined his first shot at hockey’s ultimate prize would come in Toronto. However, life is full of surprises, and it was not until he arrived in Las Vegas that Marner hit the jackpot.

For the Maple Leafs, all they can hope for is for the Carolina Hurricanes to defeat the Montreal Canadiens. Otherwise, cheering for Marner in a different sweater just to avoid watching the Habs conquer Lord Stanley may not sit right with them.

Like a pipe that keeps bursting and damaging everything around the house, the Giants know just how crucial having a strong interior on their defensive line is. If the defensive tackles cannot hold their ground, then the star-studded pass-rushing corps becomes futile.

New York cannot afford to let its crown jewel go to waste because of the D-line’s struggles. Thus, the G-Men are leaving no stone unturned, and that has brought them to Eddie Goldman, who has 10 years of experience in the NFL. “Veteran DT Eddie Goldman worked out for the Giants today,” Ian Rapoport reported on X.

Giants running low on DT

As if losing Lawrence was not a challenge of its own for New York, Big Blue has yet to see strong indications from the players it signed to replace him: D.J. Reader and Shelby Harris were both absent during the Giants’ open-to-the-public OTA session last week, and it remains unknown whether they practiced behind closed doors beforehand. Considering attendance was not mandatory, there is reason to believe they did not.

Moreover, Sam Roberts is still recovering from offseason surgery, and Robertson-Harris’ torn Achilles injury means the defensive tackles group is even thinner for John Harbaugh and Dennard Wilson.

Considering the Giants lost millions to injuries last season, they aren’t off to a particularly exciting start in 2026. It is still early in the year, but for the new staff, the sooner they can get a good impression of what they will be working with, the better.

Giants will likely make room for Goldman

Provided Goldman leaves a good impression with the Giants during his private workout, it may not take long before the G-Men hand him an offer. Still, all signs suggest there is something New York must take care of before signing Goldman.

According to Dan Duggan of The Athletic, the Giants have yet to assign Robertson-Harris to IR. Doing so would free up a roster spot for Harbaugh and company to use ahead of the 2026 NFL season. However, as noted by Art Stapleton of USA Today, Goldman wasn’t alone. He practiced with a larger group of free agents whose names have not been made public yet. Perhaps New York signs another one of those candidates instead of Goldman.

Regardless, the reason for the delay in putting Robertson-Harris on IR is unclear. Barring a miracle, it is quite clear he won’t be healthy enough to return this upcoming season. Perhaps it has more to do with the fact New York wanted to enjoy the weekend and celebrate Memorial Day before getting back to paperwork and the drama of the coming campaign.

More about Goldman

Coming off three years at Florida State, Goldman was selected with a second-round pick (39th overall) by the Chicago Bears in the 2015 NFL Draft. He recorded a career-high 4.5 sacks during his rookie season and remained with the team in Windy City through the 2021 campaign—playing for (now Giants OC) Matt Nagy, who had become the team’s head coach prior to the 2018 season.

Goldman opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic before returning in 2021. In 2022, he was released by Chicago. After a series of stops and starts, including short-lived retirements, Goldman returned to the NFL in 2024, playing a full season for the Atlanta Falcons.

In 2025, he signed a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders and played 13 games for them, starting six. His season was cut short after he sustained a concussion in Week 15 against none other than the New York Giants. Months later, he may be close to signing with the organization in East Rutherford. Goldman may call MetLife Stadium—where he suffered a scary injury last year—home after all.

Although Crosby is showing no signs of retiring anytime soon, he will turn 39 before the 2026-27 NHL season. At some point, he will hang up the skates. Considering Crosby is entering the final season of his contract in Pittsburgh, it leaves room for speculation.

Maybe he and Malkin will have their last dance next campaign. Still, that is all talk and—for fans in Pittsburgh—concern for the future. For the time being, the Pens can be joyful that Malkin is staying for one more year.

“Evgeni Malkin is returning to the Penguins for a 21st season. He’s signing a one-year extension,” Chris Johnston reported on his X account. “His extension is worth $5.5 million guaranteed.”

Malkin’s brand new contract

According to Johnston, Malkin’s new contract includes a full no-movement clause, as well as several bonuses that could spike his total earnings for the 2026-27 season. Per Puck Pedia, Malkin could add $500,000 in games-played bonuses: $250,000 for participating in 42 outings and an extra $250,000 if he plays in 63 games.

Moreover, Malkin would secure $1 million if the Penguins make the postseason, and an extra $500,000 for each round they advance. All things considered, if the Penguins win the Stanley Cup and he indeed plays in 63 regular season games, Malkin would make $9 million in 2026-27.

Last season, Malkin was under his four-year, $24.4 million deal ($6.1 million cap hit). Thus, the Penguins have retained him while saving roughly 10% in cap space. The difference will be paid in bonuses that don’t affect the team’s space.

Crosby’s contract situation

As part of his two-year, $17.4 million extension signed in September 2024, Crosby has one season left under contract in Pittsburgh. Starting on July 1, he is eligible to sign a new deal. Most signs would indicate that is something the Penguins would do in a heartbeat. However, it remains to be seen what Crosby envisions for his future.

Under Dan Muse, the team exceeded offseason expectations and reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, the Pens were bounced in the opening round by cross-state rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers. Whether Crosby believes this past season was the start of something great or merely an oasis in the desert remains to be seen.

If his thinking leans toward the latter, then he may not want to sign a new contract with the team with which he has won three Stanley Cups and the only organization he has ever known in the NHL. Most likely, if next season is the end of the road, Crosby would request a trade ahead of the deadline so as not to walk into free agency and leave Pittsburgh with nothing in return for his departure.

Tomorrow’s problem

Still, once again, that is all talk for the future. As it stands, Sidney Crosby must be excited that the longest-tenured trio in league history—Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang—is staying together for another campaign.

Although none of the three is an actual Pittsburgher, they have lived in the City of Bridges for so long that they have learned a lesson: they will cross that bridge when they come to it.

In the meantime, Crosby, Malkin, Letang, and the Penguins will simply enjoy the trip and take in the views, which are as breathtaking now as they were when they first arrived in The Burgh.

“The Kings have held preliminary discussions with Peter Laviolette regarding their head coaching position,” as reported by Russell Morgan and Pierre LeBrun on X.

Once again, the Kings find themselves testing waters near the Edmonton Oilers. In addition to Los Angeles reaching out to him, former Rangers head coach Laviolette could make his NHL return with the Oilers, who are reportedly rating him highly. Laviolette may be reaching a fork in the road.

To be a King or an Oiler: that is the question

As things stand, the Kings and Oilers appear to be the frontrunners for Peter Laviolette. In the coming days, other potential suitors may emerge while others fade from the picture. With Bruce Cassidy possibly headed for a year away from coaching in the NHL—much like the one Laviolette is now coming off—the former Rangers bench boss has become one of the most intriguing names on the market.

For Laviolette, choosing between Los Angeles and Edmonton presents quite the dilemma. In the City of Angels, he’d reunite with Artemi Panarin, who totaled 209 points—including a career-best 120-point campaign in 2023-24—during the two seasons Laviolette spent in Manhattan. He could also reconnect with goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who served as the Washington Capitals starter in 2022-23, the last season Laviolette spent in The District.

Taking the job in Edmonton, meanwhile, would offer Laviolette the opportunity to coach the best player in hockey, Connor McDavid, while helping one of the league’s most historic franchises avoid slipping into dormancy. After navigating the New York market through soaring highs and difficult lows alike, Laviolette may be uniquely equipped to handle a hockey market as desperate for success as the one in the Gateway to the North.

Laviolette’s past is mainly in the East

Both opportunities present new challenges and uncharted territory in his coaching career. In fact, he’s been head coach for six different organizations, but only one in the Western Conference: the Nashville Predators—which, located in Music City, are not exactly Western. Nashville is in the Central Time Zone and sits east of the banks of the Mississippi River.

It is clear Laviolette (born in Massachusetts) is an Eastern creature. Joining the Kings or Oilers would mean he would settle on the West Coast for the first time in his career. In Edmonton, he would take over a Canadian franchise for the first time, too.

However, the Kings were quicker to knock on his door. If it really comes down to first come, first served, Los Angeles—who has Panarin as an ace up its sleeve—may run away with one of the top candidates on the carousel.

“For him to be able to come back out and even help us on the power play and empty-net situations, if that’s all he can do, we’ll take it,” Bednar commented on MacKinnon after Game 3, via TSN. ”It’s better than anything else, in my opinion, we can put on the ice.”

Bednar’ comments on MacKinnon could signal the Avalanche star may be cleared to play in the NHL Western Conference Final. After all, if he was able to return in Game 3, the odds of him being back in Game 4—with some rest and treatment—should be quite positive.

The Avalanche will walk into T-Mobile Arena with their season on the line. The NHL’s Presidents’ Trophy winners seem dead to rights as the Golden Knights have them all figured out. If MacKinnon is indeed out for Game 4, it may as well be all she wrote for Colorado in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

What happened to MacKinnon?

MacKinnon has been playing through pain lately. During Game 3, the Avalanche’s star blocked a shot from Shea Theodore which hit him in his right knee. MacKinnon played a couple more shifts before heading down the tunnel.

As he returned from the locker room, he was sent onto the ice in man-advantage situations. Still, he looked far from 100%. As Bednar noted, the Avs know that even if he isn’t at full capacity MacKinnon can still produce and be impactful.

MacKinnon may want to play either way

In Game 4, in a true win-or-go-home situation, the medical team may have its concerns about playing MacKinnon, but the star might not give them a choice. “You might have to kill MacKinnon to get him off the ice,” Scott Wedgewood summed everything up after Game 3.

Colorado definitely hopes it doesn’t go that far and it can play its best player in the Avs’ biggest game of the season, yet. From here on out, every game will be the biggest of the year for the franchise in Mile High City. However, if MacKinnon isn’t cleared to play, the Avalanche will have to dig deep and find a way to get out of the Golden Knights’ chokehold.

“I’d put Craig Berube below Peter Laviolette right now,” insider Chris Johnston said during an appearance on The Nielson Show about the Oilers‘ search for Kris Knoblauch’s replacement.

Although his last memory behind an NHL bench is not too exciting, Laviolette remains an intriguing name. McDavid and the Oilers reportedly have no way of hiring Bruce Cassidy away from the Vegas Golden Knights, which virtually leaves them searching for the next best coach available. Laviolette may very well be it.

Laviolette’s tenure with NY Rangers

Indeed, his New York Rangers missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs during the 2024-25 NHL campaign with a 39-36-7 record, one year removed from their Presidents’ Trophy win in 2023-24. Still, Laviolette led New York to its third Presidents’ Trophy and the most wins in a season in franchise history.

In more ways than one, it feels like McDavid and the Oilers could do much worse than hiring Laviolette as their head coach going forward. Especially if Vegas is serious about its blockade against Edmonton. The organization in Oil Country may wait for things to develop around Cassidy, but that could mean risking Laviolette signing somewhere else.

Laviolette wants to coach again

As the former Rangers head coach admitted weeks ago, he enjoyed his one-year vacation from the league—his first season in 25 years without an NHL job—which the Blueshirts had to pay for since he was still under contract. But he is ready to get back in the game.

The Oilers’ head coaching gig may be the most appealing vacancy on the continent. If Edmonton indeed extends him a formal offer, it may not take long for Laviolette to pounce on the opportunity.

“It would be nice to be up 2-1, but we’re not because of me,” Hutson stated after the game, via NHL.com. “It’s frustrating.” While Hutson threw himself under the bus for the loss, head coach Martin St. Louis believes it didn’t come down to one player’s mistake. Teams win and lose together, and he made that clear.

“I didn’t love the play, but whatever,” St. Louis confessed. “It’s what’s next and we didn’t do what’s next. We didn’t get the job done.” The Canadiens are down 2-1. Another loss on home ice in Game 4 would put them with their backs against the wall and on the brink of elimination in the 2025-26 NHL season.

Hutson is in the eye of the Hurricanes

Carolina kept its word. The Hurricanes reportedly confirmed Hutson was in their crosshairs, and they indeed went after him. In fact, just seconds before his costly giveaway in overtime, William Carrier caught Hutson up high with an elbow, which either went unnoticed—or simply uncalled—by the officials.

Carolina knows the best way to keep Hutson in check is by continuously tearing down the undersized blueliner with checks, hits, and some extra shenanigans that, if unpenalized, can turn into a major advantage for the Hurricanes. So far, it has been a formula for success. Taylor Hall hit Hutson’s knee in Game 2, Carrier targeted his head in Game 3, and both contests were won by the Canes in overtime.

That is not to say the Hurricanes are only up in the series because they are playing dirty. Carolina has looked like the far better team, limiting the Montreal Canadiens to just 25 shots on goal over the past two games. The Habs’ blowout win in the series opener taught the Canes a lesson, and the CH has yet to regain its footing.

Canadiens not out—yet

Perhaps the Canadiens will have to push back against the Hurricanes’ antics and meet their aggressiveness somewhere in the middle. If you cannot beat them, join them. The way coach St. Louis’ team has played over the past two outings, it does not look like they can advance past the Canes and into the Stanley Cup Final.

There is a silver lining, though. Montreal has only lost one-goal games decided in overtime. As much trouble as they are in—and as rough as their past few games have been to watch—the Canadiens are still only one game down in the series, and one lucky bounce may well become the difference-maker in the series’ momentum.

One win and it’s a new series

Right now, control mostly rests in the hands of the City of Oaks representatives, but the hockey club from the City of Saints has shown the patience of a saint and the resilience of an oak tree. Combine those two, and the Habs may have the best of both worlds in the Eastern Conference Final.

Still, it is all wishful thinking. If nothing changes, the Hurricanes will keep going after Hutson, keep hemming the Habs into their own zone, and keep throwing everything they have at Jakub Dobes. The time for action is now. In Quebec’s metropolis, the sirens have gone off on the Island of Montreal: there is a hurricane warning.

The Oilers are down to their last bullets in the chamber, but it feels as if their gunpowder is completely drenched. The NHL believes the Golden Knights are within their rights to hold onto Cassidy. Meanwhile, Cassidy cannot—or simply will not—terminate his contract, which guarantees him $4.5 million in 2026-27.

“Ultimately it just feels like the Golden Knights are not going to hand Bruce Cassidy over for next season to Edmonton, that’s just the way it feels,” Chris Johnston said on The Nielson Show.

Oilers are in trouble

All things considered, it feels like the Oilers have no way of convincing the Knights. Edmonton dug itself into a deep hole with the firing of Kris Knoblauch. Vegas will not just toss its divisional rival a lifeline by serving Cassidy on a silver platter.

For the time being, the Golden Knights can—rightfully—stay busy in their chase for the Stanley Cup. Fully focused on capturing the franchise’s second championship, Vegas has little time to concern itself with other matters and will not spend even a second worrying about another organization’s trouble behind the bench.

Decisions on UFAs

The Oilers were buyers in this year’s NHL trade deadline yet had nothing to show for after their heartbreaking first-round exit. Now, it’s time for them to make decisions on players whose contracts are up on July 1st. Namely, on Adam Henrique, as well as rentals Jason Dickinson and Connor Murphy. According to a report, Edmonton has already reached a conclusion.

“I imagine there will be conversations with Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson, I don’t think Adam Henrique is back,” David Pagnotta stated during an appearance on Oilers Nation Everyday.

Henrique is coming off a rough season in Oil Country. The veteran center registered just 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in 65 games and made a lone appearance with no points in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. As for Dickinson and Murphy, they were quite pleasant additions to the lineup, and Edmonton is seemingly excited about what they can do in a full season alongside McDavid and company.

Oilers face trouble with McDavid

Convincing McDavid to stay even longer in the Gateway to the North is another hot topic, but for the time being, Edmonton has other pending tasks. When it comes to the future of their franchise player, the Oilers will cross that bridge when they come to it.

“The Hurricanes have no intention of going any easier on Lane Hutson. I spoke this morning with Jaccob Slavin, Jalen Chatfield, and Logan Stankoven, and all three confirmed to me that hitting ‘Montreal’s playmaker’ was part of their game plan,” as reported by Anthony Martineau of TVA Sports. “We have no choice but to play him tight, but legally,” Stankoven commented.

Since Hall collided with Hutson against the boards in Game 2, momentum shifted in the Eastern Conference Final series. The Hurricanes have found their footing and came away with a crucial victory to even the series at one game apiece. As the series heads to Montreal, it’s all tied up.

Momentum shifted in series

The 3-2 overtime win in Game 2 was paramount in more ways than one for the Canes. They needed it to exorcise their playoff demons, namely the ghosts of Conference Finals past. It was Carolina’s first home-ice win in this stage since 2006.

Since then, the Hurricanes had gone 0-9 in conference final games in Raleigh. The Canes are not out of the woods yet, but they chopped down the Habs—and aim to keep doing so—while snapping a long-standing hex in the City of Oaks.

Unfortunately for Hutson and the Canadiens, they are not off the chopping block just yet. Unless Montreal fights back and matches Carolina’s aggressiveness, the Canadiens could be in for very long games—but not a very long series.

Hutson remains calm

“I’m not too worried about it. I mean, it’s been happening all playoffs for everyone so it’s not just me, it’s everyone,” Hutson said, via Priyanta Emrith on X. “The game happens so fast I’m not saying [Hall] intended to do anything crazy. I put myself in a bad spot and he took advantage.”

Hutson’s statement sends a calming message to the fanbase in the City of Saints. The star blueliner was seen practicing with no signs of discomfort ahead of Game 3, and all indications point to him being at full capacity for the upcoming showdown.

The entire metropolis is buzzing as the CH prepares to host its first conference finals home game with no attendance restrictions at Bell Centre since 2014. It’s been a long time coming, the Habs won’t be intimidated by the Canes’ antics. At least, their fans certainly hope not.

“Patrick Kane probably will be the only UFA [the Detroit Red Wings] keep,” Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey Now stated on his X account.

The Red Wings have five pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) in Patrick Kane, David Perron, James Van Riemsdyk, Travis Hamonic, and Cam Talbot. Setting Kane aside, the four remaining UFAs accounted for a total of $8.5 million last season. The average age among the five veteran UFAs is 36.8. If Detroit wants to rejuvenate the lineup, it might be better off letting some of its seasoned players leave in free agency.

Veterans may want out of Detroit

Some of the veterans may eye a fresh start elsewhere. They may look to chase one last Stanley Cup run, but the Red Wings might not be able to provide them with such an opportunity.

For the past decade, Detroit has not even been able to provide its players with a postseason appearance. Or perhaps it is the other way around: the Red Wings players have not given Detroit something to cheer for come spring.

Kane’s contract

Kane has been in this situation before. He has signed three one-year contracts with the Red Wings over the past three years. Kane signed for $2.75 million in 2023, $4 million in 2024, and $3 million in 2025. In 2026, he could be headed for his fourth consecutive offseason in which he re-signs on a prove-it deal with Detroit.

So far, Kane has passed his exams, but the team has yet to get over the hump and snap its playoff drought—the longest active streak in the NHL at 10 consecutive seasons. At some point, Detroit’s front office may have to go down a different route. Still, it seems the Red Wings are not done exploring the Kane highway just yet.

Kane’s numbers

Kane is coming off a 57-point season (16 goals and 41 assists) in 2025-26, his 19th in the NHL and third with the Red Wings. The American winger ranked fifth in points among Detroit skaters, behind Alex DeBrincat, Lucas Raymond, Dylan Larkin, and Moritz Seider.

Kane recorded just 16 penalty minutes (PIM), but fans still remember his costly minor penalty late in the 5-4 loss to the Minnesota Wild, which proved damaging to the team’s playoff hopes. Still, most fans in the 313 would take him back in a heartbeat. All signs indicate Steve Yzerman and company would, too. Whether it’s the right decision or not, only time will tell.

When it comes to the Detroit Red Wings and the “Yzerplan,” rinse and repeat seems to be the formula. It has not yielded success, but who knows? Maybe if they keep throwing it at the wall, it will finally stick.

“If the Giants are worried about Nabers’ knee going into the season and do not fully trust Beckham to be a productive player… maybe someone like Hopkins, who only cost Baltimore $5 million last year, could be worth a look for the Giants,” Doug Rush of FanSided stated on X.

Although the Giants could benefit from signing Beckham Jr. as soon as possible, the truth is the G-Men would benefit from adding any wide receiver option. Malik Nabers is out and may miss Week 1 of the NFL campaign, while Darius Slayton is also sidelined. Hopkins might as well be the solution.

Hopkins is a familiar face

Although Hopkins has not played for the Giants before like Beckham Jr. did, he is very familiar with the new staff in East Rutherford. Hopkins played under John Harbaugh in Baltimore in 2025. Although he recorded career lows in receptions and receiving yards, he is still familiar with Harbaugh’s system and coaching methods.

As if that were not enough, Hopkins has also played for Matt Nagy. After being traded from the Titans to the Chiefs in 2024, Hopkins joined Nagy’s offense in Kansas City. Although Hopkins and the Chiefs’ offense were completely neutralized by the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense in Super Bowl LIX, they still made it that far, and Hopkins got to know Nagy, whom he could reunite with in the Big Apple.

The sooner he arrives in New York City, the sooner he can get to work with the offensive coordinator, and the better off the Giants’ offense may be.

New York needs a spark

New York needs veteran help, Jaxson Dart needs veteran help, and the Giants must figure out who their next acquisition will be without further delay. In the meantime, players continue to go down with setbacks and the pass-catching options keep shrinking rapidly.

Whether it is Beckham Jr., Hopkins, or anyone else, it is clear the G-Men must add another seasoned wide receiver to their shopping cart. As long as the Giants put off their offseason shopping spree, Harbaugh and Nagy’s offense will operate shorthanded.

“[Skattebo] told the kids he’s about 2-3 weeks away from fully feeling like himself with his rehab from surgery. Will be ready by Giants training camp,” as reported by Evan Barnes of Newsday Sports on X.

Skattebo had hinted at such a timeline during the Giants’ Town Hall event last week. The sophomore running back admitted he was still “a little ways out” from being back at 100%. At the time, putting it into words may have been a better option than admitting he still had roughly a month left in his recovery. As the Giants have been caught off guard by Jaxson Dart introducing Donald Trump, they much rather avoid any more surprises ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

NY Giants’ schedule

Because Skattebo is still weeks out from being fully recovered from his dislocated ankle, fractured fibula and ruptured ligament in his right leg, it’s safe to assume he may not participate during the Giants’ organized team activities (OTAs) and veterans minicamp. If he does step on the field, though, New York’s staff will surely take things slow and be extra cautious.

According to the Giants’ official offseason schedule, OTA workouts will take place on May 27-29 and June 1-4. Meanwhile, veterans camp will be held from June 8-10.

What it means for Skattebo

Considering June 8 is exactly two weeks away, Skattebo’s reported message during his kids football camp in Mineola, Long Island, could confirm he will not be back for any of the offseason practices.

Instead, the former fourth-round pick in 2025 would return for training camp in July. He should be fully healthy by then, but Big Blue knows better than to take things for granted. As Malik Nabers’ latest surgery reminded them, anything can happen, and injury recoveries are often tricky.

That was made very clear as Marner delivered a bold statement about his teammates. What may have sounded like a typical postgame comment carried a different connotation coming from Marner. It did not take long before fans all around the league identified the potential true recipient: the Maple Leafs.

“We have an older group that just stays patient and stays calm. We don’t turn on each other, we don’t get mad at each other,” Marner admitted after Game 3’s comeback win against Colorado, via Golden Knights beat writer Hannah Kirkell.

Marner vs the Leafs

Marner has only ever played for one other organization in his NHL career: the Maple Leafs. He has been in Vegas for less than a year, so this current roster is the only one he has known in Sin City. Thus, there is really no other potential target of his comment than Toronto.

Some may argue Marner was aiming at the Avalanche, who have been known for emotional outbursts on the bench from vocal leaders like Nathan MacKinnon, but that still feels like a bit of a stretch. More likely than not, Marner was taking a shot at his former club and teammates. Only he knows for certain, though.

Fans have even gone as far as suggesting Marner’s message may have been aimed at individuals rather than the team as a whole. Throughout his time in The Six, the hometowner was often used as a scapegoat for the team’s shortcomings in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Perhaps he has finally had enough and addressed how the team made him feel.

Marner’s post-Leafs journey

Marner is getting to experience and accomplish things he never could during his nine-year tenure with the Maple Leafs. In fact, the last time Toronto reached the conference finals was in 2002, back then Marner was only five years old.

That kid who grew up a Leafs fan is now 29 years old and determined to reach the Stanley Cup Final and accomplish what his childhood club has not been able to in six decades.

Currently leading the league in playoff points and sitting one win away from the grand final—a stage Toronto has not reached since its last Stanley Cup win in 1967—it may have been the perfect timing for him to find some closure on a chapter of his career that started as a dream and ended in a nightmare.

The Herons and the U met in one of the most electrifying showdowns of the 2025-26 MLS campaign—and league history, for that matter. Under a typical spring downpour in Magic City, Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union played out a thrilling 6-4 showdown in the final game before the World Cup break.

For Messi, there were visible moments of frustration with his teammates’ defensive struggles. However, he was all over the pitch in the attacking half. Messi registered two assists and could’ve had a few more if it weren’t for some poor finishing.

Messi assists Berterame twice

After conceding two goals in the opening 10 minutes, Inter Miami needed a spark to get back into the game. Naturally, it had to come from Lionel Messi. Rodrigo De Paul found Messi one-on-one with the goalkeeper, and the Argentine ace showed that patience is a virtue as he waited for support to arrive. With a subtle touch to his left, Messi set up German Berterame, who only had to tap the ball into the back of the net.

The Messi-Berterame connection struck again in the 41st minute, this time with a bit of fortune involved. As Messi attempted one of his trademark shots from the edge of the box, Cavan Sullivan challenged for the ball and the deflection fell kindly to Berterame in what was virtually a moving penalty kick. Berterame made no mistake, firing home a powerful shot to cut Philadelphia Union’s lead to 3-2.

The Herons didn’t stop there. Not only did they erase the deficit, they also took the lead before conceding a late equalizer—all before halftime. In the second half, there weren’t quite as much action, but Inter Miami would gladly take it as they came away with a crucial 6-4 triumph. Now, the Herons are headed to the World Cup break in second place in the Eastern Conference.

Messi asks for substitution

As for Lionel Messi, he asked to be taken off with an apparent muscle injury to his left hamstring. While concern is naturally expected in Argentina, the fact that Messi walked off under his own power and showed little sign of pain—or anxiety about potentially missing the upcoming World Cup, which is clearly his main focus—should provide some reassurance.

Still, it was an unnecessary scare that everybody would’ve preferred to avoid. Regardless, it feels like it will take far more than this for Messi to miss the upcoming World Cup.

Messi had assisted German Berterame twice in the dramatic showdown between the Herons and the U. He looked to be in full gear and sending an encouraging message for Argentina, the reigning world champions, ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, that could all change now.

Though far from being involved in a gruesome or scary play, Messi suddenly asked to be replaced and headed with a bit of a limp towards the locker room. His apparent injury is raising concerns as La Albiceleste are just 23 days away from their debut in the 2026 World Cup.

Concerns around Messi

For the time being, there are no updates on what exactly happened to Lionel Messi. Based on the broadcast images, Messi appeared to be experiencing discomfort in his left hamstring, and the fact that he didn’t even head to the substitutes’ bench could be a reason for concern in Argentina. However, there is also a silver lining.

Primarily, whatever happened to Messi appears to be a muscle issue, and he was still able to walk it off. Secondly, he was cautious enough not to put himself at greater risk and asked to be taken off the pitch at Nu Stadium. Although the 2026 World Cup is indeed right around the corner, 23 days could be more than enough time for Argentina’s No. 10 to recover.

Messi has no further commitments with Inter Miami CF for the time being and can now focus entirely on returning to full fitness ahead of Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria in Kansas City. Even at less than 100%, Lionel Messi is capable of doing things others can’t even dream of at full capacity.

Argentina’s World Cup schedule

The reigning World Cup champions will start their journey against Algeria on June 16. On June 22, Argentina will take on Austria, before closing out their participation in Group J with a matchup against Jordan.

Gearing up for their title defense in 2026, Argentina will face Honduras on June 6 at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. On June 9, La Albiceleste will take on Iceland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Whether Messi will be available for those friendlies—or if Lionel Scaloni and his staff will choose caution instead—remains to be seen.

With Darius Slayton and Malik Nabers absent from organized team activities (OTAs) due to injuries, the Giants’ receiving corps does not exactly look intimidating. Obviously, no team cares about looking intimidating during the NFL offseason, but the G-Men have been put on notice about just how many weapons they truly have surrounding Jaxson Dart.

Maybe Beckham Jr. is the perfect addition, and the sooner he is back in the Big Apple, the better it may work out for both him and the organization.

“It’s only OTAs, of course, but it’s clear the Giants could use more options,” Art Stapleton wrote on NorthJersey.com.”That’s why cashing in the lottery ticket that Beckham represents before the spring is out—even at age 33—is worth the gamble.”

Giants’ current WR depth chart

With Nabers and Slayton out, many could argue tight end Isaiah Likely is the top receiving option in East Rutherford. Still, Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin III, and rookie Malachi Fields could all walk away with significant roles as they receive even more—and higher-quality—reps to impress John Harbaugh and the new coaching staff in Bergen County.

Closing out the depth chart are options like Isaiah Hodgins, Gunner Olszewski, Dalen Cambre, Xavier Gipson, and Ryan Miller. Jalin Hyatt is also on the depth chart, but he and Ryan Miller are currently listed as questionable, underlining New York’s need for pass-catchers.

Beckham wants to be back

According to a report from NorthJersey.com and The Record, Beckham Jr. hopes to sign with the Giants, with whom he had a private workout earlier in the year. The LSU alum is confident he can stay healthy and be a factor during the 2026 NFL season.

As for New York, it has its fair share of concerns, but it is slowly realizing it may have no better option. Odell is familiar with both the new head coach and the organization as a whole, so it might be a cocktail too good to pass on.

“Being 1-1 is a good spot on the road. I think we can just go back home with a lot of confidence that we can beat these guys in the series,” Suzuki admitted in his press conference, via NHL.com.

Coming into the 2025-26 NHL season, not many expected the Canadiens to be competing right at the doorstep of the Stanley Cup Final. Still, they have found a way, and their captain will not give up at the first sign of trouble. Plus, anybody could have seen the series being split through the opening games. Based on how the postseason has gone for Montreal so far, it felt inevitable.

Same old Montreal

The Habs are 9-7 so far in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. They have won consecutive games in a series only once, and that came in Games 2 and 3 against the Buffalo Sabres. Thus, fans in Montreal were not exactly surprised to see the team fall in Game 2 after prevailing in the series opener.

Plus, coming away with one win during the trip to Raleigh is not a bad outcome by any means. Up until this point, no team had defeated Carolina on the road—nor at home, for that matter. Still, it is all about having a strong homestand in Games 3 and 4. According to head coach Martin St. Louis, the Habs must relax.

“I feel like we want to do it for [our fans] so bad that sometimes we just try too hard and look out of sorts a bit,” St. Louis stated. “I just think we need to take a deep breath and understand that they are behind us.”

Series schedule

Games 1 and 2 are in the books. The Eastern Conference Final will head to the City of Saints for Games 3 and 4 before returning south to the City of Oaks. Game 5 is already guaranteed, but whether the series will go six or seven games is still up in the air. A spot in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final is up for grabs, and there is no distance either team is unwilling to go.

• Game 3: Hurricanes at Canadiens, May 25th
• Game 4: Hurricanes at Canadiens, May 27th
• Game 5: Canadiens at Hurricanes, May 29th
• Game 6: Hurricanes at Canadiens, May 31st (If necessary)
• Game 7: Canadiens at Hurricanes, June 2nd (If necessary)

According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the Jets want to see what Klubnik can do before adding a more established veteran backup. Wilson is considered the top target for New York should they acquire another seasoned signal-caller ahead of the 2026 NFL campaign.

As it stands, however, whether Wilson is actually interested in playing again next season remains uncertain. Wilson has two offers on the table, and they could not be any more different. Per NBC, Wilson is torn between joining the Jets and taking a television job at CBS.

Wilson’s numbers in 2025

Coming off a concerning campaign with the Giants last season, the Jets should know exactly what to expect from Wilson should he sign with the club in Florham Park. In 2025, Wilson was named the starting quarterback for the G-Men, but lasted only three weeks in that role.

He did put on a vintage performance against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2’s 40-37 overtime loss, including a miraculous moon ball that took fans all across the league back in time. However, his performances in both the opening week and Week 3 led to the Giants starting Jaxson Dart, and the quarterback debate was over.

Aside from a couple of snaps here and there, Wilson virtually did not see the field again. If he were to join the Jets, it could signal they have concerns about heading into the season with Klubnik as the backup quarterback to Geno Smith. Perhaps having Wilson in that role is the safer option.

Klubnik looked good so far

Still, the Clemson alum has shown flashes during the offseason, and New York may be just shy of having all its potential doubts cleared. The Jets’ fourth-round pick (110th overall) impressed during rookie camp, but it remains to be seen if he can stand out when more experienced players join practices.

Per Sports Illustrated, the Jets’ organized team activities (OTAs) will take place on May 27-29, June 1-2, 4, and 8-11. Thus, if a decision is to be made on Wilson, it would most likely occur after June 11. By then, the Jets should have a clear view of where Klubnik stands and where he can take them.

After failing to pull off the miracle West Ham have been relegated to the EFL Championship. The Hammers had been on the Premier League since the 2011-12 campaign. For the first time in over a decade, the club—that ironically is—in East London will compete in the second tier of English soccer.

In true ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ fashion, one club in London hit its nadir, while another not too far away was covered in confetti and champagne. The Gunners capped off a sensational season with a win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and hoisted the Premier League trophy in South London. With the title race already over ahead of kickoff, an interesting storyline emerged in the spots on the table competing for European competitions.

The push for European cups

Aston Villa—recently crowned UEFA Europa League champions—defeated Man. City and thus finished in fourth place. However, they had already punched their ticket to next season’s UEFA Champions League thanks to their continental conquest.

Had the Villains lost to the Citizens and Liverpool defeated Brentford, Villa would have dropped to fifth, meaning No. 6 in the standings would have secured a Champions League berth as well. That did not happen, so Bournemouth will play in the UEFA Europa League in 2026-27.

In summary, Arsenal, Man. City, Man. United, Aston Villa, and Liverpool will all play in the UEFA Champions League next season. Meanwhile, Bournemouth and Sunderland are headed to the Europa League, and Brighton will compete in the UEFA Conference League.

Relegation battle

Tottenham defeated Everton in a drab affair that ended in a 1-0 victory for the hosts in North London. As a result, West Ham were left with no hope of survival. Even their 3-0 home win over Leeds wasn’t enough.

In the end, the relegation showdown between the cross-London foes has been decided. The Hotspurs can finally breathe a sigh of relief as they’ve avoided a heartbreaking drop to the second tier.

The gavel has come down, and the Hammers are headed down to the Championship. That means a reunion with rivals Millwall awaits in one of the fiercest and most vitriol-filled rivalries in English football.

Goalscorers and assists table

To nobody’s surprise, Erling Haaland finished as the Premier League’s leading scorer in 2025-26. The Manchester City striker found the back of the net 27 times, five more than the next closest player, Igor Thiago. The Brazilian finished with 22 goals, while Antoine Semenyo rounded out the podium with 17.

As for assists, Bruno Fernandes broke the Premier League single-season record with 21, surpassing the previous mark of 20 jointly held by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry.

“If Odell Beckham Jr. is healthy, and everything I heard about his workout with the Giants last month suggests he is, nothing I saw today would indicate that there’s no room for him in this WR group,” Art Stapleton of North Jersey stated on his X account.

The Giants may turn Malik Nabers’ injury into a major opportunity for Malachi Fields and the rest of the wide receivers on the roster. Regardless, they’ve entered organized team activities (OTAs) with a rather thin group, and Beckham Jr. could offer a solution.

Beckham’s potential role

Beckham Jr.’s return to the Big Apple has often been portrayed as something that could complicate matters, and while it would indeed raise questions about salary cap space and his exact role in John Harbaugh’s offense, the veteran wideout could still provide value simply through his presence.

In addition to Nabers’ absence, Darius Slayton—the longest-tenured receiver in New York—is sidelined after undergoing sports hernia surgery. The wide receiver’s group could benefit greatly from a veteran voice like Beckham’s, and so could the rest of the locker room.

Beckham Jr. would obviously benefit as well. After spending the entire 2025 NFL season out of the league, he has plenty left to prove and may need every rep he can get in May if he hopes to make an impact once August and September roll around. The Giants may feel no urgent need to sign Beckham Jr. right now, but they could be wise to prepare for a rainy day. After all, clouds are starting to form over the Manhattan skyline.

NY Giants face trouble in WR room

Indeed, the receiving corps in East Rutherford hasn’t changed much, but the Giants are already facing early concerns in a WR room that still carried question marks to begin with. New York believes it has enough depth to withstand the bumps and bruises that inevitably come with an NFL season, but recent setbacks have served as an early reminder that teams can never have too many options.

Fortunately for the Giants, that lesson arrived early enough for them to act on it. Nabers is sidelined, and although the organization is targeting Week 1 for his return, not even Harbaugh would stake his reputation on that timeline. Harbaugh may be new around town, but he knows his way around the NFL. He understands better than to make promises he may not be able to keep—especially regarding injuries that remain out of his control.

NY Giants face decision

If the pitch still wasn’t convincing enough, Darius Slayton is expected back by training camp. In the meantime, though, who exactly are Malachi Fields and the rest of the young receivers supposed to lean on for on-field guidance?

If only there were a seasoned candidate available who just so happens to be familiar with both the organization and the new head coach in Bergen County. Whether the New York Giants want to admit it or not, all roads may lead back to Odell Beckham. Passing on him might prove costly.

Dropped passes may be something the team has to work on going forward. At least, that was an aspect that caught Harbaugh’s attention and the Super Bowl-winning coach couldn’t get out of his mind. As he addressed media after practice, he made that clear.

“[In OTAs] the football shouldn’t hit the ground too often,” Harbaugh said, via Ryan Dunleavy of New York Post. Considering drops tend to drive coaches crazy—and fans, as well—Harbaugh did come up with a subtle way to let his players know it’s something that needs fixing.

Giants’ drops in 2025

Though it appears to have been an area New York struggled with during its open-to-the-public practice session, drops were not exactly a headache last season. Considering not much went the Giants’ way in 2025, it is noteworthy that they were far from the worst team in the league at securing possession.

According to Pro Football Reference, the Giants registered 19 drops throughout the 2025 NFL campaign. That is not too bad considering the Jacksonville Jaguars led the league with 45 dropped passes, while the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots had the safest hands with just 13 drops each.

Big Blue’s receivers dropped just 3.6% of their targets, recording 19 drops on 526 targets. Moreover, 9.4% of the team’s incompletions were the result of dropped passes, with the Giants totaling 203 incompletions overall. The remaining 90.6% can be blamed on the throw or credited to the defense.

NY Giants’ revamped WR room

Even though their numbers from a year ago—actually, just months ago—are quite encouraging, the Giants are looking quite different. Harbaugh has brought in several new weapons, and the wideouts room, as well as the depth additions to the running back and tight end groups, mean these are not the same G-Men from the 2025 NFL campaign.

Furthermore, players like Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, and Cam Skattebo continue to recover from injuries and were all missing from action during OTAs. Thus, Big Blue’s receiving corps featured new faces, many of whom have yet to prove themselves to the Giants.

Perhaps the current group is indeed one that has trouble keeping the pigskin off the dirt. If that is the case, it might be wise on Harbaugh’s part to tackle the issue head-on.

As reported by Dan Duggan of The Athletic, neither D.J. Reader, Shelby Harris, nor Sam Roberts was spotted on the practice field for the Giants. All three defensive linemen were signed during the offseason ahead of the 2026 NFL campaign.

While Roberts was signed in March, both Harris and Reader were brought into East Rutherford after New York traded Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals. Still, neither was in action on Thursday, meaning John Harbaugh and the rest of his staff are still somewhat in the dark about them. In addition to these absentees, the fact that the Giants are facing early injury concerns in the DL room is far from encouraging.

Why were they absent?

Roberts is still recovering from offseason surgery and has yet to be cleared to return to the practice field. Needless to say, the Giants will not rush him back and are taking every precaution.

As for Reader and Harris, neither is listed with an injury, and their absence from OTAs is seemingly a decision between them and the coaches. It is not rare—in fact, it is quite common—for veterans to opt out of voluntary workouts.

Considering both Harris and Reader are new players joining the club, some may argue they are better off practicing with the team and getting early reps with the new coaching staff and teammates. However, it is a very long year, and veterans like them may have more to lose than to gain by stepping into the trenches in May.

Giants stay patient

The Giants should know better than to start second-guessing Harbaugh’s decisions right from the get-go, especially during OTAs. Right now, these practices are all fans and media have, but they will become a distant, irrelevant memory once the actual NFL season rolls around.

Still, those who wanted an early peek at the revamped defensive line without Lawrence—and with his replacements—instead got to see a unit that looked quite similar to its 2025 version, aside from a fair share of rookies and free-agency additions here and there.

It was not perfect, but Al Nassr found a way. Despite the heartbreaking draw in Matchweek 33 against Al Hilal , the yellow side bounced back at home against Damac and are the brand-new league champions in Saudi Arabia. Thanks to Sadio Mane’s header—assisted by Joao Felix from a corner kick—Al Nassr broke the deadlock and cast their nerves aside before the break.

In such a special night, it had to be Ronaldo who closed out the game with a brace. Cristiano established the final 4-1 scoreline to crown Al Nassr as Saudi Pro League champions once again. The updated league standings after the final matchweek reflect Ronaldo and Al Nassr’s historic campaign.

Al Nassr: SPL champions once again

Al Nassr won their 11th league title (fourth Saudi Pro League) as Cristiano snapped his championship drought in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Al Hilal finished in the runner-up position for the 17th time in league history.

For the first time since the 2018-19 campaign, Al Nassr reign supreme in Saudi Arabian soccer’s top-flight competition. Al Nassr had finished in second place in both 2022-23 and 2023-24, so its latest crowning was some much-needed closure for a fanbase that has been through an awful lot of heartbreak.

Al Hilal finish in second

To make things sweeter for the yellow club in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Al Nassr left Al Hilal in second place, just as they did in 2019. In fact, four of the club’s last five league titles have seen its cross-Riyadh rivals finish as runners-up.

For Ronaldo, he fell at the gates of the league championship in two of his first three seasons in The Kingdom. Finally, he has found the charm and Ronaldo is headed to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a league champ. Cristiano and Al Nassr are top two, and they are not No. 2.

Goal scorers table

With his decisive screamer—and another goal for good measure—against Damac, Ronaldo put the cherry on top to an unforgettable 2025-26 Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr. Ronaldo finished third in scoring with 28 tallies. Meanwhile, Julian Quinones climbed to the top of the league rankings with a hat-trick, reaching the 33-goal total. Ivan Toney and his 32 goals finished second.

Saudi Pro League’s assist leader

Although all the eyes and spotlight were fixed on Cristiano, fellow countryman Joao Felix had a night to remember as well. The Portuguese star—once called Ronaldo’s successor—recorded a crucial assist when the ball was heavy and Al Nassr had no answers for Damac’s defensive block.

Reaching his 13th assist of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League campaign, Felix finished the season as the league’s top assister. Kostas Fortounis and Christopher Bonsu Baah finished second and third with 12 and 11 assists, respectively.

“DL Roy Robertson-Harris limped off very gingerly from 11-on-11. Trainers checking his right leg,” Dan Duggan of The Athletic reported on his X account. “WR Jalin Hyatt was riding the bike on the side. Appeared to tweak something running routes early in practice.“

Needless to say, watching two players go down with setbacks during OTAs—in which the aggressiveness and physicality are far from their maximum levels—may raise concerns for John Harbaugh and his staff. Furthermore, the Giants are quite thin at both positions, particularly during the opening stretch of OTAs and the NFL preseason.

Giants’ WR situation

New York is rolling into OTAs with an alternative offense. Malik Nabers, Cam Skattebo, and Darius Slayton are all absent as they continue recovering from injuries. That opens up the field for unsung names to showcase themselves.

Hyatt, whose future in East Rutherford is up in the air, falls right into that category. However, he is of little use and can prove nothing to Harbaugh if he is on the sidelines riding a bike instead of running routes with the rest of the team. Based on his current role on the team, it feels as if Hyatt loses more by being injured than the Giants do by being without him. He has something to prove.

Although the Giants could turn Nabers’ injury into a positive by boosting rookie Malachi Fields, and Hyatt is reportedly at risk of being cut from the 53-man roster, New York needs all hands on deck, and another absence in the WR room would be costly.

Giants addressed D-line

Something similar is occurring within the defensive linemen group. The Giants appeared at OTAs without their main replacements for Dexter Lawrence. With Shelby Harris, D.J. Reader, and Sam Roberts unavailable, watching Robertson-Harris potentially suffer an injury is a scare Big Blue would have rather avoided this early in the offseason.

Finding the silver lining, however, some could argue it is better to have these scares early rather than in the middle of the NFL campaign. Regardless, there are questions to be asked.

New York brought in Reader, Harris, and Roberts throughout the offseason. The two former players were direct replacements brought in to fill the void left by Lawrence’s trade to Cincinnati. Thus, there is reasonable concern among fans if the players signed to address a problem are not even on the field.

Giants raise concerns

Roberts is injured, but no injury has been reported for Reader and Harris. Being longtime veterans in the NFL, there is an argument to be made as to why they are not on the gridiron this early in the year. After all, Harbaugh knows what he is doing.

However, fans can—rightfully—express their discomfort if the players supposed to replace one of the franchise’s best players of the century are not even practicing with the team on a warm afternoon in the Big Apple. Needless to say, it is not ideal for the Giants, especially not after the dramatic offseason they have been through.

This would be the perfect time to sell hope to the fanbase. The regular-season roller coaster will already take care of brewing storms. It would be best if the Giants did not bring them upon themselves, too.

“I just said execution like five times. I think that’s what hurt us,” MacKinnon told reporters after the game, via NHL.com. “It needs to be better. And, you know, obviously we’re capable of being a lot better than that.”

The Vegas Golden Knights got the best of MacKinnon’s Avalanche en route to a 4-2 victory in Game 1. Colorado is sensing the pressure as it trails in a series for the first time in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Avalanche lose first home game of the playoffs

Up until its defeat against Vegas, Colorado was undefeated at Ball Arena in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Avs are 5-1 at home, whereas the Knights are 5-2 on the road so far in this year’s postseason.

Moreover, the last time the Avs had lost an opening game was in the 2024 postseason—Game 1 of the first round against the Winnipeg Jets. They ended up turning the tables and advancing with a 4-1 series win, so perhaps this serves as a wake-up call for MacKinnon and company.

Tortorella warns Avalanche about Hart

Despite a concerning start to the playoffs, John Tortorella and the Golden Knights stuck with Carter Hart in net. Needless to say, patience has been a virtue and has paid off for the team in Sin City so far. Following yet another strong outing in Game 1 against Colorado Avalanche, Tortorella praised Hart’s resilience with a sincere comment.

“[Hart] is a hell of a goalie. I think he’s grown so strong mentally. I don’t think much bothers him. He is just zeroed in,” Tortorella said about his goaltender, via TSN. “And he’s going to have to be, because we’ve got a lot of work to do here.”

Hart is a problem for Avalanche

Hart was the first star of the night in Game 1 as he stopped 36 shots and finished with a .947 save percentage (SV%). So far in the playoffs, he has registered a 2.35 goals-against average (GAA) and a .920 SV% through 13 games.

Among goalies with at least eight games played in the postseason, Hart ranks fourth in goals saved above expected (6.3), according to data from MoneyPuck. Hart also has the second-most saves against unblocked shot attempts with 826 stops.

His numbers only go to show how much work is left to be done by MacKinnon and the Avalanche. If they want to advance past Vegas, the Avs must make Hart uncomfortable because the 27-year-old netminder has finally settled into the crease in the Entertainment Capital of the World.

The Vegas Golden Knights may be completely blocking McDavid’s Oilers from reaching Cassidy, but it may not be able to last much longer. Vegas’ main argument for not granting teams permission is based on the fact it is still alive in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and that allowing its former head coach to interview with other teams could come back to bite the Golden Knights during their postseason run.

Thus, the math is simple regarding when Cassidy should be made available for interview requests. Or at least, the Knights will have to come up with better excuses.

“The moment that Vegas is eliminated from the playoffs or wins the Stanley Cup, you will hear that Bruce Cassidy has an opportunity to interview,” John Shannon said on Donnie and Dhali: The Team. “It’s going to be by the middle of June that we all hear Cassidy is available to talk to other teams.”

NHL won’t step in

If the NHL wanted to turn a blind eye to the whole situation, the Coaches’ Association coming to the rescue of McDavid and the Oilers may have put the league on notice. Still, it seems like there is nothing the commissioner can do because, in its own words, the Golden Knights have done nothing wrong so far. It is not exactly sportsmanlike, but it is all within the rulebook.

“From NHL perspective, the league feels the Vegas response to date is consistent with the team’s existing contractual rights, as well as with established league policy. So, it remains very much up to the Golden Knights if and when teams can talk to Cassidy while he’s under contract,” as reported by TSN insider Pierre LeBrun.

With the league taking such a passive stance, the Oilers have an even better understanding of where they stand in their pursuit of Cassidy. Edmonton will either remain patient or tear its hair out over the current situation.

Knoblauch’s future

Although the Oilers fired Kris Knoblauch, they will have to foot the bill on his contract. Knoblauch had signed a three-year extension before the Cassidy drama cost him his job. As he was relieved of his duties without cause, Edmonton will have to pay him for the next three years. According to Sportsnet’s Mark Spector, Knoblauch will go on a sabbatical before taking another coaching job in the league.

“We can likely cross Kris Knoblauch’s name off of any coaching candidates list out there for now,” Spector wrote on his X account. Knoblauch has three years left on his contract with the Oilers, running through 2028-29.

For the time being, thus, Knoblauch may not entertain any interviews, and Edmonton will not be put in a situation where it must decide who can and cannot speak with him. Still anything can happen. Perhaps the Oilers end up being the pot calling the kettle black.

Injuries are a part of the league. Every team deals with them year in and year out. It is how one bounces back from those setbacks that truly matters and ultimately decides NFL seasons. Nabers‘ recovery from a torn ACL and meniscus is no different. The Giants are making no excuses for themselves. Instead, they can use it as an opportunity to develop their third-round pick even faster.

“With injuries to Nabers and Slayton, Fields will get a lot of work with the first-team offense this offseason,” as reported on Giants Now. “It’s a great opportunity for him to get extra work with Jaxson Dart. A lot of times rookies don’t get to work with the starting quarterback. Good stuff that Fields and Dart are starting to build that chemistry and continuity.”

NY Giants have exciting rookie on Fields

Selected with the 74th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Giants have always been high on the Virginia transfer coming out of Notre Dame. New York does not expect him to become the No. 1 target for Dart—at least not on paper—but the G-Men hope that Fields can become a reliable option right from the get-go.

With their top two wideouts sidelined to start OTAs, the rookie could get an early chance to showcase his abilities and establish himself in John Harbaugh’s offense. As it stands, the top three pass-catching options for the Giants to start OTAs are newcomers to the roster: Darnell Mooney, Malachi Fields, and TE Isaiah Likely. Thus, New York could get a very early preview of what it paid for during the offseason.

Giants find silver lining

Provided both Nabers and Slayton are fully healthy for Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys, their absences may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Although everybody is settling in onto Harbaugh’s new system, these early practices are even more important for Fields and the new players in the Big Apple.

Who knows? Maybe Big Blue will not miss Nabers and Slayton too much during the opening days of camp. By the time the 2026 NFL regular season rolls around, however, that will be a different story. And the Giants will need all hands on deck, especially the old reliable pairs of Nabers and Slayton.

Fields’ stats in college

New York saw something in Fields during his days in Charlottesville and South Bend. It’s all about exploiting it in the NFL. If his numbers are any showing, however, the Giants should be in a good place to start off.

Last season, Fields caught 36 passes for 630 yards (17.5 average) and five touchdowns. Though it was his lowest catches total in a full college season, he still matched his career-best for TDs. In fact, Fields has caught five touchdown passes in all of his last three campaigns. All in all, he closed out his collegiate career with a total of 165 catches, 2,479 yards, and 16 touchdowns.

Unfortunately for the Oilers, the interest doesn’t seem to be reciprocal. According to a report from an NHL insider, Babcock has ruled out the rumors with a straightforward statement. Edmonton will have to look elsewhere for its 10th head coach in the last 15 years—and McDavid‘s sixth since being selected with the first overall pick in 2015.

“I’m retired. Loving it,” Mike Babcock told Darren Dreger, as TSN‘s insider’s reported.

Babcock’s numbers

Babcock has been away from the NHL since his brief, yet highly controversial tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Stanley Cup-winning coach—who won in 2008 with the Detroit Red Wings—resigned from his position in Columbus just months after signing due to an investigation into improper behavior.

So far in his career, Babcock has coached in 1,301 games. The 63-year-old bench-boss boasts a 700-418-164-19 (W-L-OT-T) record. His 700 wins put him on 12th for most by a head coach in NHL history.

If he were to come out of retirement, Babcock would become the fifth active coach with the most victories, only trailing Joel Quenneville, Paul Maurice, Lindy Ruff, and John Tortorella.

Edmonton still searching for head coach

Based on his reported answer to Dreger, it does not look as if he will come out of retirement to coach McDavid and the rest of the title-hungry team in Edmonton. For the franchise in the Gateway to the North, its search for a replacement for Kris Knoblauch is only just beginning, and it will not get away with cutting any corners.

Although the NHL Coaches’ Association has come to McDavid and the Oilers’ rescue—or at least tried to force the league’s hand into taking action—the Golden Knights are standing firm. They are not giving the Oilers, nor other divisional rivals permission to speak with Cassidy, not for as long as they remain alive in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. What happens afterward remains uncertain, and every option is still on the table. Even a brazen move by the front office in Sin City.

“Maybe [the Golden Knights] want him back coaching their team next season, which would be in their right,” David Alter of The Hockey News wrote on his X account. “Tortorella is only locked in for the remainder of this season. But even that would be ridiculous.“

Vegas could bring Cassidy back

Even for an organization as recklessly ground-breaking as the Golden Knights, such a move would shock the rest of the NHL. It is a known fact that Vegas has nerve, but firing Cassidy with eight games left in the season, bringing in Tortorella for the postseason, reaching the Conference Finals, only to part ways with Torts and bring back Cassidy—might be a lot even for the Knights.

The Golden Knights take pride in their avant-garde approach, but such a decision would take things to an extreme. Still, it is all within legal boundaries. As is their decision not to grant other teams’ permission to interview Cassidy.

“From NHL perspective, the league feels the Vegas response to date is consistent with the team’s existing contractual rights, as well as with established league policy. So, it remains very much up to the Golden Knights if and when teams can talk to Cassidy while he’s under contract,” as reported by Pierre LeBrun.

Cassidy’s contract

Cassidy is signed through the 2026-27 campaign, and the Knights are bound to pay him $4.5 million. If they are going to foot the bill, they might as well enjoy the dinner.

For the head coach, he would most likely not be on board with such treatment from the organization, but he is under contract regardless. Cassidy wants to be paid what he signed for, and he still wants to coach a Stanley Cup contender. By returning behind Vegas’ bench at T-Mobile Arena, he would get both.

Vegas may actually pull it off

Casting every moral restriction aside, it is certainly possible Vegas could bring Cassidy back and leave Edmonton still clueless in its head coaching search. The house always wins in Sin City, and the Knights may be playing with an ace up their sleeve.

Perhaps Kelly McCrimmon finds a solution to the age-old dilemma, and Vegas somehow, some way—jumping the line with the league’s CBA and morality lessons—manages to have its cake and eat it too.

Retirement is still close, though—just a little ways out and rising on the horizon. Rodgers confirmed 2026 will be his last NFL season, meaning he will retire younger than Tom Brady did. Still, he is excited for the upcoming campaign alongside McCarthy, with whom he won a Super Bowl—his lone Vince Lombardi Trophy—in 2011. In fact, if it had not been for the head coach, Rodgers may have called it a career this offseason.

“I thought that was probably it for me in Pittsburgh. But when the decision was made to hire Mike, I started opening my mind back up to coming back,” Rodgers stated, via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.

Unfinished business for Rodgers

Had Rodgers closed out his chapter with the Steelers after the 2025 NFL season, a dull feeling would have lingered over his one-year stint in the Three Rivers. The future Hall of Famer and Tomlin‘s offense looked herky-jerky all season long.

To make matters worse, their final act is still giving fans in The Burgh nightmares. A whopping 30-6 home loss to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round extended Pittsburgh’s postseason winless drought to nine straight years. The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season. Not even Rodgers could wash that sour taste out of fans’ mouths.

Still, he’s ready to give it another shot in 2026. Perhaps, a decade later, the curse will finally be lifted. Rodgers has plenty to prove as well. His last postseason victory came during the 2020 season, and he’s gone 0-3 in the playoffs since then.

Rodgers and McCarthy reunite

With Mike McCarthy calling the shots, Rodgers may be in for a trip down memory lane—a return to the glory days. If the longtime coach-quarterback duo still has some magic left, the Steelers may have reason to believe.

If there’s one coach capable of getting the best out of “A-Rod,” it’s McCarthy. He served as Rodgers’ head coach in Green Bay for 13 seasons from 2006 to 2018. During that span, Rodgers won a Super Bowl and captured two NFL MVP awards. If he plays to even a fraction of that level in 2026, Pittsburgh could be in for a magical year.

However, the soap opera in Oil Country may have led to confusion, and the timer may have been set wrong. According to a report circulating around the league, there is a chance the Oilers mistimed their championship window. As a result, Edmonton could have even less time left with McDavid than previously thought.

“I think the Connor McDavid [Stanley Cup] window is one year,” Ryan Rishaug stated on TSN. “Everybody talks about two years left on his deal. [But] the inflection point is next summer.”

Oilers are in trouble

Coming off back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances, Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers were in for a rude awakening at the hands of the Anaheim Ducks. Edmonton hadn’t been bounced in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2021, but in more ways than one, it feels like the Oilers are back to square one.

Kris Knoblauch has been fired, and the organization is already stumbling out of the gate in its coaching search. To make matters worse, reports indicate McDavid’s Oilers are completely blocked from reaching Bruce Cassidy, who is believed to be the franchise’s top candidate.

Perhaps this is the kind of adversity McDavid and company need to rediscover their edge and emerge as a different team next season. That may be wishful thinking, though. One thing is clear: if Edmonton can’t turn the tide, an even bigger storm could brew along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River.

McDavid could ask for trade

If McDavid believes the organization takes another step backward in 2026-27, he could very well request a trade ahead of the 2027-28 campaign. He’ll be entering the final year of his contract by then, and it’s safe to assume he’d prefer the security of a long-term deal in case of injury. Whether he’d want to sign that contract in the Gateway to the North, however, is another question entirely. For the time being, most analysts would bet against it.

What was once viewed as a two-year championship window may instead prove to have been a one-year lease. The outlook is far from encouraging. The organization still hasn’t addressed the issues that have repeatedly cost McDavid a Stanley Cup—namely its lack of depth up front and on the blue line, along with the absence of a playoff-proven goaltender.

The Oilers also have no certainty behind the bench heading into next season, while the front office appears to be operating on borrowed time. Perhaps Stan Bowman and company have only as much time as McDavid is willing to give them. Needless to say, if the 2026-27 campaign truly is Edmonton’s last chance to convince its captain to stay, it’s off to an awful start.

As reported by Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, the Giants will hold only one joint practice during the preseason, and it will be with the Miami Dolphins. Although the two New Jersey-based teams will meet in Week 3 of the preseason, the Jets and Giants will not practice together.

It’s quite surprising considering the two organizations had held at least one joint practice before their preseason matchup in recent years. It had become a tradition in East Rutherford. Harbaugh and company are determined to wipe the slate clean and get a fresh start, and moving on from this ritual may be another sign of that.

Giants will be in and out of town

According to Dan Duggan of The Athletic, the Giants will be away from East Rutherford to begin training camp. The G-Men will spend the first 12 days of training camp in West Virginia. Moreover, they will travel to South Florida for their joint practice with the Dolphins.

Per Duggan, camp in the Mountain State will begin on July 28. The fact that the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will be held at MetLife Stadium on July 19 may be a factor in why the Giants will not spend much time at their own facilities in the outskirts of the Big Apple.

NY Giants’ preseason schedule

On August 15, the Giants will host the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium in the opening week of the 2026 NFL preseason. The following week, they will travel to face the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. The G-Men will close out their prep for the regular season with the matchup against the Jets on Aug. 28.

Although the game will be played in East Rutherford, the Giants will be designated as the away team. Following their three preseason games, the G-Men will head into the final week of preseason before their regular-season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football at MetLife Stadium.

Not only are the Golden Knights giving McDavid and the Oilers, a despised divisional foe, the short end of the stick, but they are also hurting Cassidy’s chances of landing another job. As a result, the Coaches’ Association (NHLCA) released a stern statement demanding action from the league.

“The NHLCA has been closely monitoring the situation involving Bruce Cassidy. While we respect the League’s rules and processes, it is our position that coaches who remain under contract, but are no longer working for their Club, should not be prevented from pursuing other employment opportunities,” the official statement read.

“It would be unprecedented at the head coaching level should multiple teams be denied permission to speak with Coach Cassidy. The situation is still unfolding, but our priority is to protect the interests of our members in this type of circumstance.”

Cassidy is still on Vegas’ payroll

Though he was fired without cause, Cassidy is still set to earn $4.5 million from the Golden Knights during the 2026-27 NHL season. As the saying goes, he who pays the piper calls the tune, and Vegas is taking the idiom to the limit.

Because of league regulations, the Knights are not exactly in the wrong—breaching morality’s borders, perhaps, but not crossing any legal boundaries. As loud as the Coaches’ Association and the Oilers cry out, it may all fall on deaf ears.

NHL plans no sanction to Golden Knights

According to reports, the NHL is maintaining the $100,000 fine and stripping the Knights of a second-round pick for missing their media obligations after Game 6 of the series against the Anaheim Ducks, but there has been no punishment for their handling of Cassidy’s future. And it seems there will not be one in the future, either.

Still, the NHLCA’s statement may be an encouraging sign for McDavid and the Oilers that the battle is not lost yet. Perhaps the Coaches’ Association can force the league commissioner’s hand. It feels like a long shot, but Edmonton will hold on to any beacon of hope.

Oilers are to blame, too

Considering how Edmonton handled its own head coaching situation, the Oilers are no choir boys, either. With Knoblauch still under contract and set for a three-year extension to kick in next summer, they requested an interview with Cassidy.

Their plan blew up in their face once the interest was leaked. Left with no choice but to admit their mistake and relieve Knoblauch of his duties, the front office led by Stan Bowman now faces crucial hours. As everybody in Oil Country has been reminded, oil spills only make a bigger mess.

Tottenham needed only one point to be virtually safe from relegation and leave West Ham United with one foot in the Championship, the second tier of English soccer. However, a screamer from Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos’ goal ensured the London derby stayed in Chelsea‘s hands.

A quick look at the updated Premier League standings, as Arsenal were crowned champions thanks to Manchester City’s draw against Bournemouth, clearly shows which North London club is the happiest.

What do Tottenham need to avoid relegation?

The easiest way for Tottenham to secure safety from relegation is by defeating Everton in the final game of the season. Playing at home against a team virtually eliminated from contention, Spurs have no margin for error.

Even if they cannot come away with all three points, a draw should be enough for them to stay in the Premier League. Tottenham would move three points ahead of West Ham with a goal differential of -10. That would mean the Hammers (-22 GD) would need to defeat Leeds at London Stadium by a 12-goal margin.

Considering the largest win in Premier League history is 9-0 and Leeds are ahead of West Ham in the standings, it’s safe to rule out such a possibility. Therefore, Tottenham should almost certainly be safe with one point in Matchweek 38. Furthermore, Spurs could even lose and still avoid relegation if the Hammers fail to defeat the Peacocks.

North London implications

In addition to their league title, Arsenal could complete a dream season by watching Tottenham Hotspur get relegated. The cherry on top would be conquering the UEFA Champions League and becoming the latest English club to achieve the double. Needless to say, it would be a real-life nightmare for Spurs.

For Chelsea, however, they can at least see that somebody else has it worse. With their win over Tottenham, the Blues put themselves in a strong position to qualify for European competition in 2026-27. As it stands, Chelsea are sitting in 8th place, currently qualifying for the UEFA Conference League, which they won in 2025. However, they could climb into a Europa League spot with a win over Sunderland and some help from Manchester United against Brighton.

If the Red Devils win or draw against the Seagulls—and the Blues win as well—they would most likely move up to 7th place. Chelsea’s win over Tottenham means both teams have something to play for in the final game of the 2025-26 Premier League season. For the Spurs, however, they are ultimately playing for their lives.

Perhaps it’s a good thing McDavid’s Oilers are leaning toward Craig Berube as the Knights maintain their blockade. Berube may not be the top candidate in Edmonton, but right now he might be the best available option, and it doesn’t look like Cassidy will become available anytime soon. Vegas holds all the cards, and the house never loses in Sin City.

“As for Bruce Cassidy, sources indicate that was not part of the conversation and his status is unchanged as of this morning. Vegas is not inclined to give permission to Edmonton or Los Angeles,” insider Elliotte Friedman reported on his X account. “We will see about Toronto.”

Vegas in full control

After firing Cassidy without cause, the Golden Knights are still set to pay him $4.5 million next season. Vegas decides who can interview him and who cannot, and there is nothing Cassidy—or anybody else, for that matter—can do about it.

Even if he wanted to, Cassidy cannot opt out of his contract. Doing so would mean walking away from a guaranteed fortune for the chance at an interview, so it is unlikely the Stanley Cup-winning head coach would even consider it.

Still, it goes to show just how much control the Golden Knights have. They’ve built a fortress around their former head coach in the Entertainment Capital of the World, and it looks unbreachable.

Oilers’ plan backfired

As if the Oilers weren’t in enough trouble, the leaked interview request for Cassidy left them with no choice but to fire Kris Knoblauch and are now staring at a big void in the head coaching department. Had it played its cards better, Edmonton could have tested the waters around Cassidy without giving up Knoblauch.

The Oilers didn’t play their hand right, and their house of cards came crashing down as a result. Now, they are mostly out of the race for Cassidy and have already moved on from Knoblauch. Needless to say, they are in a lot of trouble, and the timing could not be much worse.

Edmonton has been handed a two-year championship window with McDavid under contract. The team in Oil Country started it by moving on from the coach who led it to consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, and it has no immediate successor in place.

Oilers could wait a year

If the Oilers are serious about Cassidy, and he feels the same way about them, they could wait until next offseason when his contract in Vegas expires. However, Edmonton would be risking a lot by doing so. For starters, there is no guarantee Cassidy will still be available in 2027. Moreover, the Oilers must hire a head coach for the 2026-27 campaign.

Needless to say, “We’re hiring you, but we’ll move on from you next year” is not exactly an effective pitch during coaching interviews. The alternative route would be promoting an interim head coach, but that sends a terrible message to McDavid and company. In the end, the Oilers may have no other choice but to move in a different direction and accept that hiring Cassidy simply was not meant to be.

“Rice was taken into custody after he tested positive for THC, which violated the terms of his plea agreement in a high-speed, multi-vehicle crash in 2024 on a Dallas highway,” as reported by Addi Weakley on KSHB.

“Rashee Rice is serving his original 30-day sentence as part of him pleading guilty to felony collision,” Nate Taylor of ESPN reported. Rice was always going to serve 30 days in jail, but testing positive for THC meant he no longer had the benefit of choosing when to serve the delayed sentence.

Instead, it will have to be served under the terms set by the county jail. And as a result, the Chiefs will be without their No. 1 wide receiver during OTAs and minicamp. For the second straight year, Rice will miss valuable time with his teammates in Kansas City.

Important dates of Chiefs’ program

According to documents from the Dallas County court, Rice will be released from jail on June 16. Rice was—and still is—on probation for five years due to his involvement in a high-speed, multi-vehicle crash in 2024.

Per Chiefs Wire, Kansas City has separated the roster into two groups, which will hold their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on different days. Per the source, the first group will kick off its OTAs on May 26-28, while the second unit will do so on June 1-3. Mandatory minicamp will take place on June 9-11.

Because Rice won’t be released until June 16—and there is no way the Chiefs can change their offseason program schedule on the fly—it’s been confirmed that the wideout will be absent during a crucial stretch of the offseason.

Rice was suspended last year

The former SMU alum has caused several headaches for the Chiefs in recent years. Indeed, he puts up extraordinary numbers on the gridiron, but at some point, the cons may far outweigh the pros for Kansas City. From a PR standpoint, it’s undoubtedly difficult to overcome.

Last season, the Chiefs missed Rice during the opening six games, as he was suspended by the NFL following the high-speed highway crash. They went 3-3 without him. Whether the league will hand down a suspension of its own to Rice ahead of the 2026 campaign remains to be seen, though it does not seem especially likely. At least not unless he is involved in another offseason mishap.

Although the young player’s appearance on the Giants Town Hall could signal Thibodeaux’s trade buzz is over, the writing may already be on the wall for him. Perhaps not even a breakout year from Thibodeaux will be enough to keep him around in the Big Apple.

The Giants have put together a strong roster in which the outside linebacker spots appear to be taken care of. Thibodeaux adds depth for the 2026 NFL season, but New York may have no way of keeping him under contract beyond next season. This could very well be the end of the road.

“Does [Thibodeaux] want a new contract? Absolutely. In keeping it real, few think he gets that with Giants based on current roster construction,” as reported by Art Stapleton of USA Today.

Contract situation of Thibodeaux

Having selected Thibodeaux with the No. 5 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Giants had a fifth-year option, which they exercised. As a result, the product out of Oregon is signed through 2026, carrying a $14.7 million cap hit next season.

He is entering a contract year, but most signs indicate New York won’t foot the bill for whatever figure he seeks next offseason. As a result, if the Giants decide Thibodeaux won’t return beyond next season, there are two likely scenarios.

Possible outcomes

On the one hand, the Giants may choose to stick with Thibodeaux for the entire campaign. In such a scenario, the EDGE would most likely leave in free agency for a bigger contract than what New York will be willing to pay him.

The alternative is the G-Men trade Thibodeaux ahead of the NFL trade deadline. This option makes the most sense if New York is off to a bad start and record in the upcoming year. If the Giants take on a sellers approach into the deadline, it’s reasonable to believe they’ll look to get something in return for the 25-year-old outside linebacker.

Giants can live with losing Thibodeaux in free agency

If the Giants instead become contenders in the NFL, they might choose to roll with Thibodeaux until the wheels come off. They’ll deal with the consequences later on. If losing Thibodeaux to free agency is the price to pay for a deep postseason run and winning silverware, then virtually everybody in East Rutherford would sign off on that deal.

Even Thibodeaux, as he is well aware that a contract year means he is playing to prove his value to the Giants, and the rest of the league, as well. And there’s nothing that catches the eye around the NFL as effectively as balling out in the playoffs.

“I think me getting pulled at home was kind of a wake-up call. I took it personal,” Dobes admitted after Montreal’s 3-2 win in Buffalo, via NHL.com. “And we won today, so I’m really happy.“

Dobes was pulled in Game 6 after allowing six goals on 33 shots as the Sabres stormed back from a 3-1 deficit to blow out the Habs 8-3. In Game 7, the Czech goaltender was determined to right his wrongs. He stopped 37 shots and finished with a 1.68 GAA and .949 SV%. Most importantly, Dobes and the Canadiens punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference Final.

Who’s next for Montreal?

After knocking the Sabres out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Canadiens have eliminated the first- and second-place teams in the Atlantic Division. Up next, the Habs will take on the Metropolitan Division champions and the top team in the Eastern Conference standings, the Carolina Hurricanes.

The stakes couldn’t be any higher as two opposites collide. Carolina will enter the series with extra rest, while Montreal has barely had time to catch its breath. The Hurricanes swept both the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers in the first and second rounds. In fact, their last game was on May 9. Considering the Eastern Conference Final against the Canadiens will start on May 21, they will have had 12 days off between series.

Canadiens vs Hurricanes

Getting rest is crucial in the postseason, but the Canes may prove that too much of anything can have adverse effects. As for the Habs, they needed seven games to defeat both of their opponents in the postseason. After all, opposites attract and the meeting point will be the Eastern Conference Final.

On one corner, a steamrolling machine that has needed only the bare minimum to dispatch opponents. On the other, an inconsistent yet talent-studded side that takes things to the limit before somehow hanging on for one-goal wins.

Hurricanes will face old ghosts

Since hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2004, the Hurricanes have reached the Eastern Conference Final four times. However, they have won just one game across their last 17 appearances at this stage. Ever since they last won the Cup, the Canes are 1-16 and have been swept three times (2009, 2019, 2023) at the gates of the Stanley Cup Final.

Now reaching the Eastern Conference Final for the fifth time since 2009, Carolina is determined to slay its demons. So far, the Canes are undefeated in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but their track record in the conference final could get the better of them. If they lose Game 1 to the Habs, panic could kick in across Raleigh, and history might repeat itself.

“I am a little ways out. I will be ready for Week 1,” Skattebo admitted, via Ryan Dunleavy of New York Post. Last season, Skattebo suffered a dislocated ankle, fractured fibula, and ruptured ligament. Everybody expected it to be a long recovery, and ‘Skatt’ firmly believes he will be fully healthy by the time the new campaign starts.

The Giants would’ve hoped to have more certainties around Skattebo’s health by now, but they are still confident he will stay true to his word and be available for opening week of the 2026 NFL season—when New York will host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. Either way, it’s not like the G-Men have many other options.

Skattebo makes championship promise

Considering the Giants already fear being without Malik Nabers for Week 1, the possibility of losing their top running back as well only causes stress levels to spike across the Big Apple. However, Cam Skattebo remains self-assured. “Wait until you see me for 17 games,” he said, per Dan Salomone of Giants.com. Not only that, but ‘Skatt’ is confident the G-Men could come away with silverware next season.

“I won the championship in my second year [with the Arizona State Devils]. So, we’ll see,” Skattebo stated during the 2026 Giants Town Hall. Skattebo didn’t lie. In 2024, during his second year at Arizona State, his team won the Big 12 Championship, as the star running back finished the year 2,316 scrimmage yards and 24 total touchdowns.

If John Harbaugh and company can get anything close to that out of Cam Skattebo in 2026, then the Giants may truly be in contention to come away with a trophy. Perhaps a division title is the most realistic goal, but Big Blue is ready to prove people wrong—especially the skeptics in the NFC East.

Skattebo’s numbers in 2025

Before his incredible rookie year came to an abrupt end, Cam Skattebo had proven to be the engine of the Giants’ offense—and a tireless one at that. He played a little less than half a season, appearing in eight games while registering 101 carries for 410 yards and five rushing touchdowns.

Moreover, he was always a safety valve for Jaxson Dart and a big play waiting to happen, as he caught 24 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns.

“[Lawrence] is not here, that’s OK. He’s got a life to live. We brought in guys who wanted to be here,” Harbaugh stated, via Ryan Dunleavy and Art Stapleton. “We are on these green-grass fields playing football! Where else would you rather be than here right now?”

Harbaugh’s message may have provided the perfect combination for Giants fans. Most remain upset about Lawrence’s exit, feeling somewhat betrayed by the nose tackle. However, they have bigger fish to fry in the 2026 NFL season than to remain resentful toward a former player who helped the team so much in the past. It’s all about moving on.

The new head coach’s statement may have captured that mix of letting go and a bit of pettiness perfectly. Just because the Giants are off to new challenges doesn’t mean they will let others off the hook that easily.

Giants replaced Lawrence

Although there may be no NFL player as skilled at the nose tackle position as Lawrence, New York left no stone unturned in their quest to fill the void left by the veteran’s departure. As a result, Harbaugh and company brought in several defensive tackles capable of handling different roles depending on what the coaching staff needs.

The Giants signed veteran presences in D.J. Reader and Shelby Harris, while also acquiring defensive linemen with a chip on their shoulder like Zacch Pickens and Leki Fotu. Moreover, the Big Blue drafted Bobby Jamison-Travis and signed UDFAs Ben Barten and Anquin Barnes.

All in all, the youth and veterans combination could be one that pays dividends for the G-Men. Moving on from Lawrence was never going to be easy, but they had little choice. Trading him for the No. 10 pick in this year’s draft—which turned into Francis Mauigoa—certainly makes the decision easier to live with.

For all the criticism the Rangers could face, their handling of Trocheck’s situation deserves its flowers. New York kept Trocheck through the NHL trade deadline during the 2025-26 campaign, and it could hit the jackpot because of it. The Blueshirts made their asking price clear earlier in the season, and reports indicate nothing has changed since.

“It was a first round pick, a top level prospect and an additional asset; I don’t think that’s changed,” David Pagnotta commented on Leafs Morning Take about the Rangers’ desired compensation to trade Trocheck.

NY Rangers may never find buyer

Although Trocheck and the Rangers might draw interest from the Minnesota Wild and other clubs, their demands remain considerable and could steer bidders away. It’s a two-way street. Indeed, the Blueshirts held on to Trocheck through the deadline, but that was also because no franchise was willing to meet their terms.

The free-agent class is razor-thin, and Trocheck has proven to be a reliable top-six forward under contract through 2028-29 at a $5.6 million cap hit. Still, New York may have overestimated its valuation of the veteran center, and rival clubs may have no desire to fall for the bait.

Trocheck wants to stay—for now

For the time being, Trocheck has shown no wish to leave New York. However, that’s subject to change. Perhaps he makes it past the offseason and starts next season as a Blueshirt on Broadway. It seems unlikely, but not impossible. Yet if the Rangers struggle in 2026-27, Trocheck may sense time running finite in his quest for his first Stanley Cup. Sooner or later, he may ask to be traded.

The way recent seasons have gone for the Rangers, there is a scenario in which the rest of the NHL opts to play the waiting game while expecting the Blueshirts to dig themselves into an even deeper hole. Time and again, the team in Manhattan has shot itself in the foot, so teams have more than enough reason to believe it can happen again.

NY Rangers seek draft capital

If the Rangers hope to acquire a first-rounder in the upcoming draft, they better get moving soon. The 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft will be held June 26-27 at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo.

While a draft-night trade remains a possibility, it’s safe to assume the Blueshirts would rather know which picks they own before traveling upstate to Western New York. Anything can happen, however. Maybe the Rangers find a trade partner on draft night. It would certainly be fitting considering the event will be held in the City of Good Neighbors.

If New York can’t make that happen, it could always acquire a first-round pick in future drafts. In the NHL, it’s often easier to work out a deal for picks with uncertain positioning than for selections that already have a number attached to them. Obviously, the Rangers would rather avoid that uncertainty, but at the same time, that suspense comes with a sense of excitement.

NY Rangers’ draft capital

Missing out on a 2026 first-round selection wouldn’t be catastrophic for New York, either. As it stands, the Blueshirts own 11 picks in 2026, including two first-rounders: their own at No. 5 and the Dallas Stars’ pick, which is expected to land in the middle-to-late portion of the opening round.

The Rangers may already be well-positioned for the upcoming draft, but the more picks, the better. For an organization in a position like New York’s, there is no such thing as too many first-round selections. Especially when every pick they own could mean one step closer to the light and finally escaping the league’s cold basement.

“John Ritcher was hired by the Giants with the title of Director of College Scouting. They did not have anyone previously with that title,” as reported by Jordan Raanan of ESPN on X.

Ritcher, who worked with senior vice president and general manager Joe Schoen on the Miami Dolphins, has spent the last few years working as a scouting executive for the Houston Texans. As he arrives in East Rutherford, Big Blue had to create a title for him, as there was previously no one in charge of such a role.

In more ways than one, the front-office move underlines New York’s intention to keep up with the times in the NFL as it moves into a new era of Giants football with Harbaugh at the helm.

Giants planning for the future

Time and again, the NFL Draft has proven to play a crucial role in every team’s aspirations and title contention. The Giants are no exception. In recent years, New York has found key players coming out of college, and it’s clear the organization hopes to keep up its good work in that area.

With the hiring of Ritcher, the G-Men could ensure they continue down that road and keep finding talent in every round of the draft. An addition like Ritcher won’t show up on the field on Sundays, but it could still play a major role behind the scenes.

The Giants are committed to playing the long game, and such an acquisition could yield dividends for a front office that has endured plenty of duress in recent years.

“I won’t sit on my hands,” Guerin said, via Michael Russo of The Athletic, during his end-of-season media availability. His message was in response to a question about exploring the market for a No. 1 center or any opportunity to make the Wild better.

For the Wild, losing Joel Eriksson-Ek to injury during the Stanley Cup Playoffs underlined the lack of depth at the center position. Though Trocheck may not be the ideal No. 1 center, he does make for an exciting addition to the top-six, and who knows? Maybe he can grow into a bigger role in Minnesota. Playing with Kirill Kaprizov, the highest-paid player in NHL history, on his wing should definitely help.

What’s in it for the Rangers?

The Rangers held on to Trocheck through this year’s trade deadline, but that doesn’t mean they won’t explore the market ahead of the 2026-27 NHL campaign. In fact, many would consider New York foolish if it didn’t listen to offers.

The free-agent class is quite shallow, and most franchises agree trading is the better route this offseason. Keeping Trocheck proved to be the right decision for the Blueshirts, and they may finally cash in on the opportunity.

With NHL franchises still chasing for their first Stanley Cup, like the Minnesota Wild, growing desperate, the timing may never be better for the Rangers to strike a deal and send Trocheck to a contender.

Trocheck’s trade protection

In addition to his strong numbers amid troubling times in the Big Apple, Trocheck feels like the perfect candidate because he is under contract for the next three NHL seasons at a more than reasonable $5.6 million cap hit. That makes him even more appealing.

However, his contract includes a modified no-trade clause (M-NTC). As of July 1, Trocheck’s 12-team no-trade list will shrink to 10 teams. Although Trocheck has made it clear he wishes to stay on the East Coast, many believe the club in the Twin Cities lies in a diffuse gray area.

Because of Trocheck’s Team USA connections with Bill Guerin, Quinn Hughes, Brock Faber, and Matt Boldy, there is reason to believe Minnesota may not be on his “no-go” list. Still, that remains unknown. Only Trocheck and New York can answer that, and one can guess why that confidentiality won’t ever go public.

Expected timeline for trade

Any move involving Trocheck would most likely occur after July 1, and the odds of Minnesota being the highest bidder would also increase exponentially by that date. Especially if the Wild don’t pursue another centerman and the Rangers play their cards right with Trocheck.

So far, so good. New York may not have been able to play its situation any better, but it’s a long game, and one slip-up could wipe away all progress.

Kayvon Thibodeaux is scheduled to appear at the Giants’ 2026 Town Hall event, which will take place on Monday, May 18, at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. According to the Giants’ official announcement, Thibodeaux will appear alongside Jaxson Dart, John Harbaugh, and many others.

Furthermore, Super Bowl XXI champions Phil Simms and Carl Banks will participate, giving fans a first look at the upcoming celebration for the 40th anniversary of that championship.

Would be odd for Giants to trade Thibodeaux

Considering not all players will be attending the event at the venue located on Broadway between 74th and 75th streets, the fact Thibodeaux is a confirmed guest could signal he won’t be traded ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Patricia Traina of Sports Illustrated thinks so, as well.

“If he was anywhere near close to being traded, I highly doubt he’d be included with other faces of the franchise who are scheduled to be part of the event,” Traina wrote on a post on her X account.

Thibodeaux may have survived trade speculation

Many expected the Oregon alum to be shipped off ahead of the 2026 NFL season. That doesn’t seem as likely now as it did earlier in the year, especially on Draft night, when New York added yet another pass rusher to its already stacked front seven.

However, the event confirmation, along with Harbaugh’s plan to utilize Reese in an inside linebacker role, could be strong enough evidence to believe Thibodeaux isn’t leaving the Big Apple. At least for the time being. What happens throughout the season or after the 2026 campaign remains up in the air.

Thibodeaux enters contract year

The Giants exercised their fifth-year option on the former fifth overall pick from 2022. That means Thibodeaux is entering a contract year while carrying a cap hit of $14.7 million. New York hasn’t given up on him, but it must be reassured it made the right choice through strong production from the 25-year-old EDGE.

Thibodeaux can sense the pressure, and he may feel under scrutiny with the eyes of the entire city upon him as he attends the Giants Town Hall in 2026. Still, the fact he has been confirmed as a guest should serve as reassurance that the franchise still counts on him and has yet to throw in the towel.

A couple of weeks ago, making such an appearance could’ve made Thibodeaux feel like a ghost walking through a crowded room. The writing seemingly was on the wall for him. However, the outlook appears far more promising now. Perhaps it’s the changing of the seasons—summer is right around the corner in the Big Apple—and the tide may have turned.

“Hearing a formal interview with Berube is expected after some initial conversation between he and Bowman. Permission to speak with Bruce Cassidy had still not been granted as of Sunday night,” Ryan Rishaug of TSN reported on his X account.

Amid the interest from McDavid’s Oilers, Cassidy revealed his desire to join a contender, signaling there is traction between the two sides toward reaching an agreement. However, as long as the Golden Knights remain focused on their Stanley Cup chase—or perhaps conveniently distracted enough not to pick up the phone and let their former coach take over a divisional rival—nothing can materialize.

Oilers receive permission to interview Berube

Berube was fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs following the 2025-26 campaign. The head coach who guided the St. Louis Blues to a Stanley Cup in 2019 wasn’t in Toronto long enough to see the Buds come away with the No. 1 selection in the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft.

Coming off a two-season stay in Hogtown, Berube has likely learned a lesson or two about being at the helm in a demanding Canadian market. Contrary to the Golden Knights, the Maple Leafs are throwing no wrench into the Oilers’ plans. As reported by Elliotte Friedman, Edmonton has been granted permission to speak with Berube.

Whether the Oilers are seriously interested or just using their free time while waiting on Cassidy, that’s a different question. For Stan Bowman and the thin-ice-walking brass in the Gateway to the North, it may be the perfect distraction to tone down the buzz.

Oilers can’t talk with Cassidy

One thing is clear, though: the Oilers won’t stay idle with their arms crossed. At the very least, they owe it to McDavid, the rest of the team, and the fanbase to stay active and leave no stone unturned. The 2025-26 NHL season saw Edmonton take a considerable step back, and while some argue firing Kris Knoblauch wasn’t the right decision, what’s done is done.

Cassidy is the main target, but he is currently out of reach due to the Golden Knights’ pettiness. Sooner or later, league commissioner Gary Bettman may step in and demand Vegas grant permission for teams to interview Cassidy. For the time being, however, the Knights can keep up the act, even if they have no reason whatsoever to restrict access to their former head coach.

Cassidy has a year left on his contract with Vegas, as he was fired without cause. It looks like the organization in Sin City is putting the saying, ‘two wrongs don’t make a right,’ to the ultimate test.