The NHL’s trade and coaching waters are roiling as the Edmonton Oilers face scrutiny over Mike Babcock, John Tortorella emerges as a hot commodity in Vegas, and Mitch Marner’s 2025 trade decision haunts him in the wake of the Carolina Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup win.
The Oilers’ potential hiring of Mike Babcock has sparked unease across the league. The NHL confirmed an ongoing investigation into Babcock’s past, and while the team claims they will wait for the outcome, players and agents are already concerned. Multiple Edmonton players met with Babcock and liked what they heard, but the optics are troubling. One agent warned, “Clients are being told to steer clear of Edmonton if he’s hired.”
Meanwhile, John Tortorella’s coaching stint in Vegas has been a revelation. Hired late in the 2025 season, Tortorella led the Golden Knights to a perfect finish in the regular season and a run to the Stanley Cup Final. His aggressive, no-nonsense style made a strong impression. Now, speculation is mounting that he could be a target for both the Oilers and Maple Leafs. Elliotte Friedman pointed out that Edmonton’s culture might be a better fit for Tortorella’s brand of hockey.
Mitch Marner’s trade decision at the 2025 deadline now looks like a missed opportunity. Instead of joining the Hurricanes, Marner waived his no-trade clause for family reasons. Carolina used the assets from that trade to reshape their roster and win the Cup. The irony is stark: Marner passed on a chance to hoist the Cup, and the team that didn’t get him turned that moment into a championship.
The Hurricanes’ win wasn’t just a fluke. They outscored opponents by 1.8 goals per game in the Final, and their defense shored up after the Marner trade. Carolina’s GM Don Waddell traded Marner’s $10.5 million cap hit and a first-round pick for defensive depth and a prospect that became a key piece in the Cup run.
As the 2026 season approaches, the Oilers face a critical decision on Babcock and Tortorella. The Maple Leafs are also weighing whether to pursue Tortorella or stick with their current staff. Meanwhile, Marner’s performance in Vegas will be under a microscope as he enters a contract year.
The San Francisco Giants are reportedly open to trade offers for star players Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, and Matt Chapman as they continue to struggle through a 29-43 start to the season. With the team looking to reshape its roster ahead of the July 31 deadline, sources indicate that San Francisco
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The San Diego Padres have officially outrighted outfielder Bryce Johnson to Triple-A El Paso after he cleared waivers. The 30-year-old, who was designated for assignment on Friday, has struggled at the plate this season and is now free to either accept the assignment or elect free agency. Johnson sp
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The Atlanta Braves have re-signed right-handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco and catcher Maverick Handley to minor league contracts, bringing both back into the organization after they were recently removed from the 40-man roster. The moves come as Atlanta continues to fine-tune its pitching staff and cat
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Walker Kessler is frustrated with the Utah Jazz over the team’s handling of his restricted free agency, according to league sources. The 24-year-old center has grown increasingly unhappy after the Jazz declined to offer him a contract extension last summer and now appears to be weighing options outs
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