The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are reaching a fever pitch, but today, off-ice drama is stealing the spotlight. If you are looking for the absolute latest NHL news and NHL scores, this weekend delivered historic performances on the ice, and a massive coaching bombshell dropped early Monday morning.
Whether you are tracking playoff brackets or getting a head start on offseason chatter, today is a monumental day for the league. Let’s dive right into the breaking news making headlines this morning before looking at last night’s dramatic playoff results.
Breaking NHL News: Oilers Granted Permission to Speak With Craig Berube
The Edmonton Oilers are officially moving fast to replace recently fired head coach Kris Knoblauch. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman early Monday morning, the Toronto Maple Leafs have officially granted the Edmonton Oilers permission to speak with former head coach Craig Berube.
Berube, who won a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, was dismissed by Toronto just last week following a disappointing season where the Leafs fell to the bottom of the Atlantic Division. Meanwhile, the Oilers are looking for an experienced voice after a shocking first-round exit to the Anaheim Ducks. While reports indicate Edmonton is also waiting on permission to speak with former Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy, they are wasting no time opening formal dialogue with Berube. Could the hard-nosed “Chief” be the exact voice Connor McDavid needs to finally secure a Stanley Cup?
Up north, the Toronto Maple Leafs are actively purging the rest of their front office. In a significant shakeup following Berube’s exit, the Leafs have also parted ways with salary-cap expert Brandon Pridham and assistant GM Jason Clancey. Out west, Vegas coach John Tortorella was hit with a massive $100,000 fine following the Golden Knights’ series victory.
Weekend NHL Scores: Sabres Force Game 7 in Historic Fashion
While the coaching carousel spins, the on-ice product has been incredible. Nobody expected Game 6 to end quite like this. Facing elimination on the road at the Bell Centre, the Buffalo Sabres absolutely routed the Montreal Canadiens 8-3 to keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive and force a decisive Game 7 tonight.
Here is the breakdown of the critical matchup that shifted the entire momentum of the series:
Game Notes & Highlights:
- Series Update: The series is tied 3-3. Game 7 will be played tonight (May 18) at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
- Historic Performance: Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin became the first defenseman in NHL history to record 5 points (1G, 4A) in an elimination game.
- The Stakes: The winner of Game 7 will advance to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final.
Finding the Latest NHL News, NHL Trade Rumors, Fantasy Hockey Predictions
If you want to stay ahead of the curve on the coaching carousel, blockbuster summer trades, and playoff coverage, make sure you add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks. We are your premium destination for everything hockey.
