The NHL has unveiled the three finalists for the General Manager of the Year award. Bill Guerin of the Minnesota Wild, Chris MacFarland of the Colorado Avalanche, and Pat Verbeek of the Anaheim Ducks are the nominees. Guerin’s Wild made key moves, acquiring defenseman Quinn Hughes via trade, signing forward Nico Sturm, trading for Vladimir Tarasenko, and adding Bobby Brink, Nick Foligno, and Jeff Petry at the deadline, along with extending Kirill Kaprizov. MacFarland’s Avalanche signed Brent Burns and Brock Nelson in the offseason, then added Nazem Kadri, Nicolas Roy, Brett Kulak, and Nick Blankenburg at the deadline. Verbeek’s Ducks drafted young talent like Beckett Sennecke and Leo Carlsson, acquired John Carlson at the deadline, and signed Mikael Granlund while trading for Chris Kreider earlier.
A New Jersey court has rejected a motion to dismiss charges against Sean Higgins, the driver accused of killing Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in a fatal crash last year. The incident occurred in August 2024 when the brothers were struck while cycling in Oldmans, New Jersey, ahead of their sister’s wedding. Johnny Gaudreau, a left winger for the Columbus Blue Jackets at the time, also represented the U.S. at four world championships.
Pittsburgh Penguins general manager and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas addressed the future of Russian star Evgeni Malkin. After a productive discussion with Malkin and his agent, Jay P. Barry, Dubas indicated the team is eager to retain the 39-year-old forward. “I don’t think our younger players have done enough to say he’s outshining them, so we’d be happy if Malkin stays. We’re working on it with Jay P., and I think I’ve made myself clear,” Dubas told ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski. Malkin’s current contract runs through the 2025-26 season.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have locked in veteran forward Charlie Coyle with a six-year, $36 million contract extension. The 34-year-old center posted 20 goals and 38 assists in 82 games last season, bringing his NHL totals to 543 points in 1,032 contests. Blue Jackets president and GM Don Waddell praised Coyle’s impact: “Charlie had a huge influence on our team both on and off the ice. Keeping him in Columbus was a top priority. He’s the epitome of a true professional—durable, reliable, and productive—with leadership, character, and consistency that are incredibly valuable in this league.”
In the KHL, the Golden Stick award nominees for regular season MVP have been announced. Vladimir Tkachyov of Metallurg Magnitogorsk, Avangard Omsk captain Damir Sharipzyanov, and Dinamo Minsk forward Sam Enäs are the finalists. Tkachyov led his team in scoring with 71 points (13 goals, 58 assists) in 66 games, Sharpe received 67 (23+44) in 66, and Enäs tallied 89 (32+57) in 67. The KHL season closing ceremony is scheduled for May 28, 2026.
