NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canes, Oilers & a Cup Tilting Waiver Claim

This edition (June 14, 2026) of NHL Trade Talk Recap includes a recap of Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, plus big swings we wrote posts about. The Hurricanes capped off a dominant playoff run with a Stanley Cup. In their crease, a surprising waiver pickup became a key part of that success. And for the Oilers, there’s news that Mike Babcock might be cleared to return to coaching. Here’s the rundown on those stories and what they mean.

All In, All Together — Hurricanes Get the Job Done vs. Golden Knights

After years of coming up short, the Hurricanes finally did it with a 3-0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. It was their second Stanley Cup and first since 2006. They didn’t just sneak into the finish line; they dominated the playoffs, going 16-3 and crushing anyone in their path.

What made it special was the vibe. They celebrated just the way they played — together. It felt like a true team championship. The joy on the ice wasn’t about one star or a single moment; it was the whole group hoisting the Cup together, and that’s the stuff memories are made of.

Iffy Pickup, Big Payoff — Hurricanes Bussi’s Been the Steady Hand

When Carolina grabbed Brandon Bussi off waivers last October, it barely raised an eyebrow. It was just a name their goalie coach kept bringing up until the chance came. Brind’Amour admits he hadn’t fully bought in until Bussi actually got a start, and that first game did most of the convincing: calm, clean, and reliable without any showboating.

Since then, he’s been exactly what the Hurricanes needed. He’s been steady night in, night out. No wild streaks, no drama, just routine saves, quick resets, and a feel‑good kind of confidence that rubs off on the whole team. He turned out to be one of the Hurricanes’ best value additions. He capped his postseason with a 3-0 shutout against the Golden Knights to close out the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.

One Waiver Claim Is Starting to Pay Off for Hurricanes

Babcock Back in the NHL? Now What for the Oilers?

Word is the NHL is leaning toward clearing Mike Babcock to coach again. Chris Johnston says people close to the situation believe he’ll be allowed to work, even though an investigation into his time in Columbus remains open. Johnston also warned he doesn’t want to jump the gun, but the idea that the NHL would outright bar him looks overblown.

If the league gives the green light, the Oilers could hire him soon. They wanted both NHL and NHLPA sign‑offs before moving forward. After being out of the league since the Columbus fallout, this would be a pretty major return.

Good News For the Oilers and the Mike Babcock Investigation?

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