Samwise NHL & Hockey Newsletter
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Islanders Launch First-Ever Fan Vote to Choose Their New Third Jersey
The New York Islanders unveiled eight finalists Tuesday in the NHL’s first fan-driven third jersey design contest, opening voting August 12 at noon. Fans choose across four head-to-head matchups — Lighthouse vs. Lighthouse, Fisherman vs. Fisherman, NY vs. NY, and ISLES vs. ISLANDERS — in a bracket vote running through August 20. The winning design debuts as the Islanders’ official third jersey in 2027-28. The contest drew more than 80,000 submissions. The creator of the winning concept receives a team-signed jersey and tickets to a 2027-28 game to watch their design on ice.
Oilers Believe Championship Window Is Open After Babcock Hire and Nurse Trade
The Edmonton Oilers believe their championship window remains open as they enter 2026-27, according to NHL.com’s 32-in-32 team preview published Tuesday. Edmonton hired Mike Babcock as head coach after the league cleared him following an investigation in Columbus, and traded defenseman Darnell Nurse to San Jose on July 1 for Shakir Mukhamadullin and the rights to Zachary Sharp. The freed cap space helped the Oilers add goalie Frederik Andersen. Captain Connor McDavid is in year one of a two-year, $12.5 million annual deal, placing Edmonton on a tight timeline to win. McDavid led the league with 138 points in 2025-26.
Red Wings Say Veterans Are Available for Trade as Larkin Situation Drags into August
Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman said Tuesday that the club will entertain trade offers for veteran players as the franchise navigates an unsettled offseason. Captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request was confirmed in June; his preferred destinations include the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, and Dallas Stars. No deal has been completed. Detroit has rejected offers that don’t include an established NHL player in return. The Red Wings are also conducting a general manager search — Yzerman moved into a senior advisor role — slowing negotiations. Larkin carries an $8.7 million cap hit through 2030-31.
Canada Routs USA 8-1 to Win Hlinka Gretzky Cup Gold for the 26th Time
Canada dominated the United States 8-1 in Saturday’s gold medal game at Rogers Place in Edmonton to claim the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup — the nation’s 26th gold at the event. Brock England, Maddox Schultz, and Liam Pue each scored twice; Landon DuPont, the projected top pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, contributed four assists. Canada outshot the Americans 45-17 and led 6-1 after two periods. Finland won bronze with a 3-2 victory over Slovakia on August 8. Canada went undefeated across all six tournament games and is now 8-0 against the U.S. in Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold-medal games.
Canucks Hire Ryan Stewart as Director of Hockey Strategy, Adam Sergerie as Pro Scout
The Vancouver Canucks announced two front-office additions Sunday. General manager Ryan Johnson hired Ryan Stewart as Director of Hockey Strategy and Player Evaluation, a newly created role. Johnson said Stewart brings “a championship pedigree and a wealth of hockey knowledge” to help inform decision-making across the front office. Adam Sergerie joins as pro scout after serving as director of scouting for the Penticton Vees of the WHL in 2025-26, where the club set a CHL record for most wins in a franchise’s first season, finishing 44-14-6-4 and claiming the B.C. Division title.
2026 May Be the Last Hlinka Gretzky Cup Held in Canada as IIHF Eyes Format Changes
The 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton and Red Deer may be the tournament’s final edition in Canada, with the IIHF reviewing format and hosting arrangements for the Under-18 event, according to The Hockey News. The 2026 tournament featured eight nations in two round-robin groups followed by a medal round. Canada won all six of its games, outscoring opponents 48-12 across the week. The event serves as a primary evaluation showcase for top 17- and 18-year-old prospects ahead of the World Junior Championship and NHL Entry Draft. Landon DuPont, considered the favorite for the first overall pick in 2027, was Canada’s standout player.
Sources: The Hockey News
Panthers Lean on Sandis Vilmanis, Marek Alscher as Top Prospects for 2026-27
The Florida Panthers enter 2026-27 with a prospect pool led by forward Sandis Vilmanis and defenseman Marek Alscher, according to NHL.com’s 32-in-32 series published Wednesday. Vilmanis, 22, split last season between Florida and AHL Charlotte, posting 48 games at the AHL level and leading Latvia with 11 points in eight games at the 2026 IIHF World Championship. Alscher, also 22, made his NHL debut in four April games and posted a plus-17 rating with Charlotte. Goaltender Spencer Black, 25, emerged as Charlotte’s starter and led AHL rookie goalies in wins. The Panthers have prioritized Stanley Cup contention over prospect depth as a franchise strategy.
2026 Stanley Cup Champions
Carolina Hurricanes
Defeated Vegas Golden Knights, 4-2
Jordan Staal — Conn Smythe Trophy
2026-27 Season Opens
September 29 — Carolina vs. Florida (ESPN)
84-game season (first since 1993-94)
2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup
Final Standings
1. Canada — Gold
2. United States — Silver
3. Finland — Bronze
4. Slovakia
5. Switzerland 6. Czechia 7. Sweden 8. Germany
Gold Medal: Canada 8, USA 1 (Aug. 9)
Every newsletter preserved and searchable
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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