Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes shape new roster trends in 2026
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 10, 2026, 9:57 PM
Last updated Jun 10, 2026
The 2026 Stanley Cup Final features the Vegas Golden Knights facing the Carolina Hurricanes. The Golden Knights, known for their unconventional roster construction, rely heavily on aggressive trades rather than traditional drafting methods. General Manager Kelly McCrimmon's strategy involves trading first-round picks for immediate contributors, with only one current player from their drafted picks remaining in the organization. The Hurricanes also incorporate free agency and trades into their roster strategy. As the league observes these approaches, teams may shift their own methods to replicate the success of the finalists.
- •The Stanley Cup Final features the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes.
- •Golden Knights use aggressive trades instead of traditional drafting.
- •Only one of 13 first-round draft picks remains with Vegas.
- •Hurricanes combine drafted players with free agency and trades.
- •NHL teams may adjust strategies based on the finalists' success.
- 9:57 PMYahoo Sports — Are roster construction methods changing? The 2026 Stanley Cup Final suggests they are
"Is building through the draft becoming less important?
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