Quick Hits: Red Wings Coach Hirings, NHL CBA, and Tough News for MSU Hockey

Top prospect Gavin McKenna, the consensus first overall pick for the 2026 NHL Draft, has committed to Penn State over Michigan State. Penn State secured his commitment with an NIL deal reportedly worth around $700,000.

Michigan State also lost Hobey Baker Award winner Isaac Howard, who was traded from the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for forward Sam O'Reilly. Howard signed a three-year entry-level contract with Edmonton, meaning he will not return to Michigan State. The trade impacts Red Wings fans who hoped GM Steve Yzerman would acquire Howard. Analysis suggests O'Reilly benefits Tampa's future middle/bottom six forwards, while Howard appears ready for the NHL, making the trade seem fair currently.

The Detroit Red Wings possess over $12 million in salary cap space, leaving the possibility of trades or moves before the regular season begins.

The Red Wings have filled their coaching staff vacancies. Michael Leighton, 44, has been hired as the goaltender coach. Leighton joins from the Windsor Spitfires, where he won back-to-back Western Conference regular-season titles. His professional career spanned 2001-2019 across the AHL, KHL, and NHL, holding the AHL's all-time shutout record (50) and the record for most saves in a single game (98 of 101 shots in a 5OT game in 2008).

Additionally, Jeff Weintraub has been hired as the new video coordinator. The team parted ways with previous video coordinator LJ Scarpace (who is joining Michigan Tech as an assistant coach) and European Pro Scout Tommy Boustedt.

The NHL and NHLPA have ratified a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, ensuring at least four years of labor peace. Future media rights deals are a point of monitoring, as the NFL's potential renegotiation before 2029 could impact the NHL's future media rights agreements.