USA Hockey has named former Michigan Wolverine Kevin Porter as the new head coach of the National Team Development Program’s U18 squad for the 2026-27 season, tapping a coach whose own career blended collegiate success, NHL stints and international triumphs.
Porter’s résumé reads like a hockey chronicle: he captained the NTDP, logged 249 games in the NHL, and later guided Team USA to its first Hlinka Gretzky Cup title since 2004. His 12 seasons of professional play, including a stint with the Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton Penguins, give him a depth of experience that the organization hopes will translate into continued development of elite talent.
He replaces Greg Moore, whose contract was not renewed, and inherits a program that has already seen Porter lead USA Hockey to a historic championship. The appointment signals a continuity of ambition, blending fresh leadership with the program’s proven track record of producing NHL‑ready players.
Playoff implications across the league
In the postseason, the Buffalo Sabres find themselves on the brink of elimination. They must defeat the Montreal Canadiens in their upcoming clash to force a Game 7, a series that currently sits at a 3‑2 lead for the Canadiens. Key offensive contributors Alex Tuch and Peyton Krebs have struggled to find the back of the net, adding pressure on the team’s depth players to step up.
Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights have been penalized for breaching NHL media regulations, a rare disciplinary action that underscores the league’s focus on protecting broadcast rights. The sanction adds a layer of distraction for a franchise that has otherwise enjoyed a strong season.
On the individual front, Quinn Hughes is reportedly weighing a contract extension with the Minnesota Wild. The defenseman topped the NHL in average ice time during the regular season, a testament to his central role and durability, and his potential new deal reflects both his performance and the Wild’s desire to retain a cornerstone player.