Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Derek Laxdal across Hockey.
Recent coaching appointments across the American Hockey League’s developmental clubs highlight a strategic shift toward blending championship pedigree with data‑driven insight, aiming to accelerate player growth and competitive readiness.
After guiding the Wheeling Nailers to a North Division title, Ryan Papaioannou is appointed head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks, bringing a decade‑plus record of championships and coaching accolades to the AHL franchise.
The Coachella Valley Firebirds announced the re‑signing of Mitchell Stephens to a two‑year deal through the 2027‑28 season, while longtime assistant coach Stu Bickel will head the Iowa Wild.
Nick Bootland, a 47‑year‑old veteran of minor league hockey, has been appointed head coach of the Cleveland Monsters, bringing a decade‑plus track record of playoff success and a deep‑rooted connection to the AHL.
Top NHL scorer Jason Robertson declined a lucrative eight‑year deal from the Seattle Kraken, prompting the team to rethink its strategy ahead of the upcoming draft.
The Toronto Marlies' 2026 Calder Cup victory marks the 35th straight season the ECHL has been represented on the AHL champion, highlighting a century‑long talent pipeline.
The Seattle Kraken’s AHL affiliates have delivered dramatic playoff performances, highlighted by the Firebirds’ youthful surge and the Mavericks’ early dominance, setting the stage for new collaborations.
Cleveland’s 3‑1 win in Game 2 sets the stage for a pivotal Game 3 in Toronto, while Colorado looks to close out the series against Coachella Valley after a strong performance in Game 3.
The Seattle Kraken’s prospect pool climbs to fifth in the NHL, driven by standout talents like Jake O’Brien and Berkly Catton, while internal debates over development strategy surface ahead of an organizational audit.
The Coachella Valley Firebirds aim to even their series against the Colorado Eagles after a 3‑0 loss, while the Springfield Thunderbirds force a Game 2 overtime win, highlighting key performances from emerging talent and steady goaltending.
Jake O'Brien, the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NHL draft, made his professional debut with the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the Pacific Division Finals. Though the team fell 3‑0, O'Brien's smart plays and composure drew praise from coach Derek Laxdal and hint at a broader rule change that could keep him in the AHL next season.
The Pacific Division finals begin tonight in Palm Desert, Calif., as the Coachella Valley Firebirds host the Colorado Eagles in Game 1, spotlighting Oscar Fisker Mølgaard’s scoring surge and Trent Miner’s stellar goaltending.