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Jun 17, 2026 21 min

Derek Van Diest from NHL.com

from Inside Sports Hosted by CHED / Curiouscast

The Carolina Hurricanes are Stanley Cup champions for the first time in 20 years, and host Brenden Escott is joined by Derek Van Diest from NHL.com to break down how they finished the job against Vegas and what this championship means for a franchise that has spent years building toward this moment. We discuss Jordan Staal's remarkable playoff run that earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy, while also examining the cases for other standout performers like Logan Stankoven and former Oilers forward Taylor Hall. Plus, what does this championship mean for Rod Brind'Amour's future behind the bench, and where do the Golden Knights go from here after falling short? We also look at what Carolina's success says about team building in today's NHL. In a copycat league, have the Hurricanes created a blueprint other organizations will try to follow, and which teams around the league might be on a similar trajectory? With the Stanley Cup Final now complete, attention shifts to a busy offseason. We discuss the NHL's investigation into Mike Babcock's tenure in Columbus, whether more information could emerge as the process unfolds and the latest coaching speculation surrounding Bruce Cassidy's future and potential opportunities in Edmonton or Toronto. And closer to home, we examine the growing chatter surrounding Darnell Nurse and whether there's any substance behind the trade rumors. Plus, we wrap up with the biggest under-the-radar storyline NHL fans should be watching as the offseason officially gets underway. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show anywhere you get your streaming audio and follow Inside Sports on X (@InsideSports880).

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Derek Van Diest from NHL.com

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