As I survey the stories throughout the NHL on a daily basis, I’ve noticed something especially prevalent compared to that of just a couple of years ago.
It seems like articles written by AI are becoming more and more common in the hockey sphere. I must admit it can be a bit jarring, but thankfully, it can’t analyze the game as deeply as a human writer can…yet. It seems it is mostly just the widely covered stories, such as breaking news, which are picked off by the robot overlords.
Regardless of love or hate towards AI, at least we have it to thank (in part) for ‘Invisible’ by Duran Duran, which has somehow been stuck in my head for a week straight. I guess I have Metal Gear Solid to blame for that.
…Huh, leave it to Metal Gear to end up as an honorable mention in a column intro about artificial intelligence – if you know, you know.
Carolina Hurricanes to Broadcast Games Through Own Sports Network
The biggest story to hit the airwaves and screens for the Carolina Hurricanes so far this week is the announcement of a new broadcasting venture following the end of FanDuel Sports Network, by way of the closure of Main Street Sports Group – their long-time broadcasting partner.
The sports network will be owned and operated by Hurricanes Holdings and will be in collaboration with the National Hockey League. Furthermore, it will be available through cable, satellite, and streaming.
Play-by-play sportscaster Mike Maniscalco and color analyst Tripp Tracy have both been confirmed to return for the upcoming station, but there have not been details of a return for reporter Hanna Yates, nor analyst Shane Willis.
With that being said, the NHL has mentioned that this new venture will feature ‘comprehensive pregame, intermission and postgame programming’, which does fit the roles both Yates and Willis have covered previously, so there is a decent chance they may return, as well.
The network’s official name has not yet been unveiled, neither has pricing.
The Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, and Columbus Blue Jackets will also follow suit with the NHL’s centralized production opportunity.
Tracking the Cup
Saturday, the Stanley Cup made its way to Connecticut for Shayne Gostisbehere’s day. The day saw a party featuring the Stanley Cup Final’s Game 6 replay being shown, and even the appearance of Eric Robinson.
Hurricanes Goalies All Tie the Knot in Same Summer
Another fun page to add to the Hurricanes’ lore is that all three of their Stanley Cup-winning goaltenders were married the same summer – and in the case of at least Brandon Bussi and Frederik Andersen – just days apart.
Interestingly, People Magazine published a feature on Bussi’s wedding.
As for Kochetkov, those details remain private. But on a separate note, he was honored by the mayor of his hometown of Penza, Russia.
https://x.com/Uggg_uggg/status/2078741637467943330?s=20
Hurricanes Mailbag 2.0 Is Out Now!
Last week, Carolina Hockey Now opened up a mailbag, and you all really showed up! Despite the slower summer for the Hurricanes, we had a nice spread of topics to discuss! Be sure to check out the article here!
NHL News, Trade Talk, and National Hockey Now
Chicago Hockey Now: Connor Bedard spoke with the media about his contract, his injury, new additions, and…Patrick Kane?! Jack Bushman has a fantastic story on that one!
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to trudge through their rebuild, but…for how long? Dan Kingerski with the analysis on what’s up with Steel City’s favorite flightless birds.
X: Team USA Olympic and Paralympic Gold Medalists will be on Celebrity Family Feud Thursday, with Connor Hellebuyck and Dylan Larkin as contestants.
Team USA vs. Team USA 🇺🇸
Don’t miss our Olympic and Paralympic gold medalists on Celebrity Family Feud this Thursday, July 23, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC! pic.twitter.com/plZAqm5krg
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) July 21, 2026
NHL Trade Rumors: The Flyers are still on the prowl for a big-time player to add extra zest to the power play, which ranked last leaguewide in the previous season.
TSN: Uh-oh, the Columbus Blue Jackets and their starting goaltender Jet Greaves are $4.7M apart in their arbitration briefs. General Manager Don Waddell put up a $2.8M salary, and Greaves’ camp countered with a $7.5M salary. Interesting happenings with the hearing scheduled to begin Thursday.
Sportsnet: At just 34 years old, Goaltender Jack ‘Soupy’ Campbell is hanging up his skates in favor of becoming a life coach. He played 176 games in the NHL, with his last appearance having been with the Edmonton Oilers in November 2023.
New York Post ($): American goaltending legend Jonathan Quick isn’t leaving the Big Apple following his retirement. He is going to be the New York Rangers’ next Director of Goaltending Development.
Rachel Barkley is a beat writer covering the Carolina Hurricanes for Carolina Hockey Now on Sportsnaut. Painting stories with … More about Rachel Barkley