While hockey and summer might not be words that typically go together, they have more similarities than one may think. This summer, hockey teams around the national hockey league have been busy. Whether that be making history, relocating, or making interesting moves during free agency, hockey teams have been staying busy during the offseason. Here are some hockey teams as songs that are perfect for a summer playlist.
Florida Panthers: “The Spins” by Mac Miller
The Panthers made history this summer by winning the first Stanley Cup in franchise history. To celebrate such a momentous milestone, the Panthers had a celebration for the ages. First, according to an article from the South Florida Sun Sentinel, the team celebrated with an early morning party at right winger Matthew Tkachuk’s house.
The get-together started with some early morning beers, after which it was decided that the Cup should get a proper Fort Lauderdale welcome: a celebratory dunk in the ocean. Stoked about their win, the Panthers were only focused on living life to the fullest. The Spins is about partying and the appeal of having fun while living in the moment, which is what the Panthers definitely did this summer.
Edmonton Oilers: “The Thrill” by Wiz Khalifa
Like the Panthers, the Edmonton Oilers also had quite the summer. Though they ultimately fell short of winning the Cup, they were the first Canadian team to make the final in three years and they were the closest a Canadian team has come to winning it in over 30 years.
The Oilers made it a thrilling series by coming back from a 3-0 loss to win the next three games, making the overall winner dependent on a seventh game. They were living for the thrill of all the hype during their playoff run, which fueled them in their pursuit of bringing the cup back to Canada. Like the song “The Thrill” suggests, the thrill that comes from the win is often underscored by the relentless pursuit of greatness.
Nashville Predators: “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” by Tears For Fears
The Nashville Predators made the most of their offseason time by playing their cards during free agency. They started by signing long-time Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brady Skjei to a seven-year, $49 million contract. Not long after, in another blockbuster trade, the Predators signed Jonathan Marchessault, who was an alternate captain for the Vegas Golden Knights and 2023 Conn Smythe Award winner, to a five-season, $27.5 million contract. Then, when fans thought the Predators couldn’t make any more moves, they signed two-time Stanley Cup champion and Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos to a four-year, $32 million contract.
The Predators are looking to be a contender next year rather than a team that makes it to the Playoffs to get eliminated in the first round. As implicitly stated in “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” those who are hungry for power will stop at nothing to get it, and the Predators are clearly hungry to win this season.
Utah Hockey Club: “Memory Lane” by Zara Larrson
The Utah Hockey Club is no stranger to moving all over the place. According to an article from AZ Central, the team began as the old Winnipeg Jets, who relocated to Arizona in 1996, where they became the Phoenix Coyotes. In 2014, the Phoenix Coyotes changed their name to the Arizona Coyotes and began a long, troubling tenure of hopping around from arena to arena.
Finally, this past spring, it was announced that the Arizona Coyotes would once again relocate to Salt Lake City, where it was announced the new franchise would be the Utah Hockey Club. This team has seen some ups and downs over the years, and "Memory Lane” is a beautiful reminder that life’s sometimes rocky journey serves a purpose. The Utah Hockey Club can look back fondly on their time in Arizona as they move into a new chapter.
Carolina Hurricanes: “Telepath” by Conan Gray
After their elimination from the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Carolina Hurricanes were in a bit of a sticky situation with Martin Necas. Necas is in the process of completing a two-year, $6 million contract while playing the right wing position. However, he was drafted as a center and wants more time playing that position and more money in his contract. It was implied that Necas would be looking to leave if he did not get either of those things.
According to an article on The Hockey News, it is possible that Necas could sign a contract to be paid about $6 million a year as opposed to $3 million a year with his current contract. Necas’ contract arbitration hearing is scheduled for Aug. 4 unless he and the Hurricanes can come to a new deal. But for now, Necas is still on the team’s starting lineup for their first game of the season. Hurricanes fans have a strong feeling that Necas will be sticking around–call them “telepaths.”
Detroit Red Wings: “Detroit Rock City” by KISS
During free agency, the Detroit Red Wings proved that they will not be a team to be slept on this season. First, after much speculation that he would not return to the NHL, the Red Wings re-signed veteran right winger and NHL legend Patrick Kane. Then, they quickly signed two-time Stanley Cup champion Vladimir Tarasenko to a two-year contract.
Those two players, veterans Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat, and young talent like Moritz Seider and Lucas Redmond will make the Red Wings a force to be reckoned with. Detroit is looking to bring their championship dynasty back, so Detroit fans better be ready to "move their feet," "leave their seats,” and “lose their minds.”
These teams have made the most of their summer so far, and it will be exciting to see what they do this upcoming season. Though the start of the hockey season is a little ways off, fans can enjoy the summer now by reminiscing with this playlist.
Edited by Emma Habel
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