The NHL Draft is grabbing headlines following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Despite discussions on coaching changes and trades, there’s a significant reason to celebrate. Recent ratings for this year’s playoffs indicate noteworthy growth. According to Sports Media Watch, ABC, ESPN, and TNT Sports recorded an average viewership of 1.8 million for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This represents a 68% increase compared to last year and marks the highest ratings since 1996, when viewership hit 1.56 million.

Andrei Svechnikov of the Carolina Hurricanes holds the Stanley Cup after winning Game Six against the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 14, 2026. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The reason behind this surge in popularity? Numerous engaging matchups throughout the season played a role. However, a major boost comes from the recent success of American hockey teams. Over the past six months, American hockey has seen unprecedented success. Both the U.S. men’s and women’s teams clinched gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, with wins occurring in overtime. The men’s victory was particularly historic, being the first Olympic gold since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice,” leaving a lasting impression on the nation.

U.S. players, including Brady Tkachuk, celebrate after defeating Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games on Feb. 22, 2026. (Amber Searls/Imagn Images)

The enthusiasm from these achievements has propelled the NHL’s popularity in the U.S. Additionally, the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off tournament received similar acclaim. The NHL appears to be benefiting from an embrace of international hockey, leading to broader interest across the country. This contributes to why the Stanley Cup Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Vegas Golden Knights ranks among the five most-watched finals in history.

The series, featuring thrilling games that will be remembered as some of the wildest in finals history, defied expectations. Initially, there were concerns that teams from North Carolina and Las Vegas might not attract as many viewers as traditional powerhouses, but viewership proved otherwise.

The 2026 Stanley Cup Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights was one of the wildest ever. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

To maintain this momentum, the NHL should continue engaging with international hockey. Plans such as the recently announced 2027 All-Star Game on Long Island suggest the league’s commitment to this direction. This could further bolster the sport’s popularity in the years to come.