There have been some tremendous stories to come out of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.
Former first-overall pick Taylor Hall finally reached the top of the mountain after 16 NHL seasons and stops with seven different organizations. Brandon Bussi, a 27-year-old undrafted goaltender and Long Island native, went from a player whose NHL future appeared uncertain to a Stanley Cup champion. Jordan Staal became the oldest player ever to win the Conn Smythe Trophy at age 37.
But one of the more underrated feel-good stories belongs to former New York Islanders defenseman Mike Reilly.