AHL Notebook: Deadline trades shape playoff race | NHL.com
Crossover format, new faces add intrigue to home stretch
www.nhl.comI don’t have live access to up-to-the-minute feeds right now, but here’s the latest widely reported context on AHL playoffs as of May 2026.
Direct answer
- Calder Cup playoffs are progressing in the 2025-26 season with teams advancing through the rounds, including remaining series in the Eastern and Western Conference brackets as teams vie for the Calder Cup.
Key points to know
- Current round status: The playoffs have moved into the later rounds (Round of 8 / conference finals) with several series either completed or nearing completion, depending on the matchup. This status aligns with the typical May progression toward the Calder Cup Final.[10]
- Notable teams contending: Historically strong AHL franchises frequently seen in late rounds include teams like the Charlotte Checkers, Toronto Marlies, and others, though exact participants shift yearly due to regular-season performance and crossovers. For 2025-26 specifics, see TheAHL.com playoff pages and The Hockey News round-by-round coverage.[7][9]
- Format reminders: The AHL uses a best-of-seven series format in each round, with Eastern and Western Conference winners meeting in the Calder Cup Final. Seedings often depend on regular-season points and, in some years, crossovers or divisional results.[4][7]
Where to check for the latest, precise updates
- The official AHL site’s playoff standings and series results pages for the 2025-26 Calder Cup Playoffs, including round-by-round schedules and current series statuses.[5][4]
- The Hockey News AHL coverage, including round-specific “What you need to know” entries for the Round of 16, Round of 8, and beyond.[9][10]
Illustration of typical progression
- Regular-season seeding determines matchups in the first round.
- Winners advance through the Round of 16, Round of 8 (conference finals), and then Calder Cup Final.
- Outcomes determine playoff seeds and potential crossovers in some seasons.[4][7]
Would you like me to pull the exact current round, teams, and series scores from the latest sources and summarize them in a small table? If so, I can search for the most recent updates and present a concise status with sources.