The 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs culminate in a best-of-seven showdown between the Western Conference champion Chicago Wolves and the Eastern Conference champion Toronto Marlies. The series opens Friday, June 12 at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, with Games 1 and 2 in Chicago before heading to Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto for Games 3, 4, and potentially 5. Games 6 and 7, if necessary, return to Allstate Arena.
Previous Round Recap
The Chicago Wolves punched their ticket to the Finals by defeating the Colorado Eagles 4-3 in a grueling Western Conference Finals. After building leads and facing elimination, Chicago rallied with comeback victories in Games 6 and 7 on the road. Backup goaltender Amir Miftakhov came in midway through Game 5 to replace Cayden Primeau and remained in net in games 6 and 7. Delivering clutch performances on visiting ice, while contributors like Bradly Nadeau, Noah Philp, and Ryan Suzuki powered the offense.
The Toronto Marlies continued their underdog run and advanced as Eastern Conference champions with a 4-2 series win over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, capped by a 2-1 overtime victory in Game 6. They previously knocked off Rochester (2-1), Top-seeded Laval (3-2), and Cleveland (3-2). Led by strong goaltending and timely scoring. Toronto earned their third Finals appearance with balanced play across all zones.
Head-to-Head This Season
The Wolves and Marlies faced off four times in the regular season, with each team taking two games, splitting the games in Chicago and in Toronto.
Chicago Wolves – Cayden Primeau has been a postseason rock for Chicago, starting all games prior to game 6 against Colorado with a 2.58 GAA and .919 save percentage. But as mentioned earlier, he left game 5 early and was replaced by Amir Miftakhov; who came in and earned back to back road wins to take the Western Conference Finals in Colorado. There are questions as to who will be in net for Chicago in the finals.
Toronto Marlies – Artur Akhtyamov has shone brightly for Toronto in their run, posting an impressive 2.12 GAA and .927 save percentage. Akhtyamov’s poise and puck-handling give Toronto an edge in the goaltending department.
Toronto Marlies Skaters to Watch
Toronto’s attack blends veteran grit with young dynamism. Vinni Lettieri leads the Marlies in goals (8) and points (17), while Logan Shaw (7 goals, 8 assists) and Benoit-Olivier Groulx (5 goals, 4 assists) provide leadership and secondary scoring. 21-year-old Easton Cowan has been a clutch performer with 7 goals and 6 assists, and defensemen like William Villeneuve, Henry Thrun, and Matt Benning anchor the blue line with mobility and physicality.
Chicago Wolves Skaters to Watch
Chicago’s top line of Bradly Nadeau, Ryan Suzuki, and Justin Robidas drives much of the offense, supported by hot contributors like Noah Philp and Josiah Slavin. Depth forwards Felix Unger Sorum and others add balance. On the back end, Juuso Välimäki and Domenick Fensore offer stability and transition play. Välimäki leads all Wolves’ defenders with 11 points.
Game Schedule
| Game | Date | Time (CT) | Home Team |
| Game 1 | Friday, June 12 | 7:00 PM | Chicago |
| Game 2 | Sunday, June 14 | 3:00 PM | Chicago |
| Game 3 | Tuesday, June 16 | 6:00 PM | Toronto |
| Game 4 | Thursday, June 18 | 6:00 PM | Toronto |
| *Game 5 | Friday, June 19 | 6:00 PM | Toronto |
| *Game 6 | Sunday, June 21 | 3:00 PM | Chicago |
| *Game 7 | Tuesday, June 23 | 7:00 PM | Chicago |
*If Necessary