The NHL Referees and Linespersons are set for the 2026 Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes:
Referees
- Jean Hebert #15 – 4th Cup Final
- Wes McCauley #4 – 12th Cup Final
- Garrett Rank #7 – 1st Cup Final
- Chris Rooney #5 – 9th Cup Final
Out from Conference Finals: Francis Charron, Gord Dwyer, Graham Skilliter, and Kelly Sutherland
First-Timers: Garrett Rank
Linespersons
- Devin Berg #87 – 3rd Cup Final
- Scott Cherrey #50 – 7th Cup Final
- Trent Knorr #74 – 2nd Cup Final
- Matt MacPherson #83 – 4th Cup Final
Out from Conference Finals: Ryan Daisy, Ryan Gibbons, Jesse Marquis, and Bevan Mills
First-Timers: None
Splitting Pairs
Only one ref pairing saw both officials advanced from the Conference Finals: Garrett Rank and Jean Hebert; that duo will continue to work together in the Stanley Cup Final. Refs Wes McCauley and Chris Rooney will get new partners after working with Francis Charron and Graham Skilliter, respectively. The officating pair of Gord Dwyer and Kelly Sutherland failed to move on after having worked Habs/Canes Game 2 and Colorado/Vegas Game 4.
Are You Experienced?
Only one referee – Garrett Rank – is making his first trip the the Stanley Cup Final. Rank has made three straight trips to the Conference Finals (2024-2026).
Referee Wes McCauley leads all active NHL referees with 12 trips to the Stanley Cup Final; he’s trailed by Kelly Sutherland (10), Chris Rooney (9*), Dan O’Rourke (7), Jean Hebert (4*), Francis Charron (3), Gord Dwyer (3), Eric Furlatt (1), and Garrett Rank (1).
McCauley is tied with Sutherland for the most Cup Final games worked (27); they’re followed by Chris Rooney (22*), Dan O’Rourke (19), Gord Dwyer (9), Jean Hebert (8*), Francis Charron (7), and Eric Furlatt (2).
All four linespersons have worked a previous Stanley Cup Final, with Scott Cherrey leading the way with 7 — tied with Jonny Murray for most among active linespersons.
Career Numbers
Kelly Sutherland leads all active referees in playoff games worked (261), ahead of Wes McCauley (232*), Dan O’Rourke (215), Eric Furlatt (195), and Chris Rooney (194*).
Sutherland is fourth all-time in playoff games officiated, behind Bill McCreary (297), Don Koharski (266), and Kerry Fraser (254).
On the lines, the active leader for playoff games is Jonny Murray (207). He’s followed by Scott Cherrey (184*), Steve Barton (157), and Matt MacPherson (135*).
* Still active in the 2026 playoffs
Playoff Salaries
Officials get paid per round in the postseason, with referees earning $31,000 and linespersons $19,500. Standby referees earn $1000 for being on call, with an increase to $2,750 if they get into the game; linespersons on standby pick up a $650 check which bumps to $1,775 if they take the ice.
The NHL officials selected to work the opening round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs:
