NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: June 25, 2026, 5:31 PM ET

NHL Offseason Shakeups and Draft Preparations

The NHL draft is on the horizon, and teams are making significant moves to reshape their rosters and acquire valuable draft capital. The Buffalo Sabres were active, trading defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for the No. 4 and No. 45 picks in Friday's draft. Additionally, the Sabres signed forward Zach Benson to a substantial seven-year, $52.5 million contract following his breakout playoff performance Sabres sign Benson. In another notable transaction, the Ottawa Senators landed William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks, sending the No. 9 pick, prospect Kasper Halttunen, and the rights to Brandon Svoboda in return. The New Jersey Devils also navigated the trade market, dealing the rights to pending restricted free agents Simon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames for two first-round picks and a second-round selection Devils deal rights.

Notable Player Transactions and Roster Moves

Beyond draft-related activity, several teams are bolstering their rosters through trades and signings. The Florida Panthers ensured grit by acquiring Garnet Hathaway from the Philadelphia Flyers, anticipating A.J. Greer's potential departure in free agency. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are looking for Bowen Byram to step into a No. 1 defenseman role after his acquisition from the Sabres Byram preparing for opportunity. The Washington Capitals added veteran Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues, sending Connor McMichael, Milton Gastrin, and the No. 16 draft pick in exchange. In player contract news, the Sabres appear to be moving on from veteran forward Alex Tuch, with GM Jarmo Kekalainen expecting him to test free agency due to a lack of progress in re-signing talks Sabres on veteran Tuch.

Coaching Movements and League Expansion Outlook

The coaching carousel continues to spin, with the Edmonton Oilers officially naming Mike Babcock as their new head coach Babcock to lead Oilers. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman commented on the hiring, stating that Babcock is expected to maintain a "certain level of decorum" Bettman on decorum. The league is also reportedly exploring expansion possibilities, with Austin and Houston in Texas emerging as potential targets for a future expansion process NHL eyes expansion.

PWHL Championship Heroics and Hall of Fame Considerations

In the Women's Professional Hockey League (PWHL), Montreal Victoire captain Marie-Philip Poulin revealed she played through a torn ACL and meniscus to lead her team to the championship Poulin played on torn ACL. The Victoire have also bolstered their roster by signing Canadian Olympian Emma Maltais to a two-year contract Maltais joins Victoire. Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour, who recently led his team to a Stanley Cup title, was not selected for the 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame class Brind'Amour not in HOF.

Brothers Reunited and Front Office Additions

The reunion of brothers Brady and Matthew Tkachuk on the Florida Panthers has generated excitement. Brady Tkachuk expressed his disbelief and eagerness to play alongside his brother Tkachuk reunited with brother, while also clarifying that his desire to leave the Ottawa Senators was not primarily driven by playing with Matthew Brady Tkachuk trade reason. The New York Islanders have also made a front office addition, hiring former Stanley Cup winner Pascal Dupuis as their director of player development Islanders hire Dupuis.

NHL Draft Projections and Future Talent

As the NHL draft approaches, anticipation is high for the first round on Friday. While the top two picks appear set, the order of selections beyond that remains a subject of speculation NHL mock draft predictions. Reporters are circulating the latest intelligence around the league, with discussions including potential offer sheets for players like Robertson Who gets traded next?. Looking further ahead, rankings for the 2027 Hockey Hall of Fame class are already being considered, even as the 2026 class has just been announced Hockey Hall of Fame 2027.