NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: June 23, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

NHL Offseason Shakeups and Coaching Carousel

The Ottawa Senators have been active, acquiring winger William Eklund and prospect Kasper Halttunen from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for the No. 9 overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft and the rights to prospect Brandon Svoboda. In another significant move, the Washington Capitals landed veteran forward Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues, sending forward Connor McMichael, Milton Gastrin, and the No. 16 NHL Draft selection to complete the deal. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils have traded the rights to pending restricted free agent defenseman Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames for two first-round picks and a second-round selection.

The coaching landscape also saw major shifts, with the Edmonton Oilers officially naming Mike Babcock as their new head coach. Babcock, who previously coached the Toronto Maple Leafs before his dismissal in 2019, now takes the helm in Edmonton. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that while there was no impediment to the Oilers hiring Babcock, the coach is expected to maintain a "certain level of decorum." Some analysts, however, have raised concerns, suggesting the Oilers' decision to hire Babcock may be inviting disaster.

In player personnel news, the PWHL champion Montreal Victoire have bolstered their roster by signing Canadian Olympian Emma Maltais to a two-year contract. The Islanders also made a front-office addition, hiring former Stanley Cup champion Pascal Dupuis as their director of player development.

Draft Prospect Movement and Brotherly Reunions

As the NHL Draft approaches, teams are making significant moves to acquire draft capital and prospects. The Senators' acquisition of Eklund and Halttunen for the No. 9 pick exemplifies this trend, while the Capitals' trade for Kyrou involved a high first-round selection. The Devils' trade of Nemec and Tsyplakov's rights for multiple draft choices signals a clear strategy to replenish their prospect pool.

The dynamic of player movement and team building is also being influenced by established stars. Brady Tkachuk, recently acquired by the Florida Panthers, expressed his excitement about reuniting with his brother Matthew, stating that the move "wasn't about" playing with him but rather the opportunity itself. Tkachuk also noted his eagerness to build their young families together in Florida.

Expansion Speculation and Future Hall of Famers

Looking beyond immediate player transactions, the NHL is reportedly considering expansion into Texas, with Austin and Houston emerging as potential targets for future growth. This move would significantly expand the league's footprint in a key U.S. market.

Meanwhile, as the 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame class is being announced, speculation is already mounting about potential inductees for 2027. The ongoing evaluation of player careers and their impact on the sport continues to shape the historical narrative of professional hockey. Discussions around potential trade targets and offer sheet strategies for restricted free agents like Robertson also highlight the league's active and evolving player market as the first round of the draft looms.