HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing

NHL Hockey 24 Hours

×
14 articles summarized · Last updated: LATEST

Last updated: June 23, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

NHL OFFSEASON MOVES & COACHING NEWS

The NHL offseason is heating up with significant player movement and coaching changes. The Chicago Blackhawks acquired defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for the No. 4 and No. 45 picks in the upcoming NHL draft. In another notable trade, the Washington Capitals landed veteran winger Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues, sending Connor McMichael, Milton Gastrin, and the No. 16 draft pick to St. Louis. The Ottawa Senators also made a draft-day acquisition, acquiring William Eklund and prospect Kasper Halttunen from the San Jose Sharks for the No. 9 overall selection. Additionally, the New Jersey Devils traded the rights to Simon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames for two first-round picks and a second-round selection.

In coaching news, the Edmonton Oilers officially named Mike Babcock as their new head coach, a move that has drawn some skepticism. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that while there was no basis to block the hiring, Babcock is expected to maintain a "certain level of decorum" from the bench as commissioner Bettman expects decorum. Meanwhile, former Stanley Cup winner Pascal Dupuis has been hired by the New York Islanders as their director of player development as the Islanders add Dupuis.

EXPANSION PROSPECTS & PLAYER TRANSACTIONS

The National Hockey League is reportedly exploring expansion opportunities in Texas, with Austin and Houston emerging as potential target cities for a new franchise. This development signals a potential growth phase for the league in new markets. In player news, the Montreal Victoire, fresh off their Walter Cup championship, have signed Canadian Olympian Emma Maltais to a two-year contract, bolstering their roster with another elite talent.

Regarding player movement and draft implications, forward Brady Tkachuk has discussed his situation with the Florida Panthers, clarifying his trade wasn't about playing with brother Matthew. He later expressed excitement about being reunited with his brother in Florida, stating, "I just couldn't believe it" Tkachuk excited for reunion. The league is also abuzz with speculation about future trades and potential offer sheets, with reporters sharing intel on potential moves as the first round of the NHL Draft approaches who gets traded next. The Devils' trade of Nemec and Tsyplakov's rights to the Flames for multiple draft picks highlights the value placed on future assets.