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14 articles summarized · Last updated: LATEST

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 2:31 AM ET

NHL Transactions & Coaching Carousel

The NHL saw significant player movement and coaching changes Tuesday, with the Ottawa Senators acquiring winger William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks for the No. 9 overall pick and prospect Kasper Halttunen. In a separate deal, the Chicago Blackhawks landed defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway from the Buffalo Sabres, sending over the No. 4 and No. 45 selections in this week's draft. The Washington Capitals bolstered their forward group by acquiring veteran Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues, parting with prospect Connor McMichael and the No. 16 pick. The New Jersey Devils, meanwhile, traded the rights to defenseman Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames in exchange for two first-round picks and a second-round selection.

The coaching landscape also shifted as the Edmonton Oilers officially named Mike Babcock their new head coach. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed the hire, stating that while there was no grounds to prevent the Oilers from bringing Babcock back, he is expected to maintain a "certain level of decorum" following past controversies.

Expansion Rumors and Front Office Additions

Whispers of NHL expansion are intensifying, with sources indicating the league is exploring Texas for its next markets, specifically targeting Austin and Houston. In personnel news, former Stanley Cup champion Pascal Dupuis has been hired by the New York Islanders as their director of player development. On the women's side, the PWHL champion Montreal Victoire continued to strengthen their roster by signing Canadian Olympian Emma Maltais to a two-year contract, adding another decorated player to their championship squad.

Player Perspectives and Future Outlook

Brady Tkachuk offered his perspective on his recent trade to the Florida Panthers, clarifying that his desire to play with his brother Matthew was not the "primary reason" for the move, though he expressed excitement about their reunion and the prospect of growing their families together in Florida. The league is also to the NHL Draft, with reporters sharing the latest intelligence on potential trades and offers. The upcoming draft, set to begin Friday, is expected to be active as teams finalize their rosters and strategic moves. Speculation also continues regarding future Hall of Fame inductees, with early considerations for the 2027 class already being discussed.