NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

NHL Transactions and Coaching Carousel

The NHL was abuzz with significant player movement Tuesday, headlined by the Chicago Blackhawks acquiring defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway from the Buffalo Sabres. This deal saw Chicago part with the No. 4 and No. 45 picks in the upcoming NHL draft, along with defenseman Alec Regula. In another notable acquisition, the Washington Capitals landed veteran winger Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues, sending Connor McMichael, Milton Gastrin, and the No. 16 draft selection in exchange. The Ottawa Senators also made a move, acquiring left winger William Eklund, prospect Kasper Halttunen, and the rights to Brandon Svoboda from the San Jose Sharks for the No. 9 overall pick in this week's draft. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils 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 in the upcoming draft.

In coaching news, the Edmonton Oilers officially named Mike Babcock as their new head coach. Babcock, who previously coached the Toronto Maple Leafs before his dismissal in 2019, was hired despite concerns about his past conduct. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that while there was no basis to prevent the Oilers from hiring Babcock, the veteran coach is expected to maintain a "certain level of decorum" while leading the team. Other teams bolstered their front offices, with former Stanley Cup winner Pascal Dupuis hired as the Islanders' director of player development on Tuesday.

Player Movement and League Expansion Outlook

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) also saw a significant signing, as the Walter Cup champion Montreal Victoire have inked Canadian Olympian Emma Maltais to a two-year contract adding depth to their roster. On the player speculation front, Brady Tkachuk addressed his trade to the Florida Panthers, clarifying that playing with his brother Matthew was not the primary motivation for his move, but rather a welcomed reunion that he "just couldn't believe". Tkachuk also stated that his desire to leave Ottawa "wasn't about" playing with his brother in particular.

the NHL is reportedly considering expansion into Texas, with Austin and Houston emerging as potential targets for a new franchise, according to sources speaking to ESPN. This potential expansion signals the league's continued growth and interest in new markets. The upcoming NHL draft, set to begin Friday, is also a focal point for teams looking to reshape their rosters, with ongoing speculation about potential trades and offer sheets, including a hypothetical offer for Robertson as reporters share league intel. The league also has its sights set on future Hall of Fame classes, with early considerations for the 2027 inductees already being discussed following the 2026 class announcement.