NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 8:31 AM ET

NHL Draft Buzz and Blockbuster Trades

The NHL draft, set to begin Friday, is already heating up with significant player movement. The Chicago Blackhawks acquired defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway from the Buffalo Sabres, sending the No. 4 and No. 45 picks in this year's draft, along with defenseman L truncated and future considerations, to Buffalo. In another notable deal, the Washington Capitals traded for veteran winger Jordan Kyrou, sending Connor McMichael, Milton Gastrin, and the No. 16 overall pick to the St. Louis Blues. The Ottawa Senators also made a splash, landing William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for the No. 9 pick, prospect Kasper Halttunen, and the rights to Brandon Svoboda. The New Jersey Devils, meanwhile, dealt the rights to Simon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames for two first-round selections and a second-round pick. The NHL is also reportedly exploring expansion to Texas, with Austin and Houston emerging as potential targets for a new franchise.

Coaching Carousel and Front Office Moves

The Edmonton Oilers have officially named Mike Babcock their new head coach, bringing the veteran bench boss back to the NHL after his tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs concluded in 2019. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that while there's no basis to prevent the Oilers from hiring Babcock, the coach is expected to maintain a "certain level of decorum" amidst scrutiny of his past conduct. On the player development front, former Stanley Cup champion Pascal Dupuis has been hired as the Islanders' director of player development.

Player Movement and League Dynamics

In the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), the Walter Cup champion Montreal Victoire have continued to bolster their roster by signing Canadian Olympian Emma Maltais to a two-year contract. Meanwhile, reports indicate a significant player reunion is underway, with Brady Tkachuk expressing excitement about joining his brother Matthew on the Florida Panthers. Tkachuk clarified that his desire to leave the Ottawa Senators and join the Panthers was not solely based on reuniting with his brother, stating the move "wasn't about" Matthew. The league is also to future inductees, with early considerations for the 2027 Hockey Hall of Fame class being discussed even as the 2026 class is being finalized. The NHL draft's first round is scheduled for Friday, featuring top prospects like McKenna and Stenberg, according to ESPN's final draft big board.