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12 articles summarized · Last updated: LATEST

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

NHL DRAFT BUZZ AND OFFSEASON MOVES

The NHL draft is just days away, and teams are making significant moves to shape their rosters. The Chicago Blackhawks acquired defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway from the Buffalo Sabres, sending their No. 4 and No. 45 picks in this week's draft, along with a defenseman, to Buffalo. In another notable trade, the Washington Capitals acquired veteran winger Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Connor McMichael, Milton Gastrin, and the No. 16 overall pick. The Ottawa Senators also made a splash, landing winger William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks for the No. 9 pick, prospect Kasper Halttunen, and the rights to Brandon Svoboda. The 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, signaling a shift in their long-term plans.

As the draft approaches, anticipation is building around top prospects. Our final big board for the 2026 NHL draft ranks players like McKenna and Stenberg at the top, with the first round set to begin Friday. Beyond the draft, the league is also to future expansions. Sources indicate that the NHL is eyeing Austin and Houston in Texas as potential targets for its next expansion phase, suggesting a growing footprint for the sport in the southern United States.

PLAYER MOVEMENT AND PERSONNEL CHANGES

Veteran presence is being added to several NHL organizations. Former Stanley Cup winner Pascal Dupuis has been hired as the Islanders' director of player development, bringing his championship experience to Long Island. In the Premier Hockey Federation, the PWHL champion Montreal Victoire have signed Olympian Emma Maltais to a two-year contract, bolstering their roster with another Canadian Olympian. Meanwhile, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed the hiring of Mike Babcock, stating that while the Edmonton Oilers were permitted to hire the veteran coach, he is expected to maintain a "certain level of decorum."

Brotherly reunions are also a theme this offseason. Brady Tkachuk addressed his trade to the Florida Panthers, clarifying that playing with his brother Matthew influenced the decision, though he initially claimed it wasn't the primary reason. He expressed excitement about being reunited with Matthew in Florida, stating he "just couldn't believe it."

: HALL OF FAME AND COACHING EXPECTATIONS

As the NHL gears up for its draft and the offseason continues, discussions are also turning towards future honorees. With the 2026 Hall of Fame class now announced, attention is already shifting to who might be inducted in 2027. On the coaching front, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has set expectations for Mike Babcock, indicating that a "certain level of decorum" is expected from the newly hired coach, following his appointment by the Edmonton Oilers.