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15 articles summarized · Last updated: LATEST

Last updated: June 27, 2026, 8:33 AM ET

NHL Draft and Trades Shake Up Leagues

The NHL draft commenced Friday with the Toronto Maple Leafs selecting Gavin McKenna first overall, a move widely anticipated and detailed in pre-draft analysis comparing him to league legends. McKenna, an 18-year-old winger from Penn State, posted 15 goals in his collegiate season. The draft also saw significant player movement. The Anaheim Ducks traded young center Mason McTavish to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for the 15th and 29th picks in the draft in a major rebuilding move. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings dealt goaltender prospect Sebastian Cossa, considered one of their top talents, to the Utah Mammoth for the 23rd overall selection as part of their prospect reshuffling. The Buffalo Sabres acquired defenseman Olen Zellweger from Anaheim for prospect Anton Wahlberg and a second-round pick.

Roster Moves and Contract Extensions

Beyond the draft day trades, several teams addressed their rosters through acquisitions and contract extensions. The New York Rangers bolstered their forward group by acquiring Pavel Dorofeyev from the Vegas Golden Knights, who was Vegas's leading goal scorer last season adding offensive depth. The Rangers also made a minor trade, sending forward Brett Berard to the Montreal Canadiens for defenseman William Trudeau marking their first offseason transaction. The Boston Bruins reportedly acquired winger JJ Peterka from the Utah Mammoth, a move that brings Peterka back to Boston one year after he was initially traded to Utah. In defensive news, the Los Angeles Kings re-signed defenseman Brandt Clarke to a five-year contract worth $7.4 million annually following a career year for the young blueliner securing their backend. The Ottawa Senators are expected to sign defenseman Jordan Spence to a four-year, $20 million deal after he played a significant role in shoring up their defense last season amidst injury concerns. The New York Islanders are bringing back defenseman Tony DeAngelo on a two-year contract, reportedly worth $4.5 million per year reuniting the blueliner with the team. The Colorado Avalanche addressed their defensive corps by re-signing both Brett Kulak and Brent Burns adding veteran presence.

Injury Concerns Loom for Contenders

A significant injury cloud hangs over the Carolina Hurricanes as they prepare for their Stanley Cup defense. Leading goal scorer Seth Jarvis is likely to miss four to six months after undergoing shoulder surgery casting doubt on his availability for the start of the season. Jarvis, a key offensive contributor typically playing alongside No. 1 center Sebastian Aho, will be a considerable absence for the Hurricanes as they aim to repeat as champions. The timeline for his recovery places his return well into the regular season, potentially impacting the team's early performance.