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13 articles summarized · Last updated: LATEST

Last updated: June 27, 2026, 2:32 PM ET

NHL Draft & Trades Shake Up Leagues

The NHL draft kicked off with a bang, as the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick, ending speculation about a potential shift in their strategy. McKenna, an 18-year-old Penn State winger, posted 15 goals in his previous season. The draft also saw significant player movement. The St. Louis Blues were active, acquiring defenseman Brandon Carlo from the Maple Leafs in exchange for a pair of third-round picks, and later sending young center Mason McTavish to the Ducks for the 15th and 29th selections in Friday's draft Ducks send McTavish. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings dealt top goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa to the Utah Mammoth for the 23rd overall pick.

Roster Moves and Injury Concerns

Beyond the draft, teams are addressing roster needs and dealing with injuries. The New York Rangers landed forward Pavel Dorofeyev from the Vegas Golden Knights, adding scoring depth with the Knights' leading goal scorer from last season. The Boston Bruins also made a move, acquiring winger JJ Peterka from the Utah Mammoth, whom they had previously traded for a year ago. However, the Carolina Hurricanes face a significant blow as leading scorer Seth Jarvis is expected to miss four to six months following shoulder surgery, putting his availability for the start of their Stanley Cup defense in doubt.

Defensive Realignments and Contract Extensions

Several teams fortified their defensive units through trades and contract extensions. The Buffalo Sabres acquired Olen Zellweger from the Anaheim Ducks, sending prospect Anton Wahlberg and a second-round pick to the Ducks. In Los Angeles, the Kings moved to secure their blue line by re-signing defenseman Brandt Clarke to a five-year deal worth an average of $7.4 million annually. The Ottawa Senators also addressed their defense, signing Jordan Spence to a four-year contract valued at $20 million, a move that comes after Spence played a significant role in the team's success amidst injuries last season. The Colorado Avalanche bolstered their defense corps by re-signing Brett Kulak, ensuring stability heading into the next season.