NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: June 30, 2026, 5:31 PM ET

NHL Transactions & Personnel Moves

The Vegas Golden Knights have been active in reshaping their roster, first acquiring defenseman Parker Wotherspoon from the Penguins in exchange for Kaedan Korczak, a move that freed up over $3 million in salary cap space. In a separate transaction, Florida bolstered its goaltending depth by acquiring Akira Schmid from Vegas for a 2028 third-round pick, and then immediately acquired veteran netminder Jacob Markstrom from the New Jersey Devils in a significant five-player deal. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres are bringing a familiar face into their front office, announcing the hiring of former player Milan Lucic as a pro scout, transitioning him from an antagonist to a team employee as part of a series of hirings.

Future Free Agency Outlook

As the NHL offseason approaches, teams are already preparing for the influx of available talent. Early rankings for the 2026 free agent class reveal a strong pool of players, with names like Rasmus Andersson, John Carlson, Sergei Bobrovsky, and Alex Ovechkin topping the list of top available players. These impending free agents represent a mix of established stars and potential difference-makers, setting the stage for significant team-building activity across the league as the market heats up.