NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: July 1, 2026, 2:34 AM ET

NHL Transactions and Roster Moves

The NHL offseason has seen a flurry of activity as teams solidify rosters and prepare for the upcoming season. The New Jersey Devils have been active, acquiring goaltender Jacob Markstrom from the New York Devils in a five-player deal. In other moves, the Anaheim Ducks signed forward AJ Greer to a four-year, $17 million contract, adding Stanley Cup experience to their young core. The San Jose Sharks inked newly acquired defenseman Michael Kesselring to a three-year, $13.5 million deal, while the Buffalo Sabres re-signed checking-line forward Beck Malenstyn to a six-year, $17.5 million pact. The Arizona Coyotes also made a move, signing restricted free agent winger Arseny Gritsyuk to a three-year contract. The Montreal Canadiens traded veteran forward Brendan Gallagher to the Vancouver Canucks for future considerations, and the Vegas Golden Knights acquired defenseman Parker Wotherspoon from the Pittsburgh Penguins, freeing up over $3 million in cap space.

Player Movement and Trade Speculation

Trade speculation continues to swirl around several high-profile players as teams assess their needs. Defenseman Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets has reportedly vetoed a trade to the Dallas Stars, indicating his control over his destination. Meanwhile, Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings is reportedly attracting interest from five potential trade suitors, suggesting a potential shake-up for the team. The NHL offseason is officially heating up, with multiple significant swaps already occurring. Trade grades are being issued for general managers involved in major deals, and a preview of the free agent market identifies key players for each team.

Playoff Simulations and Analysis

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs progress, computer simulations are offering insights into potential outcomes. The Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens have been subjects of extensive simulation analysis for their upcoming playoff games, with 10,000 simulations providing predictions. Similarly, the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche are being closely watched, with multiple game simulations offering picks for their series. Beyond specific matchups, broader playoff narratives are emerging. Mitch Marner has been noted for rewriting his reputation in the second round, and the long-standing Canadian Stanley Cup drought has reached 33 years following the Canadiens' elimination. The notion of a "Presidents' Trophy curse" is being debunked, with analysis suggesting that winning the Stanley Cup is simply an inherently difficult task.

Front Office and Scouting Additions

NHL teams are also making significant additions to their front office and scouting departments. Former NHL antagonist Milan Lucic has been hired by the Buffalo Sabres as a pro scout, marking a notable transition from player to management. This hiring is part of a series of personnel changes within the organization.

Free Agency and Draft Outlook

With the free agency period on the horizon, teams are preparing for significant player movement. Rasmus Andersson, John Carlson, Sergei Bobrovsky, and Alex Ovechkin are among the top free agents expected to draw considerable attention. An early look at the 2026 NHL draft identifies prospects that fantasy hockey managers should consider for their upcoming seasons. Additionally, an analysis of the 2026 NHL draft provides report cards for every general manager, assessing the value added and potential missteps from the weekend's selections. The free agency market is set to open July 1, with teams looking to make impactful signings.

Player Development and Future Prospects

Teams are also focusing on long-term player development and future prospects. The New Jersey Devils have secured restricted free agent Arseny Gritsyuk for three years. the league is already anticipating the Hockey Hall Fame class of 2027, with the 2026 class recently announced. Fantasy hockey implications of various offseason moves are being analyzed, providing insights for team strategies. The Sabres are noted as winners following recent personnel decisions, while the Golden Knights are identified as losers, indicating a mixed bag of outcomes from offseason maneuvers.