NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: July 1, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

NHL OFFSEASON MOVES & PLAYER TRANSACTIONS

The NHL offseason continues to churn with significant player movement and contract signings across the league. The New Jersey Devils have secured restricted free agent winger Arseny Gritsyuk on a 3-year deal, locking up one of their promising young talents. In another notable transaction, the Vegas Golden Knights acquired defenseman Parker Wotherspoon from the Pittsburgh Penguins, a move that frees up over $3 million in salary cap space. The San Jose Sharks also made a move, signing newly acquired defenseman Michael Kesselring to a three-year, $13.5 million contract. Meanwhile, forward AJ Greer has signed a four-year, $17 million deal with the Anaheim Ducks, adding some veteran presence to their developing roster. Brendan Gallagher was also on the move, traded to the Vancouver Canucks from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for future considerations. The Buffalo Sabres continued their retooling by re-signing checking-line forward Beck Malenstyn to a six-year, $17.5 million pact. In a significant goaltending swap, the Florida Panthers have acquired netminder Jacob Markstrom from the Devils as part of a five-player transaction.

TEAM BUILDING & PERSONNEL CHANGES

Beyond player acquisitions, teams are also making significant changes to their front office and scouting departments. The Buffalo Sabres have brought in former NHL antagonist Milan Lucic as a pro scout, marking a notable shift in his career trajectory. These personnel moves come as teams prepare for the upcoming free agency period, with many looking to address roster needs and build for future success. The NHL free agency market is set to open soon, and teams are being advised on how each franchise can earn an advantage in the competitive landscape.

CONTRACT VETOES & TRADE SPECULATION

Player control over their destinations remains a factor in trade negotiations. Blue Jackets star defenseman Zach Werenski has reportedly vetoed a trade that would have sent him to the Dallas Stars, illustrating the limitations teams face when moving established players. Speculation also continues regarding potential moves for high-profile players. There are at least five potential trade suitors being discussed for Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin, indicating a high level of interest in his services. The ongoing trade season is already being evaluated, with early trade grades being issued for general managers involved in significant swaps.

PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS & POSTSEASON ANALYSIS

While the regular season has concluded, the focus shifts to the upcoming playoffs and analysis of past performances. Computer simulations are offering insights into potential outcomes, with 10,000 simulations suggesting outcomes for matchups like Canadiens vs. Sabres and Hurricanes vs. Similar simulations have also been run for the Golden Knights vs. Avalanche series, with separate predictions for Game 1 and Game. Looking back at the recent playoff round, Mitch Marner was noted for rewriting his reputation in a way that benefited his team. The broader narrative surrounding playoff success includes the notion that there is no Presidents' Trophy curse; winning the Stanley Cup is simply a difficult endeavor. This year's postseason has also highlighted Canada's extended Stanley Cup drought, now at 33 years following the Canadiens' elimination.

FUTURE PROSPECTS & FREE AGENCY OUTLOOK

As teams navigate the current offseason, attention is also turning towards future drafts and the upcoming free agent class. there is already speculation about who might make the Hockey Hall Fame 2027. The 2026 NHL draft class is also being analyzed, with fantasy hockey managers being advised on which top picks to target. The upcoming free agency period is shaping up to be significant, with a range of players from All-Stars to lesser-known talents expected to be available. Prominent names like Rasmus Andersson, John Carlson, Sergei Bobrovsky, and Alex Ovechkin are leading the rankings of top free agents. The implications of these potential moves for fantasy hockey are being closely examined, with an outlook on who will be available and how each team might approach free agency. Report cards are already being issued for GMs based on their performance during the 2026 NHL draft, with some teams being lauded for adding value and others criticized for missed opportunities. The Sabres are among the teams being identified as winners in the current offseason landscape, while the Golden Knights are facing scrutiny.