NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: July 2, 2026, 8:31 PM ET

NHL OFFSEASON MOVES & PLAYOFF RECAP

The NHL offseason has been a whirlwind of activity, with significant trades and free agent signings reshaping the league. Defenseman Darnell Nurse is on the move, having been dealt to the Sharks by the Edmonton Oilers in a Western Conference swap. The Los Angeles Kings have been busy, adding forwards Erik Haula to a two-year contract and re-signing Chris Laughton, following earlier one-year deals for Mats Zuccarello and Corey Perry. Veteran goaltender Frederik Andersen, has agreed to a one-year deal, aiming to recapture his top form after helping the Hurricanes to three playoff series wins. The Tampa Bay Lightning bolster their defense by signing coveted free agent John Carlson to a two-year deal, while the Minnesota Wild made a notable acquisition, trading for forward Blake Coleman and defenseman Olli Maatta from the Calgary Flames.

AROUND THE LEAGUE & HALL OF FAME BUZZ

Alex Ovechkin is set to return for his 22nd season with the Capitals, agreeing to a one-year, $4.25 million deal, with the team confirming they have both the salary cap space and roster spot available for their captain. In other news, forward Zach Werenski, the reigning Norris Trophy winner, has publicly committed to staying with the Columbus Blue Jackets, ending trade speculation. Meanwhile, veteran goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has inked a three-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Looking further ahead, the discussion around the 2027 Hockey Hall of Fame class is already underway, with the 2026 class recently announced. The New Jersey Devils have also made a significant move, submitting an offer sheet for Utah Mammoth's restricted free agent forward Barrett Hayton.

PRESIDENTS' TROPHY & CANADA'S CUP DROUGHT

The conversation around the Presidents' Trophy curse continues, with analysis suggesting it's not a curse but rather the inherent difficulty of winning the Stanley Cup. This sentiment resonates as Canada's Stanley Cup drought now extends to 33 years following the Canadiens' elimination. In player news, Mitch Marner has been rewriting his reputation in the NHL playoffs, delivering performances that have significantly altered perceptions of his capabilities.

PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS & SIMULATIONS

As the playoff picture sharpens, computer simulations are offering insights into potential outcomes. For the upcoming conference finals, models have generated picks for key matchups. Specifically, the Golden Knights vs. Avalanche series has been heavily analyzed, with simulations providing predictions for Game 1 and Game. The Hurricanes' path to victory against the Canadiens in Game 5 was also a subject of extensive simulation. Further playoff simulations have been conducted for matchups like the Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights and the Canadiens vs.

TRADE SPECULATION & ROSTER BUILDING

Trade speculation is already heating up around several prominent players. Five NHL teams have been identified as potential suitors for Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, suggesting a significant move could be on the horizon for the forward. Free agency continues to be a focal point, with teams like the Maple Leafs signing Sergei Bobrovsky and the Capitals securing Alex Ovechkin's return, prompting grades and fit analyses for other major deals, including those involving Andersen and B.