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Last updated: July 4, 2026, 11:33 PM ET

NHL Offseason Moves and Personnel Changes

The Dallas Stars will see captain Jamie Benn return for his 18th season, a testament to his long-standing commitment to the franchise. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild made significant moves, acquiring forward Blake Coleman and defenseman Olli Maatta from the Calgary Flames while also re-signing their own free agents. In a notable draft day development, the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed Gavin McKenna, the projected top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, to a three-year entry-level contract.

Organizational Shifts and Player Commitments

The ownership structure of the New York Rangers saw a change as James Dolan has appointed his 32-year-old son, Quentin Dolan, to oversee the team's day-to-day operations. Separately, the Washington Capitals signaled Alex Ovechkin's return with a brief social media post, but their offseason activity was already well underway prior to this announcement, indicating a proactive approach to team building.