NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 2:31 AM ET

NHL Offseason Shakeups and Expansion Buzz

The NHL offseason is already heating up with significant player movement and potential expansion plans. In a blockbuster move, the Chicago Blackhawks acquired defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway from the Buffalo Sabres, sending the No. 4 and No. 45 picks in the upcoming NHL draft, along with defenseman Leo truncated, to Buffalo. The Capitals, meanwhile, bolstered their forward corps by acquiring veteran winger Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Connor McMichael, Milton Gastrin, and the No. 16 overall pick. Adding to the flurry of trades, the Ottawa Senators landed winger William Eklund and prospects from the San Jose Sharks, with the No. 9 pick heading to San Jose. The New Jersey Devils also drew significant draft capital from the Calgary Flames, trading the rights to defenseman Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov for a pair of first-round selections and a second-round pick.

In a move that sent shockwaves through the league, forward Brady Tkachuk was traded to the Florida Panthers from the Ottawa Senators, reuniting him with his brother, Matthew. Brady Tkachuk downplayed speculation that playing with his brother was the sole catalyst for the trade, stating that the move "wasn't about" Matthew specifically, though he later expressed excitement about the reunion and growing their families together in Florida as he couldn't believe it. The Panthers also sent forward Mackie Samoskevich to the Seattle Kraken in a deal that saw the No. 25 pick in the upcoming draft return to Florida.

The coaching carousel also saw major activity as Mike Babcock was officially named the new head coach of the Edmonton Oilers. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed the hiring, stating that while there was no impediment to the Oilers bringing Babcock aboard, the veteran coach is expected to maintain a "certain level of decorum." This appointment has drawn criticism, with some suggesting the Oilers are "inviting disaster" by hiring Babcock.

Beyond player and coach transactions, the NHL is reportedly exploring expansion. Sources indicate that the league is eyeing Texas for its next expansion phase, with Austin and Houston emerging as potential targets for new franchises.

PWHL Growth and Player Signings

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is experiencing rapid growth, marked by its first significant investment. The league announced the addition of two major investors, Ilitch Companies of Detroit and Kilmer Sports Ventures of Toronto, signaling a commitment to sustained development. On the player front, the PWHL champion Montreal Victoire have added Canadian Olympian Emma Maltais to their roster on a two-year contract, further strengthening their championship-caliber lineup.

Player Development and Hall of Fame Buzz

Organizational development is a focus for several teams. The New York Islanders have hired former Stanley Cup winner Pascal Dupuis to serve as their director of player development. Meanwhile, the Utah Mammoth of the Indoor Football League have secured coaches André Tourigny and Blaine Forsythe on multi-year contracts.

The Hockey Hall of Fame discussions continue, with some notable figures finding themselves passed over for the upcoming class. Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour, who led the team to a Stanley Cup title as a player and coach, was not selected for the 2026 Hall of Fame class. In a poignant moment, Keith Tkachuk was elected to the Hall of Fame just one day after his sons, Brady and Matthew, became teammates on the Florida Panthers.

Contract Extensions and RFA Moves

Several teams focused on securing their core players with new long-term deals. The Edmonton Oilers re-signed defenseman Connor Murphy to a five-year contract worth $20.5 million and also secured center Jason Dickinson on a five-year, $20 million deal, preventing him from testing free agency. The Seattle Kraken reached an agreement with forward Bobby McMann on a six-year contract, keeping him with the team for the foreseeable future. The league is also anticipating potential offer sheets, with reports suggesting that a bid for Robertson is being considered as teams navigate the restricted free agent landscape.