NHL Hockey 3 Days

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

NHL Offseason Shakeups and Draft Anticipation

The NHL offseason is in full swing with significant trades and hirings dominating headlines as the league prepares for Friday's draft. The Chicago Blackhawks acquired defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway from the Buffalo Sabres in a move that sent the No. 4 and No. 45 picks in the upcoming draft, along with defenseman a significant haul, to Buffalo. In another notable deal, the Washington Capitals landed veteran winger Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues, parting with forward Connor McMichael, Milton Gastrin, and the No. 16 draft selection. The Ottawa Senators also reshaped their roster, acquiring left winger William Eklund and prospect Kasper Halttunen from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for the No. 9 overall pick and the rights to prospect Brandon Svoboda. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils traded the rights to pending restricted free agent defenseman Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames for two first-round picks and a second-round selection.

Family Reunions and Coaching Carousel

The Tkachuk family is experiencing a unique reunion in the NHL, with Brady Tkachuk joining his brother Matthew on the Florida Panthers in a blockbuster trade from the Ottawa Senators. Brady Tkachuk expressed excitement about the move, stating he "just couldn't believe it" when he learned he would be reunited with his brother. This move came shortly after Keith Tkachuk, their father, was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame, creating a memorable confluence of family milestones. On the coaching front, the Edmonton Oilers officially named Mike Babcock their new head coach, a move that has drawn both anticipation and concern. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that while there was no basis to block the hiring, Babcock is expected to uphold a "certain level of decorum" following past controversies. The Utah Mammoth also made coaching additions, signing coach André Tourigny and assistant Blaine Forsythe to multiyear contracts.

Expansion Buzz and Player Signings

Speculation about NHL expansion is intensifying, with sources indicating that the league is considering Texas cities Austin and Houston as potential targets for its next expansion process. This potential move south could reshape the league's geographical footprint. In the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), the Montreal Victoire, fresh off their Walter Cup championship, have signed Canadian Olympian Emma Maltais to a two-year contract, bolstering their already strong lineup. The PWHL also announced its first significant investment, with Detroit-based Ilitch Companies and Toronto-based Kilmer Sports Ventures becoming its first two investors, signaling a commitment to the league's rapid growth. On the player personnel front, the Seattle Kraken secured forward Bobby McMann on a six-year deal, while the Oilers also signed defenseman Connor Murphy to a five-year, $20.5 million contract, providing long-term stability on their blue line. The Islanders added veteran talent to their front office, hiring former Stanley Cup winner Pascal Dupuis as director of player development.

Draft Prospect Watch and League Outlook

With the NHL Entry Draft just days away, anticipation is building for who will hear their names called first. ESPN's final big board ranks prospects like Cole McKenna and Liam Stenberg as top talents, with the first round set to commence Friday. The league is also to future talent, with discussions already underway about who might be eligible for the 2027 Hockey Hall of Fame class, even as the 2026 class is yet to be finalized. For the Carolina Hurricanes, coach Rod Brind'Amour, who recently led the team to a Stanley Cup victory, was not selected for the 2026 Hall of Fame class, a point of discussion among fans and analysts. The recent Stanley Cup victory has also sparked conversations about emerging storylines for the upcoming 2026 season, as the league navigates player movement and coaching changes.