NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 5:31 PM ET

NHL Offseason Shakeups and Draft Anticipation

The NHL calendar is abuzz with significant player movement and draft speculation as teams position themselves for the upcoming season and beyond. Defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway were acquired by the Blackhawks from the Buffalo Sabres in a draft-day trade, with Chicago sending the No. 4 and No. 45 picks, along with defenseman prospect Ryan Johnson, to Buffalo. In another notable Tuesday transaction, the Washington Capitals landed veteran winger Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues, parting with forward Connor McMichael, prospect Milton Gastrin, and the No. 16 overall pick. The Ottawa Senators also made a move, acquiring forward William Eklund and prospect Kasper Halttunen from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for the No. 9 draft selection and the rights to prospect Brandon Svoboda. The New Jersey Devils, meanwhile, dealt the rights to Simon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames for two first-round draft choices and a second-round pick, signaling a potential shift in their roster construction.

The upcoming NHL Entry Draft, set to commence Friday, is already a focal point for multiple teams looking to bolster their prospects. The ESPN NHL final 2026 draft big board has been released, ranking potential first-round selections like Macklin Celebrini and Anton Stenberg, with reporters sharing the latest intel on potential trades and offer sheets, including speculation surrounding Robertson. The Sabres, facing uncertainty with pending free agents, appear to be preparing for the departure of forward Alex Tuch, with General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen indicating little progress in re-signing talks.

Family Reunions and Coaching Changes

The league is also witnessing significant family reunions and notable coaching appointments. Brady Tkachuk was dealt to the Florida Panthers from the Ottawa Senators in a blockbuster Sunday trade, reuniting him with his brother, Matthew Tkachuk, a move that has generated considerable excitement. Brady Tkachuk asserted that playing with his brother was not the sole motivation for the trade, but expressed eagerness to join him in Florida, where they can grow their families together. This reunion came just as Keith Tkachuk, their father, was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday, marking a remarkable personal achievement shortly after his sons became teammates.

In a significant coaching development, Mike Babcock, who last coached the Toronto Maple Leafs before his dismissal in 2019, was officially named the new head coach of the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that while there was no impediment to the Oilers hiring Babcock, the veteran coach is expected to maintain a "certain level of decorum." This appointment comes amidst discussions about the Oilers' decision, with some analysts suggesting it could be an invitation to disaster. The Oilers also made a roster move, signing defenseman Connor Murphy to a five-year, $20.5 million contract.

League Expansion and PWHL Growth

Looking beyond current rosters, the NHL is reportedly exploring expansion opportunities, with sources indicating that Texas, specifically Austin and Houston, are being considered as potential targets for a new franchise. This move would expand the league's footprint in a rapidly growing hockey market.

Meanwhile, the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is experiencing substantial growth, announcing on Monday that it has secured its first two investors: Ilitch Companies of Detroit and Kilmer Sports Ventures of Toronto. This investment is aimed at sustaining the league's rapid expansion. Adding to the talent pool, the Walter Cup champion Montreal Victoire have signed Canadian Olympian Emma Maltais to a two-year contract, further bolstering their championship roster. The New York Islanders have also made a front-office addition, hiring former Stanley Cup winner Pascal Dupuis as their director of player development.

Hockey Hall of Fame and Future Outlook

The Hockey Hall of Fame continues to induct notable figures, with Keith Tkachuk's election following a distinguished career. discussions are already turning to the 2027 class, with early rankings and predictions being made, even as the 2026 class has just been announced. Notably, Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour, despite leading his team to a Stanley Cup title and having a championship as a player, was passed over for the 2026 Hall of Fame class. The league is also to the 2026 NHL season, with several storylines already dominating discussions in the wake of the Hurricanes' championship victory. The Utah Mammoth have also made staff additions, signing coach André Tourigny and assistant Blaine Forsythe to multiyear contracts.