NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

NHL OFFSEASON MOVES & DRAFT BUZZ

The NHL draft is set to commence Friday, with significant player movement already underway as teams reshuffle rosters. The Chicago Blackhawks acquired defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway from the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, sending away their No. 4 and No. 45 picks in the upcoming draft, along with defenseman L (truncated). Byram, who arrived via trade from the Sabres, is expected to step into a primary defenseman role for Chicago, a position he has been preparing for throughout his career Byram: Been preparing for opportunity like this. Meanwhile, the Sabres appear resigned to losing veteran forward Alex Tuch, with GM Jarmo Kekalainen stating that talks to re-sign him have stalled, and the team expects him to test free agency Sabres on veteran Tuch: 'Think he's moving on'.

The Capitals have also been active, acquiring veteran winger Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Connor McMichael, prospect Milton Gastrin, and the No. 16 overall pick in Friday's draft. In another notable deal, the Ottawa Senators landed winger William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks, along with prospect Kasper Halttunen and the rights to Brandon Svoboda, for the No. 9 pick. The New Jersey Devils have traded the rights to pending restricted free agents Simon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames for a pair of first-round draft choices and a second-round pick Devils deal rights to Nemec, Tsyplakov to Flames.

COACHING CHANGES & FRONT OFFICE SHIFTS

Mike Babcock is returning to the NHL bench, officially named the next head coach of the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday Babcox to lead Oilers. Babcock, who last coached the Toronto Maple Leafs before his 2019 dismissal, has been met with some skepticism regarding his hiring Oilers are inviting disaster by hiring Mike Babcock. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed the situation, stating that while there was no basis to prevent the Oilers from hiring Babcock, the veteran coach is expected to uphold a "certain level of decorum" Bettman: 'Level of decorum' expected of Babcock. In personnel news, former Stanley Cup champion Pascal Dupuis has been hired by the Islanders as their director of player development Islanders hire Cup winner Dupuis for front office. The Utah Mammoth have also made significant additions to their coaching staff, signing coach André Tourigny and assistant Blaine Forsythe to new multiyear contracts Mammoth staff add Tourigny, Forsythe, and Foote.

FAMILY TIES & HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS

The Tkachuk family has seen a whirlwind of activity, with Brady Tkachuk expressing excitement about being reunited with his brother Matthew on the Florida Panthers Brady Tkachuk excited to be reunited with brother Matthew on Panthers. Brady Tkachuk stated that playing with his brother was not the primary reason for his desire to leave the Ottawa Senators for Florida Brady Tkachuk: Trade 'wasn't about' Matthew. Adding to the family's celebrations, Keith Tkachuk was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday, less than 24 hours after his sons became teammates in Florida Keith Tkachuk makes HOF day after son's trade. Despite leading the Carolina Hurricanes to a Stanley Cup title last week, coach Rod Brind'Amour, was not included in the 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame class Brind'Amour not in '26 HOF class.

LEAGUE EXPANSION & PWHL GROWTH

The NHL is reportedly considering expansion into Texas, with Austin and Houston identified as potential targets for a new franchise, according to sources NHL eyes Austin, Houston for expansion. Meanwhile, the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has secured its first external investors, with Detroit-based Ilitch Companies and Toronto-based Kilmer Sports Ventures joining as financial backers, signaling a commitment to the league's sustained growth PWHL adds first investors to sustain rapid growth. In player news, Walter Cup champion Montreal Victoire has signed Canadian Olympian Emma Maltais to a two-year contract, further bolstering their roster Olympian Maltais joins PWHL champion Victoire.

DRAFT PROSPECTS & CONTRACT NEWS

As the NHL draft approaches, final rankings are being released, with prospects like McKenna and Stenberg featured prominently on the big board Final 2026 NHL draft big board. Reporters are also circulating the latest industry intelligence regarding potential trades and offer sheets, including speculation about a potential offer sheet for Robertson Who gets traded next? An offer sheet for Robertson.... In contract news, the Edmonton Oilers have signed defenseman Connor Murphy to a five-year deal worth $20.5 million Oilers sign D-man Murphy to 5-year, $20.5M deal. Discussions are also ongoing about future Hall of Fame classes, with projections for the 2027 inductees already being considered Who makes the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2027? Ranking....