NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: June 25, 2026, 8:31 PM ET

NHL Offseason Shakeups and Draft Preparations

As the NHL draft approaches, teams are actively reshaping their rosters through trades and contract extensions. The Colorado Avalanche continued their offseason maneuvers by trading longtime winger Valeri Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday, signaling a significant roster adjustment following their playoff disappointment Avs continue revamp. In another significant defensive move, the Chicago Blackhawks acquired defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway from the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday in exchange for the No. 4 and No. 45 picks in Friday's NHL draft, along with defenseman Blackhawks acquire Byram. Byram is expected to step into a top-pairing role for the Blackhawks, preparing for an opportunity he feels he's been working towards Byram: Been preparing. Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals bolstered their forward depth by acquiring veteran winger Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues, sending forward Connor McMichael, prospect Milton Gastrin, and the No. 16 pick in Friday's draft to St. Louis Caps acquire veteran Kyrou.

In player movement news, the Buffalo Sabres are anticipating the departure of veteran forward Alex Tuch in free agency, as talks for a contract extension have stalled Sabres on veteran Tuch. The Sabres did, however, secure winger Zach Benson with a seven-year, $52.5 million contract following his breakout playoff performance Sabres sign Benson. The Florida Panthers added grit to their lineup by acquiring Garnet Hathaway from the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, a move seen as a preemptive step with A.J. Greer expected to test free agency Panthers acquire gritty Hathaway. In a notable transaction, the Ottawa Senators landed winger William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks, sending the No. 9 pick in this week's draft, prospect Kasper Halttunen, and the rights to prospect Brandon Svoboda to San Jose Senators land Eklund. The New Jersey Devils also traded the rights to pending restricted free agent defenseman Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames, receiving two first-round selections and a second-round pick in return Devils deal rights.

PWHL Stars and Coaching Carousel

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) continues to attract top talent and see significant player commitments. Five-time Olympian Hilary Knight has signed a two-year contract extension with her new PWHL Detroit team, securing her services through the 2028-29 season Olympian Knight extends deal. The Walter Cup champion Montreal Victoire have added another Canadian Olympian to their roster, signing Emma Maltais to a two-year contract on Tuesday Olympian Maltais joins Victoire. In a remarkable revelation, Montreal Victoire captain Marie-Philip Poulin disclosed that she played through a torn ACL and a torn meniscus in her right knee during the team's championship run Poulin played on torn ACL.

On the coaching front, the Edmonton Oilers officially named Mike Babcock as their new head coach on Tuesday, bringing back the veteran bench boss who previously coached the Toronto Maple Leafs before his 2019 dismissal Babcock to lead Oilers. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman stated that while there were no grounds to prevent the Oilers from hiring Babcock, the coach is expected to maintain a "certain level of decorum" Bettman: 'Level of decorum'. The New York Islanders have brought in former Stanley Cup winner Pascal Dupuis to serve as their director of player development, the team announced Tuesday Islanders hire Cup winner.

NHL Draft Projections and Expansion Outlook

With the NHL draft set to begin Friday, final mock drafts and big board rankings are circulating. While the top two selections appear to be locked in, projections for the remaining picks offer insights into potential player selections NHL mock draft: Final predictions. The final rankings list, featuring prospects like McKenna and Stenberg, provides a comprehensive overview of the top talent available in the first round Final 2026 NHL draft big board.

the NHL is reportedly exploring expansion opportunities in Texas, with Austin and Houston identified as potential targets, according to sources Sources: NHL eyes expansion. In personal news, Brady Tkachuk discussed his excitement about reuniting with his brother Matthew on the Florida Panthers, stating that playing with Matthew was not the primary motivation for his trade request from the Ottawa Senators Brady Tkachuk: Trade 'wasn't about' Matthew. Tkachuk expressed his disbelief and enthusiasm about the reunion, anticipating a new chapter in Florida with his brother and their growing families Brady Tkachuk excited to be reunited.