NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: June 25, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

NHL Offseason Shakeups & Draft Preparations

The NHL draft is on the horizon, and teams are actively reshaping their rosters, with significant trades and contract extensions dominating headlines. Defenseman Bowen Byram was a major piece in a multi-player deal, as the Blackhawks acquired Byram and forward Jordan Greenway from the Sabres on Tuesday in exchange for the Nos. 4 and 45 picks in Friday's draft, along with defenseman L truncateddefenseman . Byram is now positioned as the Blackhawks' top defenseman, stating he has been preparing for such an opportunity. In another notable move, the Florida Panthers acquired gritty forward Garnet Hathaway from the Philadelphia Flyers, a move seen as shoring up their toughness with A.J. Greer expected to explore free agency. The Capitals also made a move, acquiring veteran winger Jordan Kyrou from the Blues for Connor McMichael, Milton Gastrin, and the No. 16 pick in the upcoming draft. Meanwhile, the Senators landed winger William Eklund from the Sharks, sending the No. 9 pick, prospect Kasper Halttunen, and the rights to prospect Brandon Svoboda to San Jose. The Devils, meanwhile, have traded the rights to Simon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov to the Flames for two first-round picks and a second-round selection.

Player Movement & Contract News

Player movement and contract negotiations continue to be a major storyline as the offseason progresses. The Buffalo Sabres have secured a long-term commitment from forward Zach Benson, signing him to a seven-year, $52.5 million contract following his impressive playoff performance. However, the Sabres appear to be losing veteran forward Alex Tuch, with GM Jarmo Kekalainen stating that progress in extension talks has been minimal, and the team is expecting him to move on in free agency. In a significant personal move, Brady Tkachuk expressed his excitement about reuniting with his brother Matthew on the Florida Panthers, stating that the trade wasn't about playing with Matthew, but acknowledging the unexpected joy of their reunion. On the coaching front, Mike Babcock has officially been named the new head coach of the Edmonton Oilers, a decision that has drawn both anticipation and skepticism. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman stated that while the league has no grounds to prevent the hiring, Babcock is expected to uphold a specific standard of conduct.

PWHL Expansion & Player Milestones

The Premier Hockey Federation (PWHL) is seeing significant player movement and contract extensions, with star power bolstering new and established franchises. Five-time Olympian Hilary Knight has signed a two-year contract extension with PWHL Detroit, securing her services through the 2028-29 season. The Walter Cup champion Montreal Victoire have also been active, signing Canadian Olympian Emma Maltais to a two-year deal, further strengthening their championship roster. In a remarkable display of dedication, Montreal Victoire captain Marie-Philip Poulin revealed that she played through a torn ACL and meniscus during their championship run, highlighting her commitment to the team's success.

League Expansion & Front Office Changes

The NHL is reportedly exploring expansion into new markets, with sources indicating that Austin and Houston in Texas are potential targets as the league considers its next phase of growth. In front office news, former Stanley Cup winner Pascal Dupuis has been hired by the New York Islanders as their director of player development, signaling a new direction for the team's player progression. Meanwhile, the Avalanche organization continues to undergo changes, with a notable trade sending longtime winger Valeri Nichushkin to the Blue Jackets, a move that continues the team's roster adjustments following their playoff disappointment.

NHL Draft Projections & Future Outlook

As the NHL Draft approaches, mock drafts and big boards are being finalized, offering a glimpse into potential first-round selections. While the top two picks appear to be set, the order of players thereafter remains a subject of speculation. Final projections suggest a dynamic first round, with players like McKenna and Stenberg appearing high on final big board rankings. Reports from around the league indicate that the first round, commencing Friday, could see further player movement, with discussions around potential offer sheets for players such as Robertson also circulating among reporters as they gather late-breaking draft intel. The league is also to future Hall of Fame classes, with early predictions for the 2027 inductees beginning to surface as the 2026 class is finalized.