NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: June 26, 2026, 2:31 AM ET

NHL Offseason Shakeups and Draft Anticipation

The NHL offseason is in full swing with significant roster moves and draft preparations dominating headlines. The Colorado Avalanche continued their roster revamp by trading longtime winger Valeri Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. This move signals a shift for the Avalanche following their playoff disappointment. Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks bolstered their defense by acquiring Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for the No. 4 and No. 45 picks in Friday's NHL draft and defenseman Bowen Byram is stepping into a top-pairing role with the Blackhawks, having prepared for such an opportunity since his acquisition from the Sabres.

The Washington Capitals addressed their forward corps by acquiring veteran winger Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues. In return, the Capitals sent forward Connor McMichael, Milton Gastrin, and the No. 16 pick in Friday's NHL draft to the Blues. The Florida Panthers also moved to maintain their physical presence, acquiring Garnet Hathaway from the Philadelphia Flyers. This acquisition comes as A.J. Greer is expected to depart in free agency, ensuring the Panthers retain their grit.

Draft Prospects and Player Movement

As the NHL Draft approaches, speculation about team strategies and player movements intensifies. The Buffalo Sabres appear poised to lose veteran forward Alex Tuch to free agency, with general manager Jarmo Kekalainen indicating little progress in extension talks. The Ottawa Senators made a notable trade, acquiring left winger William Eklund, prospect Kasper Halttunen, and the rights to prospect Brandon Svoboda from the San Jose Sharks. In exchange, the Senators sent the No. 9 pick in this week's NHL Draft to San Jose. The New Jersey Devils have traded the rights to two pending restricted free agents, defenseman Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov, to the Calgary Flames for two first-round picks and a second-round selection.

The final mock draft projections are in, with the top two picks seemingly locked, but considerable intrigue remains for subsequent selections. This comes as the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft is set to begin on Friday, with updated big board rankings featuring prospects like McKenna and Stenberg.

Coaching and Front Office Changes

The coaching carousel continues to turn, with a high-profile return to the bench. Mike Babcock was officially named the new head coach of the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday, marking his return to coaching after being fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman stated that while there was no basis to prevent the Oilers from hiring Babcock, the coach is expected to uphold a "certain level of decorum" in his new role Bettman addresses expected decorum from Babcock. The Oilers' decision to hire Babcock has drawn skepticism, with some suggesting it invites disaster.

In the front office, the New York Islanders have hired former Stanley Cup winner Pascal Dupuis as their director of player development, a move announced Tuesday.

Women's Professional Hockey League Developments

The growth of the PWHL continues with significant player signings and player revelations about their commitment. Hilary Knight, a five-time Olympian, has signed a two-year contract extension with her new PWHL Detroit team, securing her services through the 2028-29 season. The Walter Cup champion Montreal Victoire have added Canadian Olympian Emma Maltais on a two-year contract. In a remarkable display of dedication, Montreal Victoire captain Marie-Philip Poulin revealed that she played through a torn ACL and meniscus in her right knee during their championship run.

Brotherly Reunion and Expansion Prospects

A significant player reunion is set to occur in Florida, as Brady Tkachuk expressed his excitement about being reunited with his brother Matthew on the Panthers. Tkachuk stated that playing with his brother was not the primary reason for his desire to leave the Ottawa Senators, but he admitted he "just couldn't believe it" when the move materialized Brady Tkachuk excited for Panthers reunion. He further clarified that the trade "wasn't about" Matthew Brady Tkachuk: Trade wasn't about Matthew.

the NHL is reportedly exploring expansion into Texas, with Austin and Houston identified as potential targets for a new franchise.

Player Contract Signings

Young talent is also being secured with long-term deals. The Buffalo Sabres have signed Zach Benson to a seven-year, $52.5 million contract following his impressive playoff performance.