NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: June 26, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

NHL Offseason Shakeups and Draft Preparations

The NHL's offseason has seen significant roster adjustments and strategic moves ahead of Friday's draft, with teams looking to bolster their lineups through trades and contract extensions. The Colorado Avalanche, aiming to rebound from a playoff disappointment, continued their roster revamp by trading longtime winger Valeri Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers fortified their grit by acquiring Garnet Hathaway from the Philadelphia Flyers, anticipating the potential departure of A.J. Greer in free agency. In another notable trade, the Chicago Blackhawks acquired defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for the Nos. 4 and 45 picks in the upcoming NHL draft, along with defenseman Lars Eller. Byram is expected to step into the Blackhawks' top defenseman role, expressing readiness for such an opportunity as the team's No. 1 defenseman.

The coaching carousel also saw a high-profile hire, as the Edmonton Oilers officially named Mike Babcock as their next head coach. Babcock, who previously coached the Toronto Maple Leafs before his 2019 dismissal, brings a wealth of experience, though NHL commissioner Gary Bettman stressed an expectation for the veteran coach to uphold a "certain level of decorum" following his hiring by the Oilers. Some analysts have expressed concern over the decision, with one report suggesting the Oilers are inviting disaster by bringing Babcock aboard.

Draft Day Maneuvers and Player Signings

As the NHL Draft approaches, teams are actively maneuvering to acquire draft capital and secure key prospects. The Washington Capitals gained a veteran winger in Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues, sending Connor McMichael, Milton Gastrin, and the No. 16 pick in Friday's draft in return. The Ottawa Senators also made a significant trade, landing 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, meanwhile, traded the rights to pending restricted free agent defenseman Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames in exchange for two first-round selections and a second-round pick.

On the contract front, the Buffalo Sabres have made a substantial commitment to forward Zach Benson, signing him to a seven-year, $52.5 million contract following his breakout playoff performance as the team inked the young forward. The Sabres also appear to be bracing for the departure of veteran forward Alex Tuch, with General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen stating he expects the forward to move on to free agency due to a lack of progress in extension talks.

Women's Hockey Milestone and Expansion Outlook

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is witnessing significant player commitments and revelations of remarkable perseverance. Five-time Olympian Hilary Knight has extended her deal with the new PWHL Detroit expansion team through the 2028-29 season, securing a cornerstone player for the franchise. The Walter Cup champion Montreal Victoire have also bolstered their roster by signing Canadian Olympian Emma Maltais to a two-year contract, adding another Olympian to their championship-winning squad.

In a testament to the competitive spirit in the league, Montreal Victoire captain Marie-Philip Poulin revealed she played through significant injuries during the PWHL championship. Poulin disclosed that she competed with a torn ACL and a torn meniscus in her right knee during the team's championship run.

Looking beyond current rosters, the NHL is reportedly exploring expansion into Texas, with Austin and Houston identified as potential targets for future team development. This move signals the league's continued interest in broadening its geographic reach and tapping into new markets.

Draft Class Projections and Front Office Additions

As the NHL Entry Draft looms, mock drafts and big boards are circulating, offering final projections for the upcoming talent pool. While the top two picks appear settled, the order of selections beyond that remains a subject of speculation, with final predictions released for the first round. Key prospects like McKenna and Stenberg are highlighted in the final big board rankings, as teams finalize their strategies for Friday's opening round.

In personnel news, the New York Islanders have brought in a Stanley Cup winner to their front office, hiring Pascal Dupuis as their director of player development. Meanwhile, forward Brady Tkachuk addressed his recent trade to the Florida Panthers, clarifying that his desire to join his brother Matthew was not the primary factor, stating the trade wasn't about Matthew initially, though he later expressed excitement about their reunion in Florida.