NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: June 26, 2026, 8:31 AM ET

NHL Offseason Moves & Draft Preparations

The NHL draft is set to commence Friday, with teams actively reshaping their rosters through trades and contract signings. The Chicago Blackhawks acquired defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway from the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday in exchange for the Nos. 4 and 45 picks in the upcoming draft, plus defenseman L truncateddefenseman . Byram, who was subsequently described as preparing for an opportunity like this, is now positioned as the Blackhawks' top defenseman Byram: Been preparing for opportunity like this. In another significant move impacting draft positioning, the Washington Capitals acquired veteran winger Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues for forward Connor McMichael, Milton Gastrin, and the No. 16 pick. Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators landed winger William Eklund and prospect Kasper Halttunen from the San Jose Sharks for the No. 9 selection. The New Jersey Devils traded the rights to pending restricted free agent defenseman Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames for two first-round picks and a second-round selection Devils deal rights to Nemec, Tsyplakov to Flames.

The Buffalo Sabres are continuing to rebuild, signing forward Zach Benson to a seven-year, $52.5 million contract following his breakout playoff performance Sabres sign Benson to 7yr $52.5 million contract. However, the team is also anticipating the departure of veteran forward Alex Tuch, with General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen stating there has been little progress in re-signing him Sabres on veteran Tuch: 'Think he's moving on'. In Colorado, the Avalanche continued their roster revamp by trading longtime winger Valeri Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Florida Panthers, aiming to maintain their physical presence amid potential free agency departures, acquired gritty Garnet Hathaway from the Philadelphia Flyers.

Player Milestones & Team Building

In the women's professional hockey circuit, five-time Olympian Hilary Knight signed a two-year contract extension with PWHL Detroit, securing her tenure through the 2028-29 season. The Walter Cup champion Montreal Victoire have also bolstered their lineup, signing Canadian Olympian Emma Maltais to a two-year deal Olympian Maltais joins PWHL champion Victoire. In a remarkable revelation, Montreal Victoire captain Marie-Philip Poulin disclosed that she played through a torn ACL and meniscus in her right knee during their championship run Poulin played on torn ACL for Cup Win.

On the coaching front, Mike Babcock, who last coached the Toronto Maple Leafs before his 2019 dismissal, was officially named the new head coach of the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday Ex-Wings, Leafs coach Babcock to lead Oilers. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed the hiring, stating that while there was no impediment to the Oilers appointing Babcock, the coach is expected to uphold a "certain level of decorum" Bettman: 'Level of decorum' expected of Babcock.

Expansion & Front Office Additions

The NHL is reportedly exploring expansion into Texas, with Austin and Houston identified as potential targets for a future expansion process NHL eyes Austin, Houston for expansion. In personnel news, former Stanley Cup winner Pascal Dupuis has joined the New York Islanders as their director of player development Islanders hire Cup winner Dupuis for front office.

Brotherly Reunion & Player Perspectives

Brady Tkachuk shed light on his trade to the Florida Panthers, asserting that playing with his brother Matthew was not the primary motivation for the move Brady Tkachuk: Trade 'wasn't about' Matthew. He expressed excitement about being reunited with Matthew in Florida, stating he "just couldn't believe it" Brady Tkachuk excited to be reunited with brother Matthew on Panthers: 'I just couldn't believe it'.

Draft Projections

As the NHL draft approaches, final mock drafts project a clear top two, but uncertainty surrounds subsequent selections NHL mock draft: Final predictions on the 2026 firs.... Prospect rankings are being finalized, with names like McKenna and Stenberg appearing high on the big board Final 2026 NHL draft big board: McKenna, Stenberg .... the 2027 Hockey Hall of Fame class is also being considered Who makes the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2027? Ranking....