NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: June 28, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

NHL Draft and Trades Shake Up League Landscape

The NHL landscape underwent a significant transformation over the past three days, dominated by the 2026 NHL Entry Draft and a flurry of blockbuster trades. General managers across the league faced intense scrutiny as they made franchise-altering decisions, with some teams adding substantial value while others appeared to whiff on key selections. The Buffalo Sabres emerged as notable winners, while the Vegas Golden Knights were singled out as a significant loser in the draft's aftermath. A historic moment occurred when the San Jose Sharks selected 7-foot-1 defenseman Alexander Karmanov, making him the tallest player ever drafted in NHL history. The draft also provided fodder for fantasy hockey leagues, with analysis focusing on which top picks should be prioritized for the upcoming season.

The trade wire was equally active, signaling the official start of a busy summer for NHL executives. The New York Rangers bolstered their scoring by acquiring Pavel Dorofeyev, the Golden Knights' leading goal scorer last season, in exchange for multiple first-round picks. In a move that surprised many, the Anaheim Ducks sent young center Mason McTavish to the St. Louis Blues for two first-round selections, Nos. 15 and 29 overall. The Boston Bruins also made a significant move, acquiring winger JJ Peterka from the Mammoth. Goaltending prospect Sebastian Cossa was dealt by the Detroit Red Wings to Utah for the 23rd overall pick, while the Maple Leafs traded defenseman Brandon Carlo to the Blues for a pair of third-rounders. The Buffalo Sabres continued their aggressive offseason by acquiring Olen Zellweger from the Anaheim Ducks for prospect Anton Wahlberg and a second-round pick. The Avalanche reshaped their roster further by trading winger Valeri Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Coaching Carousel and Playoff Reflections

Amidst the draft and trade frenzy, coaching changes continued to ripple through the league. The Edmonton Oilers made a surprising decision to fire Kris Knoblauch, who had guided the team to the Stanley Cup Finals in both 2024 and 2025. Similarly, the Toronto Maple Leafs parted ways with Craig Berube, leaving them facing another significant organizational decision. These firings come as teams reassess their paths forward, with some looking to capitalize on their draft hauls and trade acquisitions.

The recent playoff performances also drew reflection, with Mitch Marner’s reputation being notably rewritten during the postseason. The ongoing Stanley Cup drought for Canadian teams reached 33 years following the Canadiens' elimination. Meanwhile, the notion of a "Presidents' Trophy curse" was dismissed, with the focus shifting to the inherent difficulty of winning the Stanley Cup.

Contract Signings and Injury Updates

Beyond the draft and trades, several teams focused on securing their core players. The Los Angeles Kings re-signed defenseman Brandt Clarke to a five-year deal worth $7.4 million annually after his career-best season. The Colorado Avalanche addressed their defensive corps by re-signing Brett Kulak and Brent Burns. The Ottawa Senators are set to ink defenseman Jordan Spence to a four-year, $20 million contract, recognizing his contributions during a season marked by injuries. Tony DeAngelo is returning to the New York Islanders on a two-year deal, reportedly worth $4.5 million per season. The Buffalo Sabres also finalized a significant long-term commitment, signing Zach Benson to a seven-year, $52.5 million contract following his breakout playoff performance. The Florida Panthers added grit to their lineup by acquiring Garnet Hathaway from the Philadelphia Flyers.

On the injury front, the Carolina Hurricanes are bracing for the potential absence of leading goal scorer Seth Jarvis for the start of their season, as he faces a likely four-to-six-month recovery from shoulder surgery.

Simulation Insights and Future Outlooks

Computer simulations continued to offer predictions for key playoff matchups. These simulations provided insights into Game 7 of the Canadiens-Sabres series, Game 2 of the Golden Knights-Avalanche series, and Game 1 of the Golden Knights-Avalanche series. Picks and predictions were also offered for the conference finals, and Game 5 of the Hurricanes-Canadiens matchup. speculation is already building regarding the 2027 Hockey Hall of Fame class, with the 2026 class having just been announced.