NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 2:31 PM ET

NHL Offseason Shakeups: Trades and Signings Dominate Headlines

The NHL offseason is in full swing with a flurry of trades and free-agent signings reshaping rosters across the league. Defenseman Darnell Nurse was traded to the Sharks by the Edmonton Oilers, keeping the veteran in the Western Conference. In a significant move, the New York Rangers acquired goaltender Joonas Korpisalo from the Boston Bruins in a trade. The Minnesota Wild were also active, acquiring Blake Coleman and Olli Maatta from the Calgary Flames. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils sent goaltender Jacob Markstrom to the Panthers as part of a larger five-player deal announced Tuesday. Brendan Gallagher was also traded to Vancouver from the Canadiens for future considerations.

Key Signings and Extensions Bolster Teams

Several teams used the free agency period to solidify their lineups with key re-signings and new acquisitions. Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn is returning for an 18th season with the franchise. The Washington Capitals have the cap space and roster spot to bring back Alex Ovechkin, with general manager Chris Patrick stating they "have room... to bring back captain Alex Ovechkin". Boone Jenner inked a four-year, $23 million deal with the Capitals, and Vincent Desharnais signed for four years and $16.8 million as part of Washington's moves. Veteran goaltender Frederik Andersen, who helped the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup Final, has agreed to a one-year deal. The Toronto Maple Leafs secured veteran goalie Sergei Bobrovsky on a three-year contract announced Wednesday.

The New York Rangers continued to build, signing winger Oliver Bjorkstrand to a one-year deal with a $4.5 million cap hit after he posted 12 goals and 20 assists. The Vegas Golden Knights agreed to a seven-year deal with defenseman Rasmus Andersson, carrying an $8.5 million cap hit ensuring their defensive core remains intact. Captain Nico Hischier, entering his 10th NHL season, has signed a five-year extension with the New Jersey Devils worth $58.5 million, ending speculation about his future. The Tampa Bay Lightning added veteran Ilya Mikheyev on a four-year deal away from the Chicago Blackhawks.

Defensemen on the Move and Re-signed

The blue line saw significant activity with both trades and long-term extensions. Defenseman Zach Werenski has vowed his commitment to the Blue Jackets, ending trade speculation. The Lightning also signed defenseman John Carlson to a two-year deal to bolster their right side after Werenski's report. Veteran defenseman Jacob Trouba signed with the San Jose Sharks on a four-year deal worth $8.25 million annually after his tenure as Rangers captain. The Chicago Blackhawks extended newly acquired defenseman Bowen Byram for six years and $75 million sources told ESPN.

Forward Depth Added and Extended

Forward lines were also a focus for teams looking to improve scoring and depth. The Los Angeles Kings added veteran forwards Mats Zuccarello and Corey Perry on one-year deals early in free agency, and also signed Erik Haula to a two-year contract. The San Jose Sharks secured winger Mason Marchment on a five-year, $35 million deal as part of their offseason plans. Colorado Avalanche forward Jaden Schwartz, a Stanley Cup winner, signed a three-year contract worth $3.25 million annually with the team. The Detroit Red Wings are nearing a two-year deal with winger Viktor Arvidsson following his 25-goal campaign.

Restricted Free Agents and Offer Sheets

Restricted free agents also factored into the offseason moves. The New Jersey Devils submitted an offer sheet for Utah Mammoth's restricted free agent forward Barrett Hayton on Wednesday. The Devils also signed restricted free agent winger Arseny Gritsyuk to a three-year contract locking up one of last season's top rookies. The Toronto Maple Leafs shipped the rights to restricted free agent Nick Robertson to the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier this week. The Stars traded restricted free agent Mavrik Bourque and veteran Ilya Lyubushkin to Nashville for draft picks in a separate deal.

Organizational Changes and Personnel Moves

Beyond player transactions, there were also significant organizational shifts. James Dolan has given day-to-day operations of the New York Rangers to his 32-year-old son, Quentin Dolan, the team announced Friday. Former NHL player Milan Lucic has joined the Buffalo Sabres as a pro scout, a shift from his antagonist role. The Winnipeg Jets signed free agent goaltender Stuart Skinner to a two-year contract with a $3.75 million average annual value, increasing speculation about Connor Hellebuyck's future. The Minnesota Wild were busy re-signing their own free agents while also making acquisitions.

: Draft Picks and Future Prospects

As the offseason progresses, teams are also looking toward the future. The Montreal Canadiens inked rookie star Ivan Demidov to an eight-year contract extension after his runner-up finish for rookie of the year. The Buffalo Sabres re-signed checking-line forward Beck Malenstyn to a six-year, $17.5 million contract two days before free agency. The Ducks signed forward AJ Greer to a four-year contract, adding Stanley Cup experience. The San Jose Sharks signed newly acquired defenseman Michael Kesselring to a three-year, $13.5 million contract Monday. The Panthers also acquired goaltender Jacob Markstrom from the Devils as part of a five-player deal announced Tuesday.