NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: July 4, 2026, 5:38 AM ET

Stanley Cup Playoffs & Conference Finals

The Stanley Cup Final is set, pitting the Carolina Hurricanes against the Vegas Golden Knights, a matchup that simulations favored the Hurricanes in a close series. This clash comes as the Hurricanes aim to break a 33-year Stanley Cup drought for Canadian franchises, a streak that has persisted since the Montreal Canadiens last lifted the trophy in 1993 Canadiens' Cup drought reaches 33 years. Meanwhile, the Presidents' Trophy curse remains a talking point, though many suggest it’s more about the inherent difficulty of winning the championship rather than any specific hex no Presidents' Trophy curse. The conference finals also saw predictions for other series, including the Golden Knights vs. Avalanche Game 1 and Game, and the Hurricanes vs. Canadiens Game, with simulations offering insights into potential outcomes. The NHL playoffs also saw Mitch Marner rewrite his reputation during the second round, indicating a notable individual performance amidst the team competition.

NHL Free Agency & Trades

The NHL free agency period has been marked by significant player movement and contract signings, reshaping rosters across the league. The Toronto Maple Leafs have been particularly active, inking No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna to a three-year entry-level contract and reportedly signing veteran goalie Sergei Bobrovsky to a three-year deal Bobrovsky inks 3-year Toronto. In a move that signals a commitment to their core, the New Jersey Devils have signed captain Nico Hischier to a five-year extension worth $58.5 million Hischier signs Devils' $58.5M. Defenseman Zach Werenski has reiterated his commitment to the Columbus Blue Jackets, stating he is "aligned" with the GM and wants to stay Werenski 'aligned' Jackets GM.

The Capitals appear poised to bring back Alex Ovechkin, with general manager Chris Patrick confirming they have both the roster spot and salary cap space available Caps cap room Ovechkin. This comes after the team signed veteran center Boone Jenner to a four-year, $23 million contract and defenseman Vincent Desharnais to a four-year, $16.8 million deal Capitals sign Jenner $23M. The Chicago Blackhawks are also making a significant long-term investment, signing defenseman Bowen Byram to a six-year, $75 million contract extension Byram gets $75M extension.

In other defensive moves, the San Jose Sharks have added veteran defenseman Jacob Trouba on a four-year deal worth $8.25 million annually Trouba leaves Ducks Sharks, and defenseman Rasmus Andersson has agreed to a seven-year pact with the Vegas Golden Knights carrying an $8.5 million cap hit Andersson stays with Vegas. The Edmonton Oilers have traded defenseman Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks Oilers set to deal, while the Minnesota Wild acquired forward Blake Coleman and defenseman Olli Maatta in a trade with the Calgary Flames Wild acquire Coleman, Maatta.

Forward Leo Carlsson has signed a record-setting five-year, $90 million offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers, potentially making him the highest-paid player in the NHL Flyers sign Leo Carlsson to record offer sheet. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils have submitted an offer sheet for Utah Mammoth's restricted free agent forward Barrett Hayton, seeking a $4.78 million deal Hayton gets $4.78M offer. The Utah Mammoth have also been active, acquiring center Vincent Trocheck from the New York Rangers Rangers to send Trocheck.

Veteran goaltender Frederik Andersen has agreed to a one-year deal with an unnamed team, having previously helped the Hurricanes to success before Brandon Bussi took over in the Stanley Cup Final Cup champ Andersen agrees. Goaltender Stuart Skinner has signed a two-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets, fueling speculation about other goaltender moves like a potential Hellebuyck trade Jets sign G Skinner. The Tampa Bay Lightning have bolstered their defense by signing free agent John Carlson to a two-year deal Lightning add D Carlson, and have also signed forward Ilya Mikheyev to a four-year contract Mikheyev, agree.

The Los Angeles Kings have been busy, adding veteran forwards Mats Zuccarello and Corey Perry to one-year deals Kings add Zuccarello, and signing Erik Haula to a two-year contract while also re-signing Laughton Busy Kings add Haula. The New York Rangers have also been active, signing winger Oliver Bjorkstrand to a one-year deal Rangers sign Bjorkstrand and acquiring goaltender Joonas Korpisalo from the Boston Bruins Rangers acquire goaltender Korpisalo.

Player News & Contract Updates

Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn is returning for his 18th season with the team Stars captain Benn returning. The Montreal Canadiens have inked rookie star Ivan Demidov to an eight-year contract extension after his runner-up finish for rookie of the year honors Habs ink rookie star. Goaltender Dan Vladar, who helped the Flyers to the second round of the playoffs, has landed a contract extension from Philadelphia Flyers G Vladar gets.

The Colorado Avalanche have signed veteran forward Jaden Schwartz to a three-year contract worth $3.25 million annually Schwartz gets 3-year deal. The San Jose Sharks have added winger Mason Marchment on a five-year deal worth $35 million Marchment joins Sharks. The Detroit Red Wings are nearing a two-year deal with winger Viktor Arvidsson following his 25-goal campaign with the Boston Bruins Red Wings, Arvidsson near.

The Vancouver Canucks have traded the rights to restricted free agent Nick Robertson to the Pittsburgh Penguins Maple Leafs ship rights. The Dallas Stars have traded restricted free agent Mavrik Bourque and veteran Ilya Lyubushkin to the Nashville Predators for draft picks Stars trade RFA Mavrik. Dillon Dube has signed a free agent contract with the St. Louis Blues, becoming the second player acquitted in the Canada 2018 World Junior sexual assault case to sign an NHL deal first NHL deal since.

Front Office & Future Outlook

James Dolan, executive chairman of MSG Sports, has appointed his 32-year-old son, Quentin Dolan, to oversee the day-to-day operations of the New York Rangers James Dolan puts son. the 2027 Hockey Hall of Fame class is already being speculated upon, with the 2026 class having just been announced Who makes the Hockey. The NBA free agency winners and losers after Day 1 were also discussed, alongside speculation about LeBron James' next move NBA free agency winners, losers.