NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: July 5, 2026, 2:33 PM ET

NHL Offseason Moves & Signings

The NHL offseason continued its frenetic pace with several significant player transactions and organizational changes. Veteran netminder Sergei Bobrovsky inked a three-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, bolstering their goaltending depth. In a surprising move, the Edmonton Oilers traded defenseman Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday, keeping the 31-year-old in the Western Conference but shifting him to a new blue line. The Los Angeles Kings were also active, adding forward Erik Haula to a two-year contract and re-signing forward Brendan Leipsic, following earlier one-year agreements with Mats Zuccarello and Corey Perry. Meanwhile, Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn announced his return for an 18th season with the franchise, signaling continued leadership for the team.

Draft Picks & Future Talent

Teams are also firming up their plans for future talent development. The Toronto Maple Leafs secured their top prospect, signing Gavin McKenna, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft, to a three-year entry-level contract. This move signals a long-term commitment to the young forward, who is expected to be a significant contributor down the line. In a separate development, the Minnesota Wild made a trade to acquire forward Blake Coleman and defenseman Olli Maatta from the Calgary Flames, adding veteran presence and depth to their roster as they continue to shape their team for the upcoming seasons.

Contract Negotiations & Player Commitments

Player commitments and contract situations are beginning to crystallize. Defenseman Zach Werenski dispelled any trade speculation by reaffirming his desire to stay with the Columbus Blue Jackets, stating he is "aligned" with the team's general manager. This commitment provides stability for the Blue Jackets' blue line. In contrast, the Philadelphia Flyers extended a record-breaking 5-year, $90 million offer sheet to Ducks center Leo Carlsson, making him the highest-paid player in the league and creating an interesting contract quandary for his current team. The Washington Capitals also confirmed the return of Alex Ovechkin, with a social media video signaling his continued presence, though the team had been actively working on their roster well before that announcement.

Front Office Reshuffles

Organizational leadership saw a notable change as James Dolan, executive chairman of MSG Sports, has appointed his son, Quentin Dolan, to oversee the day-to-day operations of the New York Rangers. This transition places a new generation in charge of the storied franchise's management.