NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

NHL Player Signings and Trades

The St. Louis Blues have secured forward Connor McMichael with a six-year, $40.5 million contract signed McMichael. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils have inked forward Anthony Mantha to a two-year deal worth $9.5 million signed Mantha. The Winnipeg Jets avoided arbitration with center Cole Perfetti, agreeing to a five-year, $30 million contract agreed to deal. In other roster moves, the Philadelphia Flyers are re-signing Trevor Zegras to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $9.125 million, and the New York Rangers have reached an agreement with defenseman Braden Schneider on a one-year deal.

Front Office Changes and Season Openers

Steve Yzerman has abruptly stepped down as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings. The Carolina Hurricanes are set to raise their second Stanley Cup championship banner on September 29, hosting the Florida Panthers to commence the NHL season. The NHL has released its 2026-27 regular-season schedule, featuring an expansion to 84 games.

Player Milestones and Contract Considerations

Macklin Celebrini, at 20 years old, will become the youngest cover athlete for EA Sports' NHL series youngest on cover. Celebrini, who is eligible for an extension, has indicated a willingness to consider a hometown discount to benefit the San Jose Sharks. Veteran NHL executive John Davidson has been hired by the Buffalo Sabres as a senior advisor hired by Sabres.

Offseason Market Activity

The summer trade season is heating up, with GM trade grades available for major swaps. Free agency is also underway, with grades being assigned to significant deals for players like Andersen and others. The Capitals organization has focused on retaining Alex Ovechkin throughout his career, dating back to his drafting in 2004.