NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: July 20, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

NHL OFFSEASON MOVES AND PERSONNEL CHANGES

The Philadelphia Flyers have been active in re-signing key talent, agreeing to terms with defenseman Jamie Drysdale on a four-year contract worth $26 million. In another significant move, the team also re-signed Trevor Zegras to a four-year deal with an average annual value of $9.125 million. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets have secured center Cole Perfetti with a five-year, $30 million contract, avoiding salary arbitration. The St. Louis Blues have also made an impactful signing, inking forward Connor McMichael to a six-year, $40.5 million deal.

In a surprising development, Steve Yzerman has abruptly stepped down as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings. The NHL is also set to expand its regular season to 84 games for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign, a move that will intensify rivalries. The Carolina Hurricanes will officially raise their second Stanley Cup championship banner on September 29, hosting the Florida Panthers to commence the season.

CONTRACT EXTENSIONS AND TEAM STRATEGIES

Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks are after agreeing to a massive five-year, $75 million contract extension Bedard signs extension. The Washington Capitals have also demonstrated a long-term commitment, focusing on keeping Alex Ovechkin with the organization throughout his career since his 2004 draft. The offseason trade market continues to be a focal point, with evaluations and grades available for the significant swaps that have occurred. The league is also exploring future broadcasting talent, with a recent training program held in New York to identify potential player-analysts.