NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Player Contracts & Team Moves

The NHL offseason continues to heat up with significant player signings. Center Cole Perfetti has agreed to a five-year, $30 million deal with the Winnipeg Jets, avoiding salary arbitration agreed to terms. Defenseman Jamie Drysdale also secured his future, signing a four-year contract worth $26 million with the Philadelphia Flyers. In St. Louis, the Blues inked forward Connor McMichael to a substantial six-year, $40.5 million contract inked forward. Meanwhile, the Utah Mammoth announced a major commitment to their blue line, signing defenseman John Marino to an eight-year, $54 million extension.

Front Office & League Changes

Significant shifts are occurring behind the scenes in the NHL. Steve Yzerman has abruptly stepped down as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings stepped down. The league is also taking a more hands-on approach to broadcasting for several teams. The Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes, along with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues, will have their games produced and distributed by the NHL for the upcoming season. The NHL has also released its 2026-27 regular-season schedule, marking an expansion from 82 to 84 games marked an expansion.

Player Speculation & Development

As the offseason progresses, speculation continues to surround potential player returns. Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard expressed his desire for winger Patrick Kane to return to the team where he began his NHL career. The league is also investing in its future broadcast talent, with a recent training program held in New York to identify the next generation of hockey analysts investing in its future. The summer trade season is officially underway, with the ESPN NHL site offering grades for general managers involved in major swaps offering grades.