NHL Hockey 8 Hours

Last updated: June 26, 2026, 8:31 PM ET

NHL DRAFT & PLAYER MOVEMENT

The NHL draft opened Friday with the Toronto Maple Leafs selecting Penn State winger Gavin McKenna at No. 1 overall, as widely anticipated. The draft, which continues through Saturday, features an extensive list of selections and analysis for the top prospects available to teams. In early draft-day trades, the Buffalo Sabres acquired defenseman Olen Zellweger from the Anaheim Ducks, sending prospect forward Anton Wahlberg and a second-round pick in return for the blueliner. Meanwhile, the Utah Mammoth traded winger JJ Peterka to the Boston Bruins, marking Peterka's second move in as many years after being acquired by Utah last season from Buffalo.

DEFENSEMEN SIGNINGS & CONTRACTS

Several teams shored up their defensive corps with significant re-signings and new contracts. The Los Angeles Kings inked defenseman Brandt Clarke to a five-year extension valued at $7.4 million annually, following a career-best season for the young defenseman with the club. In Ottawa, the Senators are signing Jordan Spence to a four-year contract worth $20 million, a move that comes after Spence played a vital role in mitigating defensive injuries for the team last season as a key contributor. The New York Islanders also brought back defenseman Tony DeAngelo on a two-year deal, reportedly worth $4.5 million per year on average.

OFFSEASON MOVES & DEFENSIVE DEPTH

The Colorado Avalanche addressed questions regarding their blue line by re-signing both Brett Kulak and Brent Burns to new deals. The New York Rangers initiated their offseason by trading forward Brett Berard to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for defenseman William Trudeau, marking their first significant roster move since the conclusion of their season and a shift in team strategy. The 2026 NHL Draft order and results are also being tracked as teams look ahead to future talent acquisition and draft positioning.