NHL Hockey 8 Hours

Last updated: June 29, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

NHL PLAYER MOVEMENT & DRAFT NEWS

The NHL draft saw teams making moves and setting up for future success. The New York Rangers added forward Pavel Dorofeyev from the Vegas Golden Knights, acquiring the team's leading goal scorer from last season in exchange for multiple first-round picks. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues acquired defenseman Brandon Carlo from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a pair of third-round selections. In a move to secure potential future talent, the Carolina Hurricanes acquired the rights to defenseman John Carlson from the Anaheim Ducks, signaling intent to pursue the unrestricted free agent.

The Hurricanes, however, face potential adversity to start their Stanley Cup defense. Leading goal scorer Seth Jarvis is likely to miss 4-6 months due to shoulder surgery, a significant blow for a team already preparing for a challenging season. On the contract front, the Nashville Predators signed forward Jack Drury to a five-year, $22.5 million extension, just four days after acquiring him from the Colorado Avalanche.

Draft day also brought unique selections and family considerations. The Pittsburgh Penguins selected twins Marcus and Liam Ruck in the draft, a notable family decision. The San Jose Sharks made history by selecting 7-foot-1 defenseman Alexander Karmanov, making him the tallest player ever drafted by an NHL team. Discussions about future Hall of Fame inductees are already underway, with the 2027 class being evaluated following the recent announcement of the 2026 class.