NHL Hockey 8 Hours

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

NHL Offseason Moves Heat Up League

The NHL offseason is in full swing with several significant player acquisitions and a surprising executive change. The Philadelphia Flyers have been busy, agreeing to terms with defenseman Jamie Drysdale on a four-year contract worth $26 million and re-signing forward 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 a splash, signing forward Connor McMichael to a six-year, $40.5 million deal. In surprising news, Steve Yzerman has as the general manager of the Detroit Red Wings.

Schedule Expansion and Player Commentary

The National Hockey League has released its 2026-27 regular-season schedule, which will feature an expanded 84-game campaign, up from the traditional 82 games. On the player front, Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard voiced his desire for winger Patrick Kane to return to the team, calling it "incredible" if it were to happen. The league is also seeing trade activity, with grades being issued for general managers involved in significant swaps this summer.