Samwise NHL & Hockey Newsletter
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Dallas Stars Face Critical Summer as Robertson Files for Arbitration
The Dallas Stars enter the 2026-27 season with a major roster question surrounding restricted free agent Jason Robertson, who filed for salary arbitration on July 13. Robertson, coming off a 45-goal, 86-point campaign, has been linked to the Pittsburgh Penguins in trade talks, though Dallas remains his most likely destination. The Stars also held preliminary discussions with Detroit about acquiring Dylan Larkin, with the Red Wings requesting Wyatt Johnston — a non-starter for Dallas. With Robertson's arbitration looming and the $104 million salary cap for 2026-27, the Stars face a critical summer to determine whether their core can contend.
Red Wings Add Arvidsson; Larkin Trade Stalemate Drags Into Mid-July
The Detroit Red Wings are pressing forward in the offseason despite the unresolved Dylan Larkin trade situation. The club has signed forward Victor Arvidsson to help boost scoring, while Larkin — who holds a full no-movement clause and formally requested a trade — remains under contract. Larkin's approved destination list has grown to four teams: Florida, Minnesota, Vegas, and now Dallas. Talks with all four clubs have stalled, as GM Steve Yzerman demands NHL-ready players rather than prospects or draft capital. No deadline has been set, and Larkin could ultimately return to Detroit for the 2026-27 season.
Nicholas Robertson Signs 2-Year, $6.5M Deal with Pittsburgh Penguins
Left wing Nicholas Robertson has signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins worth $6.5 million, NHL.com reported on July 14. Robertson, who previously played in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, brings speed and scoring upside to a Pittsburgh squad actively reshaping its roster. The Penguins have been among the busier teams this offseason, also monitoring Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson — no relation — who filed for salary arbitration on July 13 and has drawn Pittsburgh's interest in a trade. The Nicholas Robertson deal adds depth ahead of the new 84-game 2026-27 season.
Macklin Celebrini Named EA Sports NHL 27 Cover Athlete, Youngest Ever
San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini has been named the cover athlete for EA Sports NHL 27, NHL.com confirmed on July 14. Celebrini, the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, becomes the youngest player in history to receive the cover honor. The 20-year-old is coming off a standout rookie season with San Jose, where he has quickly emerged as the franchise's cornerstone and a face of the league's next generation. His selection highlights the NHL's push to market its rising young stars. EA Sports NHL 27 is expected to release in fall 2026 ahead of the new season.
2026 Draft: Gustafsson (Islanders), Suvanto (Capitals) Sign Entry-Level Contracts
Two first-round selections from the 2026 NHL Draft signed entry-level contracts on Tuesday. Defenseman Malte Gustafsson, the 13th overall pick by the New York Islanders, inked a three-year ELC and could see time with the Islanders, AHL affiliate Hamilton, or return to HV71 in Sweden's SHL. Center Oliver Suvanto, taken 18th overall by the Washington Capitals, also signed a three-year deal and is expected to play for Tappara in Finland's Liiga this season. Per the NHL.com draft tracker, five 2026 first-rounders have now signed their entry-level contracts with training camps still several months away.
2025-26 Stanley Cup Playoffs — Final Results
Eastern Conference Champion
Carolina Hurricanes — Advanced to Stanley Cup Final
Western Conference Champion
Vegas Golden Knights — Advanced to Stanley Cup Final
Stanley Cup Final
Carolina Hurricanes def. Vegas Golden Knights 4–2 — 2026 Stanley Cup Champions
Conn Smythe Trophy: Jordan Staal (Carolina). — The 2026-27 NHL season opens this fall; full schedule release July 16.
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.