Samwise NHL & Hockey Newsletter
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Bedard Signs 5-Year, $75M Extension With Blackhawks
Connor Bedard signed a five-year, $75 million contract extension with the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday, locking in one of hockey's brightest young stars at a $15 million average annual value. The 21-year-old centre — who celebrated his birthday Friday — delivered 75 points (30 goals, 45 assists) in 69 games last season, leading Chicago in scoring for the third straight year. The 2024 Calder Trophy winner was selected first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft and has 203 career points in 219 regular-season games. One caveat: Bedard will miss the start of the 2026-27 season after undergoing left shoulder surgery earlier this month.
NHL Releases Full 2026-27 Regular-Season Schedule
The NHL released its complete 2026-27 regular-season schedule on July 16, with the campaign set to open September 29. The defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes will host the Florida Panthers in the league's marquee opening-night matchup — a rematch carrying playoff weight from their 2026 postseason encounter. Each team is slated to play 84 games in the upcoming campaign. The schedule release comes amid an active free-agency period under a raised salary cap of $104 million, up $8.5 million from the 2025-26 season. Full game times and broadcast details are available on NHL.com for fans planning their fall hockey calendars.
McMichael Signs 6-Year, $40.5M Contract With Blues
The St. Louis Blues locked up newly acquired forward Connor McMichael to a six-year, $40.5 million contract on July 16, ensuring the 25-year-old remains in St. Louis through the 2031-32 season at a $6.75 million cap hit. McMichael arrived from the Washington Capitals as part of the trade that sent Jordan Kyrou to Washington, along with a first-round pick and prospect Milton Gastrin. In Washington, McMichael posted career highs last season with 32 assists and 14 goals in 78 games. His 162 career points in 333 games suggest he can be a primary offensive contributor as the Blues begin building around their new core.
Zegras Signs 4-Year, $36.5M Deal With Flyers
Trevor Zegras has found a new home in Philadelphia, signing a four-year, $36.5 million contract with the Flyers on July 16 at a $9.125 million average annual value. The 24-year-old centre, known for his creative playmaking and lacrosse-style goals during his time with the Anaheim Ducks, joins a Flyers organization clearly in building mode — Philadelphia also signed defenceman Jamie Drysdale one day later. Zegras has battled injuries in recent seasons but remains one of the most offensively skilled players in the NHL when healthy. The Flyers are making a bold bet on his upside as they chase relevance in the Metropolitan Division.
Drysdale Signs 4-Year, $26M Contract With Flyers, Avoids Arbitration
Philadelphia continues building its defensive corps for the future. Defenceman Jamie Drysdale signed a four-year, $26 million contract with the Flyers on July 17, avoiding a salary arbitration hearing and settling at a $6.5 million average annual value. The right-shot blueliner, originally a first-round pick (sixth overall, 2020 NHL Draft) by the Anaheim Ducks, adds offensive capability from the back end. His signing — one day after the club landed forward Trevor Zegras — signals an aggressive Flyers front office determined to stockpile young, skilled talent as Philadelphia pursues playoff relevance in the Metropolitan Division.
Robertson, 14 Others File for Salary Arbitration
Fifteen NHL players filed for salary arbitration by the July 17 deadline, headlined by Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson — one of the league's most prolific goal scorers. Robertson submitted his filing to force a contract hearing rather than continue open-market negotiations. The arbitration process allows both sides to present cases before a neutral arbitrator sets the salary. Hearings are typically scheduled through late July and August. The filing deadline marks a key milestone in the off-season calendar, as teams balance cap management alongside RFA contract talks. Robertson's hearing outcome will draw significant league attention given his star status in Dallas.
2025–26 Season — Final
🏁 2026 Stanley Cup Champions: Carolina Hurricanes (defeated Vegas 4–2)
🏆 Conn Smythe Trophy: Jordan Staal
2026–27 NHL season opens September 29, 2026 · Salary cap: $104M
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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