Samwise NHL & Hockey Newsletter
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Blackhawks Would ‘Love to’ Bring Toews Back for Ceremonial One-Day Contract
The Chicago Blackhawks would like to bring back Jonathan Toews for a ceremonial one-day contract to retire as a Blackhawk, though nothing is confirmed yet. GM Kyle Davidson said the organization is “likely” to pursue the gesture, pointing to how Chicago previously honored Marian Hossa in the same manner. Toews, 38, retired on June 19 after returning last season with the Winnipeg Jets following two seasons missed due to health issues. He spent 15 seasons in Chicago after being selected No. 3 overall in 2006, winning three Stanley Cups alongside Patrick Kane in 2010, 2013, and 2015. “Jonathan is a Blackhawk for life,” Davidson said.
Tortorella Wants to Keep Coaching After Vegas Doesn’t Retain Him
John Tortorella says he still wants to coach — but has no job to return to. The 68-year-old was not retained by the Vegas Golden Knights after leading them to a 7-0-1 close to the regular season, winning the Pacific Division and taking the team to the Stanley Cup Final. Ryan Craig has since been named Vegas head coach. “I want to coach. I want to coach now,” Tortorella told The Athletic. He also defended his $100,000 fine for skipping a postgame press conference after eliminating Anaheim. “I was not going to hold up my hockey team,” he said. Tortorella ranks ninth all-time in NHL head coaching wins with 777.
Blue Jackets, Sillinger Avoid Arbitration With Three-Year, $13.875M Deal
The Columbus Blue Jackets and restricted free agent forward Cole Sillinger have avoided arbitration, agreeing to a three-year, $13.875 million contract worth $4.625 million per season. The 23-year-old posted eight goals and 25 assists for 33 points in 81 games last season — his second consecutive 33-point campaign. The deal is the second arbitration settlement Columbus reached this week, following goaltender Jet Greaves’ three-year, $15 million pact signed Thursday. Sillinger, the No. 12 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, has spent all five of his NHL seasons with the Blue Jackets, accumulating 140 career points (51 goals, 89 assists).
Panthers, Schmid Avoid Arbitration With Two-Year Contract
Goaltender Akira Schmid and the Florida Panthers have reached a two-year contract, avoiding what would have been the 26-year-old’s first salary arbitration hearing. The Panthers acquired Schmid from the Vegas Golden Knights on June 29 in exchange for a 2028 third-round pick. In 34 games last season with Vegas, Schmid posted a 16-10-6 record with a 2.59 goals-against average and .893 save percentage. “He has the size, athleticism and competitive drive that fits the identity of the Florida Panthers,” general manager Bill Zito said. Originally drafted by New Jersey in the fifth round in 2018, Schmid spent three seasons with the Devils before arriving in Vegas.
DeBoer Eyes Stanley Cup in First Full Season Behind Islanders Bench
Pete DeBoer enters his first full season behind the New York Islanders bench believing the team can make a quick turnaround. Hired in April after Patrick Roy was fired mid-losing streak, DeBoer went one win in four games to close the regular season — but was impressed by what he saw. The Islanders finished 43-34-5 and missed the playoffs despite a 91-point season. DeBoer cited the 2026 playoffs, which featured four first-time postseason teams in over five years, as evidence that rapid turnarounds are possible. He was effusive about Calder Trophy winner Matthew Schaefer, calling him “future captain” material, and flagged the team’s 30th-ranked power play as the priority fix.
Cammi Granato Shifts From Canucks Assistant GM to Senior Amateur Adviser
Hockey Hall of Famer Cammi Granato is transitioning within the Vancouver Canucks’ front office, moving from assistant general manager to senior amateur adviser after parts of five seasons in the role. General manager Ryan Johnson announced the change Friday. Granato, who became the NHL’s first female scout with the Seattle Kraken, called it “the perfect time to transition.” Former Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford hired her in February 2022. Granato captained the U.S. women’s team to gold at the 1998 Nagano Olympics. The Canucks have undergone sweeping front-office changes, hiring the Sedin twins as co-presidents and Manny Malhotra as head coach after a last-place finish.
Maple Leafs Prospect Hopkins Earns Invite to Team Canada World Junior Summer Showcase
Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Tyler Hopkins has earned an invitation to Team Canada’s 2026 World Junior Championship Summer Showcase in Windsor, Ontario, running July 26 to August 1. Canada named 31 players to the showcase roster, with Hopkins joining notable invitees including Caleb Malhotra, Daxon Rudolph, Carson Carels, and Keaton Verhoeff — three of whom were top-10 picks in the 2026 NHL Draft. The Campbellville, Ontario centre was selected 86th overall by Toronto in the 2025 draft. Hopkins scored 50 points in 56 games last season, split between the Kingston Frontenacs and Guelph Storm. Canada is scheduled to face Sweden, Finland, and the United States during the event.
Sources: The Hockey News Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
2025–26 Stanley Cup Playoffs — Final Results
Stanley Cup Final
🏆 Carolina Hurricanes def. Vegas Golden Knights — 4–2
2025–26 Champions
Carolina Hurricanes — Stanley Cup Champions
Off-Season
2026–27 season opens Sept. 29, 2026
Curated by JD · samwise.agency