Samwise NHL & Hockey Newsletter
Friday, June 26, 2026
2026 NHL Draft Round 1 Opens Tonight at KeyBank Center in Buffalo
The 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft opens Friday at 7 p.m. ET at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, with the Toronto Maple Leafs holding the first overall pick for the first time since 2016, when they selected Auston Matthews at the same venue. New Maple Leafs GM John Chayka is expected to select Penn State left wing Gavin McKenna with the top pick, the consensus best prospect in the class. San Jose holds No. 2, with Frölunda winger Ivar Stenberg the projected selection. Vancouver picks third. Buffalo moved up to No. 4 after trading Bowen Byram to Chicago. Rounds 2–7 follow Saturday at 11 a.m. ET.
Sources: Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Five Blockbuster Trades in 48 Hours Reshape the NHL Heading Into Draft
The 2026 NHL offseason began with a flurry of blockbuster trades as five deals reshaped rosters in the 48 hours before Friday’s draft. The Chicago Blackhawks landed defenseman Bowen Byram from Buffalo for the No. 4 overall pick and Louis Crevier. The Washington Capitals acquired winger Jordan Kyrou from St. Louis for Connor McMichael and the No. 16 pick. Ottawa sent No. 9 to San Jose for William Eklund and two prospects. The Florida Panthers landed Brady Tkachuk in exchange for multiple first-round picks. Calgary added defenseman Simon Nemec from New Jersey for defenseman Etienne Morin and a second-round selection.
Alex Tuch Completes Sign-and-Trade to Washington Capitals for Eight-Year, $10.5M Deal
Buffalo Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen had signaled publicly that he expected to lose forward Alex Tuch as an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but a sign-and-trade with the Washington Capitals was completed ahead of that deadline. Tuch signed an eight-year extension with Washington at an average annual value of $10.5 million, adding a skilled left winger to a Capitals squad that also acquired Jordan Kyrou this week. Buffalo received forward David Kampf and a third-round draft pick in return. The Sabres, unable to match Tuch’s market value, now hold a new batch of assets heading into Friday’s draft.
Sources: Daily Faceoff Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Dylan Larkin Trade Request: New Frontrunner Emerges as Red Wings Weigh Options
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin formally requested a trade this offseason after the club missed the playoffs for the 10th consecutive year, marking the longest active postseason drought in the league. A new frontrunner destination has reportedly emerged per an NHL insider, though Larkin’s full no-trade clause gives him control over where he lands. GM Steve Yzerman is in no hurry to move him, seeking fair value for the forward. Larkin had been linked to the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Minnesota Wild, but the Panthers’ acquisition of Brady Tkachuk this week reportedly narrowed his options.
Sources: The Hockey News Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
NHL Free Agency Countdown: Bobrovsky, Robertson Among Biggest Unresolved Names
With NHL free agency set to open July 1, several major contracts remain unresolved. Two-time Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky is seeking a six-to-seven-year deal worth approximately $42 million as an unrestricted free agent, with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres among reported suitors after a down season in Florida. Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson, who posted 45 goals and 96 points this season, remains a restricted free agent amid a contract standoff — Robertson’s camp is seeking north of $14 million per year, while Dallas has reportedly offered $12 million annually. John Carlson and Joe Trouba are also among notable pending free agents.
IIHF President Tardif Honored with Olympic Order Amid Federation Leadership Change
IIHF president Luc Tardif was honored with the Olympic Order on June 25, recognizing his contributions to international ice hockey and the Olympic movement. The timing coincides with a leadership transition at the federation: candidates for the IIHF’s upcoming election were confirmed on June 24, and reports indicate Tardif has stepped down from his role as federation president. Tardif has served as IIHF president since 2021. The organization will hold its election at an upcoming Congress to select new leadership. The Olympic Order is awarded by the International Olympic Committee to individuals with distinguished contributions to Olympic sport.
Sources: Sports Illustrated Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Maple Leafs GM John Chayka Lands Raddysh in 8-Year Deal, Holds No. 1 Pick Tonight
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ new management group, led by first-year general manager John Chayka, has moved aggressively in the days before the 2026 draft. Chayka completed a sign-and-trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning to acquire defenseman Darren Raddysh, who signed an eight-year contract with an annual value of $8.5 million after setting career highs in goals (22), assists (48), points (70), and a plus-21 rating in 73 games. The Leafs also traded goalie Joseph Woll to the Flyers. Toronto holds the No. 1 pick tonight and is expected to select Gavin McKenna, giving Chayka a cornerstone piece in his first NHL draft as a general manager.
2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs — Final Results
Eastern Conference
First Round: Carolina def. Ottawa 4–0
Second Round: Carolina def. Philadelphia 4–0
Conf. Final: Carolina def. Montreal 4–1
Western Conference
First Round: Vegas def. Utah 4–2
Second Round: Vegas def. Anaheim 4–2
Conf. Final: Vegas def. Colorado 4–0
Stanley Cup Final — Champion
🏆 Carolina Hurricanes def. Vegas Golden Knights 4–2 — Hurricanes win Stanley Cup (June 14, 2026)
Conn Smythe: Jordan Staal — oldest winner in NHL history (37 years, 277 days)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency