Samwise NHL & Hockey Newsletter
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Flyers Tender Historic $90M Offer Sheet to Anaheim’s Leo Carlsson
The Philadelphia Flyers sent shockwaves through the NHL on Friday, tendering a five-year, $90 million offer sheet to Anaheim Ducks restricted free agent Leo Carlsson. The 21-year-old center’s $18 million average annual value would make him the highest-paid player in league history, surpassing Kirill Kaprizov’s $17 million annual salary with the Minnesota Wild. The Ducks have until July 10 to exercise their right of first refusal; if Anaheim declines, Philadelphia surrenders four first-round draft picks as compensation. Carlsson set career highs in 2025–26 with 29 goals, 38 assists, and 67 points in 70 games.
Cup Champion Bobrovsky Signs Three-Year Deal with Toronto Maple Leafs
Veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky signed a three-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday, departing the Florida Panthers — where he helped capture back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025 — after Florida acquired goaltender Jacob Markstrom from the New Jersey Devils. Bobrovsky expressed enthusiasm about the move, calling Toronto the “capital of hockey.” He will wear jersey No. 72 for the Leafs, a number previously claimed by 2026 first-overall pick Gavin McKenna, who offered it to the veteran netminder ahead of signing his own entry-level deal with the club.
Wild Acquire Coleman and Maatta from Flames in Multi-Pick Deal
The Minnesota Wild added veteran depth on Friday, acquiring forward Blake Coleman and defenseman Olli Maatta from the Calgary Flames in exchange for defenseman Jacob Middleton and a three-pick package: a second-round selection in 2029, a third-round pick in 2027, and a fourth-round pick in 2028. Coleman adds forward depth while Maatta reinforces the defensive corps. The move is one of several Minnesota made during the busy opening days of free agency. Calgary receives Middleton and three rounds of future draft capital as the Flames look to reshape their roster heading into 2026–27.
No. 1 Overall Pick Gavin McKenna Signs Entry-Level Contract with Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs officially signed first-overall pick Gavin McKenna to a three-year entry-level contract on Friday. The 18-year-old center from Whitehorse, Yukon had already been skating with Toronto at development camp before inking the deal. McKenna recorded 51 points — tied for fifth in the NCAA — in 35 games at Penn State during the 2025–26 season, posting 15 goals and 36 assists. Prior to his collegiate career, McKenna won Canadian Hockey League Player of the Year honors in 2024–25 with the Medicine Hat Tigers, posting 129 points in 56 WHL games.
Gudas Returns for Second Stint in Florida, Signs Six-Year Deal with Panthers
Veteran defenseman Radko Gudas signed a six-year contract with the Florida Panthers on Friday, returning to the team for a second stint at an average annual value of $1.5 million. The 36-year-old rejoins a Panthers team that captured back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025 and recently added goaltender Jacob Markstrom from the New Jersey Devils this offseason. Florida announced the signing with a video featuring Gudas’ daughter Tynka, who declared she was “coming back” — and bringing her father with her. Gudas arrives ready to contribute on a championship-caliber blue line.
Jets Sign Skinner; GM Clarifies Hellebuyck Situation Did Not Drive Decision
The Winnipeg Jets added goaltending depth Friday, signing Stuart Skinner to a two-year contract worth $3.75 million annually — and the team’s general manager moved immediately to clarify that uncertainty surrounding Connor Hellebuyck played no role in the decision. Hellebuyck’s contract situation has been the most prominent Jets storyline of the offseason, with trade speculation swirling around the Hart and Vezina Trophy winner. The Jets have not publicly confirmed plans to move their starter. Skinner, previously with the Edmonton Oilers, provides proven NHL-caliber insurance should Hellebuyck’s status change before training camp opens this fall.
2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs — Final Results
Stanley Cup Final
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Vegas Golden Knights — Hurricanes win 4–2
Game 6: Jun. 14, 2026 — CAR 3, VGK 0 (shutout)
Hurricanes postseason record: 16–3
2026 Stanley Cup Champions
🏆 Carolina Hurricanes
Conn Smythe Trophy: Jordan Staal
Curated by JD · samwise.agency