Samwise NHL & Hockey Newsletter
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Prime Video Lands Wednesday Night Hockey in 12-Year Canadian Broadcast Deal
Rogers and Prime Video announced a 12-year sublicensing agreement on Tuesday that will see Prime Video exclusively broadcast Wednesday night national NHL games in Canada beginning with the 2026-27 season. The deal also grants Prime Video rights to two First Round playoff series and one Second Round series each year, delivering at least 26 national regular-season games at no additional cost to Prime members. The agreement runs through the 2037-38 season and is a subset of Rogers Communications’ broader 12-year, $7.7-billion US media rights deal with the NHL covering all national platforms in Canada. Financial terms of the specific sublicensing arrangement were not disclosed.
Sources: The Hockey News
Wild and Quinn Hughes Set to Begin Contract Talks This Week
Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes and the team are expected to enter contract discussions this week, with Wild owner Craig Leipold publicly stating the franchise intends to re-sign the 26-year-old blueliner. Hughes, who was acquired from Vancouver in a December trade, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2027. Leipold expressed a desire for a long-term extension of up to eight years, while internal sources suggest Hughes may prefer a shorter deal to align his next contract timeline with brother Jack Hughes in New Jersey. The defenseman said he would be open to remaining in Minnesota.
Sources: NHL.com
Tarasenko Tops Thin UFA Market as Offseason Activity Winds Down
Vladimir Tarasenko has emerged as the top remaining unrestricted free agent after Patrick Kane signed with the Chicago Blackhawks last week. The 34-year-old right wing, who recorded 47 points in 75 regular-season games and five points in 11 playoff contests for Minnesota last season, is drawing reported interest from the Buffalo Sabres, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, and Ottawa Senators. Finnish winger Patrik Laine, who played only five games in 2025-26 due to injury, and goaltender Cam Talbot are also among notable names still seeking contracts as the offseason market slows toward August.
Sources: The Hockey News
McDavid and Draisaitl Back Babcock as Perfect Fit to Lead Oilers
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl offered strong endorsements of new Edmonton Oilers head coach Mike Babcock while speaking at the Zach Hyman Charity Classic golf tournament in late July. McDavid called Babcock “the perfect fit,” noting the coach has experience in every major game in hockey. Draisaitl, who acknowledged there is history between players and Babcock, said the coaching staff had honest conversations before the hiring and that he is very excited to learn from him. Babcock, 63, was hired by Edmonton on June 23 after the NHL cleared his return to coaching, replacing Kris Knoblauch behind the bench.
Sources: TSN
U.S. Shines at World Junior Summer Showcase as Canada Impresses in Windsor
The 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase is underway at WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario, running July 26 through August 1 as teams from Canada, the United States, Finland, and Sweden evaluate prospects ahead of the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship. The United States blue squad defeated Finland 5–1 on July 27, led by Carter Sanderson, who added a goal and an assist following a hat trick in his first game, and Ethan Wyttenbach, who scored twice. Canada has posted strong early results, while Sweden dropped both its opening games. The 2027 World Junior Championship is scheduled for Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta, from December 26 through January 5.
Sources: TSN
Detroit Re-Signs Carter Gylander to One-Year Two-Way Deal
The Detroit Red Wings re-signed goaltender Carter Gylander to a one-year, two-way contract, the team announced Tuesday. The 25-year-old spent most of the 2025-26 season with the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye, posting a 20-9-5 record with a 2.78 goals-against average, a .901 save percentage, and two shutouts in 34 appearances. He also showed strong play in eight games with Detroit’s AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, going 7-0-1 with a 1.62 goals-against average, a .942 save percentage, and one shutout. The two-way deal keeps Gylander in the Detroit organization as he competes for a spot with the Griffins or a potential NHL call-up role.
Sources: The Hockey News
Marchenko Trade Speculation Persists Despite Blue Jackets Denial
Trade speculation surrounding Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko and the Montreal Canadiens continued to simmer Tuesday, despite Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell publicly denying the team has received recent inquiries. A source close to Marchenko told reporters the Columbus forward is training in Russia and could be moved soon, though Columbus beat writers found nothing new to report. The Canadiens have made significant offers for Marchenko, per league insiders, but Waddell has declined. Marchenko led Columbus with 27 goals and finished second on the team with 67 points in 2025-26 and is eligible to become a restricted free agent next summer.
Sources: The Hockey News
2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs — Final Results
Eastern Conference
First Round
Carolina Hurricanes def. Ottawa Senators — 4–0
Montreal Canadiens def. Tampa Bay Lightning — series win
Philadelphia Flyers def. opponent — series win
Conference Semifinals
Carolina Hurricanes def. Philadelphia Flyers — 4–0
Conference Finals
Carolina Hurricanes def. Montreal Canadiens — 4–1
Western Conference
First Round
Vegas Golden Knights def. Utah Hockey Club — 4–2
Anaheim Ducks def. opponent — series win
Colorado Avalanche def. opponent — series win
Conference Semifinals
Vegas Golden Knights def. Anaheim Ducks — 4–2
Conference Finals
Vegas Golden Knights def. Colorado Avalanche — 4–0
Stanley Cup Final
Carolina Hurricanes def. Vegas Golden Knights — 4–2 🏆
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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