NHL Rumor Mill – June 30, 2026

by | Jun 30, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 30, 2026

Check out the latest trade speculation about Zach Werenski, Connor Hellebuyck, and Darnell Nurse in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE STARS OR SHARKS BE TRADE DESTINATIONS FOR ZACH WERENSKI?

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Zach Werenski would prefer to be traded to an Eastern Conference team, but the 28-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman is open to joining a Western Conference club.

According to Dreger, the Dallas Stars are very interested in Werenski, who won the Norris Trophy as this season’s top NHL defenseman. He believes the Stars could potentially offer Thomas Harley to the Blue Jackets.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

If so, Dreger doubted the Toronto Maple Leafs would be willing or able to match that level of an offer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Stars are offering up Harley for Werenski, and if the latter is willing to go to Dallas, the Blue Jackets should jump on that proposal right away. Granted, the 24-year-old Harley isn’t on the same level as Werenski, but he’s still a big, skilled two-way defenseman who could fill the big gap left by Werenski’s departure. His contract is more expensive ($10.587 million), but he’s under contract through 2033-34. The Blue Jackets have the cap space to take on a skilled cost-controlled asset such as Harley.

And no, the Maple Leafs could not beat an offer of Thomas Harley for Werenski.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who dismissed the notion of the Sharks as a trade destination for Werenski.

Friedman believes Werenski wants to go to a club where he can win a Stanley Cup. However, he didn’t rule out the Sharks as a destination for the Norris winner when his contract expires in 2028.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks aren’t Cup contenders yet, but they could be within the next two or three years if all their young talent blossoms as expected.

JETS REPORTEDLY REJECTED SABRES’ OFFER FOR CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jake Tye reports multiple sources claiming the Buffalo Sabres made a significant offer to the Winnipeg Jets for Connor Hellebuyck before the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft last Friday.

The offer was reportedly the No. 4 pick in the 2026 draft, goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, a player believed to be winger Jack Quinn, and at least one additional asset.

However, Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff rejected the offer. Tye believes Cheveldayoff wasn’t comfortable replacing the three-time Vezina Trophy-winning Hellebuyck with the volatile Luukkonen, who didn’t earn the bulk of the starts with the Sabres this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bear in mind that Cheveldayoff doesn’t have to rush into moving Hellebucyk, whose contract expires at the end of the 2030-31 season. There’s also no indication that the goaltender has requested a trade.

This report suggests that Cheveldayoff wants a reliable starting goaltender as part of the return for Hellebuyck. If so, it could take a while until someone makes a pitch to Cheveldayoff’s liking.

THE LATEST ON DARNELL NURSE

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Cited NHL insider Frank Seravalli telling Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer that the San Jose Sharks have “made a play” for Darnell Nurse. The 31-year-old Oilers defenseman requested a trade earlier this month.

However, the Sharks aren’t believed to be on Nurse’s list of trade destinations. “And to this point in time, that hasn’t changed”.

THE BOSTON GLOBE’s Kevin Paul Dupont reports there were “murmurings” during the draft weekend that the Oilers would be willing to send Nurse to the Boston Bruins for Mason Lohrei, with the Oilers willing to “share” the difference in average annual values between the two players.

Nurse earns an AAV of $9.5 million, while Lohrei’s is $3.2 million. Dupont could see this move happening if the Oilers retain $3 million of Nurse’s cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers might have to retain some salary or take back additional salary in a deal to move Nurse. Unfortunately for them, the current CBA forbids three-team trades where each team picks up a piece of the playoffs AAV.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 30, 2026

by | Jun 30, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 30, 2026

The Canucks acquire Brendan Gallagher and trade Nils Hoglander, Radko Gudas returns to the Panthers, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE/THE PROVINCE: The Montreal Canadiens traded Brendan Gallagher to the Vancouver Canucks for future considerations. The Canadiens also retained 50 percent of the 34-year-old winger’s $6.5 million cap hit for 2026-27.

Montreal Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After 14 seasons, Gallagher no longer fit into the Canadiens’ system. The club did right by him by trading him to a team he wanted to join. He’ll bring grit, experience, and leadership to the rebuilding Canucks. Gallagher also has a connection with Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra, as the two were teammates with the Canadiens during the latter’s final season as a player in 2014-15.

THE PROVINCE/THE TENNESSEAN: Speaking of the Canucks, they traded winger Nils Hoglander to the Nashville Predators for a third-round pick in 2029.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hoglander, 25, tallied a career-high 24 goals in 2023-24, but he struggled to regain that form in 2024-25 and missed most of last season with a lower-body injury. The winger has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $3 million.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW/THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Florida Panthers acquired Radko Gudas from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for the contract rights of pending free-agent forward A.J. Greer.

Gudas played three seasons with the Panthers from 2020-21 to 2022-23 before departing for the Ducks as a free agent in 2023. Over the past two seasons, he served as the Ducks’ captain.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers appear to be adding more grit and snarl to a lineup that already has plenty of it. However, the 36-year-old Gudas’ performance isn’t at the same level it was during his previous tenure in Florida. His knee-on-knee hit on Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews ended the latter’s season, earning him a five-game suspension and condemnation from NHL fans.

Greer could replace some of Gudas’ physicality if the Ducks can sign him before the free-agent market opens on Wednesday. He’s completing a two-year contract with an AAV of $850,000.

TSN/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Panthers also acquired goaltender Akira Schmid from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for a 2028 third-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun believes the Panthers are bringing in Schmid to replace pending UFA backup goalie Daniil Tarasov. They are still believed to be in contract talks with starter Sergei Bobrovsky.

Schmid was third on the Golden Knights’ depth chart, behind Carter Hart and Adin Hill. Some pundits had suggested that Hill might become a trade candidate, but his struggles last season, his 10-team trade list, and his $6.25 million AAV through 2030-31 make him difficult to move.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Tampa Bay Lightning aren’t expected to sign forwards Corey Perry and Oliver Bjorkstrand to new contracts, making them eligible to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

TORONTO SUN/TSN: The Maple Leafs opted not to qualify the rights of winger Matias Maccelli, making him UFA-eligible on July 1. They signed defenseman Troy Stecher to a two-year, $2.7 million contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs acquired Maccelli last summer to fill the gap at right wing following the departure of Mitch Marner. He had a disappointing performance this season, with 14 goals and 25 assists for 39 points in 71 games. Qualifying the 25-year-old’s rights would’ve cost $4.11 million.

THE HOCKEY NEWS/DAILY FACEOFF/PUCKPEDIA: The Utah Mammoth signed winger Kailer Yamamoto to a two-year, $1.75 million contract extension and inked defenseman Nick DeSimone to a two-year, $2 million deal. 

Meanwhile, Barrett Hayton becomes the first player this summer to file for salary arbitration. By doing so, the 25-year-old center is ineligible to receive an offer sheet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: PuckPedia has corrected this. It’s the Mammoth taking Hayton to arbitration, not the other way around. Because it’s a club-elected arbitration, he’s still eligible to receive an offer sheet. 

THE WINNIPEG SUN/PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Winnipeg Jets traded forward David Gustafsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins for defenseman Jack St. Ivany.

THE ATHLETIC: The Minnesota Wild did not qualify the rights of Bobby Brink. However, they’re working to re-sign the 24-year-old winger before his UFA eligibility on July 1. He’s coming off a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild acquired Brink from the Philadelphia Flyers at the March trade deadline. He had arbitration rights, which the Wild want to avoid.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators have not qualified the rights of winger Arthur Kaliyev, making him UFA-eligible on July 1.

DAILY FACEOFF: Other notable players whose rights weren’t qualified include Samuel Ersson of the Ottawa Senators, Joe Veleno of the Montreal Canadiens, Paul Cotter of the New Jersey Devils, Jordan Harris of the Boston Bruins, Philip Tomasino of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Philipp Kurashev of the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators are believed to be negotiating a new contract with Ersson.

MAYOR’S MANOR: The Los Angeles Kings added Phil Housley, Chris Hajt, and Ray Whitney to their coaching staff.










NHL Rumor Roundup – June 29, 2026

by | Jun 29, 2026

NHL Rumor Roundup – June 29, 2026

Check out the latest on Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, Islanders blueliner Alexander Romanov, Hurricanes center Jesperi Kotkaniemi, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN’s Chris Johnston reports there is some frustration among NHL general managers who haven’t been able to get the Columbus Blue Jackets to engage in trade talks for defenseman Zach Werenski.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 28-year-old Norris Trophy winner reportedly doesn’t intend to extend his contract next summer. He’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2028.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

According to Johnston, there doesn’t seem to be any urgency from the Blue Jackets to move the Werenski situation along.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: To be fair to the Blue Jackets, they reportedly recently learned about Werenski’s intentions and were said to be gauging the trade market last week to determine his value.

Given the two years remaining on Werenski’s contract, Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell is in no rush to move him. The Jackets GM is also likely trying to plot a path forward for his club after learning of Werenski’s intentions. He’s also probably still dealing with learning on Friday that winger Kirill Marchenko doesn’t intend to sign an extension this summer. The 25-year-old winger is eligible to become a restricted free agent next summer with arbitration rights.

The best scenario for the Jackets would be to move those two players this summer for the best possible returns, thus avoiding speculation over their futures becoming an unnecessary distraction. However, doing so will also be a major setback for this club’s hopes of getting over the playoff hump after narrowly missing the last two postseasons.

THE HOCKEY NEWS’ Stefen Rosner observed there were some trade rumors regarding New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov.

Rosner considers the Romanov speculation to be similar to the chatter swirling around Islanders forward Mathew Barzal. Teams are calling, but that doesn’t mean the Isles are selling.

Romanov’s no-trade clause doesn’t kick in until next July. Rosner’s believes the blueliner’s injury-shortened season has some general managers looking to buy low on a quality defenseman under a long-term contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Romanov, 26, completed the first season of an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $6.25 million. It’s doubtful that the Isles will move him at this stage of his career.

HOCKEY 24/7’s Frank Seravalli reports he’s not expecting the Carolina Hurricanes to buy out the remainder of Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s contract, even though this would be their last chance to do so at 1/3 the remaining value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Players who are 25 or younger can be bought out at one-third the remaining value of their contract over twice the remaining term. For those 26 and older, it’s two-thirds at twice the remaining term.

According to Seravalli, the Hurricanes are actively seeking to trade Kotkaniemi. With the salary cap rising, his $4.8 million AAV will be considered the norm for a third-line center. He’s seen as a player with trade value given how few centers there are in the market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A once-promising Montreal Canadiens forward, Kotkaniemi signed a one-year offer sheet with the Hurricanes in the summer of 2021. He signed an eight-year extension the following season.

Kotkaniemi seemed poised for a breakout season after tallying 18 goals and 43 points in 82 games during the 2022-23 campaign. However, he struggled over the next two seasons. His inconsistency this season made him a frequent healthy scratch, and he never played a single game during the Hurricanes’ recent Stanley Cup run.

The limited number of quality centers in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets could make Kotkaniemi a reclamation project, depending on the Hurricanes’ asking price.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL: Danny Webster recently reported that the Golden Knights are expected to have over $13 million in salary-cap space once sidelined defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is placed on season-ending long-term injury reserve on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was some talk that Pietrangelo might attempt to return to action in 2026-27 after missing all of this season recovering from hip surgeries. It appears that’s not in the cards for the 36-year-old blueliner, who has one year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $8.8 million.

Webster expects that between $8 million and $9 million of that cap space will be put toward signing defenseman Rasmus Andersson to a new contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights acquired Andersson from the Calgary Flames in January. Some observers wondered what was taking them so long to sign the 28-year-old blueliner to an extension. In March, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported the Golden Knights had to wait until July 1 to do so, as that’s when they would be cap-compliant.

Teams are allowed to exceed the salary cap by 10 percent during the offseason. However, they can only do that starting on July 1, when the new season officially begins. They must be cap-compliant when their regular-season schedule begins in October.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 29, 2026

by | Jun 29, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 29, 2026

The latest contract signings and news in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Philadelphia Flyers were closing in on a new contract for goaltender Dan Vladar.

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (NHL Images).

Vladar, 28, has completed the first season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.35 million. He is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

According to LeBrun, Vladar’s new contract will be a five-year, $27.5 million extension worth an average annual value of $5.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vladar spent five seasons as a backup with the Boston Bruins and Calgary Flames before signing with the Flyers last summer. He thrived as their starting goalie, posting a 29-14-7 record in 52 games with a 2.42 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage as he backstopped the Flyers into their first postseason since 2020. Vladar also had a solid playoff performance, finishing with a 2.18 GAA, a .922 SP, and two shutouts.

LeBrun also reported that pending unrestricted free agent Vladimir Tarasenko is heading to market on July 1. The 34-year-old winger played for the Minnesota Wild last season, finishing with 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points in 75 games. He also had five points in 11 postseason contests.

Tarasenko recently changed agents and is now represented by Dan Milstein. LeBrun stated that Milstein had permission to speak directly to teams before the free-agent market opens on Wednesday.

However, Michael Russo of The Athletic reported that the Wild had not permitted Milstein to speak with other clubs. Russo also said the league recently warned all teams that they cannot give blanket permission for UFAs to do this. The sole exception is when the player’s contract rights have been traded to another team, which would allow the acquiring team to speak with the player.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators signed center Jack Drury to a five-year, $22.5 million contract, with an AAV of $4.5 million.

Drury, 26, was acquired last week from the Colorado Avalanche. He was coming off a three-year contract with an AAV of $1.75 million and was due to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drury is expected to center the Predators’ third line next season. His new AAV will likely set the standard for comparable players around the league.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Sharks signed defenseman Michael Kesselring to a three-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million.

Kesselring, 26, was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres on June 17. He’s completed a two-year contract with a $1.4 million AAV and was due to become an RFA with arbitration rights on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kesselring is coming off an injury-shortened season in which his playing time was reduced. He’ll get an opportunity to earn second-pairing minutes with the rebuilding Sharks.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Buffalo Sabres are reportedly finalizing a new contract for Beck Malenstyn. The 28-year-old winger will sign a six-year deal worth an AAV of $3 million.

Malenstyn is completing a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.35 million. A physical, swift-skating checking-line forward, he is slated to become a UFA on July 1.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 28, 2026

by | Jun 28, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 28, 2026

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup, it’s the latest on Zach Werenski, Kirill Marchenko, Jason Robertson, Dylan Larkin, and Darnell Nurse.

UPDATES ON ZACH WERENSKI AND KIRILL MARCHENKO

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Columbus Blue Jackets face three possibilities regarding defenseman Zach Werenski. They can trade the 28-year-old Norris Trophy winner during this offseason, wait until next summer when he has a year left on his contract, or keep him for the remaining two years of his deal.

LeBrun indicated that Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell wants NHL players in return for Werenski, not draft picks and prospects. He also noted that the blueliner’s no-movement clause becomes a 10-team trade list next summer.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

It’s believed that eight to 10 teams have contacted the Blue Jackets about Werenski. LeBrun expects the Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, San Jose Sharks, and Carolina Hurricanes to be among them. He also believes the Toronto Maple Leafs would be one team the blueliner might consider. It’s not believed that Werenski’s agent has given the Blue Jackets a list of preferred trade destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Waddell can afford to take his time to evaluate his options and suitable trade offers. The fact that he wants players in return could make this situation drag on for a while.

Werenski’s $9.583 million cap hit for the next two seasons will also be a factor. It’s unlikely Waddell will retain any part of it. Of the teams noted by LeBrun, the Stars have the least amount of cap space ($9.26 million), plus they’re also dealing with the Jason Robertson situation. More on that below.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets must also deal with the news that Kirill Marchenko doesn’t intend to sign a contract extension. The 25-year-old winger is a year away from becoming a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

LeBrun noted that Marchenko has not requested a trade and is ready to return to play next season and the season after that, as the Blue Jackets will still control his rights for that season. Nevertheless, he doesn’t want to stick around for the long term.

Several teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, have called about Marchenko. However, Waddell has told teams that he’s not going to trade the winger this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Waddell’s position could change if a team is willing to overpay for Marchenko. As with Werenski, he can afford to be patient with this situation.

STARS STILL NEGOTIATING WITH JASON ROBERTSON

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos reports Stars GM Jim Nill said his club still wants to re-sign Jason Robertson.

The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Last week, Robertson rejected a trade that the Stars had lined up with the Seattle Kraken by refusing to accept an eight-year contract offer ($15 million average annual value) from the Kraken.

It’s believed the two sides are $2 million apart, with the Stars offering $12 million annually while Robertson seeks $14 million. He lacks a no-movement clause, but many teams won’t agree to trade for him if he’s unwilling to sign an extension with them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nill and the Robertson camp could reach an agreement on a new contract. The winger could file for arbitration, forcing the two sides to settle on a one-year deal that takes him up to unrestricted free-agent status next July. If Robertson files for arbitration, he’s ineligible to sign an offer sheet from another club.

The fact that there was a sign-and-trade scenario with Seattle suggests that Robertson may have played his final game with the Stars. He could be on the move if the right team makes a contract pitch similar to what he received from the Kraken.

THE LATEST ON DYLAN LARKIN

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff reports Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman is no closer to trading center Dylan Larkin. The 29-year-old Red Wings captain submitted a trade request earlier this month.

Yzerman made a short statement yesterday, indicating that Larkin has five years remaining on his contract. He said that he will do what’s best for the Red Wings, adding that there is no guarantee that Larkin’s request could or should be met.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yzerman’s statement suggests that he hasn’t received any offers that would entice him to move Larkin. He seems prepared to wait the entire summer if necessary.

Larkin initially listed three clubs (Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, and Vegas Golden Knights) as preferred destinations. It’s rumored that he’d be open to expanding that list, and he might have to if he hopes to be moved before the start of next season.

DARNELL NURSE IS STILL WAITING FOR A TRADE

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Robert Tychkowski reports the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Boston Bruins are believed to be on Darnell Nurse’s trade list.

Tychkowski suggested the Bruins could be the most likely landing spot. The Bruins need a left-shot defenseman to pair with Charlie McAvoy. They might be willing to include Mason Lohrei in the return, but he’d only be suitable for third-pairing minutes with the Oilers.

The Anaheim Ducks have been mentioned as a destination for Nurse. However, they already have Jackson LaCombe and Pavel Mintyukov as their top four on left defense, and they need depth on the right side of their blueline.

Moving Nurse became more difficult with Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski emerging as a trade candidate.

Meanwhile, Kurt Leavins believes Nurse’s situation is holding up management’s roster plans for next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Nurse’s performance over the past two years, combined with his $9.25 million AAV for the next four seasons, already made him a difficult sell in the trade market. Werenski’s potential availability will make it even more difficult for the Oilers to move him this summer.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 28, 2026

by | Jun 28, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 28, 2026

The highlights from the second and final day of the 2026 Draft are in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Pittsburgh Penguins selecting Markus Ruck with the 39th overall pick was the notable highlight from the second day of the 2026 NHL Draft. Ruck’s twin brother, Liam, was chosen at No. 22 in the first round on Friday.

Liam and Markus Ruck (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whether the Ruck twins would end up on the same team was among the big questions heading into this draft. It seemed that hope was dashed when Liam was taken by the Penguins in the first round, leaving them facing the possibility that they would be split up for the first time in their young hockey careers before the Penguins chose Markus.

The Ruck twins being on the same NHL franchise have drawn comparisons to Hall of Famers Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who were selected by the Vancouver Canucks in 1999. Time will tell if they go on to have great careers like the Sedins.

Several prospects in this year’s draft have NHL bloodlines.

Vancouver Canucks first-round pick (third overall) Caleb Malhotra is the son of former NHL player and current Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra. Wyatt Cullen, chosen 10th overall by the Nashville Predators, is the son of former forward Matt Cullen.

St. Louis Blues prospect center Maddox Dagenais (16th overall) is the son of former forward Pierre Dagenais. Anaheim Ducks first-rounder (28th overall) Marcus Nordmark is the son of former defenseman Robert Nordmark. Detroit Red Wings prospect Victor Plante (chosen 47th overall) is the son of former center Derek Plante.

Calgary Flames winger Joe Iginla (65th overall) is the son of Hall of Fame winger Jarome Iginla. Montreal Canadiens prospect winger Parker Trottier (189th overall) is the grandson of Hall of Fame center Bryan Trottier.

A record-setting four players were from Latvia: Alberts Smits (No. 5 by the New York Rangers), Rudolfs Berzkains (No. 58 by the Edmonton Oilers), Patriks Plumins (No. 114 by the Toronto Maple Leafs), and Oliver Murnieks (No. 124 by the Buffalo Sabres).

San Jose Sharks prospect defenseman Alexander Karmanov (201st overall) is the tallest player ever selected in an NHL draft. The 18-year-old is 7’1” and weighs 280 pounds.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link for the complete list of picks from every round of the 2026 NHL Draft.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Carolina Hurricanes acquired the contract rights of defenseman John Carlson from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a sixth-rounder in this year’s draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carlson is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He’d already informed the Ducks that he intended to sign with an Eastern club. The Hurricanes have his exclusive negotiating rights until noon ET on Wednesday.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy said Jonathan Huberdeau has returned to skating and is trending toward being ready for training camp in September. The 33-year-old winger underwent season-ending hip resurfacing in March.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars GM Jim Nill said forward Radek Faksa underwent surgery to repair a foot injury he suffered during this season. He also said that forward Tyler Seguin is continuing his rehab from a season-ending ACL tear suffered in December.

Both players are expected to be ready for training camp in September.

TORONTO SUN/THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Maple Leafs traded defenseman Brandon Carlo to the St. Louis Blues for two third-round picks in this year’s draft.

The Leafs moved Carlo because he didn’t have the impact the club desired when they acquired him from the Boston Bruins at the March 2025 trade deadline. He’ll get a fresh start in St. Louis, where he’ll be insurance in case promising blueliner Adam Jiricek isn’t ready to make the jump to the NHL next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The move also freed up salary cap space for the Maple Leafs, giving them over $22 million to put toward other moves via the trade and free-agent markets.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW/COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins traded forward Fabian Lysell to the Colorado Avalanche for forward Ivan Ivan.

NEW YORK POST/THE TENNESSEAN: The Rangers trade forward Adam Edstrom to the Predators in exchange for the No. 148 pick in this year’s draft and prospect Massimo Rizzo.