The 2026 NHL offseason accelerated even before the Carolina Hurricanes lifted the Stanley Cup on June 14, with two major transactions already completed and several high-profile situations unresolved, according to ESPN. The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired negotiating rights to Darren Raddysh and signed him to an eight-year deal, while the Florida Panthers landed Brady Tkachuk in exchange for three first-round picks and a second-rounder, ESPN reported.
With the NHL draft set for Friday (Round 1) and Saturday (Rounds 2–7) and free agency opening July 1, ESPN reporters Emily Kaplan, Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski said they have been contacting teams for the latest intel on potential moves. One notable pending contract matter involves Alex Tuch, whose camp remains in communication with the Buffalo Sabres but has not bridged the gap; Tuch, 30, is considered among the top unrestricted free agents available, according to ESPN.
ESPN also reported that the Sabres are gauging interest in defenseman Bowen Byram, who is seeking a larger role as a No. 1 defenseman and has attracted attention around the league. Meanwhile, the Connor Hellebuyck situation has generated real interest: Hellebuyck has made clear his unhappiness in Winnipeg, and the Jets have taken calls. The Panthers explored a potential move for Hellebuyck but may be limited after spending multiple first‑round picks on Tkachuk; ESPN noted Florida has been unwilling to trade Anton Lundell, though Eetu Luostarinen or Evan Rodrigues were mentioned as possible pieces.
Dylan Larkin’s requested trade from Detroit has not been completed, and general manager Steve Yzerman has not outlined timing, ESPN reported. Larkin’s camp submitted a list identifying preferred destinations, and ESPN said Larkin favors an American-based club that can contend; as of now, Philadelphia is not on that list. The expectation reported by ESPN is that the Red Wings captain will be moved before next season.
Other developments ESPN cited include Ottawa’s plan to convert the Tkachuk-returned picks into a top-six forward while keeping the roster competitive, the possibility of Jake Sanderson or Tim Stutzle becoming the next Senators captain, Toronto fielding calls on Matthew Knies with Chicago interested and the Vancouver Canucks engaging teams on Elias Pettersson. ESPN also noted Dallas winger Jason Robertson scored 45 goals last season and 80 over the past two seasons, among the NHL leaders in those categories.
