Alex DeBrincat has been creating some chatter in the rumor mill as a trade candidate as he enters the final season of his contract with the Detroit Red Wings in 2026-27.
Could the Chicago Blackhawks look to bring the star forward back?
The Fourth Period recently listed the Blackhawks among the possible suitors for DeBrincat this summer.
"The Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Seattle Kraken and Buffalo Sabres are some of the teams exploring the market for a top-line, scoring winger and could have interest in DeBrincat," The Fourth Period wrote.
The idea of the Blackhawks bringing back DeBrincat is undoubtedly a fascinating one. They memorably traded DeBrincat to the Ottawa Senators during the 2022 NHL off-season as they were getting their rebuild started. It would make for an entertaining story if they brought him back to Chicago four summers later.
With the Blackhawks needing a star scoring winger, it would make sense for them to try to reunite with DeBrincat. The 28-year-old winger is coming off a fantastic season with the Red Wings, as he scored 41 goals and set new career highs with 44 assists and 85 points in 82 games. With numbers like these, he could be a great linemate for Connor Bedard to have.
In 368 games over five seasons with the Blackhawks from 2017-18 to 2021-22, DeBrincat posted 160 goals, 140 assists, and 307 points.
The New York Rangers have traded Brett Berard to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for William Trudeau.
Leading up to this trade, there was mixed reporting on whether Bearard was looking for a change of scenery.
Berard, who showed flashes of promise during the 2024-25 campaign in 35 games with the Rangers, did not make the Blueshirts’ opening-night roster out of training camp to kick off the 2025-26 season and spent the majority of the season in the American Hockey League playing for the Hartford Wolf Pack.
The 23-year-old played in just 13 NHL games this past season, failing to record a point in the process.
With Berard set to become a restricted free agent this summer,he’s now lined up to sign a contract extension with the Canadiens.
He now reunites with Canadiens president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton, who drafted him in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL Draft while serving as general manager of the Rangers.
The Rangers add Trudeau, a 6-foot-1 left-handed, defenseman to their prospect pool.
Since being selected by the Canadiens in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL Draft, Trudeau has spent four seasons playing for the Laval Rocket of the AHL, unable to break into an NHL role, given Montreal’s depth on the left side of their blueline.
The 23-year-old defenseman is coming off a season in which he recorded eight goals, 12 assists, and 20 points in 62 games.
Similar to Berard, Trudeau is also set to become a restricted free agent on July 1.
On Friday, reports continued to build around the idea that the Winnipeg Jets are aggressively exploring ways to move up into the top four of the upcoming NHL Draft, with multiple league insiders confirming ongoing conversations with the Buffalo Sabres.
The latest wave of speculation follows a busy week of reporting. On Wednesday, insider Frank Seravalli suggested that a major swing deal could see Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck moved to Buffalo in exchange for the fourth overall pick.
That framework would allow Winnipeg to retain its own eighth overall selection while adding a second top-eight pick, a rare draft capital scenario for any club.
By Thursday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman added further fuel to the speculation, reporting that Winnipeg remains actively engaged in discussions around the fourth pick.
Friedman also noted that the Jets are not alone, with the Calgary Flames among multiple teams pursuing Buffalo’s selection, signaling a competitive trade market forming around the pick.
On Friday’s edition of his 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman reiterated that both Winnipeg and Calgary have continued conversations with the Sabres, while emphasizing that interest in the fourth pick is widespread and evolving quickly as draft day approaches.
Winnipeg could consider a smaller jump, moving from seventh into the four spot without necessarily paying the premium of a blockbuster trade. They could position themselves towards potentially adding a marquee player in this draft like Chase Reid.
The 6-foot-2, 192-pound blueliner from the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds, who some scouts have ranked as the second-best player in the class, met with Winnipeg during the NHL Draft Combine. Reid made clear he would welcome the opportunity to join the organization.
“I think that’d definitely be an honor to go play for them,” Reid said at the Combine when asked about the Jets.
Reid has put together two strong seasons with the Greyhounds, improving his offensive production each year. After posting 40 points in 39 games in his first OHL season, he followed it up with 48 points in 45 games this past year, establishing himself as a dynamic, offense-driving defenseman.
The connection between Reid and Winnipeg extends beyond formal interviews. Earlier in the season, he spoke with Jets defenseman Colin Miller, a Sault Ste. Marie native who offered insight into life in Winnipeg and spoke positively about the organization.
Draft projections across the league continue to shift, with several mock drafts now projecting a top three of Gavin McKenna going first overall to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ivar Stenberg selected by the San Jose Sharks, and Caleb Malhotra joining his father Manny Malhotra in Vancouver at third overall.
If that scenario holds, Reid could be available at fourth, making Buffalo’s pick one of the most pivotal assets in the entire draft.
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At the 2026 NHL Draft, the Calgary Flames have the 6th overall pick, marking the 11th time in franchise history that they will have a selection inside the Top-10. Moreover, this will be the sixth time they will make their first pick at 6th overall.
Thus far, through the ten players Calgary has selected within the Top-10, some have been hits, some have missed, and others are Stanley Cup winners. Today, we will revisit each of those picks and see what happened.
This list is ranked based on points scored in the NHL.
10. Brent Krahn - 9th Overall 2000
Flames Career: 0GP - 0G - 0A - 0PTS
NHL Career: 1GP - 0G - 0A - 0PTS
Despite being a top-10 pick in the 2000 NHL Draft, Brent Krahn never dressed for the Flames and appeared in only one NHL game with the Dallas Stars, playing 20 minutes and surrendering three goals on nine shots.
After tearing up the OHL, Zayne Parekh transitioned smoothly to the NHL and is now one of the top prospects in the Flames' rebuild. Despite being just 20, his future is bright, and Calgary fans have only seen a glimpse of what he could achieve.
8. Daniel Tkaczuk- 6th Overall 1997
Flames Career: 19GP - 4G - 7A - 11PTS
NHL Career: 19GP - 4G - 7A - 11PTS
Daniel Tkaczuk is one of many top-10 first-round picks who just never found their footing in the NHL. He appeared in 19 games with the Flames during the 2000-01 season, scoring four goals and totaling seven points. As a career minor leaguer, Tkaczuk found his calling as a coach and executive.
7. Rico Fata - 6th Overall 1998
Flames Career: 27GP - 0G - 1A - 1PTS
NHL Career: 230GP - 27G - 36A - 63PTS
Immediately following the 1998 NHL Draft, Rico Fata debuted with the Flames on Opening Night. He played only 27 games with the organization before moving to four other teams, including the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he tallied a career high 16 goals and 34 points in 2004.
6. Eric Nystrom - 10th Overall 2002
Flames Career: 204GP - 19G - 20A - 39PTS
NHL Career: 593GP - 75G - 48A - 123PTS
Eric Nystrom joined the Flames at 22 and spent the next ten years in the NHL, suiting up for four different teams. His best season in Calgary came in 2010 with 11 goals and 19 points, before reaching a high of 16 lamp-lighters in 2012.
Not only is Sam Bennett the highest drafted player in Flames history, but he's also a two-time Stanley Cup winner, earning the Conn Smythe in 2025. The only other player to achieve that is Hall of Famer Mike Vernon, who did it in 1997 with the Detroit Red Wings. Since moving to the Florida Panthers in 2021, Bennett has doubled his goal and point totals and is now a four-time 20-goal scorer.
4. Dion Phaneuf - 9th Overall 2003
Flames Career: 378GP - 75G - 153A - 228PTS
NHL Career: 1,048GP - 137G - 357A - 494PTS
As of 2026, Dion Phaneuf is one of two Flames top-10 draft picks in history to skate in over 1,000 games in the NHL. In Calgary, he was a member of the All-Rookie Team and finished with votes for the Norris Trophy in five consecutive seasons. Eventually, Phaneuf would go on to captain the Toronto Maple Leafs and play for their provincial rival, the Ottawa Senators.
3. Sean Monahan - 6th Overall 2013
Flames Career: 656GP - 212G - 250A - 462PTS
NHL Career: 896GP - 276G - 355A - 631PTS
There's no denying that Sean Monahan's best seasons came with the Flames, with 73% of his career points coming in Calgary. Since leaving the club in 2022, he's bounced around with a few clubs, recently finding a home with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
2. Matthew Tkachuk - 6th Overall 2016
Flames Career: 431GP - 152G - 230A - 382PTS
NHL Career: 242GP - 101G - 187A - 288PTS
As the most recent 6th overall pick in Flames history, Matthew Tkachuk will always have a special place in team lore, not for being a 40-goal scorer, but for requesting a trade out of town. Once Tkachuk landed in Florida, he scored 40 again and helped the Panthers to three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, winning in 2024 and 2025.
Cory Stillman became the first Flames top-10 pick ever to win the Stanley Cup, achieving it against the club that drafted him in 2004 with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Two seasons later, he won again with the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite spending more time with other clubs throughout his 16-year career, Stillman's best seasons, in which he scored 27 goals, came in Calgary.
SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY - MAY 05: Detailed view of the draft board is shown following the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery at the NHL Network Studio on May 5, 2026 in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Good evening, Devils fans. Tonight, at 7:00 PM EDT (barring any ridiculous production-related delays), the 2026 NHL Draft will commence.
In the first round, the Devils will pick 12th overall unless they trade the pick.
On Day Two, which starts at 11:00 AM EDT tomorrow morning, the Devils will select:
35th overall (second round, from NYR through CGY)
44th overall (second round)
140th overall (fifth round)
172nd overall (sixth round)
Check back here for any updates to those selections throughout the Draft. When each pick is made, a post giving a rundown on the player selected will be made in which you can vote on how well you liked the pick. At the end of the NHL Draft, an overview of the Devils’ selections and moves will be posted, and you will get another chance to vote on how well you liked the pick then. Please keep in mind that each of these polls will take place in Feed Posts, as the platform currently does not support in-article polls. So, there will be a link at the bottom of each article with a 24-hour timeframe on each poll.
Day One Broadcast: 6/27/26 at 7:00 EDT; TV – ESPN, ESPN+, Sportsnet, TVAS
Day Two Broadcast: 6/28/26 at 11:00 AM EDT; TV – NHL Network, ESPN+, Sportsnet
The Los Angeles Kings are still searching for reliable offensive production, and Alex Turcotte has not emerged as part of that solution.
A former fifth-overall pick in 2019, Turcotte has spent his time in the organization battling injuries and trying to carve out a permanent NHL role. While he has managed to provide responsible, detail-oriented play in a bottom-six capacity, his offensive output has remained limited, and he has yet to translate his junior pedigree into consistent scoring at the NHL level.
If you're the Kings, this can't be said enough, but they probably should have started rebuilding a long time ago. Now because they decided to push the can down the road a little while longer, you either have to make a big trade at some point this offseason, or a mixed bag. You could move Turcotte to a team like the Chicago Blackhawks, who've ran into significant issues trying to rebuild that team and now they just overpaid for a top-six defenseman in Bowen Byram. Chicago might be interested in a Turcotte sort of player who can serve a role on that team. Nothing pretty. Turcotte is coming off a down year with three goals and 11 assists for 14 points in 62 games, which is disappointing given the hype that surrounded him from the very beginning.
At least if you're Los Angeles, if you can manage to flip Turcotte for a mid-round pick in the NHL Draft within the year or two or maybe even this draft, at least you get something in return. Turcotte is in the final year of a three-year, $2.325 million deal. It's not a terribly massive contract, but he's been such a disappointment, even spending $850,000 is considered too much, and that's pretty crazy to say for a former first-round pick. That's what the Kings are set to pay him this year. The cap hit for the first two years of the deal was $775,000.
Maybe the lights are a little too bright in a market like Los Angeles. Chicago is kind of a big market as well, but given the team isn't exactly in the limelight, perhaps a change of scenery is what Turcotte needs because this hasn't been a good fit from the onset.
The Rangers got their draft day started with a prospect swap.
Pending restricted free agent Brett Berard was traded to Montreal in exchange for defenseman William Trudeau on Friday, according to a source.
Trudeau, 23, is a 2021 fourth-round pick who spent the last four seasons in the American Hockey League. The left-handed blueliner has yet to make his NHL debut.
Rangers left wing Brett Berard (R) fights for the puck New York Islanders defenseman Travis Mitchell. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
A fifth-round pick in 2020 (134th overall) under the Jeff Gorton regime, Berard appeared in 48 games for the Rangers over the last two seasons. Despite an encouraging 2024-25 campaign, in which he posted six goals and 10 points in 35 games with the Rangers, Berard didn’t do much with his opportunities this past season.
The 23-year-old, the final cut of training camp, went scoreless through 13 contests.
Montreal drafted Trudeau 113th overall out of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, where the young Canadian collected 90 points (20 goals, 70 assists) over three seasons with the Charlottetown Islanders.
Laval Rocket defenceman William Trudeau (84) defends the puck against Cleveland Monsters left wing Mikael Pyyhtia (82). Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Rangers are pleased with the forward prospects who emerged as options despite the lost 2025-26 season.
Berard had fallen down the depth chart amid strong showings from Gabe Perreault, Noah Laba, Jaroslav Chmelar and Adam Sykora.
The Montreal Canadiens have made another minor swap.
The Canadiens have announced that they have acquired forward Brett Berard from the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman William Trudeau.
Berard appeared in 13 games this past season with the Rangers, where he had zero points and 17 hits. Down in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack in 2025-26, the 23-year-old forward posted six goals and 22 points in 41 games.
Berard also played in 35 games for the Rangers during the 2024-25 campaign, where he recorded six goals, 10 points, and 53 hits.
As for Trudeau, he played each of the last four seasons in the AHL with the Laval Rocket. In 62 games this past season with the AHL club, he posted eight goals, 12 assists, 20 points, and 54 penalty minutes.
Trudeau was selected by the Canadiens with the 113th overall pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. He has yet to make his NHL debut, but will be looking to change that after being traded to the Rangers.
The Buffalo Sabres are more heavily invested in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday than anyone expected, as GM Jarmo Kekalainen flipped defenseman Bowen Byram to Chicago for the fourth overall pick, a 2026 second round pick, and defenseman Louis Crevier. The Sabres now have two picks in the top 20, after another blueline deal involving Michael Kesselring allowed Buffalo to move up seven slots.
The question now before Kekalainen and his scouting staff is what direction do they go with their top pick. Do they select one of the impressive crop of defensemen expected to be selected in the top 10, do they go first off the board with a center, or does Kekalainen swing for the fences and deal the fourth overall pick for an established player who can help them recover from the losses of Tuch and Byram.
At this point, it appears almost certain that the top two picks will be winger Gavin McKenna by the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ivar Stenberg by the San Jose Sharks. Vancouver is picking third and the chatter has shifted back and fourth between them taking head coach Manny Malhotra’s son Caleb or one of the top defensemen (Chase Reid, Keaton Verhoeff, Alberts Smits, Carson Carels). In a premium position such as fourth overall and with the likelihood that they will not be drafting this high in the foreseeable future, the Sabres cannot afford to make a mistake and need to take the best player available, regardless of position.
If the Canucks take Malhotra, the Sabres will have their pick of the defensive litter, which is not a bad place to be since many believe this is the best stockpile of blueliners at the top of the draft since 2008 (Drew Doughty, Alex Pietrangelo, Luke Schenn, Zach Bogosian, Tyler Myers, Erik Karlsson). The argument against this is that they already have two first overall picks in Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power in the fold, Mattias Samuelsson coming off a career year, and 2025 ninth overall pick Radim Mrtka a year or two away.
Sabres sign Zach Benson to a seven-year extension
Option 2 - Take the top center
If Vancouver selects Reid or Verhoeff, the Sabres could still take a defenseman if their top rated one is still on the board, but the temptation would be to take Malhotra, who played for OHL Brantford last season and is heading to Boston University next fall. The argument against this is that Buffalo is loaded with young centers in Konsta Helenius, Noah Ostlund, Jiri Kulich, to go along with veterans Tage Thompson, Ryan McLeod and Josh Norris. Some of these centers can move to the wing, but there appears to be more depth up the middle than there is on the blueline.
Option 3 - Trade the #4
“I've told all the teams that have inquired about the #4 pick, that we're just going to listen for now, take notes, and see what they think is the value of #4. We value that very highly ourselves.” Kekalainen said on Wednesday. “We know there's a great prospect available there, that's going to be two, three years away, or maybe even more, before they can make an impact on our team. We want to keep getting better as a team. We had an exciting year, but still disappointing at the end, but we'll gather that information around the league and see what the values, and if we don't think it's as much as making the pick, then we'll make the pick.”
Clearly, the willingness is there on the part of the Sabres GM to make a big move to help recover from the losses of Tuch and Byram, but the move of the fourth overall would have to have a major impact. Names like Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski, Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck or Rangers center Vincent Trocheck have been rumored, but each of them would have to be asking out from Columbus, Winnipeg, and New York, and would have to be willing to come to Buffalo.
The chatter surrounding Toronto winger Matthew Knies has been popular fodder, but Leafs GM John Chayka was reportedly asking for more than what Buffalo got for Byram from Chicago, and it would likely take a significant piece besides the #4 (like Konsta Helenius to make such a deal happen.
To fill the hole on the wing or on the blueline, it could be more of a fit for Kekalainen to move the 20th overall pick, which might be enough for a rebuilding team like Vancouver to move a winger like Jake DeBrusk, or Toronto to deal right-handed defenseman Brandon Carlo.
The possibility of the Detroit Red Wings landing Dallas Stars superstar Jason Robertson appears to have taken a major hit following a flurry of reports late Thursday night and Friday morning.
Speculation had recently picked up surrounding a potential blockbuster that would see Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin head to Dallas in exchange for Robertson. However, the latest developments suggest Robertson may not have any interest in leaving the Stars for a non-contending team.
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Dallas had reached an agreement Thursday night to sign-and-trade the 26-year-old winger to the Seattle Kraken in a blockbuster sign-and-trade centered around the seventh overall selection in Friday's NHL Draft.
The trade, however, ultimately fell apart after Robertson exercised his no-move clause and refused to waive it for a move to Seattle. The proposed deal reportedly included an eight-year, $120 million contract extension worth $15 million annually.
Had Robertson accepted, it would have made him the second-highest-paid player in the NHL, trailing only Minnesota Wild superstar Kirill Kaprizov.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported Dallas had another major transaction lined up if the Kraken deal had gone through.
The Stars were reportedly prepared to flip the seventh overall pick acquired from Seattle to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for emerging power forward Matthew Knies.
Robertson's refusal to approve the trade prevented yet another blockbuster from materializing and would've moved a major player out of the Atlantic Division.
Additional reporting by Daily Faceoff's Jeff Marek also revealed the St. Louis Blues made a significant push for the star winger, reportedly offering a package that included multiple first-round draft picks.
Robertson, however, was also unwilling to commit to signing long-term in St. Louis, effectively shutting down that proposal as well.
Robertson's willingness to turn down what would have been one of the richest contracts in NHL history suggests money may not be the driving force behind the current stalemate.
Instead, it appears the California native is placing a premium on remaining with a legitimate Stanley Cup contender and that reality could create a major obstacle for Detroit.
While the Red Wings have been linked to Robertson in recent weeks, they have not made the playoffs in a decade and may struggle to convince the elite winger to commit long-term.
Even if Detroit were able to work out a trade with Dallas, they would still have to satisfy Robertson's contract demands, with reports indicating his camp is seeking a deal worth upwards of $14 million per season.
Robertson is coming off another dominant campaign, scoring 45 goals and adding 51 assists for 96 points while playing all 82 regular-season games.
There's little doubt a player of his caliber would dramatically improve Detroit's chances of ending its lengthy playoff drought, but based on the latest reports, a deal between the Red Wings and Stars appears increasingly unlikely.
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The Chicago Blackhawks have been searching for the right top-line winger for Connor Bedard ever since he was the number one overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.
There have been some successes, but there is another level of player that can be put with him. Instead of reaching for potential 30-goal scorers, Bedard is best suited for a winger who is capable of 40 goals and 80 points without it being a career year.
It can be incredibly hard to find players like that; the Blackhawks would have one already if it were easy. However, one is available right now that teams are working to land.
Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars is going to be paid anywhere in the $12-15 million per year range, whether it's with his current team or not.
On Thursday night, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet confirmed that after permission to speak with the Seattle Kraken, Robertson turned down an 8-year deal worth $15 million annually.
There have been multiple reports that the Chicago Blackhawks have been in on this player, which makes sense from a hockey standpoint. Robertson and Bedard could each become 50-goal/100-point players alongside each other.
This wouldn’t be an example of two snipe-only players getting together. That doesn’t always work. Bedard and Robertson are both forwards who can score goals, but are also capable of driving play. They would always look to find each other, while also knowing when it’s right to just shoot the puck themselves.
There are many examples of elite players getting together on the same line and it not working, but this is different. They are both good enough at every aspect of offense to feed off each other well.
Robertson would have to see the vision that Chicago has as an up-and-coming team, and he'd have to be okay with the taxes that come with singing in Illinois as opposed to some of the no-tax states that have benefited NHL teams in recent years.
The other issue is that it would cost not only a lot to extend him, but the Dallas Stars are going to get a massive haul in return. It will likely start with the 2 1st-round picks and a good player plus more.
That is a lot for a team trying to come out of a rebuild to give up, but it is the cost of doing business in the NHL right now. Great players are fetching incredible returns on the market.
It may be time for the Blackhawks to show their players and season ticket holders that they are committed to winning. Trading for Robertson, regardless of what it costs, would do that.
At 26-years-old, Robertson is one of the best wingers in the NHL and will be for a long time. In 2025-26, he had 45 goals and 51 assists for 96 points in 82 games played on an elite Stars team. It also marked the 4th consecutive year in which he didn't miss a single game.
That level of player isn't available every day, and that is the reason that the Blackhawks are not the only team involved. He fits a lot of teams, but there is no denying the greatness that could come of him playing on Connor Bedard's wing.
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SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY - MAY 05: Detailed view of the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery set at the NHL Network Studio on May 5, 2026 in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
While it isn’t expected to be a big night for the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night for the opening round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, Saturday might be a different story as the organization currently holds 10 picks on the second day of the draft including two top 100 picks starting with 43rd overall in the second round and 74th overall in the third round. Will Colorado make either of these picks or will they get moved in a draft weekend trade?
To begin the festivities, tonight the first round of the draft commences from Buffalo, NY. It will be televised on ESPN and ESPN+ beginning at 5 p.m. MT. Saturday morning rounds 2-7 start bright and early at 9 a.m. MT on NHL Network and ESPN+.
Since Sunday, FOUR first-round picks in the 2026 #NHLDraft have been dealt in FIVE different trades (No. 4, No. 9, No. 16, & No. 25)! 😳
Here's an updated look at the order of selection for Friday's first round!
There have been some major trades in the league leading up to this event and even more could be on tap before the weekend has concluded. Stay up to date with the NHL’s entire official draft order, which has been updated continually with the recent flurry of exchanges.
Follow along for a busy two days of action in the comments!
The Colorado Avalanche enter the 2026 NHL Draft with 10 selections, including Nos. 43, 74, 126, 128, 149, 152, 195, 214, 215, and 222.
After a stretch of aggressive roster maneuvering, Joe Sakic has steadily rebuilt Colorado’s draft capital as part of a broader reset of the organization’s prospect pipeline. Moves such as sending Ross Colton and Isak Posch to the Nashville Predators for two third-round picks, followed by the deal that sent star winger Valeri Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets for three additional selections, have significantly expanded the Avalanche’s draft flexibility heading into 2026.
Even after those moves, the Avalanche still have clear roster gaps to address. Chief among them is a need for added center depth and more physical presence down the middle.
43. Liam Lefebvre, C.
Lefebvre could come off the board before the Avalanche even get a chance to pick, but if he’s still available, Colorado should not hesitate. The Montreal native is a hard-charging, physical forward who can slide into multiple roles and contribute in different situations. He finished the season with 32 goals and 27 assists for 59 points in 59 regular-season games split between the Océanic and Saguenéens, and added 12 points in 20 playoff games.
If Lefebvre is gone, however, Colorado may pivot to Alessandro Di Iorio—and that wouldn’t be a downgrade. In many ways, Di Iorio could be an even cleaner fit within the Avalanche system. He brings a strong mix of speed, physical play, vision, and a dangerous shot, allowing him to impact the game in multiple ways. Over the years, Colorado has consistently leaned toward versatile forwards like Di Iorio, making him a natural target in their draft approach.
74. Lucas Ambrosio, D.
Ambrosio profiles as a defensive-minded defenseman who moves well and still has some untapped potential on the offensive side of the puck. He has the skating ability to keep up with quicker forwards, while also bringing a large frame that allows him to close gaps and knock opponents off the puck.
For a Colorado blue line that could stand to get tougher, Ambrosio fits the mold. He brings a physical edge, plays with structure in his own zone, and projects as a steady, defensive presence.
126. Sawyer Dingman, LW.
Dingman offers the kind of size that can't be taught. At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, the Edmonton, Alberta native plays a physical, north-south game while showing the skating ability and offensive tools to develop further. His upside made him a player worth watching throughout the draft process, finishing No. 145 on NHL Central Scouting's final rankings among North American skaters.
128. Giorgos Pantelas, D.
Pantelas projects as a potential two-way defenseman with the tools to grow into a puck-moving role. He has decent skating ability and can contribute to transition play, including joining or leading rushes when given space. However, his skating still needs refinement before it reaches a reliable NHL level.
The biggest concern in his game is how he handles pressure. When facing an aggressive forecheck, he can get rushed into mistakes and will occasionally cough up possession in his own zone. Improving his decision-making and composure under pressure will be key to unlocking his full potential.
149. Dmitri Yakutsenak, C.
Yakutsenak's game is defined by his skating as well as his excellent puck control and sharp offensive instincts. At 6'1 and 201 pounds, Yakutsenak uses his size well on the ice to win board battles and is known for being effective on the power play from the bumper spot.
152. Joby Baumuller, LW.
Baumuller is a hard-charging checking forward who excels in the forechecking role, using his positioning and hockey sense to disrupt opposing plays and force turnovers. His ability to read and react to breakouts is a key strength, as he consistently gets into effective lanes to take away time and space or steer his opponents into traps. Baumuller’s excellent stick work keeps defenders alert, and he frequently comes close to intercepting passes, adding pressure to the opposition’s breakout. This player has a little bit of Valeri Nichushkin and Devon Toews.
195. Michel Myloserdnyy, D.
The Avalanche appear to be shifting toward a more physical identity this season, targeting players who make life difficult for opponents. Myloserdnyy fits that mold perfectly. At 18 years old, he already stands 6-foot-7 and weighs close to 230 pounds, and he doesn’t hesitate to engage physically or step into confrontations. He brings a clear edge to his game and projects as a heavy, intimidating presence on the ice.
214. Danil Sysoyev, C.
Sysoyev projects as a reliable two-way center with the tools to develop into an effective fourth-line player at the NHL level. He's strong in the faceoff circle, moves the puck well, and makes smart, simple plays with possession. While his offensive upside appears limited, his hockey IQ, passing ability, and defensive reliability give him a solid foundation
215. Adel Kalimullin, RW
Kalimullin plays with relentless energy and isn't afraid to throw his body around, delivering big open-ice hits while constantly pressuring opponents. He's an aggressive player who attacks with speed and creates offense through his motor, but his game can get rushed at times. As he continues to refine his puck-handling and learns to better control the pace of play, he should cut down on unnecessary mistakes and become a more consistent offensive threat.
222. Darian Anderson, RW.
Anderson profiles as a reliable depth forward who has a knack for slipping through defensive coverage and finding soft areas in coverage. He does a lot of his damage around the net, tracking down loose pucks and capitalizing on rebound opportunities that can swing momentum in tight games.
It’s Draft Day in the NHL, and this week has lived up to promises of years past from an entertainment standpoint. Tuesday was one of the most impactful landscape shakeup days in the history of the NHL, with four major trades finalized and the NHL coaching carousel finally coming to a stop for the time being.
The Anaheim Ducks didn’t get in on the week’s trade action, but were able to re-sign young right-shot defenseman Ian Moore to a two-year, $1.15 million AAV contract. The Mason McTavish trade saga seems to be on the verge of a conclusion, but until then, here’s what some of the top NHL insiders have been reporting or speculating on when it comes to the Ducks this offseason.
A McTavish trade seems imminent at this point in time. If a deal does go through, he’ll be the third straight former top-ten pick to take contract negotiations into a training camp following the expiration of his ELC, only to be eventually traded before that contract concluded.
Anthony Di Marco from dailyfaceoff.com reported earlier in the week that the Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers have either called or have been keeping tabs on McTavish’s availability.
“Among the teams who have called on McTavish are the Calgary Flames, Daily Faceoff was told. According to a team source, the Flames don’t feel like they have what the Ducks are looking for in exchange for McTavish; the same source said that Verbeek is looking to make ‘hockey deals,’” Di Marco reported in his column.
“When speaking with an Eastern Conference executive, DFO was told McTavish’s value is not as high across the league as it was a season ago,” He continued
“One team who is believed to be keeping tabs on McTavish is the Philadelphia Flyers, who have been on the lookout to add a center all offseason. Despite McTavish playing on the wing for large stretches of last season, the Flyers believe he is a true center, according to a team source.”
It now seems the Ducks are deciding between two offers: one from the St. Louis Blues and one from the New York Rangers. Frank Seravalli first reported the Rangers’ involvement on Thursday evening, followed by TSN’s Pierre LeBrun and ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reporting that another offer was on the table from the Blues.
SportsNet’s Elliotte Friedman furthered the reporting late Thursday night on his “32 Thoughts” podcast, when he hinted at potential pieces from each organization.
“I think the Blues, one of the key parts of their offer, is the 11th overall pick, and the Rangers, it’s a player, I believe,” Friedman said. “I don’t want to guess the name of the player. I’m not sure”
Friedman went on to report Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek’s desire for win-now pieces as opposed to draft picks.
“I don’t think the Ducks want picks. I think they want someone that can help them now,” Friedman continued/ “They’re in win-now mode. They want someone that can help them now. He (Verbeek) thinks he takes his time. So, we’re on his timetable, not ours. If I’m right about the St. Louis pick, the 11th overall pick, being the key part of their offer, I don’t think it’s necessarily something he wants to keep. So, if he does take the Blues offer, one of the things I think here, he might be saying, ‘Okay, I have the 11th pick, what can I do with it?’”
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen has connected McTavish to the Ottawa Senators throughout this process, reporting the organization’s interest. It appears now that the price has become too rich for the Sens. Friedman confirmed Garrioch’s report.
“I don’t believe the Senators are in on McTavish. The asking price has gone up,” Garrioch reported on Twitter.
“Ottawa, I heard, was in this. It was believed Ottawa had a lot of interest in Mason McTavish,” Friedman said. “There are a lot of ties in there. I think at the end of it, Verbeek liked what was being offered more from St. Louis and the Rangers.”
Defensemen
Last week, defenseman John Carlson relayed his intention to forgo re-signing with the Ducks after the organization traded for him at the 2026 trade deadline. It seems like the Tampa Bay Lightning are the frontrunners for Carlson, and fellow right-shot blueliners Radko Gudas and Jacob Trouba will likely join him in free agency.
“Anaheim’s D, Carlson, is now going to market. I think a lot of people wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up in Tampa Bay,” Friedman said. “Trouba, I think, is going to market, and it looks like Gudas is too. There was some talk about Gudas in Toronto. But I don’t think that’s going to be happening.”
Seravalli reported on Twitter that the Ducks are hoping to trade Carlson’s signing rights for a draft pick before the veteran defenseman hits the market.
“Preference of the Ducks is to move the rights to John Carlson in exchange for a pick, but it sounds like the handful of teams interested in jumping the queue for the top free agent D have irons in the fire at the moment,” Seravalli tweeted.
Finally, the Ducks have been connected to Blues defenseman Colton Parayko since the trade deadline, but Seravalli reported via Twitter that the Blues have removed Parayko from the trade block and are no longer taking calls on him.
“One player coming off the trade targets board today is Colton Parayko. The Blues have told inquiring teams Parayko is unavailable, same answer for Robert Thomas,” Seravalli said.
The National Hockey League is set to host the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, New York, over the course of the weekend. The first round will take place on Friday night, while the rest of the event will take place on Saturday.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently on the clock for another day, as they will make the first overall pick. They will be followed by the San Jose Sharks, who won the second lottery spot. The Vancouver Canucks, who had finished in last place in the league in 2025-26, will round out the top three.
Although the New Jersey Devils had a lackluster season, the 12th overall pick is a decent consolation prize. They may use the selection on a player that they believe will help them down the line, or they will trade it for immediate help.
Surrounding New Jersey's selection are the 16 picks that were involved in the lottery. Lots of parts have already been moved through trades this week, and more are sure to follow. This is a mock of all those lottery picks, including New Jersey's selection at 12:
1. Toronto Maple Leafs - Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State
The Toronto Maple Leafs had one rough year and lucked into the top spot via the lottery. Now, they have the right to select Gavin McKenna, who has superstar NHL potential.
2. San Jose Sharks - Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frolunda
After some moves made this week, the San Jose Sharks select Ivar Stenberg out of Sweden. They had some lottery luck once again, and now they have a legit star winger in the making coming to play with Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.
3. Vancouver Canucks - Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford
The Vancouver Canucks could use some help down the middle of the ice in the short and long term. They address that need with their new head coach's son, Caleb Malhotra, at third overall.
4. Buffalo Sabres via Chicago Blackhawks - Chase Reid, D, Sault St. Marie
After trading Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks, the Buffalo Sabres have the fourth overall pick. With it, they use it on a defenseman in Chase Reid. One day, the hope for them will be that Reid is as good as Byram but much younger.
5. New York Rangers - Carson Carels, D, Prince George
The New York Rangers have their pick of defensemen outside of Reid here, and they opt to go with Carsen Carels for a safer pick.
6. Calgary Flames - Keaton Verhoeff, D, North Dakota
The Calgary Flames need help everywhere, but they have a wonderful pipeline in the making. If Keaton Verhoeff, who has tremendous puck skills, can reach his potential at the pro level, the Flames will have an even brighter future.
7. Seattle Kraken - Viggo Bjorck, RW, Djurgarden
The Seattle Kraken need a star with some offensive flair. They have had Artemi Panarin and Jason Robertson turn them down over the last couple of months, despite big money. Viggo Bjorck has that type of talent worth taking a risk on.
8. Winnipeg Jets - Alberts Smits, D, Jujurit
The Winnipeg Jets have a wonderful ability to draft and develop defensemen. Alberts Smits, who is kind of a buffer to the next wave of blue-liners in the draft, makes great sense for the Jets organization.
9. San Jose Sharks via Ottawa Senators via Florida Panthers - Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert
This pick has had its fair share of movement. It was supposed to belong to the Chicago Blackhawks, but then the Florida Panthers protected it by being in the bottom ten. Then, they traded it to the Ottawa Senators for Brady Tkachuk, who flipped it to the San Jose Sharks for William Eklund. If they use the second overall pick on a forward, which all signs point to, they are likely to use the ninth pick on a defenseman. Daxon Rudolph would be great for their organization.
10. Nashville Predators - Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University
The Nashville Predators take Tynan Lawrence here, who was once a top-three pick possibility. Boston University wasn't as smooth a transition for him, so his stock fell a little bit. A team like Nashville would love to take him on as a project who could become a star forward.
11. St. Louis Blues - Oscar Hemming, RW, Boston College
The St. Louis Blues have four picks in the first round, and three of them are in the lottery portion of the draft. They could go with any position at any time, especially with the needs that they have. Boston College forward Oscar Hemming is the selection for them here. With Jordan Kyrou gone, they will need eventual help up front.
12. New Jersey Devils - Wyatt Cullen, F, USNTDP
The New Jersey Devils are, as currently constructed, a team designed to use their speed and skill. They didn’t score a lot of goals in 2025-26, and they’d like to stock their pipeline with players who can help them be a fast team over the course of the next few years. Wyatt Cullen is someone who fits that mold as a prospect. It will take some time to become a full-time NHL player, but he is worth considering if the Devils don’t trade the pick.
13. New York Islanders - Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor
The New York Islanders made two incredible picks in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft, headlined by rookie superstar Matthew Schaefer. Now, they can follow that up with a great selection in Ethan Belchetz of the Windsor Spitfires.
14. Columbus Blue Jackets - Alexander Command, C, Orebro HK
The Columbus Blue Jackets have a lot of question marks within their organization, including Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Zach Werenski. For now, however, a forward in Alexander Command could help them brighten their future.
15. St. Louis Blues via Detroit Red Wings - Malte Gustafsson, LD, HV71
The St. Louis Blues make their second of three picks within the top 16 using the 15th overall pick acquired in the Justin Faulk deal. Malte Gustafsson, a defenseman, helps them re-stock their prospects at the position as they retool.
16. St. Louis Blues via Washington Capitals - Ryan Lin, D, Vancouver
Making consecutive picks is scheduled to be the reality for the Blues, as they also hold 16 from the aforementioned Jordan Kyrou deal. Another defenseman makes sense for them, and this time it's Ryan Lin.
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