It's Jun. 30, and that means NHL free agency is just one day away.

In years past, there was much more fanfare surrounding Jul. 1, especially since there was talent to be had in unrestricted free agency. That's not to say there isn't any talent this season, but there certainly isn't nearly as much intrigue surrounding the free agent class this season as opposed to years past.

Just take it from Pittsburgh Penguins' president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas, who actually laughed when asked about whether or not the Penguins will turn to free agency to fill talent holes. 

"We can be as aggressive as we want on Jul. 1, but if you look at what's available, it could be an expensive mistake," Dubas said. "And I try to learn from the past. We'll try to steer clear of that."

Even if Pittsburgh could risk making some "expensive mistakes," however, that doesn't mean they won't be active on Jul. 1 - they just aren't likely to overpay.

So, what should Penguins' fans expect when free agency begins at noon ET? Here are three storylines to watch.

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1. Will the Penguins address the left side?

After the trade that sent left defenseman and Erik Karlsson's partner Parker Wotherspoon to the Vegas Golden Knights for right defenseman Kaeden Korczak - as well as the free agent signing of veteran blueliner Trevor van Riemsdyk - the Penguins are loaded up on the right side, but they are pretty barren on the left.

As of now, they have Karlsson, Korczak, van Riemsdyk, Kris Letang, and Harrison Brunicke on the right side - in addition to Finn Harding and Chase Pietila right behind them as far as depth in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) - so it is becoming a crowded place. In contrast, the Penguins now have just Sam Girard, Ryan Graves, Caleb Jones, and Ilya Solovyov left over from last year's NHL roster on the left side, and Owen Pickering, Jake Livanavage, and Maleek McGowan will be pushing for a roster spot from WBS. The only surefire NHL-caliber player there - right now - is Girard.

In free agency, options are limited. 27-year-old San Jose Sharks UFA Mario Ferraro is, potentially, a name to keep an eye on, as he recorded seven goals and 23 points last season and is a perfectly solid bottom-pair guy who can be had for relatively cheap. Same goes for Calgary Flames 28-year-old UFA Jake Bean, who played just 16 games with Calgary last season because of a season-ending injury sustained in December.

And, of course, there's still a few big names to watch on the trade market if the Penguins want to shoot higher. Zach Werenski and Thomas Harley are hot names, as is Alexander Nikishin, as the Carolina Hurricanes are exploring his market.

This is definitely a situation to keep an eye on Jul. 1 and into the rest of the summer.

Reaction: Penguins' Defenseman Parker Wotherspoon Traded To Vegas For Another RightyThe Penguins swapped defensemen with the Vegas Golden Knights Tuesday, leaving questions about the left side of their blue line.

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2. Will the Penguins offer sheet anyone?

To be upfront about this, I believe this is unlikely.

Dubas said last summer that he believed offer sheets aren't particularly viable in the rising cap environment: Teams not only have more cap space to match offers, but the pick compensation is also going to make things more complicated, as it will be a bit hard to predict how that ratio is going to work relative to the cap. 

It's difficult to completely rule it out because there are some cap-strapped teams. However, with prime offer sheet candidates already off the board in Mavrik Bourque and Nick Robertson - the latter of which the Penguins already traded for from the Toronto Maple Leafs - it's hard to imagine much happening there. 

Perhaps blueliners Braden Schneider and Arber Xhekaj made some degree of sense, but only for a reasonable cap hit - and I doubt Dubas would surrender first-rounders for either, meaning he can't go above $4.68 million. RFAs like Nikishin will cost too much on an offer sheet.

Again, I doubt this is the route they'll take. But never say never.

Penguins Acquire Nick Robertson From Maple LeafsThe Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired Nick Robertson from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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3. Is something bigger in the works?

Following Dubas's body of work, it's clear that he likes to make trades after Jul. 1 - particularly in the month of August. The Karlsson deal happened in August of 2023. The Rutger McGroarty deal in August of 2024. 

But, given the trade market landscape right now, it's hard to imagine, if the Penguins are indeed shooting big in the trade market, that they will be able to wait that long to get something done.

Rumors have been swirling about superstar winger Jason Robertson, and Pittsburgh is in the thick of it. For three of the other teams that were revealed to have checked in on Robertson - the Seattle Kraken, St. Louis Blues, and Ottawa Senators - it was almost immediately shot down that Robertson would sign long-term with those teams. 

So far, that hasn't been the case for Pittsburgh, and it's reasonable to think it would have been shot down by now if there was no interest, on his part, in coming to Pittsburgh.

As mentioned before, the Penguins are loaded up on the right side. A guy like Karlsson immediately makes a win-now team better. A guy like Brunicke gives a playoff-hopeful team something to look forward to. If the player is right, both of these guys are probably going to be in play, and Dallas needs right-side defensemen.

The chances of the Penguins pulling something as massive as Robertson off are slim, especially given their asset pool. But that doesn't mean it can't get done. And that doesn't mean they still won't be in the mix for a guy like Nikishin, or even a guy like Anaheim Ducks defenseman Pavel Mintyukov. 

So, stay tuned. Things could get pretty interesting in the coming days.

'We'll Continue To Stay Involved': Dubas Prepared To Adjust Accordingly To Changing MarketPittsburgh Penguins' president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas is still trying to land a difference-maker in the trade market, but he may have to adjust to a changing landscape with the rising salary cap.

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The Senators made it official on Wednesday morning. They've signed forward Nick Cousins to a two-year contract extension. The deal kicks in this fall and is worth an oddly specific total of $1.5875 million per season.

It's a decent raise for Cousins, who's 33 next month, and has obviously proven his worth to Sens management in his effective bottom six role. He's coming off back-to-back one-year deals with the club and has spoken openly about his desire to stay, ideally with some term.

Cousins didn't miss a game this season, putting up nine goals, 23 points and a career-high 92 penalty minutes. With Brady Tkachuk now gone, the Sens could ill afford to lose any more edge up front, and Cousins has never been an easy man to play against. In fact, he was voted as having the NHL's most punchable face for two years running.

“Nick has proven his value to our hockey club over the past two seasons," GM Steve Staios said in a prepared club statement. "He brings Stanley Cup-winning experience and is an important player inside our dressing room."

In parts of 12 NHL seasons, Cousins has collected 86 goals and 218 points with seven different clubs. He's also played for the Florida Panthers, Arizona Coyotes, Montreal Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, and Nashville Predators.

A member of the Panthers, Cousins won a Stanley Cup ring in 2024.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

This article was first published on The Hockey News Ottawa Senators site. For full coverage of the Senators check out one of the latest headlines below:

The Senators May Have Just Chosen Burakovsky Over Giroux

Senators Walk Away From AHL's Top Goal Scorer
Meet The Future: Senators Draft Offensive Skill With Two First-Round Picks
At A Glance, Senators' Draft Day Trades Are Head Scratchers
Brady Tkachuk Had a Chance to Write His Own Story. He Chose Matthew's

As the free agency window opened on Wednesday, the Detroit Red Wings announced they have re-signed forward Carter Mazur to a two-year contract with a $875,000 cap hit. 

The deal brings back the 24-year-old Jackson, Michigan native on a team-friendly pact as he looks to finally establish himself with the franchise he grew up watching and dreaming of playing for.

Mazur is a Michigan kid through and through, and the Red Wings represent far more than just an employer. After the organization elected not to extend him a qualifying offer, the decision to circle back and bring him back on a new deal speaks to the belief Detroit still holds in what Mazur can be when healthy, and perhaps to the belief that his passion for this particular organization is worth betting on.

When Mazur has been on the ice and at full strength, he has looked every bit the part of a legitimate NHL contributor. Over 16 games, the former third-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft posted 11 goals and five assists for a point-per-game pace that would rank among the more productive stretches by any Red Wings forward this past season. He added six points in eight playoff games, further reinforcing that his game translates when the stakes are highest. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.

His game is built on grit, physicality and a competitive edge that resonates in the modern NHL, where teams increasingly value forwards who can contribute offensively while also bringing a nasty, hard-to-play-against element every shift.

Mazur suffered an injury during his debut with the Red Wings in the 2024-25 season and was unable to return, a cruel interruption to what had been a promising introduction at the NHL level. The health question mark remains the central uncertainty surrounding his game, but the underlying talent and compete level have never been in serious doubt.

At $875,000 per season, Detroit is taking on minimal financial risk while keeping a player whose combination of skill, physicality and hometown motivation makes him a compelling possibility for the bottom six.

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The Penguins have reportedly made a signing just as the 12 noon window of free agency opens. Veteran defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk, formerly of Washington, is said to be signing with the Pens.

As NHL free agency officially opens, defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk is heading to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2026

TvR was featured on Pensburgh just yesterday as a free agent name to watch:

Trevor van Riemsdyk

AFP Projection: $2.36 million AAV for two years

van Riemsdyk turns 35 next month, not sure how much appetite the Penguins would have with a two-year contract for him but he’s got some size (6’3”, 210 pounds) and 751 games of experience that would add some depth to shore up the right side of their defense with skating ability and a history of strong defensive impacts. The Penguins don’t currently have that many defenseman in a ‘5/6’ type of role that could shade more into being used as a ‘5’, van Riemsdyk could be a nice short-term patch and insurance if 20-year old Harrison Brunicke needs more AHL developmental time.

van Riemsdyk is the second right handed defenseman to join the team in as many days after the acquisition of Kaeden Korczak via a trade from Vegas.

Trevor van Riemsdyk, signed 2x$4M by PIT, is a veteran defence-first right defenceman who kills penalties and, year after year for over a decade, puts up excellent underlying numbers in a third-pairing role. pic.twitter.com/oWXYB1osv7

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 1, 2026

This first move is sure to not be the last of the offseason, or possibly day for Pittsburgh. Kyle Dubas and the team stated a goal to add more depth to the blueline in hopes to improve their goals and chances against, it looks like that overhaul is well under way.

Update: looks like a two-year deal for $4.0 million AAV.

The #LetsGoPens signed 34 y/o D Trevor van Riemsdyk to a 2 year $4M cap hit contract

Rep'd by Judd Moldaver @the_team_hockeyhttps://t.co/ketftlchpw

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 1, 2026

Officially, the Philadelphia Flyers have locked down Dan Vladar as their starting goalie for the next five years.

On Wednesday, Vladar, 28, officially signed his five-year extension worth a total of $27.5 million ($5.5 million cap hit), after much anticipation locally and around the NHL.

Vladar signed with the Flyers on July 1, 2025 after four years with the Calgary Flames and one with the Boston Bruins, quickly emerging as their starter after displacing Sam Ersson.

In 52 games, and 51 starts, with the Flyers, Vladar went 29-14-7 with a 2.42 GAA and .906 save percentage, establishing new career-highs across the board while playing north of 30 games for the first time in his NHL career.

Flyers Miss Out On Top Forward Trade TargetMavrik Bourque is officially no longer an option for the Flyers.

Vladar was even more effective in the Stanley Cup playoffs, backstopping the Flyers to a 4-6-0 record and defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games in Round 1 to the tune of a 2.18 GAA, .922 save percentage, and two shutouts.

Earlier this offseason, the Flyers traded for Joseph Woll to serve as Vladar's backup, with prospects Carson Bjarnason, Egor Zavragin, Aleksei Kolosov, Martin Psohlavec, and Marek Sklenicka developing behind them.

According to PuckPedia, Vladar will have a full no-move clause in the first two years, a 15-team no-trade list in Year 3, a 10-team no-trade list in Year 4, and a five-team no-trade list in Year 5, giving the Flyers trade flexibility as he ages.

Vladar will be an unrestricted free agent in 2032 at the age of 34.

As the Edmonton Oilers get set for free agency, let's take a look at everything I'm hearing as the team has several irons in the fire, but it could be a relatively slow day.

Darnell Nurse

Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now reports, "Given the uncertainty of the Darnell Nurse situation it is quite possible that today may be a very quiet day for the Edmonton Oilers on the Free Agent front. EDM will need another goalie…at some point, still need to sign RFA’s C. Dach/S. Stastney and have limited cap space."  

Several Western teams, including San Jose, have explored trading for him, but he prefers an Eastern destination. Pittsburgh attempted to involve Edmonton in a contract swap that was declined. Philadelphia may need to move a player like Rasmus Ristolainen first, Boston has shown interest, and Nurse has yet to expand his trade list.

Connor Ingram

According Mark Spector: "With the goaltending moves made in Florida, Daniil Tarasov heads to market. A few teams interested, Edmonton among them. Connor Ingram not out of the Oilers picture yet, however."

In respect to Tarasov, Spector adds, "Tarasov played 2/3rds of his career in Columbus, not a good team. The final 1/3rd was spent in Florida last season - when they weren't a very good team (25th in NHL)." 

He has an .897 career saves %, he's 6-5, he's 27 years old. 

Kasperi Kapanen

There is still talk about Kasperi Kapanen coming back to the Oilers. Spector writes, "Don’t rule out Kasperi Kapanen and the Oilers quite yet. Still ongoing conversations between the two sides."

Jack Roslovic and Adam Henrique Going to Market

The ship has sailed in Edmonton on both Jack Roslovic and Adam Henrique. Each will test the market and see if another team is open to signing either. 

** Update: Roslovic signed a two-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs have signed Jack Roslovic to a two-year deal, per @FriedgeHNIC 🍁 pic.twitter.com/7uUZ1WE9r3

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 1, 2026

Corey Perry Going Back To LA?

Gene Principe said he reached out to Corey Perry, who is also a free agent. There was a public push of support to bring him back. He said he's waiting things out, but it appears he's going back to the Los Angeles Kings. 

Ilya Mikheyev

One player currently being linked to the Edmonton Oilers is Blackhawks forward Ilya Mikheyev, who previously played under head coach Mike Babcock during their time in Toronto.

The Oilers might not do much in free agency, but he's a player they like for his depth scoring, speed and abilty to kill penalties. 

* Update: Mikheyev signed a four-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Ilya Mikheyev signs a four-year NHL contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning. #GoBolts#WeAreGoldStarpic.twitter.com/ytn5UiQlk9

— Dan Milstein (@HockeyAgent1) July 1, 2026

Oilers Trade for Devon Levi

The Edmonton Oilers have traded for goaltender Devon Levi. There was talk earlier this week that Edmonton had kicked tires on the netminder. The Sabres are getting Edmonton's third-round pick in 2028.

Mark Spector of Sportsnet writes, "This would be a precursor to another move. Had better be." Bob Stauffer adds, "Could see the Edmonton Oilers add another goalie on top of Levi. "

Oilers Trade for Sabres Goaltender Devon Levi, Another Move Coming?Edmonton bolsters its crease by acquiring the former collegiate standout for a future pick, banking on the Devon Levi's high-end athleticism to stabilize their inconsistent goaltending situation.

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Hockey’s version of Bobby Bonilla has come to an end. Shea Weber’s hilarious, legendary contract signed by the Nashville Predators in 2012 expired on Wednesday, 14 years after it was originally signed. Weber has been retired from the NHL for five years, he’s been in the Hall of Fame for three years, and collecting a paycheck all this time.

The genesis of this deal goes back to free agency in 2012. Weber was the 26-year-old captain of the Predators, and one of the brightest young defensemen in the NHL, but he was negotiating with Nashville on a long-term extension as he was poised to enter restricted free agency.

Enter the Philadelphia Flyers, who were in a desperate situation. Legendary defenseman Chris Pronger was the team’s stop-gap solution, but he was on the decline and coming off two injury-shortened seasons, with concerns he was ready to retire (which he ultimately did). Free agency was lacking in talent on the defensive end, the Flyers were an established playoff team trying to keep their window open, and they decided to make an unprecedented move.

The Flyers signed Weber to a staggering 14-year, $110 million offer sheet that they felt was both too rich, and too long for the Predators to dare to match. It was worth it for Philadelphia though, because they felt adding Weber to their roster they would become a legitimate Stanley Cup team.

Nashville stunned the league by matching the offer. The Preds were a good team in their own right, but the assumption was that they would keep their cap flexibility in tact to retool their roster. Instead they were all-in on Shea Weber, which wasn’t neccesarily bad — but it did hamstring the team.

By 2016, the Predators were done with continuing to manage the 14-year contract. The team traded Weber to the Montreal Canadiens for P.K. Subban in a blockbuster deal that exchanged two of the league’s primary defensemen. Two years later Weber was declining in his early 30s, getting hurt, and in 2021 he retired from the NHL at age 35.

Not so fast! His contract was still guaranteed until 2026, so now it became a bizarre poker chip. A retired Weber was traded to the Arizona Coyotes in 2022, then to the Blackhawks in 2025 — all in an effort to make salaries work in other deals. He was never going to return and play for the teams, but just the fact he was owed money made him valuable.

That earned Weber $1M in 2023-24, , $200K in 2024-15, and another $1M in 2025-26. Now it’s all over. Pour one one for Shea Weber’s contract.

New York Islanders goaltender David Rittich is testing free agency, according to Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News.

As mentioned this morning, G David Rittich is testing free agency. #Isles

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) July 1, 2026

This comes as no surprise, as Rittich is a solid NHL backup, one who likely ends up landing a full-time NHL gig.

Islanders' general manager Mathieu Darche publicly declared the plan is for Semyon Varlamov to return to his role as Ilya Sorokin's backup.

As such, Rittich extending on Long Island would've resulted in him starting with the Hamilton Hammers, a non-starter for the NHL veteran.

Rittich, 33, posted a 14-10-3 record in 30 appearances with the Islanders this past season. Rittich added a 2.76 GAA and a .894 save percentage to boot.

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Buffalo Sabres have signed defenseman Olen Zellweger to a three-year contract with an average annual value around $3 million.

The Sabres just acquired Zellweger from the Anaheim Ducks last week in exchange for Anton Wahlberg and the 45th overall pick of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Now, they have locked up the left-shot defenseman to a multi-year contract. 

Zellweger appeared in 76 games last season with the Ducks, where he scored seven goals and set new career highs with 15 assists and 22 points. This is after the 22-year-old blueliner had seven goals and 20 points in 82 games with the Ducks during the 2024-25 season. 

In 164 games over three NHL seasons, Zellweger has recorded 16 goals, 35 assists, and 51 points.

The Buffalo Sabres are entering the July 1 Free Agent Frenzy in need of replacing the scoring and leadership that departed when Alex Tuch went to Washington last week, but it is unknown what direction GM Jarmo Kekalainen will after 12 Noon on Wednesday. Kekalainen was proactive prior to last weekend’s NHL Draft when he dealt defenseman Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks, along with winger Jordan Greenway for the fourth overall pick (Daxon Rudolph), a 2026 second round pick (later flipped to Anaheim for Olen Zellweger) and defenseman Louis Crevier. 

Byram is in the second year of a two-year, $12.5 million bridge deal. Buffalo GM Jarmo Kekalainen indicated that he was interested in extending him coming off a career-high 42-point season. Still, there have been indicators that he is either looking for a new deal well out of the Sabres price range or that he wanted to go to another team where he could be the #1 defenseman. 

Other Sabres Stories

Sabres Emotionally Devastated By Game 7 Overtime Loss

On Wednesday, TSN’s Darren Dreger reported that the 25-year-old will sign a six-year, $75 million deal with the Hawks, becoming the top-paid defenseman in the NHL, ahead of Erik Karlsson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Drew Doughty. That distinction may be short-lived because Minnesota is expected to sign Quinn Hughes to a short-term deal and Cale Makar is eligible for an extension, but the point here is that the Sabres were in no position to pay Byram more than Dahlin on a new deal, even if the percentage of the salary cap was lower. 

Byram’s new deal comes on the heels of the extension of another former Sabres blueliner in Michael Kesselring. The 26-year-old was sent to the San Jose Sharks, along with the Sabres 27th overall pick for the 20th pick in the first round (Ilia Morozov). On the weekend, the Sharks locked up Kesselring on a three-year, $13.5 million extension ($4.5 million AAV). The deal is a sign of the times in terms of the salary cap going up, and the fact that the Sharks were desperate for defensive help, that they tripled the righty blueliner’s salary coming off a career-worst season in which he had just two assists in 34 games. 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo

Chris MacFarland continues to stay busy on the trade block, acquiring forward Mavrik Bourque and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 third-round pick in a trade with the Dallas Stars on Wednesday. 

Bourque packed a punch on the Stars' third line last season, recording 41 points off 20 goals and 21 assists in 82 games. It was his most productive season in the NHL since his first season in 2023-24. 

The 5-foot-11, 187-pound righty was selected 30th overall by Dallas in the 2020 NHL Draft. He has reached the end of a 1-year, $950,000 contract and is a restricted free agent. 

TRADE 🔄

We've acquired forward Mavrik Bourque and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin from Dallas in exchange for a second-round draft pick in 2027 and Vegas' third-round draft pick in 2028. pic.twitter.com/sVOkpfJxIx

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) July 1, 2026

He is the scoring boost that the Predators need from the third line and possibly the second line, giving Nashville a scoring edge lower in the lineup. 

Lyubushkin is a veteran defenseman at 32-years old and has logged nearly 500 NHL games over his career. In 53 games last season, Lyubushkin had nine points one goal and eight assists and 40 penalty minutes. 

The 6-foot-2, 206-pound defenseman has one more year left on a three-year, $9.75 million contract. He will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2026-27 season. 

While he may not have the production Nashville needs on the back end, he is a veteran player from whom younger prospects can benefit greatly. Lyubushkin could also have better chemistry in Nashville than in Dallas. 

The Philadelphia Flyers have officially missed out on one of their notable forward trade targets: Mavrik Bourque.

The Nashville Predators have acquired Bourque and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin from the Dallas Stars in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 third-round pick (from the Vegas Golden Knights).

With Bourque being a young skilled center with good upside, it made sense that the Flyers were among the teams that had him on their radar. However, he is now heading to the Predators with this trade. 

Bourque just had a breakout year for the Stars in 2025-26, as he set career highs with 20 goals, 21 assists, and 41 points in 82 games. This was after he had 11 goals and 25 points in 73 games as a rookie for the Stars during the 2024-25 season.

With the Stars having limited cap space and Bourque being a restricted free agent, it makes sense that they have moved him. Unfortunately, the Flyers are not the lucky team to get him, and they will need to explore their options elsewhere. 

To kick off Wednesday's free agency, the Toronto Maple Leafs traded left winger Nick Robertson to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

TSN's Pierre LeBrun was first to report Robertson getting moved to the Penguins, while Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman added the Maple Leafs' return of a fourth-round pick. That draft pick comes in the 2028 draft.

Robertson is an RFA who received a qualifying offer from the Leafs. He's coming off a one-year contract that was settled in arbitration, earning a $1.825 million salary.

With this move, Robertson will be reuniting with Penguins GM Kyle Dubas, who drafted him 53rd overall in the 2019 NHL draft.

While averaging 12:40 of ice time per game this past year, the 24-year-old scored 16 goals and 32 points for Toronto.

In a new situation, on a retooling team like Pittsburgh, Robertson will get plenty more opportunities under head coach Dan Muse.  The Penguins have been inserting younger players into the roster, such as  Ben Kindel and Egor Chinakhov, and they acquired 24-year-old Hendrix Lapierre on Thursday.

Therefore, Robertson will likely get more than the 11:52 of ice time that he averaged over his 234 games in Toronto. And with that extra ice time, it wouldn't be a surprise for him to reach the 20-goal plateau as soon as next season.

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St. Louis Blues defensive prospects Luke Schairer, Nick Bogas, and Landon Nycz have been invited to Team USA’s World Junior Summer Showcase roster. 

The camp, which will feature practices and games between players from the United States, Canada, Finland, and Sweden, will be held July 26-Aug. 1 at WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario. It’s the first evaluation step for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship.

The American roster is headlined by players like Seattle Kraken’s Chase Reid, Nashville Predators’ Wyatt Cullen, Pittsburgh Penguins’ Will Horcoff, and San Jose Sharks’ Brady Knowling. 

But also featured on the roster are a trio of Blues prospects. 

Luke Schairer was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the third round, 75th overall, in the 2026 NHL Draft. Schairer is a 6-foot-3 right-handed defenseman set to play with the Peterborough Petes in the 2026-27 season. Schairer is a great skater who projects to be a shutdown defender with a solid NHL frame. 

Landon Nycz, another defenseman, was drafted by the Blues one round later, in the fourth round, 107th overall. Nycz is a 6-foot-2, left-handed defender set to play his sophomore season with the University of Massachusetts next season. Nycz is also more of a defensive defenseman, but he was born in late 2007 and is entering his final year of world junior eligibility.

Blues Trade Away Two Third-Round Picks On Second Day of 2026 NHL DraftTeam had three selections, used two in trade to acquire Brandon Carlo from Toronto; focused more on defense, goaltending after picking two centers in first round on Friday

The final player invited to the camp is Nick Bogas. Bogas was taken in the fifth round, 139th overall, by the Blues in the 2026 NHL draft. Although he is listed at just six feet, Bogas is a physical defender who thrives on the defensive side of the puck.

At the moment, these three Blues prospects are the outside looking in for making the 2027 world junior roster, but strong camps could put them on the radar.

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It's free agency day where it's expected to be busy around the NHL and the Toronto Maple Leafs are no exception. 

Keep it here for the latest chatter surrounding the Leafs for when free agency opens up at noon.

Maple Leafs Targets For 2026 NHL Free AgencyWith multiple moves completed already on the trade front by GM John Chayka, here are some targets for the Toronto Maple Leafs in this free agency period.

Maple Leafs land Sissons for two-years at $4.25 million AAV

2:15 p.m. ET: The Maple Leafs continue to add to their forward group, adding Colton Sissons to a two-year deal worth $4.25 million.

Colton Sissons 2 x $4.25

Toronto

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2026

Reports: Sergei Bobrovsky signing three-year deal with Maple Leafs worth $7 million per season

2 p.m. ET — According to multiple reports, the Toronto Maple Leafs have upgraded their goaltending situation.

ESPN's Kevin Weekes was the first to report Sergei Bobrovsky signing a three-year deal.

**Breaking News** 🚨 📰 @MapleLeafs have signed G Bobrovsky to a 3 Yr Contract . #HockeyXpic.twitter.com/KLPiMOcfu8

— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) July 1, 2026

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman added that Bobrovsky's contract is worth $7 million per year for the 37

3 x $7M https://t.co/Gvdpxp3rKZ

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2026

In Bobrovsky, the Leafs get:

A two-time Stanley Cup Champion (2024, 2025): He anchored the Florida Panthers to back-to-back championships, solidifying his legacy as an elite big-game goaltender.

A two-time Vezina Trophy Winner (2012–13, 2016–17): Won both during his tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets, making him one of only a handful of active goalies with multiple Vezina Trophies.

Bobrovsky was 27–23–1 and posted an .877 save percentage. The 38-year-old improves Toronto's goaltending. He's reunited with Anthony Stolarz. Both won a Cup together in Florida in 2024.

Bobrovsky To Toronto Imminent?

1:56 p.m. ET — Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman suggests that Bobrovski's arrival in Toronto is imminent.

I do believe the Sergei Bobrovsky to Toronto arrival is upon us

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2026

Werenski trade talk cooling?

1:35 p.m. ET — Perhaps a Zach Werenski trade will not be happening on July 1.'

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, Werenski, his agent Judd Moldaver and Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell all spoke in an effort to clear the air and talk things down. 

Sounds like Werenski, his agent Judd Moldaver, and CBJ GM Don Waddell spoke today in an effort to clear the air and calm things down. Werenski is comfortable going back to CBJ. Waddell could present him with a trade in the meantime, but that isn’t on the radar at this point.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2026

Sounds like nothing is going to happen imminent, but if the Leafs make a big swing, things can change in an instant.

Maccelli Finds New Home With the New York Islanders

1:24 p.m. ET — After one season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Matias Maccelli has found a new home in the Metropolitan Division.

According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, Maccelli is signing a one-year deal worth $2.25 million.

Islanders sign Matias Maccelli, one year x $2.25 M

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2026

The Maple Leafs elected to not qualify Maccelli on June 29, making him an unrestricted free agent. His qualifying offer was set at $4.1 million. 

The 25-year-old Maccelli had 14 goals and 25 assists in 71 games last season. He spent stretches with the club as a healthy scratch. 

The Leafs acquird Maccelli last summer from the Utah Mammoth for a third-round draft pick in 2027.

Jack Roslovic is reportedly joining the Maple Leafs on a two-year deal worth $4 million AAV

1:03 p.m. ET — Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports Jack Roslovic is signing with the Leafs.

Hearing Jack Roslovic to Toronto, still working terms

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2026

According to TSN's Chris Johnston, Roslovic is joining Toronto on a two-year deal worth $4 million AAV.

Jack Roslovic is signing a two-year deal with the #leafs carrying a $4M AAV

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2026

The Maple Leafs were reportedly interested in adding Roslovic as a free agent last season but couldn't agree on salary and term. He ended up signing with the Edmonton Oilers. 

He scored 21 goals and 15 assists in 69 games with the Oilers last season. The Leafs get someone who can put the puck in the net.

Leafs and Sissons Talking

12:22 p.m. ET — Per TSN's Darren Dreger, the Toronto Maple Leafs are engaging in talks with free agent forward Colton Sissons, but nothing is done yet.

Leafs and Sissons talking. Nothing is done yet. https://t.co/ErMDnWfg58

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2026

The 32-year-old played in a bottom-six center role with the Vegas Golden Knights last season. His cap hit last season was $2,857,143.

End Of The Nick Robertson Era In Toronto

11:04 a.m. ET — Just two days removed from the Toronto Maple Leafs tendering Nick Robertson a qualifying offer to retain his rights, comes word that the club has moved him to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a 2028 fourth-round draft pick 

Maple Leafs Trade Nick Robertson To PenguinsThe Toronto Maple Leafs have traded 23-year-old left winger Nick Robertson to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a fourth-round pick.

Robertson goes to Pittsburgh, where he will be reunited with former Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas. 

The 24-year-old has 16 goals and 16 assists in 78 games with the Leafs in 2026.

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Werenski chatter

The Maple Leafs are making a play to try to acquire defenseman Zach Werenski. TSN's Darren Dreger was a guest on First Up with Aaron Korolnek and Carlo Colaiacovo, saying chatter between the two clubs has NOT included forward Matthew Knies, who himself has been the subject of much trade speculation.

10:26 a.m. ET, Dreger clarified his comments on Werenski.

It’s been assumed Knies will be part of a package if Toronto lands Zach Werenski. See how things develop, but there’s a chance the Leafs won’t have to give up the power forward if this trade comes together.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2026

What about Bob?

There has been a lot of chatter surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs and goaltender Sergei Bobrovski. The former Florida Panthers goalie is expected to hit the market at noon. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, a last-ditch effort from the Panthers to keep him fell apart after Bobrovski asked for $21 million over three years.

Is that the right price for Toronto? Time will tell.

Bobrovsky Scotiabank Arena Photo Was Real 

Hockey Insider Frank Seravalli feels a union between the Leafs and Bobrovsky is inevitable. There was a picture going around a few weeks ago that showed Bobrovsky on the jumbotron at Scotiabank Arena. Seravalli was a guest on The Fan Morning Show on Wednesday and said the photo was real.

Deleted now but dont think this is AI lol pic.twitter.com/ZdfP21t01S

— LNG 🍉 (@NotLeafsNeedGod) June 22, 2026

"I've confirmed that was real," Seravalli said. "This Bobrovsky thing was a 'hey, get this ready in case he's coming and we can pitch him in person, it was one of those situations. This didn't mean in the moment that it was locked in, but there were planning to be pursuing him."

Updated regularly...

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