BUFFALO, NY -- It was about a year ago when the New York Islanders traded pending restricted free agent defenseman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for forward Emil Heineman, and the No. 16 and No. 17 in the 2025 NHL Draft.
The trade occurred after Dobson and first-year general manager Mathieu Darche could not come to terms on a contract extension. Although Dobson didn't have any trade protection, he had all the leverage given that he would only move to a team that he was interested in signing with.
Dobson was believed to be asking for something in the $10 million range from the Islanders, but ended up signing an eight-year deal worth $9.5 million annually in Montreal.
Flash-forward a year later and the Dallas Stars find themselves in the same situation with pending RFA forward Jason Robertson.
The 26-year-old goal scorer, who just concluded the final season of a four-year deal worth $7.75 million, turned down an eight-year extension worth $12 million annually.
While Dallas is hoping they can still bring him back, time is ticking and other teams are lining up.
The St. Louis Blues, who own four first-round picks in this draft, were told no by Robertson's camp.
The Seattle Kraken, who have been trying to go big-game hunting for a few years now, were given permission to speak with Robertson, but he turned down $15 million annually on an eight-year deal.
I believe Dobson turned down extensions with the Boston Bruins and the Columbus Blue Jackets before the Islanders sent him to Canada.
While there's been some chatter that the asking price for Robertson is similar to the one that Dallas sent to the Carolina Hurricanes for Mikko Rantanen -- Logan Stankoven, a conditiional 2026 first-round pick, a conditional 2028 first-round pick, a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick -- I was told that isn't accurate.
The accurate ask is what the Colorado Avalanche got for Rantanen when they sent him to the Hurricanes -- Martin Necas, Jack Drury, a 2025 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick.
It doesn't sound like Dallas wants futures, but impact players given that they are a Stanley Cup contender and would like to stay that way, with or without Robertson.
One would expect that every team has called Stars general manager Jim Nill regarding Roberston, including the New York Islanders.
However, the Islanders are a team that doesn't have an impact winger to send back the other way -- not many teams do.
On June 26 and 27, the 2026 NHL Draft will take place at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY. This year, the Calgary Flames have 10 picks, with plenty of cap space and draft currency to make a move or two, either to move up or to acquire another player to assist in the rebuild.
For Flames fans everywhere, The Hockey News is the place to follow the team's moves at the draft. Whether it's news about their latest pick or post-draft analysis, everything you need will be below and updated as the event unfolds.
As always, join in the conversation to let us know where you are watching the NHL Draft, and provide your opinions about General Manager Craig Conroy's move over the weekend.
The first night of 2026 NHL Draft will be available on ESPN, Sportsnet, and TVA Sports. On Saturday, for rounds two through seven, coverage will be available on EPSN+, NHL Network, and Sportsnet.
On June 23, 2017, Cody Glass became the answer to the trivia question: Who did the Vegas Golden Knights select with their first pick in franchise history?
Taking off his black suit jacket, Glass grabbed an Adidas Golden Knights hat and put it on before shaking the hand of Gary Bettman, commissioner of the National Hockey League. Watching him walk across the stage at the United Center and pose for those first photos with the Vegas brass, one wouldn’t know the panic he felt on his journey to Chicago, Illinois.
“I remember my flight got canceled the day or two days before the draft,” Glass told The Hockey News. “I almost missed all the media availabilities. I was panicking. I ended up making it just in time. My dad ended up getting me there.
Glass was selected in the first round, sixth overall. He was drafted five spots after his now teammate, Nico Hischier, was selected first overall by the New Jersey Devils.
“It is really cool just getting to experience that with your family,” Glass recalled. “You watch it as a kid growing up, and it is really cool to experience it. When I got drafted to Vegas, it was a brand-new team, so I thought oh, brand new start.
"But at the end of the day, it is the opportunity you get with the team, and what you do after the draft that really matters," he continued.
Glass spent two seasons playing hockey in Vegas before he was traded at 21, when the Golden Knights sent him to the Nashville Predators. After spending three years in Music City, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins before landing in New Jersey in March 2025.
The 26-year-old will be the first to admit that there is an expectation to make an immediate impact, especially offensively, when a player is picked high in the draft, saying, “I think there is elevated pressure just producing and all that kind of stuff.”
“They said they needed offense, and I kind of chucked a little bit. I was on the fourth line, playing PK.”
This was one of my favorite moments from yesterday's #NJDevils exit interviews. Keep in mind Cody Glass scored a career high of 19 goals this season. pic.twitter.com/g2d32nFtSh
He has now concluded his seventh season in the NHL, and during the team’s 2025-26 exit interviews, spoke about how his role on the Devils helped propel him to a successful campaign.
“I had a really good sit-down with (head coach Sheldon Keefe) on my first day here, and he just told me he believed in me, and he told me exactly what my role was going to be, and he told me not to worry about anything else,” he said. "I never had that conversation before in my career, and so I kind of rolled with it. I knew what was expected, and I didn't have to worry about putting up points or being someone I wasn't.”
Last season, Glass scored a career-high 19 goals, finding success on the team’s third line with rookies Lenni Hämeenaho and Arseny Gritsyuk. A critical depth piece, the Winnipeg native made the most of his 13 minutes of ice time.
Glass may not be the top-six player some projected in 2017, but over time, he has carved out an important role for himself, one where his absence is immediately noticed if he is not on the ice. Part of that evolution was accepting that value can be found throughout an NHL lineup.
“At the end of the day, now that I look back on (everything), I wish I had the mindset I do now,” Glass said. “Everybody needs a role, and there are different opportunities for different people. You can help a team win in different ways. I look at our team now, and having Hischier and (Jack Hughes), two centers that I am not going to be them. It is more about what can I do to help them out and let them be better.”
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The Buffalo Sabres reportedly have one of the NHL's top trade candidates on their radar.
The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta recently shared that he believes that the Sabres have inquired about Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies.
"Some late evening chatter: Belief Sabres inquired about Knies," Pagnotta posted on X.
With the Sabres moving on from Alex Tuch, there is no question that they could use another top six winger to replace him. When noting that Knies is a high-impact power forward like Tuch, it makes a lot of sense that the Sabres are reportedly interested in him.
If the Sabres managed to land Knies, he would have the potential to be a perfect fit on their first line with Tage Thompson and Zach Benson. He would also be a long-term addition for the Sabres, as he has a $7.75 million cap hit through the 2030-31 season.
However, with Knies being a 23-year-old top-six forward with a good contract, the Maple Leafs are going to expect a serious offer for them to even consider moving him. The Sabres have this year's fourth-overall pick after trading Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks, and that would be a good starting point for a potential trade package.
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 7: Jason Robertson #21 of the Dallas Stars handles the puck against Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins at the American Airlines Center on December 7, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Kyle Dubas often talks about urgency and wanting to push the Penguins towards being as strong as they can be now and in the future. Somehow wrangling three-time 40+ goal scorer Jason Robertson out of Dallas would be the biggest and best move Dubas could make, provided he could pull it off.
Some late evening chatter: – Belief Sabres inquired about Knies – Penguins, Blackhawks, Mammoth among other teams interested in Robertson – Teams calling Flames on Frost, Whitecloud – Oilers have discussed Nurse talks, and goalie search today – Some teams curious about DeBrincat
Any tidbit is nice enough this time of year, and which team wouldn’t be at least somewhat ‘interested’ in a player the caliber of Robertson? To a degree that should apply to just about any and everyone.
An item that gives pause is think about the amount of reported interest that the Penguins had in any of the following names prior to their trade acquisition: Egor Chinakhov, Sam Girard, Connor Dewar, Stuart Skinner, Elmer Soderblom, Arturs Silovs, heck even yesterday’s pick up of Hendrix Lapierre. The answer is zero, almost every trade the Pens have made recently has come with little early forewarning or a build up of expectations via reports getting out to the media. Conversely, plenty of players linked to the Penguins in the rumor mill have not ended up with completed transactions (though the protracted saga of Erik Karlsson back in 2023 is one example).
So take that’s for what it’s worth.
There’s other areas of concern about the reality of dealing for Robertson. Namely two big issues. One: does he even want to make a long-term contract in Pittsburgh? Two: what does Dallas want in a trade?
Starting with the last part first, Dallas is still in control of the situation. They apparently can’t get Robertson to agree to a contract themselves, but the Stars hold all the cards for now. What is a rival team going to do, send an offer sheet that would require four unprotected first round picks to sign him away? Not likely. First things first, if a team wants Robertson, they are going to have to give Dallas enough value to have them sign off on it, and it’s going to have to be a lot. The Stars are a club that recently gave up two first round picks and a quality youngster in Logan Stankoven to acquire Mikko Rantanen just last year, they’re well aware of the price of operating in this area. Their manager Jim Nill didn’t win the NHL’s GM of the year award three years in a row from 2022-25 due to making foolish moves.
Second, Robertson’s signability has to be in question. The Seattle Kraken reportedly did offer the Stars enough value (believed to include the seventh overall pick in tonight’s draft) but Robertson turned down the Kraken’s contract offer of approximately $15 million over eight years. Saying no to about $120 million makes a major statement – at that point this isn’t a money motivated case and his next spot will have to do with career aspirations. Whether or not Robertson thinks he could accomplish those goals with the Pens and an almost 39-year old Sidney Crosby is questionable at best. There’s a reason why every big player is open to going to the same teams like Florida and Vegas, and it’s not all because of nice weather, low taxes and being left alone by fans/media — can’t remember too many players that wanted to be traded to the Panthers 10 or 15 years ago when all the other factors were still the same besides their on-ice irrelevance. Players today, more than ever, are tending to angle themselves towards joining a team where they think they have a very good chance to win the next Stanley Cup. That isn’t seen as Seattle, and Pittsburgh is a lot more Seattle than they are Vegas/Florida.
So, all that to say, Robertson to the Penguins is a fun dream but doesn’t line up to make a lot of sense. The Pens probably aren’t moving the needle that much by offering, say, Rickard Rakell, the 22nd pick tonight, a first round pick in 2027 and other modest chips like second round picks and B-level prospects. Robertson rebuking Seattle’s massive contract shows it’ll be an uphill climb to earn his signature for a franchise with a mid-level outlook for championship contention in the short-term. Most names that get tied to Pittsburgh these days end up being rumors that fall short of the finish line, and the moves that do get made have tended to come out of nowhere with no warning or lead up.
Add it all up and while it wouldn’t hurt to make the attempt (or hope one is made), it’s probably not something that will end up happening for a myriad of reasons. It doesn’t hurt to try but file this one as very skeptical at best.
The Post’s Mollie Walker and Ethan Sears predict who the Rangers and Islanders will select Friday in the first round of the NHL draft:
Rangers
No. 5
With Chase Reid unavailable, the Rangers will take Keaton Verhoeff out of the University of North Dakota.
Keaton Verhoeff attends the 2026 NHL Draft Top Prospects Media Availability on June 25, 2026 at the New Era Cap World Headquarters in Buffalo. NHLI via Getty Images
No. 26
If a big-bodied center like Brooks Rogowski is still on the board, the Rangers will pounce.
— Mollie Walker
Islanders
No. 13
6-foot-5 winger Ethan Belchetz isn’t the best skater in the draft, but has the shot, the hockey sense and the physicality to suggest the Islanders won’t pass him up if he’s still on the board.
Ethan Belchetz plays a shot at the 2026 NHL Draft Top Prospects Golf Outing on June 25, 2026 in Buffalo NHLI via Getty Images
A Michigan State commit who played last year with the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires, Belchetz has the sort of profile the Islanders could use in their system.
That said, it wouldn’t be a shock if Mathieu Darche chose to move his pick, should the chance arise.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 09: Chase Reid of the United States speaks to the media during the NHL Draft Top Prospects Media Availability prior to Game Four of the Stanley Cup Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on June 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
June 26th and June 27th the NHL will hold its draft. A few days after the NBA saw no Spartans drafted, the NHL draft could be quite the opposite. The Spartans icemen ended another promising season in disappointment and have more roster turnover than they’ve seen in a few years. The good news, is there are some top tier talented guys headed to East Lansing and many will see their name called on Friday night. Here’s a quick look at who to keep an eye on in the draft.
First and foremost potential top four pick, Chase Reid. Reid is a defensemen who is considered to be the best in a deep draft of defensemen. Reid is scouted as having vision, skating, and puck moving ability to be elite. His skill set could see him on a similar trajectory as Martone and only playing one season in East Lansing before going to the big stage. As a Blackhawks fan I thought there was a chance that he’d be drafted there to play opposite another former Spartan, Levshunov. However, the Hawks traded that number 4 pick to Buffalo and it looks like Reid will potentially head there. If he doesn’t go four he won’t get by the Rangers at five.
Speaking of Martone, MSU has his heir apparent lined up in Ethan Belchetz. He’s a beast in the paint and nearly impossible to control, which is very much like Martone. He’s 18 years old and 6’5, 230 and he’s got some bite too. He needs to improve on his skating some, but he is another that could be in the NHL after a year. Mock Drafts have him headed to New Jersey at 12 but I could see Nashville or St Louis grabbing him at 10 or 11.
Right Winger, Nikita Keplov is the next Spartan likely to go in the first. He turns 18 on Saturday and has been compared to Patrick Kane with his ability to score. He had 97 points in his first OHL season with 37 goals and, like Kane, won the scoring title as a rookie. He’s small at just 6′, 180 but is a very good skater and scouts are in love with his hockey IQ. He could go as early as Washington at 18 or still be around for the Canucks at 24 but I’m going to guess Pittsburgh at 22.
Jack Hextall and Brooks Rogowski are two more Spartans who could squeeze in at the tail end of the first. Rogowski isn’t slated to hit E.L. until 2027, but he’s been moving up mock draft charts and is being looked at by St Louis and Montreal. He’s 18 years old, 6’7 and 235. He’s a center who actually skates well for his size. He’s one of the biggest in the draft class. He’s a good puck protector on the boards but needs to develop a bit more. Specifically in the passing game and his vision for developing plays. He has a ton of upside though and will fit right in with Nightingale’s plans.
Jack Hextall is another 18 year old center. He has shown consistency is improving his game. He’s known for finding open lanes and is becoming a more viable scoring threat. He averaged nearly a point a game last season in the USHL. Hextall is seen in mock drafts heading to Stanley Cup Champs, Carolina Hurricanes. He fits into their prospect needs and would potentially be coached by a former Spartan in Brind’Amour.
I think one thing is clear with MSU Hockey and that is players and NHL teams believe in Nightingale and his staff and their ability to develop kids into NHL ready talent. TOC readers, where do you see these future Spartans headed? Will Reid sneak up to two or three? I don’t know about you, but with all the upheaval and disappointments coming out of East Lansing, it feels good to see some positive upside headed to town.
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
The 2026 NHL Draft begins tonight. Here are your links for today:
Devils Links
The preseason schedule is out:
The preseason schedule is out. Please schedule the rest of your life accordingly.
“Even if Nemec has more to give, the Devils don’t have the ability to put him in situations to squeeze that juice out of him. It was time to move on.” [Infernal Access ($)]
Hockey Links
One last mock draft ahead of the start of the draft tonight: [ESPN]
“Sources indicate the Carolina Hurricanes made a pitch this week for United States Olympic gold medalist and three-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck. The offer was believed to include a first-round pick along with pending RFA defenseman Alexander Nikishin, a player swirling in trade winds this week. Nikishin, 24, scored 11 goals in his freshman season as a blue liner and was selected to the All-Rookie team alongside Matthew Schaefer.” [Hockey 24/7]
“The Minnesota Wild will sign Quinn Hughes to a new contract and would like to make it a long-term deal, owner Craig Leipold said. The defenseman is entering the final season of a six-year, $47.1 million contract ($7.85 million average annual value) he signed with the Vancouver Canucks on Oct. 3, 2021. He would be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after next season.” [NHL.com]
“According to multiple sources, the Seattle Kraken were given permission by Dallas to talk to Jason Robertson, and offered him approximately $15 million per year on a eight-year deal — but the offer was declined.” [Sportsnet]
Colorado clears some space:
We have acquired a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick in the NHL Draft from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for forward Valeri Nichushkin. pic.twitter.com/wjNxpsZscA
“The Washington Capitals completed a sign-and-trade for Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday that saw Tuch sign an eight-year extension with the Capitals averaging $10.5 million a year, and the Sabres getting a third-round draft pick in 2026 and forward David Kampf in return.” [ESPN]
Zach Benson gets a seven-year deal:
SEVEN MORE YEARS OF BENNY ⚔️
We have signed Zach Benson to a seven-year contract with an AAV of $7.5 million.
DURHAM, NC - JUNE 24: Russian NHL draft prospects Evgeni Malkin (L), and Alexander Ovechkin watch the action prior to the start of the USA vs. Canada baseball game at the Durham Bulls Park during the NHL Entry Draft on June 24, 2004 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) | Getty Images
22 years ago today, Evgeni Malkin was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
Before he was drafted by the Penguins, Malkin made his professional debut in Russia, playing for Metallurg Magnitogorsk when he was 17 years old.
The 2004 NHL Draft was held in Raleigh, North Carolina and the Penguins held the second pick after finishing the previous season with a league-worst 58 points, but were jumped in the draft lottery by the Washington Capitals, who landed the top pick and selected Alex Ovechkin.
Malkin’s arrival to Pittsburgh after being drafted with the second pick in 2004 would be delayed for some time due to both a transfer dispute and the NHL lockout.
In 2006, Malkin became the subject of what could be referred to as an international incident as the young Russian had to leave his team’s training camp in Finland, in some ways escaping for America and Pittsburgh.
Malkin was ultimately able to sign his entry-level deal with the Penguins in September 2006, making his NHL debut a short time later.
In his first preseason game with Pittsburgh, Malkin was injured when he collided with teammate John LeClair, meaning his first regular season game with the Penguins would have to wait.
In his debut game against the New Jersey Devils, Malkin scored one of his most memorable goals, being legendary goaltender Martin Brodeur.
Now 22 years, 533 goals, 874 assists, and three Stanley Cups later after being drafted, Malkin could be heading into his final season with the Penguins.
The Boston Bruins have been searching for a No. 1 and No. 2 center since Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retired after the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
They tried to find one in free agency in 2024 by signing Elias Lindholm to a seven-year contract worth $54.25 million. The B’s also have tried to acquire one of these players through the draft. They’ve tried pretty hard, actually.
The Bruins drafted four centers in 2025, including their first-round pick James Hagens and second-round pick Will Moore. Two of their four picks in 2024, including Dean Letourneau in Round 1, were centers. Boston also drafted two centers in 2023 and three in 2022.
It remains to be seen whether any of these players will become top-six centers. Hagens, Letourneau and Moore have the best chance.
There’s another position the Bruins need to start investing heavily in, especially in the draft.
Defensemen.
If you look at the Bruins’ top prospects, none of them are defensemen. In fact, The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler ranked Boston’s top 14 prospects back in April and Frederic Brunet (No. 9) was the only defenseman to make the list.
There is a severe lack of high-end blue line talent in the Bruins’ prospect pool. Specifically, there is a lack of puck-moving defensemen with high offensive upside who can quarterback a power play.
This is a problem because one of the Bruins’ most glaring roster weaknesses at the NHL level right now is the need for another top-four defenseman, preferably a right shot. The solution to that problem is not going to come from within, at least not any time soon. Brunet is nowhere near ready for that role. Mason Lohrei has impressive offensive talent, but his defensive liabilities are impossible to ignore. Henri Jokiharju played well at the Olympics for Finland, but he was a healthy scratch multiple times in the playoffs. Jordan Harris and Jonathan Aspirot are not top-four defensemen on a true contender.
If the Bruins want to acquire a top-four defenseman in the near term, the free agent and trade markets are the only options. Should they pursue Rasmus Andersson in free agency? He is the top defensemen who could hit the market this summer. Andersson is 29 years old, and even though he is a very good player, he isn’t a game-changer. An expensive, long-term contract for Andersson could end up being a huge mistake.
A trade for a defenseman player like Owen Zellweger of the Ducks is a risk worth taking. But the price to make that kind of move could be quite high.
Regardless of what the Bruins do to upgrade their blue line for next season, they need to start investing more valuable draft capital in defensemen.
The 2026 draft class is actually pretty deep at the position, and there are a couple of intriguing options for the Bruins with the No. 23 overall pick.
One of them is Adam Goljer, a right-shot defenseman who currently plays in his home country of Slovakia. Corey Pronman of The Athletic predicted the B’s would take Goljer in a recent 2026 NHL mock draft.
“Goljer is trending up with teams after a strong U18 worlds,” Pronman wrote. “He skates well, breaks up plays effectively and makes a good first pass, even if he doesn’t project as a major offensive driver. He projects as a two-way defenseman of whom the Bruins have very little of in their system.”
Ryan Lin of the Vancouver Giants (WHL), Tommy Bleyl of the Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL), Maksim Sokolovskii of the London Knights (OHL), Sweden’s William Hakansson and Finland’s Juho Piiparinen are other potential options for the Bruins in the first or second rounds if they target a defenseman. Xavier Villeneuve of Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL) is a tremendous skater with exciting offensive talent who might still be available at No. 23.
Yeah, you're going to want to remember the name Xavier Villeneuve 🤩
He was just the third 17-year-old to win Defenseman of the Year in QMJHL history! #NHLDraft
The last time the Bruins selected a defenseman in the first round was Urho Vaakanainen at No. 17 overall in 2017. He was eventually traded to the Ducks as part of the deal that brough Hampus Lindholm to Boston.
The Bruins have a No. 1 defenseman on the NHL roster in Charlie McAvoy. He’s 28 years old and should have several more excellent seasons ahead of him. But he was the only Bruins defenseman who tallied more than 26 points last season. There’s not enough offensive firepower on Boston’s blue line. McAvoy can’t shoulder that burden alone.
Lindholm is 32 years old. Nikita Zadorov is 31 years old. Andrew Peeke could leave in free agency. The Bruins need an influx of impressive young talent on the blue line, and they need it very soon. It’s one reason why accelerating that process by taking a defenseman in Round 1 of the upcoming draft is a great idea.
Let’s get some high numbers and preseason Devils action out here. | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Tonight’s the night…the first round of the NHL Draft takes place via conference calls and hopefully through less-awkward TV means than last year (though we’ll never forget that Matthew Schaefer moment).
Islanders News
With the 13th overall pick, the Islanders…will probably select someone. [Newsday]
This is the Islanders preseason schedule, feel the excitement. [Isles]
Some more mock drafts…Oscar Hemming enters the chat. [NHL]
Oh and here’s another mock draft, another one sending Tynan Lawrence to the Isles. [ESPN]
ERMEGRD, the Canadiens supposedly called the Isles about Bo Horvat and the Isles said no. {click} [THN]
Elsewhere
Here’s another draft ranking, a top 100. It has Stenberg above McKenna. [Sportsnet]
And here’s another mock draft. It has OHL LW Ethan Belchetz to the Isles. [Sportsnet]
Here are some random late thoughts about random top 100 prospects. [Athletic]
How do 13 NHL scouts feel about the top defensemen in this draft? [Athletic]
Rumor roundup: Buffalo isn’t done dealing, Blue Jackets will have conversations with Werenski. [Sportsnet | NHL]
The Blue Jackets sent three draft picks to Colorado for Valeri Nichushkin, who probably won’t be happy there and they’ll hope will stay out of trouble and off IR. [NHL]
The Flyers send asshat Garnet Hathaway to the Panthers for some late-round picks, and retain half his salary. [NHL]
Not the Draft
The Capitals have tampered done a sign-and-trade for 33-goal scorer Alex Tuch, inking him to an eight-year, $84 million contract. He is 30. [TSN | NHL]
The Predators and Avalanche swapped a bunch of That Guys. [TSN]
Why…why did the Blackhawks swing so big for Bowen Bryam? [Athletic]
Jason Robertson reportedly declined something like eight years and $15 million AAV from the poor Kraken. [Sportsnet]
He also reportedly declined interest from the Blues, who offered “multiple first-round picks” if they could do a sign-and-trade. [@JeffMarek]
The “ins and outs” of the NHL exploring expansion in Texas. [TSN]
Connor McDavid says the Oilers top players all agree it’s high time they have a coach who abuses them; enter Mike Babcock. [Sportsnet]
The Senators have another uphill climb after having to trade Brady Tkachuk. [Sportsnet]
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - JUNE 25: Gavin McKenna attends the 2026 NHL Draft Top Prospects Media Availability on June 25, 2026 at the New Era Cap World Headquarters in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ahead of tonight’s NHL draft, let’s take a stab at how the first round could play out tonight. First, a moment of silence for our near miss last year – when we tried to predict that Kyle Dubas would go ‘off the board’ with a high pick on a WHL center that no one saw coming. So close, yet so far (we had Cole Reschny as the surprise pick, the Pens ended up making the choice of Ben Kindel instead. I’d say that worked out well).
Trades have rocked the 2026 draft, which could indicate something about how many teams are valuing this draft somewhat unfavorably. Two top-10 picks have been dealt. St. Louis enters the night with a whopping four picks. San Jose has three. Six other teams have two picks, 10 teams enter the night without a first round pick at all. Ottawa received a league punishment where they were assigned the 32nd pick (and cannot trade it today). That builds up to one of the more unpredictable and turbulent drafts in recent memory, with a high probability that the fireworks continue with even more transactions of teams jockeying around.
Toronto Maple Leafs – Gavin McKenna,LW, Penn State (NCAA): No surprise at the top, the Leafs add the top player and hope he will become a focal point in the years to come
San Jose Sharks – Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frolunda (SWE): Trading William Eklund solved the mystery of whether or not SJ would reach for a defenseman to help their prospect pool at No. 2, or just take the best player available. Probably wisely, the coast is now clear to have a spot in the future for Stenberg.
Vancouver Canucks – Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford (OHL): For some reason the Canucks have zeroed in on Malhotra, the sixth ranked North American skater from Central Scouting. Malhotra is considered the best center of the class but going third looks like a steep projection on draft day.
Buffalo Sabres –Chase Reid, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL): Buffalo has their pick of the defensemen in the class and Reid looks like the right handed, blue chip prospect to one day pair beside Owen Power or Rasmus Dahlin.
New York Rangers –Alberts Smits, D, Munchen (GER): Some think Smits could be the most NHL ready player in the draft as a 6’3, 210 pound defender that is rock solid and shined with Team Latvia. I think that fits what the Rangers will covet as a no-maintenance type of big player who could be a bedrock performer. With the top four picks considered somewhat set right now, the Rangers’ choice at No. 5 represents the first major split in the road for how this draft will play out.
Calgary Flames –Viggo Bjorck, C, Djurgarden (SWE): The Flames get a little saucy with this one, taking the upside of a 5’9, 180 pound center in a world where players like Brayden Point and Logan Stankoven have flourished. This profile of player usually drops on draft night, but Calgary opts to believe in what they could have here.
Seattle Kraken – Carson Carels, D, Prince George (WHL): Seattle has somewhat famously never selected a defenseman in the first round, but now Jason Botterill’s hands are fully on the wheel. A disciple of Ray Shero, a smooth skating, puck moving defender with upside fits the mold and needs of this franchise.
Winnipeg Jets – Keaton Verhoeff, D, North Dakota (NCAA): Winnipeg is in a nice spot to draft a quality player that falls to this pick, they’re pleased to add a 6’4″ defender compared to Aaron Ekblad. Verhoeff very well could be selected a few picks prior to this, having him available at 8th would be a great development for the Jets.
San Jose Sharks –Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert (WHL): Given team needs (and by taking Stenberg earlier), you’d have to think the Sharks will be in a position to grab the top defender available here at No. 9, depending on who among Smits, Carels, Verhoeff and Rudolph remain. It ends up being Rudolph, who has the frame, tools and ability to be a top-4 player and is exactly what San Jose needs at this point.
Nashville Predators – Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University (NCAA): New GM Chris MacFarland gets to work by adding one of the top centers available. Lawrence had a bumpy draft year but is well-regarded as a potential future impact player.
St. Louis Blues – Wyatt Cullen, LW, USA U-18 (NTDP-USHL): Matt’s boy had a recent growth spurt to 6’1 and has dynamic offensive ability. His future is very bright, the Blues are happy to grab him at this point.
New Jersey Devils –Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor (OHL): New GM Sunny Mehta is from the Panthers’ organization, he knows the value of a 6’5″, 230 pound monster winger that has an edge. Belchetz is headed to Michigan State and could be the next version of a Porter Martone type.
New York Islanders – Oliver Suvanto, C, Tappara (FIN): The Islanders have drafted well recently, Suvanto is one of the younger players in the class and already 6’3″, 213 pounds with a a strong two-way game.
Columbus Blue Jackets – Malte Gustafsson, D, HV71 (SWE): A 6’4″ defender with good reach, skating and first pass ability, the Jackets keep it simple here with a solid choice at this part of the draft.
St. Louis Blues – Alexander Command, C, Orebro Jr. (SWE-JR): Incoming GM Alex Steen adds a countryman with a solid center option for future depth.
St. Louis Blues – Ryan Lin, D, Vancouver (WHL): Wait, are the Blues really making all these picks? We already have them down for two forwards, they spread out here to grab an offensive minded right shot defender.
Los Angeles Kings – Oscar Hemming, LW, Boston College (NCAA): LA grabs a 6’4″ winger with offensive upside and a great shot.
Washington Capitals – Maddox Dagenais, C, Quebec (QMJHL): The Caps can use prospect help up the middle, Dagenais brings a 6’4″ frame and good offensive ability.
Utah Mammoth –Ilia Morozov, C, Miami (NCAA): The Mammoth go with a very young player and hope his game develops into his 6’3″, 205 stature.
Buffalo Sabres –Adam Novotny, LW, Peterborough (OHL): The Czech player excelled in the OHL, he has a nose for the net.
Philadelphia Flyers – Maksim Sokolovskii, D, London (OHL): A 6’7″, 240 pound physical, stay at home defender seems to fit the Flyers. They also tend to like London products (Oliver Bonk, Denver Barkey).
Pittsburgh Penguins – JP Hurlbert, LW/C, Kamloops (WHL): I think Hulbert checks almost all the boxes for the players that the Pens tend to take early on. He can play all three forward positions, he’s been complimented for his two-way play and attention to detail away from the puck, he’s a productive WHL player. There’s always the possibility they break pattern and go with a defender or different profile this year, but as a blind guess there’s a lot that points towards Hulbert if he’s available.
Boston Bruins –Nikita Klepov, RW, Saginaw (OHL): The Bruins go with a skilled forward to add to their group.
Vancouver Canucks – Elton Hermansson, RW, MoDo (SWE-2): The Canucks add a second forward in the draft.
Ottawa Senators – Liam Ruck, RW, Medicine Hat (WHL): The Senators go with a skill winger to be part of their future.
New York Rangers – Brooks Rogowski, C, Oshawa (OHL): When I look at Rogowski, I see Brian Boyle 2.0. Chris Drury was a teammate of Boyle’s, who once scored 21 goals with the Rangers. NYR will bank on Rogowski’s peak being a little longer/higher but his 6’7″ 235 pound frame is what literally stands out.
San Jose Sharks – Xavier Villeneuve, D, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL): The Sharks have enough draft capital with their third pick of the night to take a wild swing on the immense talents of Villeneuve, who comes with just as immense of a risk.
Montreal Canadiens – Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown (USHL): Montreal goes with a well-rounded center choice that they’ll hope develops well.
St. Louis Blues – Casey Mutryn, RW, USA U-18 (NTDP-USHL): Mutryn fits into a sort of Jimmy Snuggerud/Jake Neighbours/Dylan Holloway mold as a high-IQ, forechecking machine of a big winger.
Calgary Flames – Thomas Bleyl, D, Moncton (QMJHL):: The Flames use their second choice to target the blueline and get a right shot player with offensive upside.
Carolina Hurricanes – Mathis Preston, RW, Vancouver (WHL): The Hurricanes are always a strong candidate to trade back in the draft, our presumptions rule out trades so we’ll have them stick to type for a player with some dynamic offensive ability.
Ottawa Senators – Tobias Trejbal, G, Youngstown (USHL): The first goalie goes off the board with the last pick. Trejbal is a 6’4″ netminder with impressive athleticism for his size.
In recent drafts, the Philadelphia Flyers have gone out of their way to draft big, strong, physical players to add to their prospect pool, and the 2026 NHL Draft is looking to be no different.
The Flyers, of course, could truly end up choosing anyone when they are first on the clock at Pick 21, whether it be a winger, a defenseman, or another center.
Not all of these prospects are cut equal, especially at the defense position, and that could cause some variance at the back of the draft order.
For example, The Athletic NHL prospect expert Scott Wheeler released his final NHL mock draft of the year, and he has the Flyers taking a big swing on defense... literally.
While not everyone may agree with the valuation, including Wheeler himself, the Flyers select defenseman Maksim Sokolovskii in the first round in this mock draft.
Sokolovskii is a 6-foot-8 defenseman who plays for the London Knights (shocker!), and he is widely regarded as the meanest player in the entire draft class.
"Sokolovskii’s name has been one of the most hotly discussed among NHL scouts over the past few months, and I expect he’ll be selected in the 20s now. He’s the biggest player in this class, he might be its most naturally aggressive and he can move. Those three things made him a source of intrigue for the scouts this year," Wheeler wrote.
"His steep development curve in the second half of this season sold the league on his prospects as the next Nikita Zadorov type, and the trust in the London Knights to get him there (coincidentally, they also developed Zadorov) is another confidence booster. I believe the Flyers are the start of his range."
The Flyers have made it no secret that they would like to get bigger and stronger on defense, and have admitted that the left side of their defense, where Sokolovskii plays, is far weaker than the right.
Passing, puck skills, and decision-making will be question marks for Sokolovskii, but the Kazakh rearguard is undeniably a punishing defender who can do it all in his own zone.
For myself, Sokolovskii is a harder sell due to the simple fact that I believe it to be easier to teach players to defend (Xavier Villeneuve) rather than to teach them how to pass, handle the puck, and make smart choices under pressure.
At the same time, Sokolovskii's size can't be taught either, and that makes him a true unicorn in the 2026 draft class.
Remember, just two years ago in 2024, Anton Silayev was expected to be a top-five pick, slid a little, and still went 10th overall to New Jersey.
Right or wrong, teams cover those players, and the Flyers understandably accept that risk in this latest mock draft.
The NHL trade market has heavily favored sellers over the last few days, and the Philadelphia Flyers could choose to cash in on one of their most popular players as a result.
Ahead of Friday's 2026 NHL Draft, NHL insider Frank Seravalli posted his compiled list of the top 40 trade targets around the league, which is ordered by likeliness of a trade coming together.
There weren't any surprises at the very top of Seravalli's list: Dylan Larkin, Mason McTavish, and Matthew Knies were among the oft-discussed names high in the ranking.
Notably, there was only one Flyers player included by Seravalli, and that is winger Owen Tippett, who clocks in at 39th on the list of the 40 names.
It has been reported several times over recent weeks and months that the Flyers do not necessarily want to trade Owen Tippett, unless an offer they absolutely cannot refuse is made.
Tippett, 27, will have a 10-team no-trade list kick in on July 1, so that, more than anything else, could be a driving factor in any potential trade from the Flyers' perspective.
Tippett's $6.25 million cap hit is looking more and modest with each passing year, especially with his ability to create offense for himself using his legs.
At the same time, the Flyers have decisions to consider at the winger position.
Porter Martone will be playing in his first full NHL season in 2025-26, and we can assume that Matvei Michkov will stick around for the long haul, too.
That leaves two more spots in the top-six for Travis Konecny, Tyson Foerster, Tippett, Alex Bump, Denver Barkey, and, potentially, Trevor Zegras if he cannot stick at center permanently.
Plus, the Flyers still hold the 21st overall pick in Friday's draft, which could very well be used on another winger given Tippett's age and Konecny's age.
Some teams picking inside the top-15, like the Buffalo Sabres, Seattle Kraken, and San Jose Sharks (the ninth pick, not the second), may feel incentivized to trade their picks for more immediate help to take the next step.
The Flyers have plenty of wingers to offer, with Tippett clearly being the most valuable of the bunch with his rare combination of size, athleticism, speed, and skill, and defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen could always be included to make it a real package.
Ristolainen was, notably, left off Seravalli's list, though the trade market this week has proven that this could change at any minute.
Four years ago, the hockey world saw a pretty similar Jason Robertson scenario that is occuring this summer. The superstar for the Dallas Stars took a while to come to terms on an extension with his team, but it ended up getting across the finish line.
Now, however, things may be a bit different.
Unlike four years ago, there is pretty legitimate smoke surrounding trade rumors. Multiple sources have reported that the two sides are still talking, but it's also been revealed that at least two teams - the Seattle Kraken and St. Louis Blues - were given permission to speak with Robertson about a contract extension, but he had no interest in signing there. He also, reportedly, already turned down an eight-year, $96 million offer from Dallas.
Jason Robertson has rejected an 8-year, $15mil AAV contract offer from the Seattle Kraken, per @FriedgeHNIC
The fact that Dallas is open for business on Robertson means there is a more than decent chance he gets dealt in the next 24 hours ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft. There are a few teams still rumored to be interested in acquiring Robertson.
On the surface, a marriage between the Penguins and Stars on a Robertson deal might not make much sense, especially for Pittsburgh. They have draft capital - more than any team in the next three drafts - but they only have three of their own first-round picks over the next three years. They have a number of prospects close to NHL-ready who are intriguing, but few who are blue-chip - in fact, blueliner Harrison Brunicke may just be the only "blue-chip" prospect in their system.
Some late evening chatter: - Belief Sabres inquired about Knies - Penguins, Blackhawks, Mammoth among other teams interested in Robertson - Teams calling Flames on Frost, Whitecloud - Oilers have discussed Nurse talks, and goalie search today - Some teams curious about DeBrincat
And, on top of all of that, Pittsburgh is in a period of transition. They made the playoffs last season, they have new ownership, and GM and POHO Kyle Dubas has expressed that the team wants to take "big steps toward contention" next season while also getting younger, which is hard to do without the premium young players to keep the team competitive while they continue to build.
Well, Robertson happens to fit that mold. And, as it turns out, the fit for both teams might be better than folks think.
So, what would it take for the Penguins to land one of the biggest 20-something stars on the market and one of the best players who will be available in the next several years? It will take a lot, but it might be something the Penguins can pull off without severe detriment to their future.
Dubas and the Penguins are in the midst of a pivotal summer in the trajectory of the franchise. Their new ownership - the Hoffmann Family of Companies - badly wants to win, they still have Sidney Crosby playing at a very high level, and they also desperately need elite talent either infused into their system or onto their NHL roster for many years to come.
If the Penguins want to be better next season, trading both Rust and Rakell - let alone, in the same deal - is quite the risk. After all, they'd be subtracting their two best wingers, both of whom produce around 30 goals per season and between 60-70 points. In some ways, this feels like an overpay for one guy.
However, Roberston is a 45-goal, 100-point player, and you have to pay up big-time to land these kinds of players. And, really, it may not be as much a detriment to lose both Rust and Rakell as it appears to be.
Robertson would be paired with one of the greatest players and greatest playmakers of all time in Sidney Crosby, which - no slight to Roope Hintz or Wyatt Johnston - is a significant upgrade for Robertson as far as a center who can aid his production even more. The Penguins will also - assuming he's re-signed - have Egor Chinakhov for a full season. He scored at a 34-goal, 69-point pace during his time with the Penguins last season, and Pittsburgh believes he has star pedigree.
Even with just those two, it's almost enough to offset the losses of Rust and Rakell. Add in the fact that, with the acquisition of Hendrix Lapierre from the Washington Capitals and the potential emergence of a center like Tristan Broz next season, the Penguins might be able to move Ben Kindel up to second-line center duties between Evgeni Malkin and Chinakhov or Tommy Novak, with the other flanking Crosby and Robertson.
Plus, there are options on the UFA market for the Penguins, too, to help offset that loss in the top-six. Mason Marchment comes to mind, as does Viktor Arvidsson. There's also the opportunity for one of the Penguins' younger wingers like Rutger McGroarty, Ville Koivunen, Mikhail Ilyin, or Avery Hayes to be slotted in the top-six alongside talent that should help them progress in a meaningful way. They can also flip Novak and some assets for an upside winger - perhaps for Jason's brother, Nicholas, in Toronto, who would probably love to play with his brother and who Dubas has some familiarity with.
The Penguins have the cap space to do all of this and sign Robertson long-term, and he would be around and still be effective post-Crosby. He's 26, so he's the exact kind of player Dubas and the Penguins should covet. Also, if the Penguins land Robertson, it's unlikely they'd be selecting in the top-10 of the draft next season, anyway, so that 2027 conditional first probably isn't going to be a franchise-changing player.
Sure, the Penguins could use some of those assets to trade up in the draft for a young prospect who is, ultimately, still a "maybe." Or, they could use those assets to acquire a certain elite commodity.
This is the type of player a team serious about contending short- and long-term pays up for. If the possbility is there, Dubas should throw out next to everything he can.
Sure, it's fair to question why Dallas would want two wingers on the wrong side of 30. Rust is 34, and Rakell is 33. Both are still very good and consistent players, but they are aging, and that's no secret.
Yet there are 50-60 goals between Rust and Rakell, regardless of their age. There are also 120-140 points between them, assuming they stay healthy, and they've developed chemistry from playing together for several years. Most of all, Rust and Rakell make $5.1 million and $5 million for two more years, respectively, and if the Penguins retain on one of them, Dallas would have both for around $8 million - $7 million less than what Robertson is allegedly asking for.
What does that mean? Well, it means that Dallas has more cap space to work with to build out an even better roster. They would be able to use the extra cap space from the money saved sans Robertson and any other savings from shed contracts plus the assets acquired in the trade to leverage for some coveted talent younger than Rust and Rakell.
Two firsts can land Dallas a good player. Then, they'd have Rakell, Rust, and said player, which could net more value than Robertson alone would.
When a team is in win-now mode like Dallas is, it needs to take the best available players, period. Getting, potentially, three very good players for one great player helps distribute scoring throughout the lineup and gives Dallas the chance to win in the near-term, as is the goal. A package centered on right-now help makes more sense for them than a package focused on futures, anyway.
And, even if they surrender those two firsts, the trade tree should age quite well: Whoever they get for those firsts should make an impact. Will Horcoff is a promising goal-scoring prospect who had a great first full season with the University of Michigan with 29 goals and 39 points in 40 games - and he spent half the season at age `18, scoring at a goal-per-game pace during that time. Quinn Beauchesne, a right defenseman, is more of a wildcard prospect who is farther out, but his raw skill and ability in transition are intriguing.
Maybe this has to be a three-team trade with something else signficant coming back for those assets from Pittsburgh plus a sweetener from Dallas themselves - maybe involving the Detroit Red Wings and captain Dylan Larkin - in order for the trigger to be pulled. But it fulfills needs for the Stars, and the near-term intrigue is something that could help them win a Cup within the next two years.
Well, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it?
Robertson has, reportedly, already turned down three offers, which means that he is likely trying to have some control over where he goes. This does handcuff Dallas a bit from a leverage standpoint, as teams are not going to trade for Robertson if he is not interested in signing long-term with them. Because of this, even if he technically has no trade protection, he basically kind of does.
So do the Penguins make sense for him? Maybe, maybe not. St. Louis is in a similar kind of place in terms of being caught somewhere between true contention and rebuilding, which is a murky place to commit to.
However, there are some encouraging things happening in Pittsburgh. Dubas has managed to infuse the system with some legitimate talent that should help the NHL roster in the coming years, and if he acquires Robertson, he certainly wouldn't be done working his magic. He is the exact kind of player Dubas wants, and he's the kind of player the Penguins desperately need.
And, at the end of the day, any extension would also, presumably, come with trade protection. Robertson could always ask out to go to a contender if things go very, very south for the Penguins post-Crosby.
But the prospect of playing for a team trying to make themselves sustainable contenders - and a team willing to pull all stops to make that happen - isn't the worst place to be. And that's especially true if the opportunity to flank one of the greatest players of all time in his final years and, perhaps, extend his shelf life, is in play.
If a potential deal between the two teams exists, it seems it would, ultimately, be up to Robertson. But, given the storied history of the Penguins and their out-loud commitment to building a winner - plus the results in the form of five Stanley Cups to show for it - it would be unwise to completely discount the possibility that Robertson may find intrigue in Pittsburgh.
BREAKING: Islanders Trade Noah Dobson To Montreal Canadiens<b>LOS ANGELES</b> -- The<a href="http://thn.com/isles"> New York Islanders</a> have traded defenseman<a href="https://www.theelmonters.com/p/noah-dobson-trade-new-york-islanders"> Noah Dobson</a> to the<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens"> Montreal Canadiens</a>, first reported by Kevin Weekes.
