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NHL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Thursday, June 25

Anthony Stolarz Cleared for Training Camp Following Groin Recovery

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Anthony Stolarz has made a full recovery from his groin injury and is officially slated to serve as the starting goaltender heading into the upcoming training camp. This update, provided by general manager John Chayka and reported by Sportsnet's Luke Fox, confirms that Stolarz is healthy and ready to resume his duties for the Toronto Maple Leafs. His return to full fitness provides stability for the team's crease as they prepare for the 2026-27 season.

Penguins Acquire Hendrix Lapierre from Capitals

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The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired center Hendrix Lapierre from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. Lapierre, who has experienced ups and downs over his first four professional seasons in Washington, is expected to provide depth for Pittsburgh. The move represents an early aggressive step by Penguins GM Kyle Dubas ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft.

Uncertainty Surrounds Connor Zary's Future in Calgary

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Speculation regarding the future of Connor Zary with the Calgary Flames has intensified. As the team evaluates its roster heading into the offseason, Zary's status remains a subject of discussion, with various reports examining potential trade fits around the NHL for the forward.

Panthers Acquire Garnet Hathaway from Flyers

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The Florida Panthers have acquired forward Garnet Hathaway from the Philadelphia Flyers in a trade finalized on June 25, 2026. The move is designed to inject grit and physical play into the Panthers' roster, serving as a strategic replacement for A.J. Greer, who is expected to depart the organization during the upcoming free agency period. The trade represents the Flyers' first major subtraction of the offseason.

A.J. Greer Expected to Depart Panthers in Free Agency

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A.J. Greer is expected to depart the Florida Panthers in free agency following the team's move to acquire Garnet Hathaway from the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. The trade, finalized on June 25, 2026, signals a shift in the Panthers' roster composition as they look to maintain their physical presence on the ice despite Greer's impending exit.

Zach Benson Signs 7-Year, $52.5 Million Extension

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The Buffalo Sabres have signed forward Zach Benson to a seven-year contract extension worth $52.5 million, carrying an AAV of $7.5 million through the 2031-32 season. Announced on June 25, 2026, the deal solidifies the 21-year-old's role within the Sabres' core roster. The organization's significant financial commitment reflects their belief in Benson's development and long-term on-ice contributions following recent roster adjustments.

Trade Speculation Surrounds Jason Robertson Ahead of Draft

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As the NHL draft's first round approaches on Friday, June 25, 2026, speculation regarding Jason Robertson's future with the Dallas Stars has intensified. League insiders are actively monitoring the situation to determine if the star forward is a potential trade candidate, with analysts currently evaluating the team's salary cap implications and overall roster strategy heading into the draft.

Juuso Valimaki Signs One-Year Extension with UTA

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The UTA organization has signed depth defenseman Juuso Valimaki to a one-year contract extension. The deal ensures Valimaki remains with the team for the upcoming season, providing stability to their defensive corps.

Bowen Byram Ready for Role as Blackhawks' No. 1 D

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Bowen Byram has expressed his readiness to embrace his new opportunity as the No. 1 defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks acquired the defenseman at a significant cost, signaling their belief in his potential to lead the blue line. The trade has had ripple effects across the league, including impacting the draft strategies of other teams like the New York Rangers.

Brendan Gallagher to be Honoured by City of Montreal

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Brendan Gallagher of the Montreal Canadiens is set to be named an Honorary Citizen of the City of Montreal. The ceremony is scheduled for Thursday at 3:00 PM, recognizing his contributions and presence within the city.

Blackhawks GM Discusses Connor Bedard's Contract

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Chicago Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson spoke to the media on Wednesday regarding various organizational topics, including the contract status of star forward Connor Bedard. The discussion was part of a broader update on the team's roster management and future planning.

Blackhawks GM Provides Update on Ilya Mikheyev

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Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson addressed the media on Wednesday, providing updates on several roster topics, including the status of Ilya Mikheyev. The briefing covered various organizational developments, including recent trades and contract statuses.

Canadiens Eye Matthew Knies Amid Draft Trade Rumors

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With the NHL draft drawing near, Matthew Knies' name is actively circulating in trade discussions. The Toronto Maple Leafs forward is reportedly still considered to be on the market, presenting a significant opportunity. The Montreal Canadiens are specifically mentioned as a team that should not dismiss the possibility of acquiring Knies, making him a notable option as draft day approaches.

Wednesday, June 24

Hurricanes Sign Juuso Valimaki to One-Year Deal

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The Carolina Hurricanes have re-signed defenseman Juuso Valimaki to a one-year contract worth $900,000 for the upcoming season, applicable whether he plays in the NHL or AHL. Valimaki, a former first-round draft pick (16th overall in 2017) by Calgary, brings significant NHL experience to the Hurricanes' defensive depth. He is expected to compete for a roster spot as the team prepares for the new campaign.

Michael Kesselring Evaluated as Sharks Draft Strategy Evolves

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With the San Jose Sharks holding the 27th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the team's strategic approach is shifting. Analysts suggest that while Michael Kesselring offers a low-floor option for the Sharks' blueline, the organization should prioritize high-upside prospects with their current draft position to maximize long-term potential.

Alex Tuch Traded to Capitals, Signs Eight-Year, $84M Extension

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Following stalled negotiations with the Buffalo Sabres, Alex Tuch has been traded to the Washington Capitals in a sign-and-trade deal. The veteran forward secured a significant eight-year contract extension worth $84 million, carrying an average annual value of $10.5 million. The Sabres received a third-round pick in exchange for Tuch, who spent five seasons in Buffalo and served as an alternate captain before transitioning to Washington on this long-term agreement.

Zach Benson Inks Seven-Year, $52.5 Million Extension

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Zach Benson has signed a seven-year, $52.5 million contract extension with the Buffalo Sabres. The deal, finalized on Wednesday, secures the young forward's future with the organization as they look to build around their core talent following a busy period of roster movement.

Bowen Byram Traded to Blackhawks to Anchor Defensive Core

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Bowen Byram has been traded to the Chicago Blackhawks, where he is expected to serve as the team's No. 1 defenseman. The former fourth-overall pick and Stanley Cup champion brings significant pedigree to the organization. Byram expressed that he has been preparing for this specific opportunity to take on a major role in the Blackhawks' long-term defensive development, stating he is "super excited" to join the team and embrace the increased responsibility in his new role.

Jack Drury Traded to Nashville Predators in Multi-Piece Deal

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The Nashville Predators have acquired center Jack Drury from the Colorado Avalanche in a multi-piece trade. The deal, which followed failed contract extension talks in Colorado, sees the Predators land Drury and prospect Chase Bradley in exchange for Fedor Svechkov and Zach L'Heureux. Nashville secures veteran depth and an elite face-off specialist as they look to bolster their lineup for the upcoming season.

Chase Bradley Acquired by Nashville Predators

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Prospect Chase Bradley has been acquired by the Nashville Predators as part of a trade with the Colorado Avalanche. The deal, which also sent veteran center Jack Drury to Nashville, sees the Predators add depth to their organization in exchange for Fedor Svechkov and Zach L'Heureux, who move to the Avalanche.