sports
NHL Teams Complete Trades Ahead of 2026 Draft
Several trades occurred in the days before the NHL draft, including the acquisition of negotiating rights to one player and the exchange of multiple draft picks for another. The draft begins Friday.
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The 2026 NHL offseason began with two completed trades before the draft. One team acquired negotiating rights to an unrestricted free agent and signed that player to an eight-year contract. Another team received a player in exchange for three first-round picks and one second-round pick.
The first round of the draft is scheduled for Friday, with rounds two through seven set for Saturday. Free agency opens July 1. Reporters contacted league sources for updates on possible additional trades. One player remains in contract talks with his current team, and several clubs have expressed interest in signing him if those talks fail.
League sources indicated that one team is exploring trades involving a defenseman seeking a larger role. Another team has received calls about its starting goaltender, though it is unclear whether any deal can be completed. A team that recently acquired a player through trade is reportedly seeking to exchange some of the acquired draft picks for a top-six forward.
Officials have stated that the recent trade is not expected to prompt additional departures from that roster.
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