
NHL Free Agency 2026: Ten Players Poised for Overpriced Deals
A deep dive into the ten NHLers whose expected 2026 contracts appear inflated, from defensemen to forwards, and why teams should think twice before signing.
Latest Slidescroller coverage in Hockey.

A deep dive into the ten NHLers whose expected 2026 contracts appear inflated, from defensemen to forwards, and why teams should think twice before signing.

The Colorado Avalanche remain Cup favorites despite losing a depth forward, while the Maple Leafs make an off‑board coaching hire and other teams shuffle staff and contracts.

Speculation surrounds the Vancouver Canucks' attempts to trade Elias Pettersson, while the Tampa Bay Lightning complete a sign-and-trade for Darren Raddysh, the NHL clears Mike Babcock for the Edmonton Oilers, and the Pittsburgh Penguins eye dynamic draft talent. Retirements and rebuilds add further intrigue.

The Colorado Avalanche stay early Stanley Cup contenders after losing a depth forward, even as the league witnesses notable trades, retirements and coaching changes.

Malaysia rallied after an early United States lead to defeat the USMNT 4‑2 in a FIH Hockey Nations Cup match, with Coach Allan Law praising the team's resilience and the players' historic appearances.

The Minnesota Frost finished third in the PWHL with a 13‑3‑5‑9 record, led by Kelly Pannek’s record‑breaking 33 points, and navigated a late‑season skid before falling to the eventual champions in a five‑game series.

The Bruins traded forward prospect Andre Gasseau to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a fourth‑round pick (No. 104) and a fifth‑round pick (No. 157), giving the team eight draft selections for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo.
The Carolina Hurricanes' triumphs have sparked a surge in youth hockey across the Triangle, boosting registrations, expanding girls' programs, and confronting infrastructure challenges.

Penn State has released its full 2026‑27 men's ice hockey schedule, detailing non‑conference matchups, Big Ten opponents and the path to the NCAA Regionals and Frozen Four.

The Maple Leafs secure Darren Raddysh on an eight‑year, $8 million‑plus per year contract after his 70‑point breakout season.

Mike Clougherty’s promotion to assistant coach at Clarkson Hockey reflects his extensive coaching background and academic credentials, reinforcing the program’s developmental focus.

This summer EuroHockey will host a series of international competitions across Europe, offering live broadcasts, event passes at €8.99, and a pathway to the London 2027 Games.

Seattle Kraken coach Lane Lambert underscores the defensive strides of center Shane Wright, reflecting on a career shaped by pandemic disruptions, coaching changes, and a team‑first philosophy.

The Big Ten has released the competitive windows for Wisconsin's upcoming hockey season, outlining a slate of games that will test the Badgers against top conference rivals and aim to extend their recent championship momentum.

With Viktor Arvidsson poised to test free agency, the Boston Bruins confront a pivotal decision that could dictate their next line‑up.

Six active NHL players are under intense scrutiny as the Hockey Hall of Fame weighs their statistical achievements against the awards that traditionally signal induction.

Former Detroit Red Wings forward Todd Bertuzzi is being discussed as the leading candidate to take the helm of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Hockey League, a move that would bring his distinctive blend of playing experience and coaching ambition to the junior ranks.

The long‑running CBC tradition of Hockey Night in Canada will conclude after the current season, marking the end of a 74‑year cultural touchstone. The decision follows Rogers Communications' $11 billion acquisition of NHL rights, which will prioritize its Sportsnet+ platform over traditional over‑the‑air broadcasts.
Two‑time Olympic gold medalist Megan Keller discusses her path from Michigan rinks to the 2026 Milan victory, her summer camp for girls, and the expanding Professional Women’s Hockey League.

After 700 NHL games and titles in Sweden, Pierre‑Édouard Bellemare has decided to end his professional hockey career, concluding a two‑decade path that also included Olympic appearances for France.

An exploration of the historical dominance of a few hockey giants and the emerging challenge from nations such as Denmark, France, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, highlighting key players and historic moments.
A look at the unconventional journey of Detroit-born goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, his Olympic heroics, and his enduring pride in Michigan.

The NHL has concluded a review of Mike Babcock’s time in Columbus, removing obstacles to a possible hiring by the Edmonton Oilers, while the coach’s recent resignation over privacy concerns and his storied career remain central to the discussion.

Five Wisconsin alumni become first‑round picks in the 2026 PWHL Draft, setting new records for the program and highlighting the league’s expanding talent pool.