The Boston Bruins announced this week that they have secured veteran net‑minder Simon Zajicek with a one‑year contract extension, a move that underscores the club’s intent to bolster its goaltending depth ahead of the upcoming NHL draft. The organization, based in Boston, is also finalizing its draft strategy, eyeing the 23rd overall pick on Friday.
Across the league, the Edmonton Oilers confirmed the appointment of former NHL coach Mike Babcock as their new head coach, while the Pittsburgh Penguins revealed a change in ownership, with the Hoffmann Family of Companies receiving league approval to acquire the franchise.
The prospect of a second Canadian‑based expansion team has gained traction, as the NHL explores possibilities in Texas, with Houston and Austin emerging as the front‑runners for the prospective franchise.
Draft Timeline and Key Dates
The NHL draft will take place on June 26 and 27 in Buffalo, New York, and teams must submit qualifying offers to restricted free agents by June 29. The Bruins’ development camp runs from June 29 to July 2 in Brighton, Massachusetts, while rookie camp opens on September 11 and training camp begins on September 16, both in the same venue. The club’s first preseason game is scheduled for September 20 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
Additional moves around the league include the New Jersey Devils trading Simon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames, the Ottawa Senators acquiring William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks, the St. Louis Blues sending Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals, and the Chicago Blackhawks adding Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway to their roster. Defenseman Zach Werenski is set to meet with the Columbus Blue Jackets to discuss his future, and forward Alex Tuch could become an unrestricted free agent, potentially moving via a sign‑and‑trade.
These developments reflect a busy offseason as clubs prepare for the upcoming draft, free‑agency period, and the next chapter of roster building.