
NHL Front Office Moves and Playoff Outlook
The Hockey News Big Show unpacks core player lock‑ins, goalie battles, and bold predictions across several NHL teams.
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The Hockey News Big Show unpacks core player lock‑ins, goalie battles, and bold predictions across several NHL teams.

The Philadelphia Flyers announced a flurry of contract moves during the 2026 free‑agency period, locking in Dan Vladar, Tyson Foerster, Carl Grundstrom and Noel Acciari while reshaping the AHL roster.

The New Jersey Devils have added experienced net‑minder David Rittich to a $1 million contract, bringing a decade of NHL play and international exposure to the roster.

The Penguins made no moves on Day 2 of free agency, sparking criticism of GM Kyle Dubas while trade speculation heats up across the league.

The Tucson Roadrunners have added forward Kevin Rooney to a one‑year contract, bolstering their lineup with a player who has logged extensive NHL time, strong AHL production, and a bronze medal with Team USA.

Cleared of sexual assault charges, Dillon Dube has inked a one‑year, $850,000 contract with the St. Louis Blues, aiming to earn a roster spot after stints in the KHL and AHL.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have locked in Erik Gudbranson for another season, reinforcing their blue line with a proven defensive stalwart.

Devils GM Sunny Mehta reshapes the roster with key extensions, trades, and depth signings, aiming to foster a winning culture and accelerate player development through the Utica Comets.

The Minnesota Wild have signed forward Max Shabanov to a one-year, $1.6 million contract, leaving them with just $795 K of salary‑cap space. The move caps an offseason of quiet maneuvering and adds depth after Shabanov’s injury‑marred rookie season.

The Calgary Flames and Minnesota Wild finalized a trade that sees defenseman Jacob Middleton head to Calgary, while forward Blake Coleman and defenseman Olli Maatta head the other way, accompanied by draft picks.

The Los Angeles Kings announced a series of contracts that could reshape their blue line and forward corps heading into the 2026‑27 season.

Los Angeles has secured Erik Gustafsson for the upcoming season, a move that adds depth and experience to its blue line. The agreement reflects the team's confidence in the 34‑year‑old's ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.

A.J. Greer signed a four‑year deal with the Ducks, citing the organization’s commitment, family‑friendly culture, and a chance to become a top‑nine player while continuing his mental‑health advocacy.

Veteran netminder Laurent Brossoit inks a 2026‑27 contract with the Anaheim Ducks, adding depth and playoff pedigree after a season lost to injury and a strong AHL showing with the San Jose Barracuda.

The Blue Jackets have locked in Ryan Lomberg for two more seasons, adding a proven Cup winner and a hard‑hitting presence to their roster.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have agreed to a one‑year contract with forward Andrei Kuzmenko, worth $5 million annually and extending through the 2026‑27 season. The move comes after Kuzmenko’s strong showing with the Los Angeles Kings, where he contributed 25 points in 52 games.

Veteran netminder Sergei Bobrovsky is poised to become an unrestricted free agent, drawing attention from contending clubs as the NHL's salary cap climbs to $104 million per team.

The Panthers announced a major trade that brings Jacob Markstrom and Angus Crookshank to Florida while sending out three forwards to the New Jersey Devils.
General manager Bill Zito is shaping the Panthers' lineup for the upcoming season, balancing a modest $5.8 million cap cushion with strategic acquisitions and the flexibility to exceed the NHL's $104 million ceiling.

Two top prospects, Cullen Potter and Jack Hextall, are attending the Calgary Flames development camp, with both set to join Michigan State this fall.

The Panthers chose to keep Ben Steeves, Toby Bjornfot and Mikulas Hovorka while letting Donovan Sebrango, Cole Schwindt, Wilmer Skoog and Mike Benning become unrestricted free agents. The moves reflect a strategic balance of retention and renewal as the club prepares for the next campaign.

The 2026 NHL Draft saw the University of North Dakota produce a record six draftees, highlighted by two top‑10 selections and the highest‑drafted twins since the Sedin brothers.

John Mitchell, the 2025 NAHL Coach of the Year, has been hired as an assistant coach for the Rapid City Rush, adding a proven record of playoff success and a deep hockey background to the franchise.

Minnesota topped the nation with a dozen players chosen in the 2026 NHL Draft, highlighting a deep reservoir of home‑grown talent that will soon wear NHL jerseys across the continent.