Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Leon Draisaitl across Hockey.
With the salary cap climbing and elite talent dwindling, NHL teams are turning to aggressive offer sheets. The resulting contracts are reshaping player valuations and forcing a reevaluation of draft‑pick compensation across the league.
With Connor Bedard set to enter the final year of his entry‑level deal, the Chicago Blackhawks are poised to reward the 2023 first‑overall pick with a contract that could place him among the league's highest earners. Insider David Pagnotta notes the organization's comfort with a $12.5‑$14 million average annual value, a figure that aligns with recent extensions for stars like Leon Draisaitl, Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid. As the team looks to rebound from a 29‑39‑14 season, General Manager Kyle Davidson is betting that Bedard will be the catalyst for a swift return to contention.
With a full roster and ample cap space, Edmonton’s management is betting on undervalued talent to bolster the team’s future prospects.
The Philadelphia Flyers have presented Anaheim with a $90 million, five‑year contract for Leo Carlsson, the richest annual salary since the cap era began, while the Minnesota Wild's $136 million deal for Kirill Kaprizov marks the largest total NHL contract to date.
A 16‑year‑old member of the NHL Power Players Youth Advisory Board describes the unique fan cultures, historic moments and personal connections he experienced while attending three straight Stanley Cup‑clinching games.
The 2026 CHL Import Draft will be held on June 30, featuring a revised tiered eligibility system that reshapes how 16‑ and 20‑year‑old prospects are selected.
With Cale Makar set to become a restricted free agent on July 1, the Colorado Avalanche face a delicate balancing act as they aim to retain their star while respecting the NHL's evolving salary landscape.
As the NHL's July 1 deadline looms, top defenseman Cale Makar's looming $20 million contract and a cascade of high-profile negotiations reshape the league's financial landscape.
The Minnesota Wild are working to bring back defenseman Quinn Hughes on a three‑year deal, a move that aligns with the end of his brother’s contract and aims to maximize the club’s championship window amid a rising salary cap.
The Edmonton Oilers have appointed Mike Babcock as head coach after the NHL cleared him following an investigation. The move, championed by CEO Jeff Jackson and supported by league commissioner Gary Bettman, comes amid criticism from former players and a history of polarizing coaching methods.
Edmonton’s front office has secured Connor Murphy through 2029, a move that follows Jason Dickinson’s extension and signals a deliberate push to sharpen a defense that could finally unlock a championship for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are reshaping their roster this summer, targeting restricted free agents, exploring bold trades, and the GM reflects on a memorable motorcycle journey that underscores the season's promise.
Nikita Kucherov edged out Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon for the Hart Trophy, while Zach Werenski captured the Norris Trophy and rookie Macklin Celebrini earned notable first‑place votes.
The Kings have overhauled their roster and hired Peter Laviolette, but questions linger about depth, talent gaps, and whether the moves can translate into playoff success.
The Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch is poised to hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent, sparking speculation across the NHL as teams like the Oilers, Devils, Bruins, Blackhawks and Kraken evaluate how his skill set could address their specific gaps.
A look at the growing speculation surrounding Darnell Nurse’s potential move, the Oilers’ cap constraints, and the Penguins’ pursuit of a defensive upgrade.
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse has formally asked for a trade, and early reports suggest the Pittsburgh Penguins are among his preferred destinations. The potential move raises questions about salary cap implications, fit with Penguins’ roster, and the assets required to make it happen.
Matt McIlvane, a seasoned coach with international experience, has accepted an assistant coaching role with the Boston Bruins for the 2026‑27 season, bringing a proven track record of defensive development and player communication.
The Edmonton Oilers defenseman has hinted at a shortlist of suitors while the club navigates a coaching change and a captain’s renewed commitment to a championship run.
With the trade deadline approaching, Dylan Larkin’s future is the subject of intense speculation, as clubs from Minnesota to Montreal evaluate a potential deal.
A look at how Cassidy’s potential move could reshape the coaching landscape ahead of the Stanley Cup Finals.
Canada's teams have gone 33 years without a Stanley Cup, while U.S. Sun Belt franchises have captured 11 of the last 27 championships. Revenue has surged from $400 million to $8 billion, and the player base is becoming increasingly American. The Montreal Canadiens remain the best hope for ending the drought, but internal improvement is seen as the key path forward.
The Edmonton Oilers are weighing a potential reversal on hiring Mike Babcock after the NHL Players' Association demanded a fresh probe into his conduct with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Minnesota’s search for a top‑line center intensifies with rumors linking star forward Dylan Larkin to a move north, sparking debate over the cost and potential impact.