Who gets traded next? An offer sheet for Robertson...
Key takeaways
- The 2026 NHL offseason started to heat up even before the Carolina Hurricanes lifted the Stanley Cup on June 14.
- Alex Tuch's camp remains in communication with the Buffalo Sabres, but to this point, they haven't bridged the gap on a new contract.
- Given the low compensation cost (Toronto had to give up just a fifth-round pick to Tampa Bay, a division rival) don't count out anyone.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
The 2026 NHL offseason started to heat up even before the Carolina Hurricanes lifted the Stanley Cup on June 14.
Although Dylan Larkin's trade request has yet to be fulfilled by the Detroit Red Wings' front office, two massive swaps have already taken place: The Toronto Maple Leafs traded for the negotiating rights to Darren Raddysh (and promptly signed him to an eight-year contract), and the Florida Panthers landed Brady Tkachuk in exchange for three first-round picks and a second-rounder.
With the NHL draft on tap Friday (Round 1) and Saturday (Rounds 2-7) -- and free agency beginning on July 1 -- ESPN reporters Emily Kaplan, Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski have made calls around the league for the latest buzz on what the next big moves are on the horizon.