The structural, financial, and competitive landscape of the National Hockey League (NHL) was radically reshaped on June 23, 2026, through an extraordinary convergence of executive hires, multi-billion-dollar expansion initiatives, and franchise-altering blockbusters. This single day established a new precedent for off-season volatility, driven by a historically shallow impending unrestricted free agent (UFA) class on July 1 and the relentless pressure on championship windows.

From the return of Mike Babcock in Edmonton to the formalization of a South Texas expansion framework and a series of trades involving high-profile draft capital and established stars, the league’s economic and competitive balance has undergone a profound realignment. This analysis details the strategic, tactical, and financial implications of these developments for the sport and its franchises.

The Return of Mike Babcock: A High-Stakes Culture Gamble in Edmonton

The Edmonton Oilers finalized one of the most polarizing coaching hires in modern sports history by naming Mike Babcock as the 19th head coach in franchise history. Babcock, 63, replaces Kris Knoblauch, who was dismissed on May 14 following a first-round postseason exit against the Anaheim Ducks. This early departure followed consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025, in which Edmonton fell to the Florida Panthers both times.

The hiring represents a major tactical pivot by Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman and the CEO of Hockey Operations, Jeff Jackson. By moving away from first-time NHL head coaches like Knoblauch and Jay Woodcroft, the Oilers’ front office is betting entirely on experienced, rigid accountability to maximize the remaining years of the Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl era.

                Edmonton Oilers Coaching Matrix (June 2026)

Stan Bowman (General Manager)

↳ Mike Babcock (Head Coach)

↳ D.J. Smith (Associate Coach)

↳ Leadership Group (McDavid, Draisaitl, Hyman)

The Path to Re-Employment and the Role of the League

Babcock’s return required formal clearance from the NHL, which concluded a thorough review of his abortive 2023 tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets. That stint ended in resignation on September 17, 2023, prior to training camp, following an investigation into allegations that he invaded players’ privacy by demanding to view personal photos on their mobile devices during one-on-one meetings. When Edmonton’s intent to hire Babcock became clear, the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) requested a formal review of his conduct.

Ultimately, Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that the league’s investigation found “no current basis to restrict his employment,” shifting responsibility for the hire entirely to the Edmonton organization. Despite this clearing, the move has drawn fierce criticism from former players, media commentators, and mental health advocates, who point to a well-documented history of psychological manipulation, including incidents involving Mitch Marner, Nazem Kadri, and Johan Franzen.

Press Conference Dynamics and Internal Alignment

During his introductory press conference at Rogers Place, Babcock exhibited a characteristic lack of contrition, deflecting responsibility for his Columbus exit by asserting that he resigned due to a lack of organizational alignment rather than misconduct, even claiming that his wife suggested the departure. He continued to reject the notion that he had crossed ethical lines with players, framing his historically abrasive style as “telling the truth” and “love”. He famously asserted his authority by noting that he demanded complete buy-in from the Oilers’ core:

“Unless you’re 100 percent all-in on Mike Babcock, I have no interest in being the coach.”

This hardline stance succeeded because the Oilers’ leadership group—comprising captain Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman—directly endorsed the hiring. According to organizational reports, the players met with Babcock, reviewed tape, and explicitly requested to be pushed harder to overcome their postseason hurdles.

To mitigate the risk of dressing-room alienation, Edmonton also hired D.J. Smith as an associate coach. Smith, who previously coached the Ottawa Senators and worked under Babcock in Toronto, is known as an exceptional “players’ coach” who excels at five-on-five defensive structures. The Oilers reportedly signed Smith to a highly lucrative contract, potentially making him the highest-paid assistant coach in the NHL, which serves as both a tactical bridge to modern player relations and an immediate contingency plan should Babcock’s tenure deteriorate.

Metric / Dimension	Detail / Record	Historical Context & Strategic Notes
Regular Season Record	700-418-183 (19 ties) over 17 seasons	Ranks 12th all-time in regular-season victories.
Playoff Record	90-74 in 164 postseason games	Ranks 10th all-time in playoff wins; has lost his last five playoff series.
Championship Resume	Stanley Cup (2008), 2x Olympic Gold (2010, 2014)	Only coach in hockey history to win the Cup, Olympic Gold, Worlds (2004), and World Cup (2016).
Contract Status	Terms undisclosed; D.J. Smith signed to a lucrative associate deal	Follows a previous 2-year, $8M Columbus contract and an 8-year, $50M Toronto contract.
Edmonton Timeline Pressure	Connor McDavid is entering the first year of a 2-year, $25M contract	McDavid can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2028; Draisaitl is also on a tight window.

The Texas Expansion Initiative: The Houston-Austin Evaluation

In a major development regarding league infrastructure, Commissioner Gary Bettman announced that the NHL Board of Governors Executive Committee has endorsed a term sheet to explore bringing a second NHL franchise to Texas. The league has entered into an exclusive agreement with billionaire Dan Friedkin, Chairman and CEO of The Friedkin Group, to initiate a rigorous six-month evaluation process. This phase will determine whether Houston or Austin is best suited to host the NHL’s 33rd franchise.

Financial Underpinnings and Ownership Profile

The proposed expansion represents a total capital investment of approximately $3.5 billion by the Friedkin family. This figure encompasses both the projected NHL expansion fee—which will be distributed among the existing 32 owners—and the cost of constructing a state-of-the-art arena, which neither potential host city currently has. The Friedkin Group, which boasts an estimated net worth of $6.4 billion, has deep experience in international sports management and holds controlling stakes in European soccer clubs AS Roma (Serie A) and Everton FC (English Premier League).

The project is being managed through Pursuit Sports, the family’s global sports ownership and operating platform. From a territorial perspective, Bettman confirmed that the Dallas Stars do not possess veto or territorial rights that would block a second team in South Texas, with the league projecting that a second franchise will accelerate hockey’s commercial footprint in the region.

Houston vs. Austin: Market Dynamic Matrix

While Houston has long been considered the primary candidate for NHL expansion, Austin has emerged as a formidable alternative due to its explosive demographic and corporate growth. The six-month evaluation will dissect the unique commercial advantages of each market.

Dimension / Metric	Houston Expansion Profile	Austin Expansion Profile
Socio-Economic & Market Scale	4th largest metropolitan area in the U.S.; massive corporate headquarters base.	High-growth, tech-centric demographic; elite disposable income index.
Player Preference & Sentiment	Ranked #1 in NHLPA Player Poll (34.3% of active players favour Houston).	Received 5% of votes in the April 2026 NHLPA Player Poll.
Arena Infrastructure Status	Requires a newly constructed NHL-dedicated arena to secure tenancy.	Requires a newly constructed, top-tier venue suitable for professional hockey.
Existing Pro Sports Competition	High (NFL’s Texans, NBA’s Rockets, MLB’s Astros).	Low (MLS’s Austin FC is the sole major league competitor).
Corporate Sponsorship Viability	Exceptionally high; backed by energy, aerospace, and medical sectors.	Extremely high; driven by multinational technology and venture capital firms.

This deliberate, dual-city evaluation model allows the NHL to create competitive leverage between municipalities, optimize public-private partnership models for arena funding, and expand the league’s footprint in the Sun Belt. While Bettman noted that groups from Atlanta and Arizona continue to pursue expansion franchises, the South Texas/Friedkin bid is officially the furthest along in the league’s pipeline.

A Frenzied Summer Trade Deadline: June 23 Blockbusters

Driven by the impending June 26-27 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo and a highly restricted free-agent market, eight NHL clubs executed four massive, roster-altering trades in rapid succession on June 23. Collectively, these deals saw twelve players and five first-round draft selections change hands, effectively transforming a mid-summer Tuesday into an unofficial trade deadline.

               June 23, 2026 Trade Flow & Asset Realignment

BUFFALO SABRES RECEIVE	CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS RECEIVE
Louis Crevier (RD)	Bowen Byram (D)
No. 4 Overall Pick (2026)	Jordan Greenway (LW)
No. 45 Overall Pick (2026)

ST. LOUIS BLUES RECEIVE	WASHINGTON CAPITALS RECEIVE
Connor McMichael (C)	Jordan Kyrou (RW)
Milton Gastrin (C Prospect)
No. 16 Overall Pick (2026)

SAN JOSE SHARKS RECEIVE	OTTAWA SENATORS RECEIVE
No. 9 Overall Pick (2026)	William Eklund (LW)
	Kasper Halttunen (C)
	Brandon Svoboda (RW Prospect)

NEW JERSEY DEVILS RECEIVE	CALGARY FLAMES RECEIVE
Etienne Morin (LD Prospect)	Simon Nemec (RD)
No. 35 Overall Pick (2026)	Maxim Tsyplakov (RW)
Cond. 2027 1st-Round Pick (VGK)
Cond. 2028 1st-Round Pick (COL

1. The Chicago Blackhawks – Buffalo Sabres Blockbuster

In the most shocking deal of the day, the Chicago Blackhawks traded the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, defenseman Louis Crevier, and a 2026 second-round pick (No. 45 overall) to the Buffalo Sabres. In return, Chicago acquired defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway.

• Chicago’s Perspective: General Manager Kyle Davidson prioritized immediate, high-end defensive support for franchise cornerstone Connor Bedard. Byram, 25, recorded 42 points in 82 games last season but has struggled with consistency and has only one year remaining on his contract before UFA eligibility. Chicago paid an immense premium—parting with a top-five draft choice—to secure a puck-moving defenseman with Stanley Cup pedigree, while also absorbing Greenway’s salary cap hit.
• Buffalo’s Perspective: The Sabres achieved an extraordinary return on asset management. Byram had been acquired straight up for forward Casey Mittelstadt just two years prior. By flipping him, Buffalo cleared over $10 million in cap space, dumped Greenway’s contract, added a young physical depth defender in Crevier, and secured the No. 4 overall pick. This marks the first time in 18 years that a top-five draft selection was traded during draft week.

2. The Washington Capitals – St. Louis Blues Realignment

The Washington Capitals acquired dynamic winger Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Connor McMichael, Swedish prospect Milton Gastrin, and a 2026 first-round draft pick (No. 16 overall). Kyrou waived his no-trade clause to facilitate the transaction.

• Washington’s Perspective: The Capitals successfully ended a multi-year search for a legitimate top-six offensive winger to pair with their veteran core and rising stars like Ryan Leonard. Kyrou, 28, who has five seasons remaining on his contract at an $8.0 million AAV, immediately injects elite transitional speed and proven scoring into the Capitals’ lineup.
• St. Louis’ Perspective: Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong committed fully to a structural retooling, clearing Kyrou’s $8.0 million cap hit and shifting the organization’s focus toward younger, cost-controlled players. The Blues acquired McMichael (an impending restricted free agent requiring a new contract) and Gastrin (a highly regarded 19-year-old Swedish prospect from MoDo). Crucially, this deal gives the Blues four first-round draft picks in the 2026 draft (No. 11, No. 15 from Detroit, No. 16 from Washington, and No. 29 from Colorado via the Islanders), providing them with unparalleled draft-day optionality.

3. The Ottawa Senators – San Jose Sharks Strategic Swap

The Ottawa Senators acquired winger William Eklund, forward Kasper Halttunen, and the rights to unsigned prospect Brandon Svoboda from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 draft. The pick was originally owned by the Florida Panthers and acquired by Ottawa in the Sunday blockbuster that sent captain Brady Tkachuk to Sunrise.

• Ottawa’s Perspective: General Manager Steve Staios acted swiftly to fulfill his promise that the Senators would not take a step back after trading Tkachuk. By flipping the No. 9 pick, Ottawa secured a highly skilled, 23-year-old top-six winger in Eklund, who is under contract for three more seasons at a highly efficient $5.6 million AAV. The Senators also gained Halttunen (a physical 21-year-old Finnish center) and Svoboda (a collegiate winger at Boston University), strengthening their middle-six depth while maintaining nearly $20 million in salary cap space.
• San Jose’s Perspective: The rebuilding Sharks chose to consolidate their assets into high-end draft capital. By trading Eklund, San Jose secured two selections in the top ten of the 2026 draft (No. 2 and No. 9, alongside No. 27), allowing General Manager Mike Grier to draft a franchise-altering pairing—potentially targeting Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg at No. 2 and an elite defenseman at No. 9.

4. The Calgary Flames – New Jersey Devils Strategic Reallocation

The Calgary Flames acquired Slovakian defenseman Simon Nemec and Russian winger Maxim Tsyplakov from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for prospect defenseman Etienne Morin, a 2026 second-round pick (No. 35 overall), a conditional 2027 first-round pick (originally belonging to Vegas, top-10 protected), and a conditional 2028 first-round pick (originally belonging to Colorado, top-10 protected).

• Calgary’s Perspective: The Flames capitalized on their massive stockpiles of draft assets to land a premier, 22-year-old, right-shot defenseman. Nemec, the former second-overall selection in 2022, is an elite right-handed blueliner who recorded 26 points in 68 games last season and is primed for a top-pairing role in Calgary. Because the first-round picks Calgary traded belong to other contending teams (Vegas and Colorado), they are projected to be late selections, making the acquisition of an established young defenseman an exceptionally smart risk.
• New Jersey’s Perspective: The Devils faced a severe salary-cap squeeze, with five defensemen already earning over $4 million per year and Nemec requiring a substantial new contract as an RFA. By trading Nemec from a position of strength, New Jersey acquired two future first-round picks, a high second-round pick, and a promising prospect in Morin, providing them with the necessary financial flexibility and trade capital to aggressively upgrade their top-six forward group.

Trade Asset and Value Matrix

The following table summarizes the assets, contract implications, and strategic outcomes of the historic June 23 trade cluster.

Transaction	Outgoing Assets	Incoming Assets	Cap & Roster Impact
CHI / BUF	CHI: No. 4 Overall Pick, Louis Crevier, No. 45 Pick	CHI: Bowen Byram, Jordan Greenway	Chicago secures top-pairing defender. Buffalo clears $10M+ in cap space.
WSH / STL	WSH: Connor McMichael, Milton Gastrin, No. 16 Pick	WSH: Jordan Kyrou	Washington adds elite top-six speed ($8M AAV). St. Louis acquires fourth 1st-round pick.
OTT / SJS	OTT: No. 9 Overall Pick (originally FLA)	OTT: William Eklund, Kasper Halttunen, Brandon Svoboda	Ottawa adds cost-controlled winger ($5.6M AAV). San Jose secures three 1st-round picks.
CGY / NJD	CGY: Etienne Morin, No. 35 Pick, Cond. 2027 1st (VGK), Cond. 2028 1st (COL)	CGY: Simon Nemec, Maxim Tsyplakov	Calgary lands a top-pair right-shot D. Devils resolve cap squeeze and stock draft assets.

Strategic Realignments: Ownership, Coaching, and Roster Developments

Beyond the blockbuster trades and coaching hires, several critical developments occurred on June 23 that will heavily influence the league’s competitive landscape.

Pittsburgh Penguins Ownership Transition

The NHL Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale of the Pittsburgh Penguins from Fenway Sports Group (FSG) to the Hoffmann Family of Companies, a prominent private equity firm. While final financial terms were not officially disclosed, sports business valuations place the transaction at approximately $1.7-$1.75 billion. This represents an incredible 100% return on investment for FSG, which purchased the franchise in late 2021 for $900 million.

Geoff Hoffmann will assume the role of team Governor, with Kyle Dubas remaining as President of Hockey Operations and General Manager. The Hoffmann family brings established hockey experience to the organization, having owned the ECHL’s Florida Everblades since 2019, a minor-league affiliate that recently captured its fourth consecutive Kelly Cup championship. The new ownership group is tasked with managing the final competitive years of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang while funding a transition into a new era of Pittsburgh hockey.

Utah Mammoth Solidify Coaching Staff

The Utah Mammoth finalized their coaching staff ahead of the draft, extending Head Coach André Tourigny and Assistant Coach Blaine Forsythe to multi-year contracts. Tourigny, who successfully guided the franchise to its first-ever Stanley Cup Playoff berth in Utah after compiling a 43-33-6 record, has overseen the development of the team’s young core, including Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, and Dylan Guenther.

Additionally, Utah signed former Vancouver Canucks Head Coach Adam Foote to a multi-year assistant coaching deal. Foote, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, became available after a highly difficult season in Vancouver and will bring valuable defensive expertise to Tourigny’s staff.

Media Tours and Impending Leverage Wars

As players and executives descended upon Buffalo for the draft, the media spotlight on June 23 focused on several explosive player-driven narratives that are currently testing the limits of team leverage.

• The Brady Tkachuk Blockbuster Asset Chain (June 21 – June 23)
• June 21: Florida trades Mackie Samoskevich to Seattle
• * Panthers receive No. 25 Pick & Conditional 2027 2nd-Round Pick
  ↳
• June 21: Florida trades for Ottawa Captain Brady Tkachuk
•  * Senators receive No. 9 Pick, No. 25 Pick, 2027 2nd, 2029 1st
  ↳
•  June 23: Ottawa flips No. 9 Pick to San Jose
•  * Senators acquire William Eklund, Kasper Halttunen, Svoboda
  

The Tkachuk Brothers’ Media Tour

Following the blockbuster trade that sent Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers in exchange for a massive package of draft capital, the Tkachuk brothers embarked on an extensive media tour. Appearing on their joint “Wingmen” podcast and later joining “The Pat McAfee Show,” Brady and Matthew Tkachuk discussed the reality of becoming teammates.

While expressing deep appreciation for his eight years in Ottawa, Brady emphasized his overwhelming motivation to join a championship-calibre team that has won back-to-back Stanley Cups. Matthew Tkachuk provided a fascinating second-order look at the institutional differences between playing in a pressure-packed Canadian market versus Sunrise:

“Brady had to wear a lot of hats playing up in Ottawa, being a young captain, playing in Canada, dealing with a lot of stuff, whether it’s in his control or not. The best part about playing down here is that we’re really just like pieces of meat. You have your role, you wear one hat, you don’t have to do somebody else’s job, it’s a total group effort.”

The family’s historic week was capped off by their father, Keith Tkachuk, being elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2026 alongside Patrice Bergeron, Carey Price, Pekka Rinne, Cindy Curley, and Brian Burke.

Other Things To Keep An Eye On

The Dylan Larkin Trade Demand

In Detroit, the relationship between long-time captain Dylan Larkin and General Manager Steve Yzerman has reportedly fractured beyond repair, with respected league insiders confirming that a trade is imminent. Larkin, 29, is entering the fourth year of an eight-year, $69.6 million contract ($8.7 million AAV) and has requested a trade following a tenth consecutive season of Detroit missing the playoffs.

Larkin’s preferred destination has shifted to the Dallas Stars—led by former Red Wings assistant GM Jim Nill—where he hopes to play immediate, high-stakes playoff hockey. While Larkin holds a full no-trade clause, Yzerman has maintained that he will not be forced into a bad deal, creating an intense standoff as the draft approaches.

The Jason Robertson Offer Sheet Threat

The Dallas Stars are facing a financial standoff with restricted free-agent winger Jason Robertson. Robertson, who is coming off a 45-goal, 96-point campaign, is reportedly seeking a long-term contract worth $14 million annually, while Dallas General Manager Jim Nill has established a strict internal salary cap ceiling of $12 million.

This standoff has invited intense speculation, with the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, and New York Rangers actively monitoring the situation. Insiders suggest that if a trade cannot be worked out, Ottawa is prepared to weaponize its draft capital by launching a massive $14 million-per-year offer sheet on July 1, a move that the cap-strapped Stars would find nearly impossible to match.

Analytical Conclusions: Implications for Team Building

The events of June 23, 2026, underscore a fundamental shift in how NHL front offices manage assets and build competitive rosters. The sudden flurry of trade activity highlights a growing aversion to the upcoming free-agent market. Rather than overpaying for average talent in July, general managers are choosing to aggressively trade draft picks for young, cost-controlled players with term (such as William Eklund and Simon Nemec) or for established stars (such as Jordan Kyrou).

Concurrently, the rapid rise in franchise valuations—demonstrated by the $1.75 billion sale of the Penguins and the projected $3.5 billion Texas expansion—illustrates the league’s exceptional commercial growth. This financial boom is driving a highly competitive arms race. Whether through risky culture gambles like Edmonton’s hiring of Mike Babcock or bold draft-day trades, NHL franchises are demonstrating that in the modern salary-cap era, passivity is no longer an option.

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46. Complete order of selection for 2026 NHL Draft, https://www.nhl.com/news/2026-nhl-draft-full-order-of-picks-for-seven-rounds
47. Coach Tourigny signs multiyear contract with Mammoth, https://www.nhl.com/news/andre-tourigny-signs-multiyear-contract-with-utah-mammoth
48. Mammoth extend head coach Tourigny, add Foote to staff – TSN, https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/article/mammoth-extend-head-coach-tourigny-add-foote-to-staff/
49. Utah Signs Tourigny, Forsythe to New Contracts, Adds Foote to Staff | Utah Mammoth, https://www.nhl.com/utah/news/utah-mammoth-coaching-updates-release-6-22-26
50. Mammoth Sign André Tourigny To Multi-Year Contract, https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2026/06/mammoth-sign-andre-tourigny-to-multi-year-contract.html
51. Mammoth officially extend Tourigny, hire Foote as assistant coach – Daily Faceoff, https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/utah-mammoth-officially-extend-andre-tourigny-hire-adam-foote-assistant-coach-nhl-contract
52. Mammoth hire Adam Foote as assistant, sign head coach Andre Tourigny to extension, https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/mammoth-hire-adam-foote-as-assistant-sign-head-coach-andre-tourigny-to-extension/
53. Tkachuk ready for ‘next chapter’ with Panthers after trade from Senators | NHL.com, https://www.nhl.com/news/brady-tkachuk-ready-for-next-chapter-with-florida
54. Brady Tkachuk says he asked for a trade to start the ‘next chapter’ of his career, https://www.cbc.ca/lite/story/9.7245641
55. Tkachuk brothers talk becoming teammates on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’, https://www.nhl.com/news/tkachuk-brothers-talk-trade-on-pat-mcafee-show
56. Brady Tkachuk introduced by Panthers, discusses the trade to his brother’s team, https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/article/brady-tkachuk-introduced-by-panthers-discusses-the-trade-to-his-brothers-team/
57. Carey Price, Patrice Bergeron, Brian Burke lead 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame class, https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/carey-price-keith-tkachuk-brian-burke-lead-2026-hockey-hall-of-fame-class/
58. Carey Price, Patrice Bergeron headline Hockey Hall of Fame’s 2026 class | CBC Sports, https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/hockey-hall-of-fame-2026-class-9.7244807
59. 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame class includes Bergeron, Price, Rinne, Tkachuk | NHL.com, https://www.nhl.com/news/patrice-bergeron-carey-price-pekka-rinne-keith-tkachuk-elected-to-hockey-hall-of-fame
60. Dylan Larkin Requests Trade From Red Wings | Pro Hockey Rumors, https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2026/06/dylan-larkin-requests-trade-from-red-wings.html
61. ‘They’re Going To Trade Him’: Elliotte Friedman Believes Red Wings Will Deal Dylan Larkin, https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/theyre-going-to-trade-him-elliotte-friedman-believes-red-wings-will-deal-dylan-larkin
62. Report: Dylan Larkin requests trade from Red Wings – Daily Faceoff, https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/dylan-larkin-detroit-red-wings-trade-request-nhl-news-steve-yzerman
63. New Frontrunner Emerges In Dylan Larkin Trade Rumors Per NHL Insider, https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/new-frontrunner-emerges-in-dylan-larkin-trade-rumors-per-nhl-insider
64. An NHL insider reveals another superstar who is now expected to be traded in the coming hours, https://www.markerzone.com/news/index.php?no=593706
65. Canadiens facing competition from ‘sneaky’ teams eyeing Stars RFA Jason Robertson, https://www.thebiglead.com/canadiens-facing-competition-from-sneaky-teams-eyeing-stars-rfa-jason-robertson/
66. Report: Senators targeting Jason Robertson with assets from Brady Tkachuk trade, https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2026/06/21/jason-robertson-ottawa-senators-dallas-stars-brady-tkachuk-trade-rumor-nhl/
67. Jason Robertson is the perfect offer sheet target for the Rangers – Blue Line Station, https://bluelinestation.com/jason-robertson-is-the-perfect-offer-sheet-target-for-the-rangers-01ktt8njrxnv
68. NHL Rumor Mill – June 23, 2026 – Spectors Hockey, https://www.spectorshockey.net/2026/06/nhl-rumor-mill-june-23-2026/