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Several high-profile NHL players changed teams this offseason ahead of the 2026-27 season. A decorated head coach also returned to the league. Here is a look at the most notable moves shaping the upcoming campaign.
Goaltenders, Wingers and Defencemen on the Move
Veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs after backstopping the Florida Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025. The 38-year-old carries a career .912 save percentage and a 2.61 goals-against average. Toronto hopes he can help the team return to the playoffs after missing out last spring for the first time in a decade.
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Meanwhile, bruising winger Brady Tkachuk requested a trade from the Ottawa Senators and landed in Florida. The 27-year-old joins his older brother Matthew on the Panthers after eight seasons in Ottawa, including five years as team captain.
Veteran forward Brendan Gallagher also changed addresses this summer. The Montreal Canadiens dealt the 34-year-old to the Vancouver Canucks, where he is expected to contribute both on and off the ice during a full rebuild. Gallagher recorded seven goals and 16 assists for 23 points last season.
In addition, the Edmonton Oilers moved defenceman Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks. The deal cleared salary cap space for Edmonton. Nurse, 31, joins a young Sharks core led by Macklin Celebrini as San Jose aims to become a force in the Pacific Division. He posted seven goals and 17 assists for 24 points in 2025-26.
Veteran winger Chris Kreider signed a one-year deal with the Canadiens after the Anaheim Ducks placed him on waivers and terminated his contract. The 35-year-old brings speed and experience to a Montreal roster that reached last season’s Eastern Conference final.
Chicago and Toronto Make Bold Investments
The Chicago Blackhawks acquired defenceman Bowen Byram from the Buffalo Sabres and quickly signed him to a six-year, US$75-million contract extension. The 25-year-old is expected to serve as Chicago’s top defenceman and power-play quarterback. Furthermore, the Blackhawks also welcomed back franchise legend and veteran forward Patrick Kane.
Toronto had another busy move beyond the Bobrovsky signing. The Maple Leafs acquired defenceman Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning and signed him to an eight-year, $68-million contract. The 30-year-old, known for his powerful shot, is expected to strengthen a power play that underperformed last season despite featuring stars Auston Matthews and William Nylander.
Tuch Heads to Washington, Babcock Returns to the Bench
Winger Alex Tuch left the Sabres in free agency and signed an eight-year, $84-million deal with the Washington Capitals. The 30-year-old joins a revamped Washington roster that also added forwards Jordan Kyrou and Boone Jenner, along with defenceman Vincent Desharnais.
Finally, one of the offseason’s most talked-about developments came behind the bench. Mike Babcock returned to the NHL as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers. Babcock previously left the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 under controversial circumstances before coaching a single game there. He won the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008 and led Canada to consecutive Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014. Edmonton brought him in with a clear mandate: help Connor McDavid and the Oilers take the next step toward a championship.
