NHL clubs also engaged in numerous international exhibitions and competitions alongside Russian teams, competing with various clubs based in Europe. The league’s out-of-market streaming package was integrated into ESPN+ as part of a contract with ESPN for U.S. viewers in 2021. Coverage from Turner Sports features up to 72 regular season games on TNT, while early playoff rounds are divided between TNT and TBS. NBC and OLN (later known as Versus and then NBCSN), held the U.S. national rights from the 2004–05 NHL lockout until 2021. Since 1981, cable television has been the primary means of accessing NHL games, with broadcasts on ESPN, USA Network, and SportsChannel America at different times.
A six-year contract has been secured by the Blues for Connor McMichael.
Can you name every player selected in the Vegas Golden Knights expansion draft? Three-time Stanley Cup champion Steve Yzerman stepping down as GM marks needed leadership change for Red Wings Merchandise sales were up 22 percent, and the number of unique visitors on the NHL.com website was up 17 percent during the playoffs after rising 29 percent in the regular season. The 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs saw the largest audience in the sport’s history “after a regular season that saw record-breaking business success, propelled largely by the NHL’s strategy of engaging fans through big events and robust digital offerings”. These improvements led NBC and the cable channel Versus to sign a 10-year broadcast deal, paying US$200 million per year for both American cable and broadcast rights; the deal will lead to further increases in television coverage on the NBC channels. The first exhibition game to feature an NHL team against a European-based team (aside from clubs based in the former Soviet Union) was in December 1977, when the New York Rangers faced Poldi Kladno of the Czechoslovak First Ice Hockey League.
Expansion era
Currently (San Jose has $52.5MM available for next summer), making it feasible to accommodate Celebrini within that budget. A contract with an average annual value of $18MM over five years offered to the 21-year-old Swedish center will enable him to surpass Kirill Kaprizov’s recently signed $17MM AAV deal with the Wild, making him the NHL’s highest-paid player. Grushnikov, unable to ascend Calgary’s ranks, is set to return to the club where his professional journey commenced, aiming to establish a stronger presence in the KHL.

A memorandum of understanding regarding the new deal was signed by the league and the Players’ Association on January 12, enabling teams to start training camps the following day, with a 48-game season commencing on January 19. In 1945, Maurice “Rocket” Richard became the inaugural player to net 50 goals, accomplishing this feat during a 50-game season. The inaugural NHL All-Star Game took place in 1934 to support Ace Bailey, following the end of his career due to a severe hit from Eddie Shore. In 1926 (Taffy Abel), a Native American, became the first non-white NHL player, breaking the league’s color barrier while playing for the New York Rangers.
Does GM Kyle Dubas Deserve More Credit for Pittsburgh Penguins Resurgence?
Steven Ellis from Daily Faceoff ranks the 6’2” forward (who scored four goals in five games at the U18 World Championships), as the 12th overall prospect among 2027 candidates, with the versatility to play as a center or winger. The London Knights of the OHL have secured another top prospect — sports betting in Australia forward Luca Santala, who has signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Sometimes, the most significant headlines in hockey do not involve trades or signings. The inaugural Winter Classic, an outdoor NHL regular season game held on New Year’s Day in 2008, represented a major triumph for the league. Unlike the Olympic tournament and the Ice Hockey World Championships — the World Cup of Hockey follows NHL regulations rather than those of the IIHF.
As anticipated (the Pittsburgh Penguins have lost their top goal scorer), with Anthony Mantha signing a deal with a rival from the Metropolitan division. Is it feasible for the Capitals to pursue another Stanley Cup while Alex Ovechkin aims for his 1,000th career goal? The team accumulating the most points in each division at the conclusion of the regular season is crowned the division champion, and the overall leader receives the Presidents’ Trophy.
It’s awfully rare for a Norris Trophy-calibre defenceman to become available at the peak of his playing prime, Travis Yost writes. But the Senators legend — whose No. 11 hangs from the Canadian Tire Centre rafters — believes joining the Toronto Maple Leafs is a necessary step in his coaching career. Jim Tatti and Dave Feschuk are joined by Detroit Free Press Red Wings writer Helene St. James to discuss whether or not a General Manager change could entice Dylan Larkin to reconsider his trade request. TSN Hockey analyst Martin Biron shares his thoughts on the move and if it could change anything on the trade front for captain Dylan Larkin — who has a pending trade request.
The Detroit Red Wings are mired in the NHL’s longest playoff drought — have their captain demanding a trade and are now searching for a new head of hockey operations deep into the off-season. TSN Hockey analyst Martin Biron shares his early power rankings for the Pacific, and if the Oilers are strong enough in goal to be considered contenders. Gavin McKenna announced as Maple Leafs’ No. 1 overall draft pick

The Bedford (New York), native set career highs across the board with 26 goals and 67 points in 81 games, then added six points in 10 playoff contests as the Flyers reached the postseason for the first time since 2020. The league’s regular season is typically held from October to April, with each team playing 82 games. He is coming off career bests of eight goals and 32 points and a strong two-way season. He finished the year with just 14 goals and 46 points, while posting a 43.0 faceoff percentage – exactly in-line with his career average. There is an argument to be made that many of the moves this summer have been overpays — particularly if you look at a deal like the Bowen Byram trade to Chicago.
Jason Robertson has quietly taken control of the Stars’ future
- He won the Stanley Cup in that deal’s first year — notably passing the 100-point threshold for the third time in his first four seasons, and scored 31 points in the ’09 playoffs.
- Coming along as a product of Kiekko-Espoo (Santala recorded 12 points in 25 games playing alongside skaters three years his senior), good for 12th best on the team.
- With a scoring rate of 0.65 points per game — Dach is on track for 20 goals and 54 points over the course of 82 games.
- Quebecor Media held national French-language rights to the NHL, with all coverage airing on its specialty channel TVA Sports.
- Martin Biron, a TSN Hockey analyst, presents his early power rankings for the Pacific and questions whether the Oilers have sufficient strength in goal to be deemed contenders.
- The Presidents’ Trophy is awarded to the team with the highest points in the regular season.
The Everblades (located in Estero), Florida, claimed the 2026 Kelly Cup, celebrating their achievement as ECHL Champions. Often regarded as a league for lesser-known prospects, the Wheeling uniform has seen talented young goaltender Sergei Murashov and 23-year-old forward Avery Hayes emerge as the next generation in West Virginia. Last month, the Hoffmann Group, based in Chicago, received approval to acquire the Penguins, a significant advancement from their previous hockey-related venture with the Everblades. Santala (a Finn with an impressive lineage), has a father, Tommi, who enjoyed a lengthy and successful professional career as a center in the NHL, Finland, Switzerland, and even in the KHL. Rising through Kiekko-Espoo’s ranks (Santala achieved 12 points in 25 games while competing alongside older players), finishing 12th on the team. As the dust settles from last month’s NHL draft — expect Santala’s name to emerge prominently as analysis on the 2027 prospects intensifies.
The same can be said for the Predators, who made significant free-agent signings with Steven Stamkos, Brady Skjei, and Jonathan Marchessault, but subsequently faltered and missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons. The outcomes of the moves did not meet expectations, with Tkachuk leading the Panthers to three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, while Huberdeau’s contract became one of the worst in the NHL. During the summer of 2022, the Flames experienced significant changes in their roster, parting ways with Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau while acquiring Nazem Kadri, Jonathan Huberdeau, and MacKenzie Weegar. While it may be difficult for some Canadiens fans, Hughes has established a foundation of trust through his past achievements, making him credible in this situation. Prices may potentially decrease later in the summer or midway through the season as teams fall out of contention and decide to move certain players. Although Hughes has expressed interest in pursuing major trades in the past, he has opted out when the costs exceeded his comfort threshold.