The initial whirlwind of the National Hockey League off-season—marked by the Stanley Cup Final, the Entry Draft welcoming fresh talent, and the frantic opening of free agency—has subsided. While many significant player movements and signings have occurred, the period between early July and the opening of training camps in September is far from dormant. It`s a phase characterized by strategic planning, nuanced negotiations, and the quiet positioning of teams for the season ahead.
Arbitration hearings are scheduled, providing deadlines for some contract discussions. Trade talks, though less visible, continue as General Managers look for solutions that weren`t available on the free agent market. This overview delves into the lingering questions and tasks facing various NHL franchises as summer progresses.
Navigating the Contract Landscape
For many teams, the primary focus remains on securing key restricted free agents (RFAs) and considering extensions for players entering the final year of their contracts. Anaheim needs to finalize deals with important young players like goaltender Lukas Dostal and forward Mason McTavish, navigating GM Pat Verbeek`s stated preference for deals earned through performance.
Buffalo faces a particularly intricate situation with defenseman Bowen Byram. A potential team-elected salary arbitration ruling could significantly impact his future, possibly positioning him for unrestricted free agency sooner than the club might prefer. The situation is compounded by uncertainty surrounding hometown forward Alex Tuch, also entering the final year of his deal and likely seeking a substantial extension.
In Calgary, signing RFA Connor Zary is a priority amidst a broader rebuild. Meanwhile, Dallas has critical negotiations with young stars Jason Robertson and Thomas Harley, both due for significant raises with only one year left before their RFA status expires (and UFA eligibility looming for Robertson in 2026). Edmonton faces perhaps the highest-stakes negotiation of all with Connor McDavid, eligible for an extension now, though patience is typical in such monumental deals.
For teams like Columbus, RFA Adam Fantilli still has a season on his entry-level contract, offering some buffer, but future planning is necessary. Contenders are also assessing their core: Florida`s Sergei Bobrovsky enters the final year of his large contract at age 37, a situation that invites speculation, while Los Angeles has key veterans Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe approaching the end of their terms next summer, with Kempe`s prime-year performance warranting early attention.
The Persistent Whisper of Trades
While the initial trade market flurry around the draft has passed, activity hasn`t completely ceased. Teams with cap space or positional needs are still exploring options. Anaheim, despite already moving Trevor Zegras and John Gibson, possesses considerable cap flexibility and a surplus of young left-shot defensemen, potentially making them players in the trade market if the right opportunity arises.
Calgary`s Rasmus Andersson, entering the final year of his contract, is a prominent trade watch candidate, unlikely to finish the 2025-26 season as a Flame unless an extension materializes – a seemingly improbable scenario given their rebuild timeline. GM Craig Conroy appears patient, prioritizing future goals over immediate significant veteran additions.
Columbus, having reportedly missed out on top free agent targets, might still seek external help, particularly in net, preferring a waiver-exempt option potentially acquired via trade. Florida, currently over the salary cap, must make a move to become compliant before the season. While Evan Rodrigues` name has surfaced as a potential cap-clearing trade piece, his value and injury situations elsewhere on the roster might complicate that decision, potentially forcing the use of Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR).
Dallas, though seemingly done with major roster overhauls, might still be involved in discussions, especially if Robertson`s contract situation evolves into a trade possibility, however remote that seems for now. Detroit, after missing out on major free agent targets, may still look for a depth forward via trade or free agency.
Goaltending Carousel Continues Spinning?
Several teams have unresolved questions in the crease. Anaheim needs to extend Lukas Dostal, solidifying their future starter. Columbus`s tandem of Elvis Merzlikins and Jett Greaves is untested as a primary NHL duo, and GM Don Waddell indicated a preference for acquiring a goalie who doesn`t require waivers, suggesting the trade route is more likely than free agency.
Detroit acquired John Gibson, adding a veteran presence, but the role of Calvin Pickard and overall goaltending depth remains a talking point after a challenging season for the Wings. Edmonton, despite Stuart Skinner`s recent success, has faced questions about backup stability and whether they might seek a more established complement to Skinner, potentially via trade involving Pickard.
Rebuilds, Retools, and Staying the Course
Team strategy heavily influences summer activity. Rebuilding teams like Chicago and Calgary are primarily focused on internal development. Chicago`s success this year hinges significantly on Connor Bedard`s continued progression, with GM Kyle Davidson prioritizing young players over established veterans this summer.
Anaheim aims to build on last season`s improvement and make a push towards the playoffs, hence their activity in adding established forwards. Boston, after a strategic sell-off, is focused on re-establishing a harder-to-play-against identity, making more physical additions rather than high-octane offensive ones, and betting on core players like David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy.
Contenders like Colorado and Dallas have largely completed their significant moves, focusing instead on managing their cap space efficiently and addressing lingering contract situations with key players like Martin Necas (Colorado) and the aforementioned Stars duo. Los Angeles`s summer moves under new GM Ken Holland have aimed at bolstering depth, particularly on defense and the fourth line, in an effort to overcome playoff deficiencies identified last season, though the reception from fans has been, charitably put, mixed.
Florida, coming off a championship, is focused purely on cap compliance and potentially navigating player recovery timelines, a welcome problem to have.
In essence, while the major splashes of free agency are behind us, the NHL`s summer remains a period of calculated risk and strategic maneuvering. GMs are finalizing rosters, managing cap intricacies, and laying the groundwork for training camps. The “quiet part” of the calendar is relative; beneath the surface, the future of franchises is still being actively shaped.
