Who gets traded next? An offer sheet for Robertson? NHL draft week buzz

The 2026 NHL offseason is already producing trade buzz ahead of the draft and free agency, after the Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup on June 14. With Round 1 of the NHL Draft on Friday and Rounds 2–7 on Saturday, and free agency starting July 1, ESPN reporters Emily Kaplan, Kristen Shilton, and Greg Wyshynski have been gauging what major moves could follow. Carolina’s run comes as other blockbuster deals took place earlier, including the Toronto Maple Leafs acquiring negotiating rights to Darren Raddysh and signing him to an eight-year contract, and the Florida Panthers landing Brady Tkachuk in exchange for three first-round picks and a second-rounder. Alex Tuch’s camp remains in communication with the Buffalo Sabres over a contract, while Seattle’s potential interest is discussed. The article also notes the “Connor Hellebuyck” situation in Winnipeg, plus calls around the league for goalies and defenders like Bowen Byram. Nothing new is reported on Dylan Larkin’s trade request from Detroit, with Steve Yzerman still not signaling timing.