Hockey fans have long been asking for an offseason full of fireworks, and so far the summer of 2026 is delivering exactly that.
Sunday night’s Brady Tkachuk blockbuster was just the start, and after a relatively quiet Monday, general managers around the league were back to business on Tuesday. There were four major trades involving young players and a haul of draft picks, so let’s revisit them all.
Simon Nemec to the Flames
The day started with the New Jersey Devils dealing defenseman Simon Nemec and Max Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames for Etienne Morin and a large package of draft picks, including conditional first-round selections in 2027 or 2028 and 2028 or 2029, along with a 2026 second-round pick.
Nemec had long been in trade rumors, in need of a new contract while the Devils had a surplus on the blue line. The Flames paid a heavy price to acquire the 2022 second-overall pick, but they continue building a strong young defensive core as their rebuild moves along.
William Eklund to the Senators
Then came the Ottawa Senators returning to the spotlight. With the ninth overall pick acquired from Florida as part of the Tkachuk trade, GM Steve Staios landed William Eklund, Kasper Halttunen, and Brandon Svoboda from the San Jose Sharks.
Eklund, 23, fits the timeline of Ottawa’s young core — alongside Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson — and gives the Senators a plug-and-play top-six winger who can contribute both now and moving forward. It also gives the fan base a new player to be excited about following the departure of their captain.
Jordan Kyrou to the Capitals
Not even an hour later, the St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals joined the action, striking a deal that sent Jordan Kyrou to Washington in exchange for Connor McMichael, Milton Gastrin, and the 16th overall pick in the upcoming draft.
Both teams addressed needs based on their respective situations and competitive windows, while Kyrou and McMichael now get fresh starts with new organizations.
Bowen Byram to the Blackhawks
Finally came the nightcap. Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway were dealt from the Buffalo Sabres to the Chicago Blackhawks for a package that included Louis Crevier, the fourth overall pick in Friday’s draft, and a second-round pick.
The Blackhawks are looking to become more competitive and surround Connor Bedard with talent. This move helps accomplish that, but it comes at a hefty cost that many feel may have been too much to pay.
It’s been a wild few days around the hockey world, and insiders are suggesting it’s far from over, so buckle up for what projects to be a busy upcoming week.
Next: Mike Babcock Offers Little Reflection on Time in Columbus
