The NHL off-season saw significant names switch teams. A veteran head coach, meanwhile, is back in the spotlight. The Canadian Press looks at the notable changes to postal codes ahead of a new campaign.
The 38-year-old goaltender signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs after backstopping the Florida Panthers to consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 2024 and 2025. Bobrovsky is coming off a difficult campaign but owns a career .912 save percentage and 2.61 goals-against average as he looks to help Toronto get back in the playoffs after missing out last spring for the first time in a decade.
The bruising winger is now a member of the Florida Panthers after requesting a trade from the Ottawa Senators. The 27-year-old joins older brother Matthew in Sunrise following eight seasons in the nation’s capital, including the last five as captain.
The veteran forward was dealt to the Vancouver Canucks after spending his entire career with the Montreal Canadiens. Gallagher had just seven goals and 16 assists for 23 points last season, but the 34-year-old’s value for a franchise in the midst of a full rebuild will come both on and off the ice.
The 31-year-old defenceman was acquired by San Jose from Edmonton in a deal that cleared salary cap space for the Oilers. He joins a young Sharks core led by Macklin Celebrini aiming to break through in the Pacific Division. Nurse registered seven goals and 17 assists for 24 points in 2025-26.
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The veteran winger signed a one-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens after getting placed on waivers and having his contract terminated by the Anaheim Ducks. The 35-year-old Kreider should add speed and experience to a youthful roster that made last season’s Eastern Conference final.
Chicago traded for the defenceman from the Buffalo Sabres before signing him to a six-year, $75-million US contract extension. The 25-year-old Byram is expected to be the club’s No. 1 option and power-play quarterback, linking up with a team that also brought back veteran forward and franchise legend Patrick Kane.
The decorated and polarizing bench boss is back in the NHL with the Oilers. Babcock returns after a controversial departure from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 before ever coaching a game.
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Brought in to get Connor McDavid and Co. over the hump, Babcock won the Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008 and led Canada to back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014.
The big winger signed an eight-year, $84-million dealwith the Capitals after leaving the Sabres in free agency. Tuch, 30, is part of a roster renovation in Washington that also saw the additions of forwards Jordan Kyrou and Boone Jenner, along with defenceman Vincent Desharnais.
Toronto’s busy summer also included snagging the 30-year-old blueliner with a booming shot from the Tampa Bay Lightning before signing him to an eight-year, $68-million pact. Raddysh will be expected to help a power play that struggled last season despite featuring the likes of Auston Matthews and William Nylander.
