NHL PUCK DROPS: Notable off-season NHL storylines to watch
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As the Stanley Cup final draws to a close, the NHL off-season will soon begin.
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While the action on the ice will be over for another season, the business of hockey continues.
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The contract buyout window opens 48 hours following the completion of the Stanley Cup final, closing at 5 p.m. ET on June 30. Buyout candidates could include Marc-Edouard Vlasic of the San Jose Sharks, TJ Brodie of the Chicago Blackhawks, and Pierre Engvall of the New York Islanders.
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This year's NHL Draft will be held in Los Angeles on June 27 and 28. It will be decentralized, with the top 50 prospects allowed to attend the proceedings while the management, scouts and coaches of the 32 clubs will make their selections from their home markets. The New York Islanders won the draft lottery in May, giving them the first-overall pick.
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Unlike the last two years, there is no clear-cut potential franchise superstar in this draft class. However, several promising youngsters could go on to NHL stardom.
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The top candidates are defenceman Matthew Schaefer of the OHL's Erie Otters, centre Michael Misa of the OHL's Saginaw Spirit, and Boston College centre James Hagens.
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Trade activity is expected to increase following the Stanley Cup final. The New York Rangers already kicked things off, shipping winger Chris Kreider and a draft pick to the Anaheim Ducks on June 12 for a prospect and a draft pick.
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Potential trade candidates include Minnesota Wild centre Marco Rossi; Calgary Flames defenceman Magnus Arvidsson; Rangers blue-liner K'Andre Miller, and Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson.
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The league's annual free-agent market opens on July 1. Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner is the biggest name potentially available, followed by Florida Panthers centre Sam Bennett and winger Brad Marchand, Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers and Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser.
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The current CBA expires in September 2026. However, the two sides could have a new deal in place in time to put before the NHL board of governors during their June 25 meeting. Should it meet with the board's approval, the new CBA could supersede the current deal before the start of next season.
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