The 2026 NHL offseason is officially accelerating, and the latest NHL news today brings massive salary cap implications and brewing blockbuster trades. With the Carolina Hurricanes fresh off their Stanley Cup parade and the 2026 NHL Draft just days away at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, general managers are aggressively positioning their rosters. From significant contract extensions in Edmonton to top-six forwards hitting the rumor mill, today’s developments are shaking up the league.
Oilers Secure Jason Dickinson as NHL Trade Rumors Heat Up
The most significant concrete NHL news today comes out of Edmonton. Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman has officially signed center Jason Dickinson to a five-year contract extension worth $20 million. Carrying a $4.0 million Average Annual Value (AAV) through the 2030-31 season, this move solidifies Edmonton’s depth down the middle but creates a fascinating ripple effect for their salary cap structure.
Bowman has been proactive in structuring the Oilers’ roster, but dedicating $4 million annually to Dickinson means Edmonton will need to be incredibly creative with their remaining restricted and unrestricted free agents. Without any No-Movement Clauses (NMC) officially reported yet on this specific deal, the Oilers maintain some flexibility, but the cap space is tightening. This signing will likely force Edmonton to explore the trade market to clear cap room, making them a prime team to watch in upcoming NHL trade rumors.
Bowen Byram and Matthew Knies Linked in Potential Swap
While the Oilers are locking down their core, the Atlantic Division is buzzing with potential blockbuster deals. The latest NHL trade rumors suggest the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres might be discussing a massive player swap involving winger Matthew Knies and defenseman Bowen Byram.
Byram, who has one year remaining on a contract carrying a $6.25 million AAV, currently lacks no-trade protection, giving Buffalo complete flexibility. Moving him would clear crucial cap space for the Sabres to retain their pending free agents. On the flip side, the Maple Leafs are in a strict “win-now” mode. While acquiring a dynamic, puck-moving blueliner like Byram addresses a glaring organizational need, sacrificing a cost-controlled, top-six power forward like Knies would leave a massive void on Toronto’s left wing. The salary cap gymnastics required to make this work would be significant, but it’s a rumor that refuses to die.
Furthermore, the league has officially released the complete order of selection for the 2026 NHL Draft. The Toronto Maple Leafs hold the number one overall pick, followed by the San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks. Notably, the Ottawa Senators are selecting 32nd overall. It is crucial to remember that Ottawa is picking last due to a severe league penalty, not because they won the Stanley Cup.
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