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It didn’t take long for the offseason to ramp up following the Stanley Cup being awarded to the Carolina Hurricanes. With the 2026 NHL Draft and free agency right around the corner, teams recognize there’s no time to waste, and the transactions are beginning to flow.
More in the links for the slew of news from Tuesday, including two trades, one head coaching hire, and a surprise coaching announcement.
In Blackhawks news, an insider provided an update on Ilya Mikheyev’s status ahead of free agency, plus, a first-round pick curiously had his WHL rights traded.
Around the league, a new free agency big board, an update on John Carlson’s status, and an update on a former Blackhawks captain.
All that & more in the Daily!
Blackhawks Offseason, News & Trade Rumors
Chicago Hockey Now: Based on the latest report, it sure appears that Ilya Mikheyev’s time with the Blackhawks is coming to an end. Mikheyev is being highly coveted ahead of free agency, and he’s expected to receive a contract similar to Kiefer Sherwood.
The Athletic: Scott Powers wrote up 10 thoughts on the Blackhawks going into the 2026 NHL Draft, including the possibility of trading up to secure Ivar Stenberg. He mentioned there will be a discussion between Kyle Davidson and Mike Grier regarding the San Jose Sharks No. 2 overall pick. While Stenberg could fall to No. 4, Davidson isn’t too confident it will happen.
More CHN: Powers hypothesized that if the Sharks are sold on drafting a defenseman with their top pick, trading down to fourth overall makes plenty of sense. That’s precisely what I mentioned when discussing why the Blackhawks should pursue trading up to No. 2 in early May. Davidson possesses the assets to sweeten the pot, and San Jose still gets their defenseman of choice.
More CHN: If trading up for Stenberg isn’t an option, the Blackhawks could also use the fourth overall pick as a trade chip this offseason to help upgrade the NHL roster.
In Blackhawks prospects news, the Vancouver Giants traded 2025 first-round pick Mason West‘s WHL rights to the Portland Winterhawks for a conditional 2028 first-round pick and 2030 seventh-round pick. Cam Robinson from Elite Prospects reported that West is still set to play college hockey with Michigan State in 2026-27. Interesting. Why would Portland give up a potential first-round selection if West isn’t interested in playing for them next season…
Congratulations are in order to 2021 third-round pick Taige Harding and his fiancee, Ellie, on the announcement of their engagement! The Rockford IceHogs posted a beautiful photo of the two celebrating the moment.
Harding, 24, recorded nine points (3G, 6A) in 47 games with the IceHogs in 2025-26 during his first season as a professional. According to Powers in the article linked above, the Blackhawks were impressed with his development this year and believe he has a chance to be an NHL player. Can’t help but wonder if that impacts decisions this summer on pending RFAs Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: Two weeks remain until the market opens, and Chris Johnston posted his free agent big board 3.0 on Tuesday, where he expanded on the top 75 targets this offseason. The race is on.
ESPN: Not even one week ago, there was a column featured in this section about why John Tortorella is the perfect villain to lead the Vegas Golden Knights. Well, so much for that. Vegas announced on Tuesday that Tortorella won’t return next season, which seems like a foolish choice. “Torts” rallied the troops and clearly gained respect inside that locker room. He would like to coach elsewhere in 2026-27.
Toronto Hockey Now: After an extensive search, the Toronto Maple Leafs have hired a familiar face as their 41st head coach in franchise history. However, it’s a very surprising one. Jim Hiller, seemingly out of the blue, has been named the Leafs’ new bench boss. He was fired by the Los Angeles Kings in March after three seasons with the team, with each resulting in first-round exits. Sound familiar, Toronto?
Philadelphia Hockey Now: That wasn’t the only move made by Toronto on Tuesday. The Leafs also traded goalie Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for defenseman Emil Andrae, goalie Samuel Ersson, and a 2026 third-round pick. Everyone involved could benefit from this change-of-scenery transaction.
Colorado Hockey Now: The Colorado Avalanche also got involved in the trade fun on Tuesday, as forward Ross Colton and goalie Isak Posch were dealt to the Nashville Predators in exchange for two second-round picks and the rights to UFA goalie Magnus Chrona. Chris MacFarland signed Colton three years ago in Colorado and didn’t hesistate to reacquire one of his guys.
TSN: Insider Pierre LeBrun reported on Tuesday that defenseman John Carlsson will test the free-agent market for the first time in his career this summer. Carlsson, 36, would prefer to return to the Eastern Conference, and at least five teams are in the mix for his services.
More TSN: Darren Dreger was told on Monday that teams are doing their due dilligence on both Joseph Woll and Matthew Knies. Now that Woll has been dealt so quickly, could Knies be on the move in the near future too?
ProHockeyRumors: Former Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno has reportedly yet to make a decision on his future of his playing career. The 38-year-old forward has already started offseason workouts and will monitor how his market develops once free agency begins. Sure sounds like one more run is possible.
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The post Jack’s Daily: Summer Trades Begin; Blackhawks Prospect Dealt; Coaching News appeared first on Chicago Hockey Now.
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