What happened: ESPN published a report-card breakdown grading the most significant trades of the 2026 NHL offseason. The piece evaluates how each completed deal projects for the teams on both sides. It frames the moves against the backdrop of a championship just decided.

Why it matters: Offseason trades reshape rosters heading into the 2026-27 season, and early grades set the expectations each fan base carries into camp. One headline move already drawing scrutiny is Toronto's sign-and-trade for defenseman Darren Raddysh out of Tampa Bay, a long-term commitment that splits opinion as a potential steal or an overpay. How these graded deals age will shape contender tiers next year.

What to watch: Watch for the remaining free-agent dominoes and any follow-up trades that could shift the grades, plus how the graded acquisitions perform once the 2026-27 season opens.