What happened: Applications for "Approved Submitter" status covering the NHL Entry Draft and Free Agent Frenzy are now open. The draft's first round is set for Friday, June 26, with Free Agent Frenzy following on Wednesday, July 1.

Why it matters: The two events anchor the NHL offseason calendar, concentrating the bulk of roster turnover into a single week. First-round draft selections and the July 1 open of unrestricted free agency typically reshape contender depth charts and set the market for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

What to watch: Watch for the first round to open Friday, June 26, followed by the unrestricted free agency window on Wednesday, July 1.