What happened: Eighty-three players were dealt across the NHL between June 19 and July 1. Teams are heavily targeting the trade market over traditional signings to construct their rosters.

Why it matters: A diminishing pool of impactful free agents has fundamentally altered how front offices acquire talent. The current economic environment incentivizes executing deals to secure established players.

What to watch: General managers are expected to continue pursuing trades as the offseason progresses toward the 2026-27 campaign.