What happened: The Athletic released the latest iteration of its NHL offseason trade board, tracking the players and situations most likely to move now that the draft has concluded. The roundup frames a busy stretch of the summer as front offices pivot from the draft to the trade and free-agent markets.
Why it matters: Trade boards signal where the offseason's leverage sits heading into the 2026-27 season, mapping which contracts, roster fits, and cap situations are most in play. The post-draft window is often when the biggest moves crystallize, reshaping contenders and rebuilders before free agency fully settles.
What to watch: Watch for how the board's projected moves translate into actual trades as free agency and cap maneuvering accelerate through the offseason.