The NHL’s 2026 offseason has been one of the busiest and most consequential in recent memory. High-profile trades, market-resetting contracts and significant changes behind the bench and in front offices have reshaped the league heading into the new season.
While much of the heavy lifting has already been done, the offseason is far from over. General managers continue to explore ways to upgrade their rosters, several restricted free agents remain unsigned, and one organization is still searching for its next general manager.
League-wide conversations remain active as teams assess potential trades and other opportunities to strengthen their lineups before training camp. Those discussions could take on added importance next week.
On August 2, general managers from all 32 NHL clubs—along with a representative from the Detroit Red Wings, who remain without a permanent GM—will converge on Edmonton for the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. While the tournament serves as the unofficial beginning of the scouting season for the 2027 NHL Draft, it also provides a unique opportunity for many of hockey’s top decision-makers to connect.
With seven days in the same city and plenty of downtime between games, Edmonton could become the backdrop for trade discussions and conversations that help shape the remainder of the offseason.
Just as importantly, the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup offers NHL executives a rare opportunity to spend an entire week together. It provides a setting to revisit discussions that may have stalled, explore new possibilities and strengthen relationships through face-to-face conversations. Not every meeting will result in a trade, but gatherings like this often lay the groundwork for deals.
Several NHL teams are still searching for help on the blue line, which could create an opportunity for Bruins general manager Don Sweeney. Boston currently has 12 defensemen who would require waivers to be assigned to Providence, meaning the club would have to expose at least four—and potentially five—to the rest of the league.
Rather than risk losing an asset for nothing, could Sweeney use the gathering in Edmonton to identify a trade partner before training camp?
While Sweeney has no shortage of defensive assets to market, much of the league’s attention will inevitably center on Pavel Zacha. Until the Bruins either sign the pending unrestricted free agent to an extension or move him in a trade, rival general managers will continue to monitor Boston’s intentions and gauge whether the veteran center is truly available.
Sweeney has time on his side, with roughly seven weeks remaining before training camp opens. That gives him an opportunity to gauge the market, evaluate the level of interest and carefully assess every option placed in front of him before making the decision he believes is best for the Boston Bruins.
Fans may be growing impatient, but there is no need to rush into a move simply for the sake of making one. The priority is making the right decision for the organization—and that process begins next week with face-to-face discussions in Edmonton.
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