NHL Draft Week Continues with Major Roster Moves Across the League
Brady Tkachuk, left winger with the Ottawa Senators with teammate Brian Dumoulin, block out Drake Batherson during a Seattle Kraken on January 4, 2024. Photo by Jenn G.
Written By Gina Anton
As all eyes turn toward the 2026 NHL Draft, several organizations have already made franchise-altering decisions that could reshape the league ahead of the big event and the upcoming season.
Washington Capitals – Alex Tuch
The biggest move came out of Buffalo, where the Sabres officially parted ways with longtime winger Alex Tuch in a sign-and-trade deal with the Washington Capitals. Tuch immediately signed an eight-year, $84 million contract with Washington, giving the Capitals a proven top-six scorer as they continue to balance competing in the present while preparing for the future.
The 30-year-old winger has scored at least 33 goals in three of the past four seasons and brings leadership, playoff experience, and consistency to a Capitals team looking to remain a contender in the Eastern Conference. Tuch has also represented Team USA on the international stage, including at the 2023 IIHF World Championship. In return, Buffalo received forward David Kämpf and a 2027 third-round draft pick. The move marks the end of an era for the hometown favorite, who helped guide the Sabres back to the postseason following a lengthy playoff drought.
Florida Panthers - Brady Tkachuk
The Florida Panthers made a blockbuster move on Sunday, acquiring Brady Tkachuk from the Ottawa Senators and reuniting him with his older brother, Matthew, in Florida. In exchange, Ottawa received the ninth and 25th overall selections in the 2026 NHL Draft, a conditional first-round pick in 2029, and a second-round pick in 2027. The 25th pick was obtained by Florida earlier in the day from the Seattle Kraken as part of a separate trade involving forward Mackie Samoskevich. The deal gives the Panthers another elite power forward as they continue to strengthen a roster built to compete for championships.
Buffalo Sabres – Zach Benson
Buffalo's front office wasted little time signaling its next chapter. Just hours after moving Tuch, the Sabres secured one of their most important young pieces by signing forward Zach Benson to a seven-year, $52.5 million contract extension. The deal cements Benson as a foundational player for the franchise moving forward.
At just 21 years old, Benson has quickly emerged as a key part of Buffalo's young core, and the long-term commitment suggests management is focused on building around its emerging stars rather than investing heavily in aging veterans. Combined with the club's recent acquisition of additional draft capital, the extension reflects a clear strategy as Buffalo prepares for a pivotal draft weekend.
Carolina Hurricanes – Juuso Välimäki
The reigning Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes continued their offseason business by re-signing defenseman Juuso Välimäki to a one-year contract. While not as headline-grabbing as the Tuch trade or the Benson extension, the move provides Carolina with valuable organizational depth on the blue line.
Välimäki, a former first-round pick, brings NHL experience and versatility to a Hurricanes team looking to defend its championship. The short-term deal allows Carolina to maintain roster flexibility while giving the 27-year-old an opportunity to compete for a regular role during training camp.
With the 2026 NHL Draft set to get underway on Friday and free agency just around the corner, the flurry of transactions seen this week could be a sign of what's to come. The Capitals have bolstered their lineup with a proven offensive contributor, the Sabres have reinforced their commitment to a young core led by Zach Benson, and the Hurricanes continue to add depth as they look to defend their Stanley Cup title.
With the draft set to take center stage, front offices across the league are already laying the groundwork for their next chapter.
