After months of anticipation, the 2026 NHL Draft has finally arrived. The first 32 selections will be made on Friday night at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. At the moment, the Chicago Blackhawks are without a first-round pick, but GM Kyle Davidson is no stranger to packaging picks together to trade up for his guy.
Also in Blackhawks news, recent reports suggest that Davidson is still kicking the tires around the league on top-six forwards, including the most notable name on the market. Bowen Byram also spoke with the media for the first time since getting traded from the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night.
More in the links for the latest on the Blackhawks heading into Day 1 of the 2026 NHL Draft.
Around the league, Jason Robertson has declined multiple offers, the Panthers and Avalanche got involved in the trade festivities, and two teams are making a late run at Mason McTavish.
All that & more in the Daily!
Blackhawks Offseason, News & Trade Rumors
Chicago Hockey Now: Kyle Davidson’s first move of the offseason was a bold one. The Blackhawks acquired Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Louis Crevier and the fourth & 45th picks in the 2026 NHL Draft. It was a hefty price to pay for Byram, who’s never been leaned on as a No. 1 defenseman in his career.
More CHN: Byram is also entering the final year of his current deal, but neither he nor the Blackhawks appears to be worried about working out a contract extension in the near future. The 25-year-old expressed his desire to remain in Chicago long-term during his recent media session.
Now that the Blackhawks no longer possess the fourth overall pick, there are serious doubts about whether they have enough assets to make a legitimate run for a top-six forward. However, according to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, the Blackhawks have at least done their due diligence on Jason Robertson. Not out of it yet!
On Thursday morning, ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski reported that the Dallas Stars are seeking a “Mikko Rantanen” type package in return for Robertson. In that trade, the Stars sent two protected first-round picks, two third-round selections, and center Logan Stankoven to Carolina in return for Rantanen. The Blackhawks have the assets to fit that package, but it would probably need to include Frank Nazar. If Robertson is willing to sign a long-term deal in Chicago, Davidson needs to be pressing on the gas here. And he’s apparently already doing so.
Regarding Jason Robertson:
One NHL executive that inquired about him said @DallasStars were seeking a “Rantanen” package back for the RFA winger. Please recall they sent two protected 1st-rounders, two 3rds and 2nd-year center Logan Stankoven to Carolina.
We shall see … pic.twitter.com/j6qDo3AsMF
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) June 25, 2026
Lastly, an interesting report from David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period. He listed the Blackhawks among the teams interested in Robertson, but also mentioned that Alex DeBrincat could be a target for Davidson. Edmonton, New Jersey, Toronto, Seattle, and Buffalo are also exploring other top-line options. DeBrincat has one year left on his current deal and would be another smaller forward inside Chicago’s top six, so this is a pass for me.
Some late evening chatter:
– Belief Sabres inquired about Knies
– Penguins, Blackhawks, Mammoth among other teams interested in Robertson
– Teams calling Flames on Frost, Whitecloud
– Oilers have discussed Nurse talks, and goalie search today
– Some teams curious about DeBrincat
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 26, 2026
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: The biggest NHL story from Thursday night. Jason Robertson reportedly does not want to play in Seattle, as he turned down an eight-year contract extension with a whopping $15 million cap hit. The Kraken were given permission by the Dallas Stars to negotiate with Robertson, but he quickly turned down their deal.
Daily Faceoff: The Kraken weren’t the only team Robertson shot down, as he also reportedly wasn’t interested in signing with the St. Louis Blues after they offered the Dallas Stars a package that included two first-round picks.
Forever Blueshirts: The Blues aren’t only interested in Robertson, as they have their sights set on Mason McTavish, too. The New York Rangers have also reportedly made offers for the young center, and Jim Cerny breaks down why a potential trade for McTavish makes sense for the Original Six franchise.
Colorado Hockey Now: Recent reports suggested that Valeri Nichushkin was on the trade block, and the Colorado Avalanche officially found him a new home on Thursday. Nichushkin was dealt to the Columbus Blue Jackets in return for multiple future draft picks.
NHL.com: Speaking of the Blue Jackets, GM Don Waddell told the media that two-time Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski will speak with the organization about his plans following the 2026 NHL Draft. Werenski has not given any indication of whether he wants to remain in Columbus for the long haul at this point.
New Jersey Hockey Now: The New Jersey Devils made a pair of trades on Thursday, with the most notable one including depth defenseman Declan Chisolm being acquired from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pittsburgh Penguins also made a minor transaction on Thursday, landing former first-round pick Hendrix LaPierre from the Washington Capitals in exchange for two late draft picks in 2027 and 2028.
Florida Hockey Now: With scrappy forward AJ Greer expected to hit the free-agent market, the Florida Panthers found his potential replacement in a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers. Garnet Hathaway was acquired for a pair of late-round selections on Thursday. The Flyers retained half of his $2.4 million cap hit.
More Athletic: Lastly, here’s Corey Pronman’s final 2026 NHL mock draft before the fun begins in Western New York later this evening!
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