A look at some of the NHLers changing addresses
The NHL off-season saw some significant names switch teams. A veteran head coach, meanwhile, is back in the spotlight. The Canadian Press takes a look at some of the notable changes to postal codes ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
The 38-year-old goaltender signed with the Maple Leafs after backstopping the Florida Panthers to consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 2024 and 2025. Bobrovsky is coming off a difficult campaign, but owns a career .912 save percentage and a 2.61 goals-against average as he looks to help Toronto get back in the playoffs after missing out last spring for the first time in a decade.
The bruising winger is now a member of the Panthers after requesting a trade from the Ottawa Senators. The 27-year-old joins older brother Matthew in Florida following eight seasons in the nation’s capital, including the last five as captain.
The 31-year-old defenceman was acquired by San Jose from Edmonton in a deal that cleared salary cap space for the Oilers. He joins a young Sharks core led by Macklin Celebrini aiming to break through in the Pacific Division. Nurse registered seven goals and 17 assists for 24 points in 2025-26.
The veteran winger signed a one-year contract with the Canadiens after getting placed on waivers and having his contract terminated by the Anaheim Ducks. The 35-year-old Kreider should add speed and experience to a youthful roster that made last season’s Eastern Conference final.
The Chicago Blackhawks traded for the defenceman from the Buffalo Sabres before signing him to a six-year, US$75-million contract extension. The 25-year-old Byram is expected to be the club’s No. 1 option and power-play quarterback, linking up with a team that also brought back veteran forward and franchise legend Patrick Kane.
The decorated and polarizing bench boss is back in the NHL with the Oilers. Babcock returns after a controversial departure from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 before ever coaching a game. Babcock, who has been brought in to get Connor McDavid and Co. over the hump, won the Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008 and led Canada to back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014.
The big winger signed an eight-year, $84-million deal with the Capitals after leaving the Sabres in free agency. Tuch, 30, is part of a roster renovation in Washington that also saw the additions of forwards Jordan Kyrou and Boone Jenner, along with defenceman Vincent Desharnais.
Toronto’s busy summer also included snagging the 30-year-old blueliner with a booming shot from the Tampa Bay Lightning before signing him to an eight-year, $68-million pact. Raddysh will be expected to help a power play that struggled last season despite featuring the likes of Auston Matthews and William Nylander.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 21, 2026.
