The NHL’s first buyout window is currently open and runs through June 30 at 5:00 p.m. ET, according to TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston.
It is unclear how many buyouts will be made this summer with the salary cap jumping $8.5 million to a ceiling of $104 million, up a total of $16 million from just two years ago.
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports the Columbus Blue Jackets can be ruled out as the team will not make any buyouts this summer, despite some previous speculation on goaltender Elvis Merzlikins and forward Miles Wood.
This marks one of the first notable dates on the NHL’s off-season calendar. Here are several others:
The NHL Draft begins next Friday on June 26 and runs through Saturday, June 27 in Buffalo.
Qualifying offers extended to restricted free agents are due no later than June 29 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Free agency begins at Noon ET on July 1.
Arbitration hearings for eligible restricted free agents begin on July 20 and run through Aug. 1. Players may file for arbitration by July 5 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
The first big move of the NHL off-season came Tuesday when the Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers agreed to a multi-player deal that sent goaltender Joseph Woll and defenceman Simon Benoit to Philadelphia and goaltender Samuel Ersson, defenceman Emil Andrae and a 2026 third-round pick to Toronto.
Later on Tuesday, the Nashville Predators acquired forward Ross Colton and goaltender Isak Posch from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for two draft picks and goalie Magnus Chrona.
