The latest NHL News for July 12, 2026, is led by a sensible piece of business from the Edmonton Oilers, but the more intriguing stories may be the moves that have not happened yet.
Edmonton officially signed forward Colton Dach to a two-year, $2.4-million contract carrying a $1.2-million average annual value. The Winnipeg Jets also received an encouraging prospect update, with 2026 first-round pick Viggo Björck leaving Swedish club Djurgården to continue his career in North America. Meanwhile, Anthony Mantha, Patrick Kane and Patrik Laine remain among the most recognizable unrestricted free agents still searching for contracts.
The trade market is equally unsettled. Connor Hellebuyck’s future with Winnipeg remains a significant storyline, while Dylan Larkin, Elias Pettersson and Morgan Rielly continue to generate speculation. None of those players has been traded, which is an important distinction as offseason discussion moves between credible reporting, informed speculation and hypothetical trade proposals.
NHL News: Edmonton Oilers Make a Low-Risk Bet on Colton Dach
Dach’s new contract represents the type of inexpensive depth bet Stanley Cup contenders need to make. The 23-year-old recorded five goals and eight assists in 61 games last season. After being acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks, he produced two goals and two assists in eight regular-season games with Edmonton before adding one assist in five playoff appearances.
The offensive totals are modest, but they do not tell the entire story. Dach is listed at 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, and the Oilers credited him with 219 hits last season. Edmonton is not paying him to become a top-six scorer. It is paying for youth, size, forechecking and the possibility that his late-season production was an early sign of improvement.
My view is that the contract carries considerably more upside than risk. A $1.2-million cap hit is manageable if Dach settles into a fourth-line role, and it becomes excellent value if he develops into a dependable third-line winger. Edmonton also controls him for two seasons rather than forcing another negotiation next summer.
| NHL storyline | Current status | Immediate significance |
|---|---|---|
| Colton Dach contract | Confirmed | Edmonton adds affordable size and depth |
| Viggo Björck’s move | Confirmed by his Swedish club | Creates a possible Jets training-camp battle |
| Mantha, Kane and Laine | Unrestricted free agents | Teams can still add proven offence |
| Hellebuyck and Larkin | Trade situations unresolved | Potential market-changing moves remain possible |
Viggo Björck’s Winnipeg Jets Decision Creates an Intriguing Training-Camp Story
Björck’s decision to leave Djurgården does not guarantee he will play in Winnipeg immediately, but it creates a clearer path toward an entry-level contract and a legitimate opportunity at training camp.
The eighth-overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft recorded 15 points in 42 SHL games last season. He also produced nine points in seven World Junior Championship games and six points in eight games against senior international competition at the World Championship. Those numbers are notable for an 18-year-old playing against older, stronger opponents.
The Jets should not rush him simply because he is coming to North America. Björck’s speed, skill and competitive style will give him a chance, but his development should remain the priority. A strong camp could put him into the NHL conversation; otherwise, a developmental assignment or a return to Sweden on loan would still be reasonable.
NHL Trade Rumors Remain Focused on Hellebuyck, Larkin and Pettersson
Hellebuyck remains the name most capable of changing the league’s goaltending landscape. Sportsnet reported that he was willing to waive his no-movement clause for Buffalo during previous discussions, but a deal was not completed. Winnipeg’s addition of Stuart Skinner has only increased questions about whether the Jets are preparing for a future without their longtime starter.
Larkin’s situation is also complicated. Detroit reportedly wants established NHL talent rather than a futures-heavy package because the organization is still trying to return to the playoffs. That demand makes a deal harder to complete, even though Larkin’s $8.7-million cap hit has become more attractive as elite-player salaries rise.
Pettersson has been mentioned as a possible fit for Pittsburgh, while Rielly could remain in Toronto if the Maple Leafs refuse to attach a substantial asset simply to move his contract. At this stage, those situations should be described as unresolved discussions rather than imminent trades.
The remaining free-agent market also deserves attention. Mantha is coming off career highs of 33 goals and 64 points, Kane produced 57 points in 67 games, and Laine remains a high-risk power-play option after an injury-shortened season. Mantha’s 21.7 shooting percentage was well above his career average, however, which is one reason teams should be cautious about offering excessive term.
One earlier offseason question has already been resolved: the Anaheim Ducks matched Philadelphia’s five-year, $90-million offer sheet for Leo Carlsson on July 9. That outcome confirmed Anaheim’s commitment to keeping its young centre and left the Flyers searching elsewhere for a first-line option.
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