Wyshynski: Judging 10 Overreactions to the 2026 Off-Season

[TBone]

Judging overreactions to the first wave of 2026 NHL free agency

By Greg Wyshynski
Jul 7, 2026

The champagne hadn't even been mopped up from the Carolina Hurricanes' Stanley Cup celebration when the NHL offseason hit warp speed.

It wasn't just the incredible volume of trades, signings and multiple offer sheets. It was that the NHL, for the first time, had the kind of drama-filled offseason that other sports experience, filled with trade requests, contract squabbles, empowered players voiding deals and all the messy details leaking out about all of it.

It's been awesome. Every day, a new debate among fans.

Here are 10 overreactions to the 2026 offseason that we judge to be absolutely reasonable or totally misguided. Enjoy!

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The Blackhawks blew it with Byram

There wasn't a trade more maligned in the last month than the one Chicago made with the Buffalo Sabres for 25-year-old defenseman Bowen Byram. The Blackhawks sent defenseman Louis Crevier, the fourth overall pick in the 2026 draft (which Buffalo used on defenseman Daxon Rudolph, who is headed to Denver) and the 45th overall pick (selecting defenseman Jayden Kurtz, headed to Wisconsin). Chicago also took on the full $4 million cap hit of forward Jordan Greenway.

GM Kyle Davidson then signed Byram to a six-year deal that starts in 2027-28, carrying a $12.5 million cap hit.

The cost of acquisition was criticized. The contract was criticized. Projecting Byram to be a franchise-level defenseman when he's seen as one-dimensional was criticized.

https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/492 ... -robertson

[TAFKAP]

Just waiting for Blackhawk Bob to pop in and tell you this is going to be the biggest steal in the NHL. Bedard is healthy, and, the Hawks are taking big steps this year.

[BleedingBleu]

Is the overreaction based on the Blackawks decision or the criticism of the Blackawks decision?

[Hockey Pete]

Wow, and people complain about how Army has managed this team overall.?.?

Of that magic 5-year window that everyone is fixated on, the only core player that's long in the tooth is Colton, but his $6.5M contract is far from an Albatross given that he's still skating tough minutes.

Great story and thanks for posting...

[IsDurbanodoingtime]

Great takes. Especially on Verbeek. Thanks for the info.

[Natl20]

Just waiting for Blackhawk Bob to pop in and tell you this is going to be the biggest steal in the NHL. Bedard is healthy, and, the Hawks are taking big steps this year.

He loved Seth Jones signing too

[son_of_foolsgold]

Blues made worse moves...I'd much rather pay Byram $12 mil than $2 mil for the worthless Johnston.

[BalotelliMassive]

Just waiting for Blackhawk Bob

That's because you have nothing else going on in your life except talking about people that post on a hockey forum.

[Army's Mom]

Just waiting for Blackhawk Bob

That's because you have nothing else going on in your life except talking about people that post on a hockey forum.

He sure has your number. I mean, he knew you'd have to post here. At least have the self-respect to not take the bait - though I guess it's hard to be a self-respecting Hawks fan these days?

It's not your fault your GM is an idiot.

[Snuggyfresh]

Blues made worse moves...I'd much rather pay Byram $12 mil than $2 mil for the worthless Johnston.

Which is why ypu are a ra tar d

[Snuggyfresh]

Just waiting for Blackhawk Bob

That's because you have nothing else going on in your life except talking about people that post on a hockey forum.

I have a lot going on. One of them is rubbing poo in your smug face.... kinda like you do all the time. F the hawks.