Several NHL players are preparing for salary arbitration hearings, with key dates approaching. Among them, Arvid Soderblom (Chicago Blackhawks) will present his case on July 28, and Maxim Tsyplakov (New York Islanders) follows on July 29. Dylan Samberg (Winnipeg Jets) and Conor Timmins (Buffalo Sabres) will have their hearings on July 30 and August 2, respectively. Notably, Nick Robertson (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Jayden Struble (Montreal Canadiens) are scheduled for August 3. The Montreal Canadiens are expected to finalize terms with Struble ahead of the hearing date.

In contract news, the Seattle Kraken successfully re-signed Kaapo Kakko to a three-year deal worth $4.525 million, steering clear of arbitration. Kraken GM Jason Botterill expressed enthusiasm about Kakko's contributions to the team, citing his size, skill, and playmaking ability. Meanwhile, Adrian Kempe's negotiations could set a precedent for Kyle Connor's market value as both players seek new deals. Additionally, Porter Martone, a notable draft prospect, has decided to move from the OHL to the NCAA, committing to Michigan State.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded enforcer Ryan Reaves to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for young defenseman Henry Thrun. This move not only sheds Reaves' $1.35 million cap hit but also provides the Leafs with an additional $5.3 million in cap space as they pursue a top-six forward. Thrun, a 24-year-old left-handed shooter, has seen action in 119 NHL games, scoring 25 points, and will bring a fresh perspective to the Leafs' defensive lineup. Reaves, who has expressed a desire to play until he reaches 1,000 games, averaged just two assists over 35 games last season and was demoted to the minors for the first time in a decade, marking a significant shift in his career.

The Sharks, now sitting at $71.9 million with Reaves aboard, are close to the salary cap floor of $70.6 million. This transaction also hints at potential further moves by the Leafs, who are eyeing additional trades involving veterans like David Kämpf and Calle Järnkrok. With a solid roster of forwards and defensemen already under contract, GM Brad Treliving has a clearer path to make strategic additions as they navigate upcoming arbitration hearings and free agency, including the potential re-signing of Max Pacioretty.

The San Jose Sharks are actively seeking to bolster their scoring capabilities while managing their defensive roster. Recently, they signed John Klingberg and Dmitry Orlov, and claimed Nick Leddy off waivers to strengthen their backline. However, reports indicate that they are still on the hunt for a top-six forward. The team had shown interest in Nic Hague before his trade to the Nashville Predators and is now eyeing Bowen Byram as a potential target.

Looking to make strategic trades, the Sharks are considering moving defensemen Timothy Liljegren, Henry Thrun, or Mario Ferraro, with the latter possessing increased trade value closer to the deadline. Ferraro's name has been circulating in trade rumors for the past couple of seasons, and it seems the Sharks may wait for the right opportunity to leverage his value for offensive reinforcements. Meanwhile, other teams, including the Buffalo Sabres, are also in need of skilled forwards as the market for available players tightens.

Jim Nill, GM of the Dallas Stars, received the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award during a surprise dinner with his family and management team. This marks his third consecutive win, making him the first recipient to achieve this milestone. Nill expressed gratitude to his staff and family, emphasizing their contributions to the team’s success. Despite injuries to key players like Tyler Seguin and Miro Heiskanen, the Stars advanced to their third straight Western Conference Final. The team made significant moves before the trade deadline, acquiring forwards Mikko Rantanen and Mikael Granlund, bolstering their playoff performance.