12 under-the-radar NHL acquisitions who could surprise next season

There are blockbuster trades, massive free-agent contracts and acquisitions that immediately become central to a team's Stanley Cup aspirations. But for every major move, there are several quieter additions that could ultimately prove just as important.

Some teams found value in players coming off down seasons. Others targeted specific areas of need, while a few took chances on players who could have considerably more responsibility in their new surroundings.

Here are 12 under-the-radar acquisitions who could make a bigger impact than the attention they've received this summer:

The Predators acquired Bourque from the Dallas Stars on July 1, along with defenceman Ilya Lyubushkin, for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 third-round pick.

The 24-year-old's departure from Dallas appeared to have more to do with clearing cap space for the Jason Robertson deal — and the Predators were more than happy to jump at the chance to acquire an emerging forward.

Bourque is coming off a career year in which he recorded 20 goals and 41 points while playing all 82 games. That production alone makes him an interesting addition, but his upside is what makes this move particularly appealing.

Bourque was the AHL MVP in 2023-24 after leading the league with 77 points, and now he gets an opportunity to establish himself as a bigger part of Nashville's forward group.

The Predators also quickly showed how much they believe in Bourque by signing him to a six-year, $33-million contract.

There's a reasonable chance his best hockey is still ahead of him. If he can turn last season's 20-goal campaign into the beginning of a larger offensive breakout, Nashville could have found a significant core piece at a reasonable cost.

Some might think it would be difficult to call trading for a three-time 30-goal scorer “under the radar,” but Kyrou qualifies because this deal was one of many that didn't get the proper spotlight.

The St. Louis Blues dealt Kyrou to the Capitals for Connor McMichael, prospect Milton Gastrin and the No. 16 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

At the time of the trade, Kyrou was coming off an 18-goal, 46-point season — a significant drop from the 30-plus goals he scored in three consecutive seasons prior.

The flip side is that should also have Kyrou labelled as one of the most interesting bounce-back candidates in the league.

Washington certainly has faith that Kyrou can rediscover his offensive game and didn't have to take a massive gamble to acquire the 28-year-old, but the expectation is that he can get back to producing.