David Kirouac-Imagn Images The Montreal Canadiens have come to terms with restricted free agent Kirby Dach on Thursday, re-signing the 25-year-old to a one-year contract worth $3,6 million. With the deal, the Canadiens and Dach avoid reaching arbitration, as their meeting was set for July 30th. It was reported that the Canadiens had extended Dach to a two-way $4 million deal, which would have allowed the Canadiens to send him down to the AHL without the potential of losing Dach to waivers. If Dach were to be moved to the minors, the Canadiens would have paid him a much lower salary. It is worth noting that Dach has not been in the AHL since his rookie season during the 2018-19 campaign. The former third overall pick has been a member of the Canadiens since the 2022-23 season, after being dealt from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a first-round pick (Frank Nazar) and a third-round pick (Gavin Hayes) during the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft. Over the four years with Montreal, Dach has produced 77 points, which a career high of 38 points in 2022-23. The Alberta native has dealt with a number of injuries, limiting him to 98 games throughout the past three seasons. With the signing, the Canadiens can obtain a bottom-six centre while keeping flexibility in that department. Dach will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st.

Credit: © Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images The Columbus Blue Jackets made one of the biggest moves ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, acquiring veteran winger Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick (No. 43 overall), a 2027 third-round pick, and a 2028 fifth-round pick. The 31-year-old is coming off a season in which he recorded 17 goals and 32 assists for 49 points in 72 games while adding four points in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff contests. While these numbers are solid, they fell short of the production he displayed during Colorado's Stanley Cup-winning years, when he emerged as one of the league's premier playoff performers. Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell believes Nichushkin can have an immediate impact on Columbus' lineup. "Valeri is a big, strong forward who skates exceptionally well, can score goals, win puck battles and doesn't shy away from playing in the hard areas. He is an accomplished two-way player who competes at a high level, and we are very excited to welcome him to the Blue Jackets family." The acquisition addresses one of Columbus' biggest needs entering the offseason: adding an established top-six winger who can contribute offensively while also playing a complete 200-foot game. The Blue Jackets have a talented young core led by Zach Werenski, Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson, and adding a proven veteran gives them another experienced piece as they continue their push toward becoming a consistent playoff team. Ultimately, this deal has the potential to benefit both organizations. Columbus acquires an experienced top-six winger capable of elevating its young roster, while Colorado gains valuable financial flexibility and additional draft assets as it looks to remain a Stanley Cup contender.

Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images The Toronto Maple Leafs made several significant roster moves heading into the 2026-27 season, but one acquisition stands above the rest, and it just happens to be the number one goaltender on the market, Sergei Bobrovsky. General manager John Chayka signed the veteran netminder to a three-year deal worth an average annual value of $7 million per season. At first glance, many may think to themselves that it is a lot of money and years to give an aging goalie who will be 38 once the season rolls around and had a save percentage of .877 last season. Yes, if you are going based on those numbers, you may think that is the dumbest contract ever given in Maple Leafs history, maybe besides the David Clarkson deal back in 2013; however, he has been one of the best goaltenders of this generation, and is one season removed from leading the Florida Panthers to their second consecutive Stanley Cup with Bobrovsky as their starting goaltender. The Maple Leafs are currently sitting in win-now mode, whether their team is good enough or not. Auston Matthews' contract closes the Maple Leafs' championship window in 2028. During free agency, the Maple Leafs signed several players to two-year contracts with the hopes of pushing their team over the edge, while convincing Matthews to stick with the Maple Leafs for the foreseeable future. Signing Sergei Bobrovsky only proves this theory and provides something the Maple Leafs haven't had since Frederik Andersen or Curtis Joseph: a true number one goaltender. Sergei Bobrovsky has ties to the Maple Leafs roster, further than people know. When the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup for the first time in 2024, their goaltender tandem was Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz. If Anthony Stolarz sounds familiar, he was the Maple Leafs' starting goalie during the 2024-25 season, but struggled with injury last season, only suiting up in 26 games, and would look to serve as a one-b option for the Maple Leafs next season, and has four seasons remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $3.75 million. Looking at the Maple Leafs goalie situation heading into the offseason, it was crowded but not for the right reasons; it was very clear that something needed to change. With either Stolarz or Joseph Woll needing a change of scenery, the Maple Leafs opted to move on from Woll, likely because they were targeting Bobrovsky with the hopes of reuniting the tandem from Florida, or because they simply couldn't move on from Stolarz. The Maple Leafs also moved Woll to be able to gain assets such as draft picks and Emil Andrae, who will play a big role on the Maple Leafs' blueline for the next two seasons. The choice of a three-year contract was an easy decision for Chayka, which will tie into the overall outlook of the Maple Leafs moving towards the future in net. By the time Bobrovsky is in the final year of his three-year deal, the Maple Leafs are likely hoping Artur Akhtyamov can become the team's starting goalie, who had an emergence during the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs, leading the Marlies to their second Calder Cup Championship. During that final season, the Maple Leafs will opt to keep Bobrovsky as the their backup goalie, while giving Akhtyamov a fellow Russian mentor. Chayka and Sundin will then look to move on from Stolarz as he will become much more moveable during those stages of his contract with just two seasons remaining, and will open up valuable cap flexibility. Bobrovsky also provides something the Maple Leafs haven't had in recent history, a stable number one goaltender whom they can trust in the biggest games. Over Bobrovsky's 16-season career, he holds a record in game sevens of 3-0. Bobrovsky provides value far beyond his playing ability to the Maple Leafs organization, and if they decide to do more of a load management setup in net next season, the Maple Leafs could see some very good results. Time will tell how Sergei Bobrovsky's tenure with the Maple Leafs works out; however, when you look at his contract from this perspective, it only makes sense for the Maple Leafs.

Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images With the NHL offseason well underway, many of the biggest free agents have already found new homes. However, one notable name remains available, and while several teams have shown interest, it appears the perfect landing spot may have finally emerged. Patrick Kane has taken his time deciding where his next home will be, following another disappointing season with the Detroit Red Wings, where they missed the postseason. Many wondered where he would take his talents, and according to recent reports, the answer seems to be his hometown team, the Buffalo Sabres. The three-time Stanley Cup winner seems to be a perfect fit in the state of New York, with the Sabres having a hole in their top six since the departure of Alex Tuch to the Washington Capitals. While Kane is not the player he once was, he is still a very serviceable player in the NHL. In 67 games last season with the Red Wings, the former first overall pick produced 57 points, including 16 goals and was red hot to end the regular season. The Sabres are seemingly on the rise, clinching a spot in the postseason for the first time since 2011, and at first glance, would be a perfect place for Kane to finish his career. While a contract hasn't materialized yet between the two sides, it only seems like a matter of time before general manager Jarmo Kekalainen pulls the trigger. For now, nothing is official. But as the free-agent market continues to develop, Buffalo is increasingly viewed as the team to watch. If the two sides can agree on a contract, one of the NHL's longest-running rumours may finally become reality.

Photo credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports The Toronto Maple Leafs have entered the 2026 offseason needing a retool after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2016. Since taking over as general manager, John Chayka and senior executive advisor Mats Sundin have wasted little time reshaping the roster to get the organization back into contention with seven major acquisitions on July 1st or before, including the likes of Sergei Bobrovsky, Nick Paul, Colton Sissons, Emil Andrae, Jack Roslovic, Brandon Duhaime, and Teddy Blueger. However, one trend that is hard to ignore is the number of contracts the Maple Leafs have expiring following the 2028 campaign. The number currently sits at 12 and includes one very important name to the Maple Leafs organization: Auston Matthews. With Matthews' contract expiring in 2028, it could very well end the Maple Leafs' "championship window," as the Maple Leafs captain's future is currently up in the air. Heading into the summer, reports from NHL insiders included that the Scottsdale native was unable to commit to the Maple Leafs heading into next season, with Matthews needing major improvements to the roster if he was willing to stick around. Since then, those rumours have quickly shifted as the relationship between Matthews and the Maple Leafs appears to be on good terms because of all the trades and signings they have made heading into next season. If the Maple Leafs fail to miss the postseason for a second consecutive season, then Matthews' tenure with the Maple Leafs will likely come to an end, whether or not he sticks around for the 2028 season. When you look ahead at who can become available to replace Auston Matthews in 2028, or if things go well within the organization, all fingers point to Connor McDavid. The superstar forward signed a short-term two-year $12.5 million deal with the Oilers just one season ago, and if the Oilers continue on the path they are on, McDavid could very well be on the move, similar to the Maple Leafs captain. Regardless of whether John Chayka's signings are because of Matthews' contract situation, they are smart. Many NHL teams have decided to take the route of signing players to long-term contracts for less money per season, and while that is a great way of adding talent to your lineup, if they don't work out as you envisioned, they are tough players to move. Look at players like Calle Jarnkrok with the Maple Leafs or Pierre Engvall with the New York Islanders; they are nearly impossible to move. Connor McDavid has been a player that many have speculated that several teams, including Toronto, would position themselves to make an aggressive pitch should the opportunity ever arise for the Maple Leafs. Whether John Chayka is planning the Maple Leafs roster around this seems unlikely at this moment; however, it could be a logical reason for the current construction of the roster. The Maple Leafs' ultimate goal will always be to extend Matthews. However, pursuing another franchise player, or simply preserving financial flexibility, could be part of the plan. Chayka's approach has been noticeably different from other general managers around the NHL or previous Maple Leafs management groups. What many fans need to be aware of is that the next two years will likely define the direction of the franchise for the near future. If the Maple Leafs return to contention, Matthews could choose to remain the face of the organization for years to come. If things don't go as planned, Toronto would enter the summer of 2028 with significant salary-cap flexibility and the ability to reshape its roster around whichever opportunities become available. Whether that eventually includes a pursuit of Connor McDavid remains purely speculative today. What isn't speculation is that Chayka has positioned the Maple Leafs to have options when one of the most important summers in franchise history arrives.

Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images The Toronto Maple Leafs have made it no secret that they are looking to retool their roster heading into the 2026-27 season after failing to qualify for the postseason for the first time in a decade. Under new management in John Chayka and Mats Sundin, the duo have already made several splashes to get this team back in the right direction. One player who hasn't gained much attention in free agency that the Maple Leafs could begin to target is Patrik Laine. The former second overall pick has had an up-and-down career thus far and is looking for a place to rebound and get his game back on the track. According to David Pagnotta, a handful of teams have shown interest in Laine, including the frontrunner Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, New York Islanders, and the Los Angeles Kings at one point; however, they signed six forwards to begin free agency, so there doesn't seem to be a fit with the Kings moving forward. Toronto could be the right place for a player such as Laine, as they still have multiple holes within their top six, and with Laine likely taking a cheap contract, it could be a risk worth taking. Laine played in just five games during the 2025-26 campaign as he dealt with a severe core muscle tear injury that had him sidelined for the duration of the season. Laine has not truly been an effective player in the NHL since the 2022-23 season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he produced 52 points in 55 games, including 22 goals. Laine, known for his natural goal-scoring ability, hasn't surpassed the 30-goal mark since the 2017-18 season, when he tallied 44 goals. While signing Patrik Laine would certainly come with risk given his recent injury history and inconsistent production, the potential reward could make it worthwhile for Toronto. If the Maple Leafs can bring him in on an affordable, short-term contract, Laine could provide the elite scoring touch their top six still lacks.

Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images The Toronto Maple Leafs have been one of the busiest teams to begin the 2026 offseason; however, they do not appear to be done, as they are looking to add another veteran right winger to their lineup. According to the Ottawa Sun, the Maple Leafs have gained interest in Claude Giroux and have begun conversations with Giroux's camp. "The Toronto Maple Leafs have also spoken with Giroux’s camp and remain keenly interested, while the Edmonton Oilers made a pitch, but well-respected Sportsnet columnist Mark Spector says they’re no longer involved." Bruce Garrioch wrote on Saturday. The 38-year-old has had a Hall of Fame career, spending 15 seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers and being the captain of the team for many years. Giroux later spent time with the Florida Panthers before spending the last four seasons with his hometown Ottawa Senators. In 1,345 career NHL games, Giroux has registered 1,165 points, including 379 goals. Given how the Maple Leafs' roster currently looks heading into the 2026-27 season, it is tough to see where Giroux fits. While he was a productive player with the Senators just one season ago, producing 49 points, many are not sure he is still capable of being a solid top-six winger in the NHL. The Maple Leafs' bottom six seems to be filled after they revamped it at the beginning of free agency on July 1st. Garrioch also mentions that there are other teams that remain in the mix to acquire Giroux, as a return to either the Senators or Flyers could very well happen. As the offseason continues, the Maple Leafs seem to still be looking to find ways to improve their roster, as they push to get back into playoff contention during the 2026-27 season.

Getty Images The Toronto Maple Leafs continued their busy summer on Saturday, signing both Emil Andrae and Gavin McKenna to contracts ahead of the 2026-27 season. The Maple Leafs signed Andrae to a two-year $3.1 million deal, with an average annual value of $1.55 million. John Chayka and Mats Sundin acquired Andrae in a trade that sent former starting netminder Joseph Woll and depth defenceman Simon Benoit in exchange for Andrae, a 2026 third-round pick who the Maple Leafs selected Juuso Ainasto, and Samuel Ersson, who was later traded to the Ottawa Senators. The Maple Leafs signed McKenna to an entry-level contract after selecting him first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. McKenna is projected to be a player in the Maple Leafs lineup this season with lots of pressure to fill a major role in the Maple Leafs' top six. Both of these players will be crucial parts of the whether the Maple Leafs can get back into playoff contention. The Maple Leafs were in dire need of a puck-moving defenceman, and Andrae will look to fill that gap in their blueline. Andrae suited up in 61 games with the Flyers this season, registering 13 points, including two goals. McKenna, on the other hand, played his final year of junior hockey in the Big Ten with Penn State University, where he dominated, scoring 51 points in 35 games. McKenna also represented Team Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship in December. Many believe the Maple Leafs aren't finished making moves this offseason, with the future of their longest-tenured player, Morgan Rielly, remaining one of the biggest storylines. As trade speculation continues to build, it may only be a matter of time before Toronto's roster for the 2026-27 season begins to take shape.

Alan Dobbins/RMNB The Tampa Bay Lightning have made a major addition to their blue line, signing veteran defenseman John Carlson to a two-year contract worth $17 million, bringing in one of the most experienced right-shot defenders available in free agency. The deal carries an average annual value of $8.5 million and locks Carlson into Tampa Bay through the 2027-28 season as the organization continues to retool its defensive core for another championship push. Carlson, 36, became one of the most sought-after defensemen on the market after completing the final season of his previous contract. Despite being linked to multiple teams throughout the offseason, Tampa Bay ultimately emerged as the landing spot after what league sources described as “strong mutual interest” between both sides. Over his 17-year NHL career, Carlson has recorded more than 600 assists and established himself as a consistent power-play quarterback capable of logging heavy minutes in all situations. Last season, Carlson split time between Washington and Anaheim, finishing with 14 goals and 60 points in 71 games while continuing to play top-pairing minutes. He also added postseason experience with six assists in 12 playoff appearances. The move signals the Lightning’s continued push to stay a contender in the Eastern Conference, adding another experienced piece to a roster that remains built around a core of veteran leadership and playoff success.

Alan Dobbins/RMNB Alex Ovechkin is running it back for another season. The Washington Capitals confirmed Thursday that the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer will return for the 2026-27 campaign after signing a one-year contract worth $4.25 million in average annual value, extending his legendary run in D.C. to a 22nd NHL season. The agreement includes a $1 million base salary paired with a $3.25 million signing bonus, along with performance incentives that could significantly increase the total value. If Ovechkin appears in at least 10 games, he will unlock an additional $4.75 million bonus, bringing the potential value of the deal to $9 million. Ovechkin, now 40, spent the early portion of the offseason evaluating whether to continue playing or step away from the game. Ultimately, the decision came after conversations with his family and the Capitals organization about his role moving forward. “I took my time with this decision,” Ovechkin said in a statement. “I still feel good physically, I still enjoy competing, and I want to help this team push for success next season.” Last season, Ovechkin remained a major contributor despite his age, finishing with 32 goals and 32 assists while appearing in all 82 games for Washington. He continues to extend his record-setting career total, now sitting at 929 regular-season goals across 1,573 games. The Capitals remain hopeful that Ovechkin can still be an impactful piece of their roster, both as a goal scorer and veteran leader, as they look to return to playoff contention in 2026-27. With his return officially confirmed, Ovechkin adds yet another chapter to a career that has already defined an era of NHL history.