The Colorado Avalanche don’t have many true “must-keep” players. Artturi Lehkonen is one of them.

The soft-spoken Finnish winger has become one of the most reliable clutch performers in the NHL, a player whose value rises the deeper the stakes get. Call him Mr. Clutch, call him Mr. Big Time — the label has followed him for years, and it’s not going away any time soon. He has one year remaining on a five-year, $22.5 million deal signed in July 2022.

One of the primary reasons Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic targeted Lehkonen was his ability to score meaningful goals in meaningful moments. That reputation was cemented in 2021, when he delivered arguably the biggest goal in nearly three decades of Montreal Canadiens hockey, scoring in overtime to send Montreal to the Stanley Cup Final, where it ultimately fell in six games to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Everything changed the following season when Sakic struck at the trade deadline, acquiring Lehkonen from Montreal in exchange for Justin Barron and a 2024 second-round pick, with the Canadiens retaining 50 percent of his salary.

From the moment he arrived in Colorado, the “clutch” reputation only grew. Lehkonen scored another overtime winner in the Western Conference Final to send the Avalanche to the Stanley Cup Final after a sweep of the Edmonton Oilers, then delivered the defining moment of the run — the Cup-clinching goal in Game 6 — securing the third Stanley Cup championship in franchise history.

His big-game résumé has even carried beyond the NHL. At the Milano Cortina Olympics, Lehkonen brought that same timing to the international stage, scoring the decisive goal in a 3–2 comeback win for Finland at Rho Arena to send his country into the semifinals in what marked its fifth appearance in six Olympic tournaments featuring NHL players.

For Colorado, the conclusion is straightforward: this is not a player you gamble with. An extension feels inevitable. The only real question is structure — term and AAV — with injury history likely shaping how both sides approach the deal.

Lehkonen has dealt with a notable injury history throughout his career. Of his 12 documented absences, a significant portion stem from upper-body issues, particularly his shoulder — roughly three-quarters of his injury history. He underwent shoulder surgery in May 2024 to repair substantial damage and also endured a difficult 2023 season that included finger surgery and a neck injury requiring a brace, which ultimately led to a stint on long-term injured reserve.

Durability remains the primary concern. Lehkonen has only completed a full 82-game regular season once in his career — a number that will rise to 84 games in 2026–27.

That said, it’s a risk the Avalanche are well aware of and willing to manage given what he provides when healthy. Lehkonen is an elite two-way winger with high-end penalty-killing ability, driven by relentless pressure that disrupts opposing power plays and consistently creates shorthanded chances. Offensively, his game is built on timing and positioning — consistently finding soft ice in dangerous areas and finishing plays around the net.

He also plays a far heavier game than his frame suggests. Listed at 5-foot-11 and 179 pounds, Lehkonen routinely battles larger defensemen and pays the physical price for it. He absorbs contact, creates contact, and rarely avoids the dirty areas, even if it means ending up on the ice. That willingness is part of what makes him so valuable.

Lehkonen is coming off another strong season with 21 goals and 27 assists for 48 points in 70 games, just shy of his career-high 51 points set in 2022–23.

At 31 years old — a milestone he reached on the day of publication — he remains exactly the type of player contenders don’t replace, they retain, even if it costs more the second time around.

The NHL was thrown on its ear on Friday by the news that the Philadelphia Flyers had signed Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson to a five-year, $90 million offer sheet, making him the highest-paid player in the NHL. The 21-year-old was selected second overall in 2023 and scored a career-high 29 goals in his third NHL season. The Flyers, desperate to acquire a top-line center, are prepared to surrender four first-round picks as compensation if the Ducks do not match the offer sheet by July 10. 

Anaheim did not dip into free agency on July 1 and cleared out restricted free agent defenseman Olen Zellweger in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres last week because they were holding back cap space to sign RFA’s Carlsson, winger Cutter Gauthier and defenseman Pavel Mintyukov, but are now in a vulnerable position if they match the offer sheet, since it will leave Anaheim only $17 million in cap space to re-sign Gauthier (who scored 41 goals last season), and add to a short-handed defensive corps. 

Ducks GM Pat Verbeek had a chance to sign Carlsson to an extension throughout last season, but his modus operandi was on display last summer with forward Mason McTavish, who held out until training camp before signing a seven-year, $49 million extension (he was traded to St. Louis last weekend). 

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Sabres Emotionally Devastated By Game 7 Overtime Loss

Buffalo Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen wisely was proactive on the restricted free agent front with winger Zach Benson, signing the 21-year-old to a seven-year, $52.5 million extension before becoming eligible for an offer sheet.  While it is always speculated that offer sheets will become the rule rather than the exception, the increasing salary cap and the gentleman’s agreement between rival GM’s may be going the way of the do-do bird, which will force teams like the Ducks and the Sabres to either match deals to young emerging players for more money than they would choose to, or prepare to accept draft pick compensation and become feeder systems for more financially powerful clubs.  

The Sabres trade of goalie Devon Levi to Edmonton for a 2028 third round pick last week left the club with a pair of young and inexperienced goalies in 2022 secoond-rounder Topias Leinonen and 21-year-old Scott Ratzlaff. The pair split time between AHL Rochester and ECHL Jacksonville last season, but totalled only 21 games with the Amerks, leaving the Sabres affiliate without a full time starter. On Saturday, the club signed veteran minor-leaguer Matt Villalta to a one-year, two-way contract. 

The 27-year-old spent last season with AHL Tucson (AHL affiliate of the Utah Mammoth) and had a 16-12-3 record, 3.10 GAA, and .895 save percentage in 33 games.

A third-round draft pick by Los Angeles in 2017, Villalta has seven years of AHL experience between the Ontario Reign and Roadrunners, and will likely split duties with one or both of the Sabres young goalies in Rochester, while the other will get playing time in Jacksonville. 

 Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo

After trading Devon Levi to the Edmonton Oilers earlier this week, the Buffalo Sabres have added to their goalie depth.

The Sabres have announced that they have signed goaltender Matt Villalta to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2026-27 season. 

Villalta spent all of this past season in the AHL with the Tucson Roadrunners. In 33 games with the AHL club during the 2025-26 season, he posted a 16-12-3 record, an .895 save percentage, and a 3.10 goals-against average. 

While Villalta did not play a game for the Utah Mammoth this past season, he made NHL appearances during both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. In three career NHL games split between the Arizona Coyotes and Utah, the 6-foot-3 goalie has a 1-1-0 record, a 3.64 goals-against average, and an .867 save percentage. 

With the Sabres having Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colten Ellis, Villalta has been signed to help out Buffalo's AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans. 

In 235 career AHL games, Villalta has a 123-83-20 record, a .903 save percentage, a 2.93 goals-against average, and 10 shutouts. 

Minnesota’s misstep turned into Los Angeles’ opportunity.

Bill Guerin is fresh off General Manager of the Year honors, but his bid for a repeat has taken a hit this offseason.

Longtime Minnesota Wild winger Mats Zuccarello signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings worth $1 million, plus bonuses, in recent days—ending a lengthy tenure in Minnesota and adding another veteran piece to an already experience-heavy Kings roster.

The departure wasn’t entirely seamless. Zuccarello was reportedly “ticked” at the Wild over what he viewed as a lack of communication regarding his future. That, however, appears to be only part of the story. Guerin later acknowledged he took too long to reach out after the season, accepting responsibility for the breakdown.

“I don’t blame him. Honestly, I took way too much time after the season to reach out and communicate with him, and that’s on me. Zuccy probably deserved better than that. When we did connect a couple of weeks ago, we had a great conversation,” Guerin told reporters.

Zuccarello is no longer in his prime at 38 years old, but his production hasn’t fallen off a cliff. He finished last season with 54 points in 59 games and added nine points in eight playoff appearances. Over seven seasons in Minnesota, he totaled 389 points in 452 regular-season games, cementing himself as one of the franchise’s most consistent offensive drivers of the past decade.

Given that production and tenure, it’s understandable why the situation left a sour taste. From Minnesota’s perspective, the delayed communication only intensified uncertainty around a longtime core piece. From Zuccarello’s standpoint, it became a clear signal that a change of scenery made sense.

That change now lands him in Los Angeles, where the Kings are betting on experience, fit, and offensive rebound potential rather than a full-scale reset.

“They feel like they could play a little bit more offensive-minded at times,” Zuccarello told NHL.com. “Hopefully, I can contribute with that.”

That need is real. Offense, not defense, was Los Angeles’ biggest issue last season. The Kings finished near the bottom of the league in goals per game (2.68) and struggled on the power play at just 17 percent. Despite that, a steady stream of overtime losses was enough to push them into a Western Conference wild-card spot before they were ultimately swept by the Colorado Avalanche.

Rather than pivoting toward a rebuild, Los Angeles has doubled down on short-term competitiveness and veteran stability. Alongside Zuccarello, the Kings brought back 41-year-old Corey Perry on a one-year deal worth $1 million plus bonuses after a midseason stint that saw him play 50 games before being traded to Tampa Bay. They also added center Scott Laughton on a three-year deal carrying a $3.5 million average annual value.

The message from Los Angeles is clear: stay competitive now, even if it means leaning heavily on aging but proven contributors to patch a scoring problem that nearly derailed their season.

Nick Blankenburg's late-season stint with the Colorado Avalanche appears unlikely to continue, with the defenseman now headed to unrestricted free agency and little expectation of a return.

Acquired from the Nashville Predators in March for a fifth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, Blankenburg arrived as a depth addition to strengthen Colorado's blue line for the stretch run and postseason.

The 27-year-old split the season between the two clubs, recording 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 49 games with Nashville before adding three points (two goals, one assist) in 12 regular-season appearances with the Avalanche.

He also suited up in five playoff games, scoring his first career postseason goal in memorable fashion. Blankenburg buried a cross-seam pass from Valeri Nichushkin past Jesper Wallstedt during Colorado's 9-6 victory in Game 1 of its second-round series against the Minnesota Wild. The celebration quickly became one of the defining moments of Colorado's postseason, as Blankenburg launched himself into the glass before Gabriel Landeskog, Brock Nelson, and Cale Makar piled in.

Like Nichushkin, who was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets earlier this offseason, Blankenburg appears headed for a new opportunity.

Well... maybe.

There are still a few scenarios worth considering.

A reunion with Nashville is among the most logical.

Blankenburg quickly became a fan favorite with the Predators after earning his opportunity following time in the AHL. His skating, puck-moving ability, and willingness to play much bigger than his 5-foot-9 frame made him an easy player to appreciate, and he rewarded that confidence with the most productive offensive season of his NHL career.

Then there's the Chris MacFarland factor.

The former Avalanche general manager has made a habit of bringing familiar faces to Nashville since taking over the organization. At this rate, you might as well start calling them the Nashville Predalanche.

Already this offseason, MacFarland has acquired Ross Colton, Isak Posch, Jack Drury, and Chase Bradley in separate trades. He also signed former Avalanche defenseman Jack Ahcan to a two-way contract, continuing to fill the organization with players he already knows well.

A return to Nashville would make sense for more than just hockey.

Blankenburg has been open throughout his career about the importance of his Christian faith, often crediting his relationship with Christ as the foundation of both his life and career. During his time in Colorado, he spoke about sharing that bond with teammates Josh Manson and Brent Burns, relationships that helped him quickly settle into a new organization.

From a hockey perspective, the fit is just as sensible. MacFarland wanted Blankenburg badly enough to trade for him just a few months ago, and Nashville could certainly use an affordable, dependable depth defenseman capable of filling a third-pairing role while providing competition throughout the lineup.

There's also another possibility.

If Blankenburg values familiarity over a fresh start, returning to the Avalanche organization on a two-way contract can't be completely ruled out.

Colorado’s AHL affiliate has undergone significant turnover this offseason. The Eagles lost head coach Mark Letestu after he joined the Vegas Golden Knights as an assistant coach, while T.J. Tynan signed with the Springfield Thunderbirds. Ahcan’s departure to Nashville also opens another spot on the blue line, potentially creating an opportunity should Blankenburg continue his career within the Avalanche organization.

Whether that door is actually open remains to be seen.

For now, though, Nashville feels like the cleanest fit. The organization already knows exactly what Blankenburg brings, MacFarland has shown he's more than willing to reunite with former Avalanche players, and the opportunity to compete for NHL minutes could be more realistic there than with many other clubs.

One thing is certain: wherever Blankenburg signs, he'll be bringing the same relentless motor, underrated offensive instincts, and infectious energy that made him a fan favorite in both Nashville and Colorado in a relatively short amount of time.

As July 1st, 2026, has passed, Cale Makar is available for a contract extension. He is set to be an unrestricted free agent next summer, and with how much the cap is going up, today's price is not tomorrow's price. Another potential Norris Trophy season for Makar could make what many suggest he might make this summer look like a joke this time next summer.

Though Joe Sakic has stated that a contract will be done this summer, this brings up another potential extension to tackle: Artturi Lehkonen’s. In the last year of his five-year, $22.5 million deal that carries a cap hit of $4.5 million, what number do the Avalanche want and can expect to sign someone turning 32 this season, who has dealt with injuries?

Avalanche Needs To Be Careful With Their Next Extensions

There is no question about how important Lehkonen has been for the team during this time with them. A massive part of the 2022 Stanley Cup run, and despite time and time again dealing with nagging injuries each season, the effort he brings when in the lineup can be irreplaceable, or if so, can be pretty expensive.

As we saw this summer and the following summers, the cap is set to jump exponentially each year. More precisely, the cap ceiling is expected to be $113 million for the 2027-28 season, the first year of their new deals. Every season, the talks between players and management will differ as teams, agents, and players view the rising cap differently and consider how to make the most of it.

Avalanche Sign Veteran Forward Jaden Schwartz To A Three-Year ContractThe Colorado Avalanche's first 2026 free agency signing is forward Jaden Schwartz

While everyone in hockey is excited about the rise in the cap, especially with how stagnant it has been during the COVID-19 days and how it limited many teams in making many moves, teams like the Avalanche, who are excited to see the cap increase, need to be careful with how much they send out to pending UFAs and free agents.

The Ins And Outs Of A New Lehkonen Contract

In terms of what a new Lehkonen contract might look like, what plays into his new extension, and if so, how long of a term and how much do the Avalanche value him?

The unfortunate part of Lehkonen you can compare to is Valeri Nichushkin, and it's the phrase “When he's available, he's at his best,” with “when available” as the major standout.

Avalanche Trade Valeri Nichushkin To Columbus Blue Jackets For Multi-Pick ReturnValeri Nichushkin’s run in Colorado ends as one of the franchise’s most complicated chapters—defined equally by championship impact, constant uncertainty, and a long-running debate the Avalanche finally resolved on Thursday.

Since joining the Avalanche in the 2021-22 season, Lehkonen has only played over 70 games twice, and every other season he has missed at least 25% of the regular season. Adding to the two missed games of the second round this season and looking pretty bad in his return during the Conference Finals.

His value is way above the 104 goals and 112 assists for 216 points; those totals, not including the playoffs, could have been way higher, barring some injury luck. His two-way, physical, penalty-killing prowess is crucial to the Avalanche and is even more pronounced during the playoffs.

So injuries are a factor, but beyond that, we know he can produce and raise his game in the playoffs. How does it compare to other wingers based on his age, production, and the cap hit he could be looking for?

His new contract will take him into his mid-to-late thirties; add in some injury history, but don’t discount the level of production he can bring when healthy or his competitiveness in the playoffs.

I think of players like:

1. Victor Arvidsson (Red Wings) with a two-year, $8 million contract at $4 million AAV.
2. Tyler Toffoli (Sharks), with a three-year $16.2 million contract, $5.4 million AAV.
3. Reilly Smith (Knights), three-year $15 million contract, $5 million AAV.
4. Vincent Desharnais (Capitals), four-year $16.8 million contract, $4.2 million AAV
5. Anders Lee (Mammoth), three-year $16.20 million contract, $5.4 million AAV

You can make the argument that, in Lehkonen's position, he is more important to his team than those listed to theirs. Still, they are all players who can fit the mold of a player with a contract heading into their mid-to-late thirties, with a contract comparable to what Lehkonen can be given.

Among those listed, those cap hits take up roughly just over 6% of the team's cap. The problem is, as I said in the beginning, today's price is not tomorrow's price. Next season, with the cap increase, the amount will be just around 7%. So if you're in Lehkonen’s camp, you could make an argument for north of $5 million AAV for his next deal, when you can make the argument that, when Lehkonen is at his very best, he's well over $6.5 million.

NHL, NHLPA To Increase Salary Cap Significantly Over Next Three SeasonsOn top of the NHL salary cap's upper limit increasing to $95.5 million next season, the cap is expected to jump to $104 million and $113.5 million in the following two seasons.

Does $6.5+ million work for the Avalanche? While I think $5-6 million would be a sweet spot, the biggest factor would be the term. How many years do the Avalanche want to keep this “core” together, and do they think they can make a run with them?

There is no denying the importance Lehkonen brings, but considering his age and injury history, getting him a contract with the right term and value, and potentially moving him down the lineup for other top-six wingers as the years go on, might be the best play for the Avalanche going forward.

Leo Carlsson’s $90 Million Deal Just Reignited The Cale Makar Contract Debate — And It’s Missing The PointLeo Carlsson’s $90 million extension in Philadelphia sparked immediate questions in Colorado, but Cale Makar’s next contract was never going to be shaped by it.

The opening days of NHL free agency provided a reminder of just how many players have passed through the Senators organization.

Since free agency opened on Wednesday, a long list of former Senators have signed contracts with new or existing clubs. In part two, we look at the ex-Sens who received two-way deals, looking to earn NHL roster spots with fresh starts this fall. 

Max Guenette - Boston Bruins

After five seasons in the Senators organization, Max Guenette signed with Boston after being traded last season in the deal that brought Dennis Gilbert to Ottawa. Guenette was drafted back in 2019, and as a seventh-round pick, he continued to be an excellent AHL player for Lehigh Valley this season.

His 24 points in 42 games put him second in scoring among Phantoms defensemen, behind only Christian Kyrou, who just signed with the Senators this week.

Andreas Englund – Calgary Flames

Andreas Englund established himself as an everyday NHL defenceman with the Los Angeles Kings during the 2023-24 season, but he dropped down in the Kings' batting order the following year, and was eventually claimed off waivers by Nashville, where he struggled to stick.

His one-year deal with Calgary this week now offers him another opportunity to work his way back into a regular NHL role. Englund was the Sens' second round pick in 2014 and played four seasons with the club, including 33 games in Ottawa.

Noah Gregor – Winnipeg Jets

Noah Gregor signed a one-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets as he continues his search for a permanent NHL home. He was signed as a free agent in Ottawa in 2024 and left at the deadline in the San Jose deal that brought Fabian Zetterlund to town. The Jets will be his fifth NHL organization since 2024.

Gregor spent this season with the Florida Panthers, playing 37 games, including the one where he gave Carter Yakemchuk a concussion with a shoulder to the head.

Mads Sogaard – Tampa Bay Lightning

After seven years in the Senators organization, goaltender Mads Sogaard signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The 25-year-old appeared in 31 NHL career games with Ottawa but spent most of last season in Belleville before becoming a Group 6 unrestricted free agent. With the Sens signing Samuel Ersson and Leevi Merilainen this week, the writing was on the wall for Sogaard.

The last time the Sens let a 6-foot-7 goalie get away to Tampa was Ben Bishop, and that worked out pretty well for the Lightning, who gave up Cory Conacher in the deal. Sidebar fun fact: Conacher came back from Switzerland and played two games for Belleville in 2022.

Dylan Gambrell – Minnesota Wild

Veteran forward Dylan Gambrell agreed to a one-year deal with the Minnesota Wild. The Sens got some good mileage out of Gambrell, acquiring him in 2021 for a 7th round draft pick. He played north of 60 games for two straight seasons in Ottawa.

But since leaving Ottawa, he hasn't played a single NHL game since. He'll be hoping to land a fourth-line job in Minny after putting up a point per game for the Wild's farm club this year.

Boko Imama – Florida Panthers

Imama signed a one-year contract with the Florida Panthers, giving the defending Stanley Cup champions another rugged depth option entering training camp. Imama spent the 2023-24 season with the Sens, mostly in Belleville. He got into just six games with Ottawa before signing that summer in Pittsburgh.

None of these players will ever be mistaken for NHL superstars, but Sens Nation will always have a soft spot for the men who once proudly wore the centurion crest.

Read part one of this Sens alumni article here. 

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

This article was first published on The Hockey News Ottawa Senators site. For full coverage of the Senators, check out one of the latest headlines below:

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Shakir Mukhamadullin’s winding NHL path has taken another turn — and this time, it leads him out of San Jose.

The 24-year-old defenseman, once a key return piece in the Timo Meier trade, has signed a two-year, $3.5 million deal with the Edmonton Oilers just ahead of the arbitration deadline, closing the book on his short tenure in the Sharks organization and setting up a fresh opportunity in Alberta.

For San Jose, it marks the departure of a player who was still viewed internally as part of the long-term defensive picture after arriving in 2023 as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Meier to New Jersey before ultimately landing in the Sharks’ system.

Mukhamadullin’s route to this point has already been anything but linear. Originally selected 20th overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2020, he never suited up for the franchise that drafted him. Instead, his NHL rights were flipped to San Jose as part of the Meier trade, where he eventually worked his way into a 50-game season in 2025-26 — the most sustained look he’s had at the NHL level.

Last year, he recorded five goals and 12 points while averaging 17:09 of ice time, adding 63 blocked shots in a role that often asked him to absorb defensive-zone pressure while navigating multiple injury interruptions along the way.

Now, that development arc continues somewhere new.

Edmonton landed Mukhamadullin in a deal announced by agent Dan Milstein, with the contract structured as $1.55 million in salary next season and a $200,000 signing bonus, followed by a $1.75 million salary in 2027-28. The second year also doubles as his qualifying offer.

In San Jose, the expectation had been that Mukhamadullin could continue growing into a depth or bottom-pairing role, with flashes of upside still to be unlocked. Instead, he joins an Oilers blue line that already features established roles for veterans such as Mattias Ekholm and Jake Walman, while Ryan Shea’s recent five-year deal adds another layer of competition on the left side.

That likely leaves Mukhamadullin in a familiar position — fighting for minutes, possibly shifting sides, and trying to carve out a more permanent NHL role in a crowded depth chart.

For Edmonton, the move is a low-cost swing on size and projection. For San Jose, it’s another reminder of how fluid their defensive picture remains as they continue reshaping the roster post-rebuild core decisions.

The Oilers now have just under $6.5 million in cap space remaining, according to PuckPedia, with additional roster decisions still ahead.

But for the Sharks, another piece from the Meier trade tree has moved on, and Mukhamadullin’s next chapter begins somewhere else.

In the aftermath of the Philadelphia Flyers signing budding Anaheim Ducks star Leo Carlsson to an offer sheet on Friday, there was one important detail that kept getting skipped over in discussion.

The key to any offer sheet having a chance, of course, is the player signing it, which is what Carlsson, 21, did with the Flyers. He signed their contract offer and accepted a move away from the Ducks, and that is what kicks this whole saga off.

Most important of all is that Carlsson reportedly chose the Flyers over other teams that presented him and his camp with an offer sheet, which is a big development for Philadelphia as they seek to transition from rebuilder to contender--something they would achieve by pulling off this endeavor successfully.

According to TSN NHL insider Darren Dreger, Carlsson had four teams make him an offer, but, as we know, he chose the Flyers in the end.

"This will certainly juice the market according to several player agents. Carlsson had 4 teams present Offer Sheets and several who [shared] a high level of interest," Dreger reported on his X account.

It certainly helps that the Flyers were able to offer an $18 million cap hit with a bajillion dollars in signing bonuses up front, but again, Carlsson did choose the Flyers.

Much like sending out an offer sheet itself, there is nothing prohibiting the Flyers, the Ducks, or other NHL teams for making that kind of contract offer to acquire a really good player.

Maksim Sokolovskii Caps Flyers Development Camp with Dominant Offensive DisplayNew top Philadelphia Flyers prospect Maksim Sokolovskii is already turning heads in all facets of the game.

There are some faults to the deal, too, like Carlsson becoming a 26-year-old unrestricted free agent at the end of the contract, allowing him to sign another big-money deal with the Flyers, Ducks, or another team, this time being able to do so without any kind of strings attached.

The Flyers also included a full no-move clause in the final year of Carlsson's contract, which means that he's either staying with the team that wins this offer sheet battle, or ends up walking to a new one in free agency.

Now, the Ducks could always trade Carlsson before that year, yes, but it's clear that the Flyers are making this kind of bold move to get Carlsson and have him play hockey in Philadelphia, not to strong-arm other front offices and play politics.

They want Carlsson to be their No. 1 center of the future, and don't really care about the cost they have to pay to make that happen. It is a no-lose situation for the Flyers, who have signaled that they are ready to compete for a Stanley Cup now with the players, prospects, and assets they currently have.

Carlsson and his camp recognized that, anomalous contract notwithstanding, and now we just wait and see if the Ducks bend the knee to the Flyers.

Former Seattle Kraken forward Jaden Schwartz signed a three-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday.

Last season, Schwartz played 50 games with the Kraken, recording 11 goals and 15 assists.

At 34, he is entering his 16th NHL season, having appeared in 861 games with the Seattle Kraken and St. Louis Blues.

He has recorded 233 goals and 320 assists in his NHL career.

The Blues drafted Schwartz 14th overall in the 2010 NHL Draft, and he won the Stanley Cup with them in 2019.

He recorded a career-high 63 points in 2014-15.

A part of our story from the very beginning 💙🩵

Thank you, Schwartzy! pic.twitter.com/vgB9l5YUdy

— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) July 2, 2026

On July 28, 2021, he signed as a free agent with Seattle. He played five seasons with the Kraken before signing a three-year contract with Colorado on July 2. 

Visit The Hockey News Seattle Kraken team site to stay up to date on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

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Former Detroit Red Wings draft selection Sebastian Cossa was traded on the opening day of the 2026 NHL Draft to the Utah Mammoth in return for the 23rd overall selection.

With the pick, the Red Wings selected Kamloops Blazers forward J.P. Hurlbert, who will play locally at the University of Michigan in the upcoming season.

But it closed the chapter on Cossa's time with the Red Wings, which never really got off the ground at the NHL level. He only has one game of NHL experience under his belt at this point, but that will likely change in short order in Salt Lake City.

Cossa, whom the Mammoth have already signed to a two-year, $4 million deal, said that he wasn't quite sure what to expect coming into the summer as a pending restricted free agent. 

Speaking on the Utah Puck Report podcast with Jay Stevens of KSL Sports, Cossa said he focused on staying in the moment while watching Michal Postava start for the Grand Rapids Griffins during the Calder Cup Playoffs earlier this spring, while also hearing whispers of potentially being moved. 

"For me, obviously, going into RFA this summer, I'd been hearing it through the grapevine for quite a while," he said about the possibility of being dealt. "I went into the playoffs with Grand Rapids. Obviously, I wasn't playing at that point, but I was just trying to stay in the present. We were hoping for a long playoff run there, but I wasn't worried about it too much.

"But obviously, as the offseason gets going, you talk about it a little more — where you'll be next year," he continued. "Obviously, you see that stuff on social media. Still, I wasn't too sure what was going to happen this offseason. I knew it was a possibility, but I didn't know for sure it was happening."

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

Known as the Arizona Coyotes before relocating to Utah in 2024, the Mammoth returned to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2020 and have a bevy of young talent that has helped them earn the reputation of a team on the rise. 

"I've heard only good things about the organization, and the people reaching out to me already have made me feel comfortable already," Cossa said of his first impressions of the Mammoth. "It's been great." 

After posting a 26-8-4 record with the Griffins last season, Cossa could open the upcoming campaign as Karel Vejmelka's backup with the Mammoth.

"A Really Good Person": Dan Cleary Happy For Sebastian Cossa's New Chance In Utah Dan Cleary, the Director of Player Development for the Detroit Red Wings, addressed the trade of goaltender Sebastian Cossa to the Utah Mammoth last week.

If all goes well, he may even develop into the franchise's long-term starter - a future many once expected him to have in Detroit.

But he knows nothing is given at the NHL level. 

"It's super exciting," he said. "It's been a long path, and for me, it's going there and earning the job. It's still a big summer for me; I want to go there and earn that and show they made the right decision." 

"For me, there's a lot of work to go in, but obviously really excited now." 

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The Edmonton Oilers have signed Shakir Mukhamadullin to a two-year extension. The deal is worth $1.75 million per season. 

Mukhamadulin came over to the Oilers in the Darnell Nurse trade. 

Shakir Mukhamadullin signs a two year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers, worth $1.75 million per season. #WeAreGoldStarpic.twitter.com/iQWkGQ4vEH

— Dan Milstein (@HockeyAgent1) July 4, 2026

Mukhamadullin is a 24-year-old Russian defenseman, originally drafted 20th overall by New Jersey in 2020, who came to San Jose in the 2023 Timo Meier blockbuster trade. He's a big, mobile blueliner at 6-foot-4, known for a strong shot and real offensive upside, though his defensive game is still rounding into form at the NHL level.

He made his debut in January 2024 and has bounced between full-time NHL duty and healthy scratches since, most recently posting five goals, 12 points and 60 blocked shots over 50 games with San Jose last season while managing a couple of injuries. 

He's now with the Edmonton Oilers, and he will get a shot at locking down a full-time NHL role. 

If he clicks in Edmonton, the Oilers come away from the Nurse trade with a legitimate long-term piece on defense, not a player they had to take back to move Nurse's contract. If he doesn't, the downside is limited to a roster spot, not a wasted asset.

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The opening days of NHL free agency provided a reminder of just how many players have passed through the Senators organization.

Over the past three days, a long list of former Senators have signed contracts with new or existing clubs. Some will fill full-time NHL roles next season on one-way contracts, while others will head to training camp on two-way deals looking to earn a roster spot. 

Former Senators Signing One-Way NHL Contracts

Nick Jensen – Anaheim Ducks

Nick Jensen's tenure in Ottawa officially came to an end after he signed a two-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks worth $2.2 million per season.

Jensen spent two seasons with the Senators after arriving from the Washington Capitals in the summer of 2024 as part of the Jacob Chychrun trade. Ottawa's objective in acquiring the veteran right-shot defenceman was to rebalance its blue line, and for much of his first season he provided exactly that before injuries began to take their toll.

Mathieu Joseph – Edmonton Oilers

Mathieu Joseph signed a one-year contract worth $1 million with the Edmonton Oilers.

Joseph spent parts of three seasons with Ottawa after arriving from the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2022 trade that sent Nick Paul to Tampa Bay. His best offensive season in Ottawa came in 2023-24 when he produced 35 points in 72 games, but that didn't impress Steve Staios, who had just taken over as GM.

With the Senators looking to create flexibility, Joseph was traded to the St. Louis Blues in the summer of 2024. The Sens even had to throw in a third-round pick to convince the Blues to do the deal. Ottawa went on to sign several other forwards in free agency.

Lars Eller – Florida Panthers

After spending one season with Ottawa, Lars Eller signed a one-year contract with the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

The veteran centre got off to an impressive start with the Senators, recording six points in his first 12 games. His production slowed considerably after that, and with centre Stephen Halliday pushing for a full-time NHL opportunity, Ottawa opted to move in a younger direction.

Erik Gudbranson – Columbus Blue Jackets

Erik Gudbranson will remain in Columbus for a fifth season after signing a one-year contract worth $1.75 million. Gudbranson just wants to stay healthy after injuries limited him to just 53 games total over the past two seasons.

The Ottawa native spent the 2020-21 season with his hometown Senators, appearing in 36 games before being traded to Nashville for Brandon Fortunato and a 7th rounder.

Ian Cole – Chicago Blackhawks

Ian Cole signed a one-year contract that will pay him $4 million.

Cole's stint as a Senator barely lasted long enough to unpack. Ottawa acquired him from Pittsburgh in the 2018 Derick Brassard trade that also brought goaltending prospect Filip Gustavsson to the organization.

Just three days later, the Senators flipped Cole to Columbus for a third-round draft pick. Eight years later, the veteran defenceman is still cashing sizeable NHL paycheques. Chicago will be his 8th team since his drive-thru experience with Ottawa.

Nick Foligno – Minnesota Wild

Nick Foligno keeps rolling.

At 38, the former Senators captain signed another one-year contract with the Minnesota Wild worth $900,000. Foligno joined Minnesota last season to play alongside his brother Marcus and will return for another campaign.

Foligno was traded by Ottawa 14 years ago for Columbus defenseman Marc Methot.

Dennis Gilbert – Buffalo Sabres

Defenceman Dennis Gilbert landed a one-year, one-way NHL contract back with Buffalo worth $850,000.

Gilbert did two recent tours of duty with the Sens. He arrived in 2025 in the Josh Norris deal but then left in free agency last summer. He came back this season in exchange for Max Guenette before heading to free agency again this summer. The Sens can't seem to quit him, so maybe we'll see Gilbert again soon.

So there it is, your list of old faces in new places. Next up, we'll tackle the list of former Senators who signed two-way deals with new organizations this week.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

This article was first published on The Hockey News Ottawa Senators site. For full coverage of the Senators, check out one of the latest headlines below:

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Beckett Hamilton’s first experience inside the Colorado Avalanche organization offered an early look at the habits, pace, and standards that come with being an NHL prospect.

The jump to the Avalanche system comes after a year where he built momentum in the WHL and added international experience with Team Canada at the U-18 level, giving him a broader look at high-end competition before turning pro.

Hamilton was also the highest-drafted player Colorado selected in the 2026 NHL Draft, taken 74th overall after spending draft day in Buffalo with his parents as his name was called.

“It was a special day I’ll cherish forever with my family,” Hamilton said. “To get picked by this type of team is unbelievable.”

Hamilton said the early stages of his pro path have been about understanding what an NHL environment actually looks like and absorbing as much as possible from it.

“You come into an NHL environment,” Hamilton said. “And you just see how things are run, how they do stuff and how you get treated. So, bring that with me and try to share that back with my team in the WHL and just learn as much as I can from the guys around me.”

As for his identity on the ice, he pointed to a blend of competitiveness and skill, with an emphasis on playing through contact and getting to the net.

“I’m not the biggest guy,” Hamilton said. “But I play bigger than I may seem, and I like to score goals and I like to be around the net.”

That style is part of what the Avalanche saw when they selected him, and what he’s now beginning to refine as he adjusts to the pace and detail of a professional environment.

That connection also included growing up watching Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon, who is coming off his first Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy and has long been one of Hamilton’s favorites, now serving as a direct example of the standard inside the organization.

Beyond that Avalanche connection, Hamilton also pointed to players he’s tried to model parts of his game after, including Brayden Point and Jonathan Toews, who have combined for five Stanley Cup championships for the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Chicago Blackhawks.

Hamilton said the opportunity to join Colorado is something he’s eager to build on as he continues his development.

“You see the success they’ve had over the last couple of years and the players they bring in,” Hamilton said. “It’s unreal. And I can’t wait to get started with them.”