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.
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.
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:
Victor Arvidsson (Red Wings) with a two-year, $8 million contract at $4 million AAV.
Tyler Toffoli (Sharks), with a three-year $16.2 million contract, $5.4 million AAV.
Reilly Smith (Knights), three-year $15 million contract, $5 million AAV.
Vincent Desharnais (Capitals), four-year $16.8 million contract, $4.2 million AAV
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.
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.
When Chris Drury traded Brennan Othmann to the Flames for Jacob Battaglia in a prospect swap, the Rangers president and general manager revealed that Battaglia found out while on the OHL Flint Firebirds team bus sitting next to Nathan Aspinall.
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Battaglia leaned over and showed Aspinall an Instagram post that stated he had been traded to New York.
As not only a Blueshirts fifth-round selection in the 2024 draft, but as his Firebirds linemate, Aspinall was elated.
“I gave him a big hug after that,” Aspinall said with a smile after an on-ice prospect development camp session in Tarrytown this past week.
Added Battaglia: “I was pretty excited to see how far our journey is going to go together and just so happy for what the future could be.”
Jacob Battaglia #88 of the Kingston Frontenacs skates against the Ottawa 67’s at Canadian Tire Centre on November 13, 2024 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Getty Images
Just under four months later, the last remaining linemate of Battaglia and Aspinall also joined the Rangers organization.
The Rangers drafted Darian Anderson with the No. 163 pick on the second day of the draft at the end of last month, officially obtaining the full trifecta that led the Firebirds in their most successful season in team history in 2025-26.
“I called my coach [Paul Flache] immediately,” Aspinall told The Post of his reaction to hearing the Rangers draft Anderson. “Just saying how awesome it is, and then I sent him a text right away and said, ‘Can’t wait to see you in a couple days.’ ”
And there they all were on the MSG Training Center ice together this week, pushing to make good impressions in front of Rangers management and player development staff.
NY Rangers 2026 Development Camp Player Nathan Aspinall (95) when the New York Rangers held their 2026 Development Camp Monday, June 29, 2026 at Madison Square Garden Training Center in Greenburgh, NY. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Having one another to lean on during this time has been a major benefit for the trio. It’s more than just a couple of familiar faces, but teammates they’ve battled alongside during a grueling season and in the OHL playoffs. There’s something special about working next to players who are on the exact same path as you.
“I think it’s great for all of us,” Aspinall said. “I mean, just seeing Darian, my linemate, who got drafted this year, has just made me smile so much. And then seeing them at camp, it just makes it so much better.
“Just being with the guys more and just having some more familiarity with them coming for their first camp, it’s great.”
NY Rangers 2026 Development Camp Player Darian Anderson (64) when the New York Rangers held their 2026 Development Camp Monday, June 29, 2026 at Madison Square Garden Training Center in Greenburgh, NY. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Though Aspinall and Battaglia are expected to enjoy their first full pro seasons in Hartford, Anderson is committed to Clarkson University for the 2026-27 season. Aspinall described the 19-year-old Anderson as a “shifty” player who “works for everything he earns.”
The only reason why the trio was able to work for the Firebirds was because of Battaglia’s transition to center.
Having always been a wing, Battaglia was moved to the middle upon his arrival in Flint after he was traded from the Kingston Frontenacs.
“It was definitely a whole new world of hockey,” Battaglia said. “I’ve never really had any experience playing down the middle, so I really enjoyed it because I felt like I could use my speed a little bit more and attack with more speed, rather than being flat-footed on the wall. I had a lot of fun playing center and I’m pretty excited to hopefully keep that up.”
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.
THN Site Editor Steve Warne discusses Claude Giroux's free agency status.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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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."
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.
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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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.
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.
Steve Staios spoke this week about keeping a light on for Claude Giroux if he decides he wants to play here for another season.
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.
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:
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.”
One contract doesn’t usually shift a league’s center of gravity — but every so often, it sparks the same question everywhere it lands.
So when the Philadelphia Flyers handed Leo Carlsson a five-year, $90 million deal on Friday, it didn’t take long for that question to surface in Colorado: what does this mean for Cale Makar?
The answer, in short, is nothing. But the conversation says more about how the NHL thinks than the contract itself.
Carlsson’s deal simply reset another layer of the market for young stars, but it doesn’t change the trajectory of what’s already been building toward Makar’s next contract in Colorado.
Leo Carlsson is a Flyer -- for now. The Anaheim Ducks have less than a week to respond to the offer sheet. Credit: Griffin Hooper - Imagn Images
Makar is currently in the final year of his six-year, $54 million deal that carries a $9 million average annual value. He became eligible for an extension on July 1, and while no agreement has been announced, there is no urgency from either side. The new deal wouldn’t even begin until the 2027–28 season.
Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic has consistently expressed confidence that Makar will remain in Colorado long term. The real work now isn’t about if a deal gets done — it’s about timing, structure, and landing on the right number for both sides.
That timing conversation also includes the NHL’s upcoming collective bargaining agreement, which takes effect on Sept. 16, 2026. One key change reduces maximum contract length from eight years to seven on re-signs, meaning Colorado and Makar would have a short window to qualify for the longer term if they finalize an extension before the new rules kick in.
It adds a layer of urgency to the calendar — but not necessarily to the negotiation itself.
Because once you zoom out from Carlsson’s deal, the real question becomes familiar: how far will the top of the market actually go?
Makar is already a two-time Norris Trophy winner, a Conn Smythe winner, and one of the defining defensemen of his generation. In almost any salary structure, he’s the obvious candidate to reset the defense market — and potentially push toward the long-discussed $20 million threshold.
NHL insider Pierre LeBrun recently floated that possibility, suggesting Makar could become the league’s first $20 million player. Others around the league expect the number to land lower, projecting a range between $15 million and $16.5 million depending on term and structure, with some believing $17 million is the realistic ceiling.
On paper, a contract like Carlsson’s only fuels the idea that the next wave of stars will continue pushing the salary cap upward.
But the reality in professional sports is that the highest-paid player doesn’t always define the culture of a franchise — or the priorities of its stars.
Across sports, there are long-standing examples of elite athletes choosing structure, stability, or winning over maximizing every last dollar.
Tom Brady spent much of his career with the New England Patriots on team-friendly deals, repeatedly restructuring contracts to give the franchise flexibility and help sustain a roster capable of winning six Super Bowl championships.
In the NHL, Sidney Crosby has long been the standard for this type of approach, carrying an $8.7 million cap hit for years despite being one of the most dominant players of his era, all while helping the Pittsburgh Penguins capture three Stanley Cups.
The Avalanche already have their own version of that philosophy sitting in the locker room.
Nathan MacKinnon is currently signed through 2031 at a $12.6 million cap hit — a number widely viewed as below-market for a player of his production level. Back in 2019, when he was still on his previous contract, he explained his mindset to Forbes’ Jordan Horrobin:
“We have guys that we wouldn't (otherwise) be able to bring in. On my next deal, I'll take less again. Because I want to win with this group.”
MacKinnon later clarified that his previous contract wasn’t a discount at the time it was signed, but the sentiment has remained consistent: winning has always been the priority.
That mindset has helped define Colorado’s modern era, and it inevitably becomes part of any conversation about Makar’s future.
None of that guarantees a hometown discount — and it shouldn’t be interpreted as one. Makar is too valuable, too important, and too accomplished for that kind of assumption.
But it does complicate the idea that a contract like Carlsson’s automatically resets expectations in Colorado.
Yes, Makar could become the NHL’s first $20 million defenseman. Yes, he will set a new benchmark at his position. And yes, he will be paid among the very top players in the league.
The more important question is where that number lands within the range — and what matters more when the deal is actually signed.
Because if there’s one thing the Avalanche have consistently shown over the last decade, it’s that they’re willing to prioritize long-term contention over short-term money.
And in that equation, Cale Makar’s next contract was never going to be dictated by Leo Carlsson — or anyone else resetting the market.
The Calgary Flames have completed a single trade on the American Independence Day holiday, swapping future Hall of Fame defensemen on July 4, 1994.
In arguably one of the biggest blockbuster trades of the decade, the Flames dealt former Conn Smythe Trophy winner Al MacInnis to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Phil Housley, who is the highest scoring American-born defender of all-time.
Here's a deep dive into one of the trades to alter the trajectories of both franchises.
MacInnis Led Calgary to the Stanley Cup in 1989
As the 15th overall pick in the 1981 Draft, MacInnis debuted in the 1981-82 campaign and, by 1983, was an NHL regular. By 1986, he was getting votes for the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman, finishing third in 1989 and was runner-up in 1990 and 1991.
Soon, MacInnis, who had a fierce slap shot that often clocked in at 90 to 100 mph, became a 20-goal scorer and routinely collected over 70 points a year starting in 1986. That was also the same year Calgary reached the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history. He finished as the playoff leader with 15 assists, while collecting 19 points in 21 games and a plus-10 rating, although the Flames lost to the Montreal Canadiens in five games.
When the two met again in a rematch in the 1989 Stanley Cup Final, MacInnis led all players with 24 assists and 31 points to earn the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP.
Two years later, in 1990-91, MacInnis put together his greatest statistical season, with 28 goals, 75 assists, and 103 points, although he finished third in Norris Trophy voting. Immediately following that amazing campaign, he dipped down to 77 points, and in his final season with the Flames, he had 28 goals and 82 points in 74 games.
In 1994, the Blues signed MacInnis to an offer sheet for an extra million dollars more than the Flames had offered him. Considering Calgary hadn't advanced past the first round since their championship victory, it was time for a change, which led to MacInnis departing the club, where he remains the highest scoring defenseman with 822 points in 803 games.
Housley Quietly Builds Hall of Fame Career
Meanwhile, in Buffalo, Housley was the club's top pick in the 1982 Draft, getting selected sixth overall. He'd debut later that season, and unlike MacInnis, would make an immediate impact, finishing second in Calder Trophy voting, while earning All-Rookie Honors. In his second season, 1983-84, he scored a career-high 31 goals in 75 games.
Over eight years with the Sabres, Housley collected 558 points in 608 games thanks to 178 goals and 380 assists. He was a top-10 finalist for the Norris Trophy five times. On June 16, 1990, Buffalo acquired future Hall of Famer Dale Hawerchuk from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for Housley, Scott Arniel, and Jeff Parker. Moreover, the two draft picks included in the deal would turn into Keith Tkachuk (Winnipeg) and Brad May (Buffalo).
Housley would play three seasons in Winnipeg, collecting another 64 goals and 259 points in just 232 games. In 1992-93, he recorded a career-high 97 points in 80 games, with a personal best 79 assists.
Shortly after a great campaign, the Jets traded Housley to the Blues for Nelson Emerson and Stephane Quintal. Unfortunately, his only season in St. Louis was cut short because of a back injury, as he finished with just 22 points in 26 games. When MacInnis signed his offer sheet, Housley came to Calgary.
On Their Way to the Hockey Hall of Fame
From 1994 until he retired in 2004, MacInnis patrolled the blueline in St. Louis, finally winning the Norris Trophy in 1999. In addition, he helped the Blues qualify for the playoffs in nine seasons, just missing the cut in his final year, 2003-04. Despite never skating in the Stanley Cup Final again, MacInnis came close in 1997, losing to the eventual champion, the Detroit Red Wings, in Game 7 of the Western Conference Final.
In 613 games, he would score 127 goals and 452 points to finish his legendary career with 1,274 points in 1,416 games. MacInnis played in 12 All-Star Games and named to the NHL's post-season All-Star teams on seven occasions. As a member of the league's 100th Anniversary Team, he would enter the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007.
Meanwhile, Housley's path to hockey immortality took many detours. He played a season and a half with the Flames before a deal sent him to the New Jersey Devils on Feb. 26, 1996. He stayed there for 22 games before signing with the Washington Capitals and eventually playing in the 1998 Stanley Cup Final, which the Red Wings swept.
Following that defeat, Housley came back to Calgary as a waiver pickup, where he played from 1998 to 2001 before the Chicago Blackhawks picked him up on waivers. Two years later, they would deal him to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he dressed for one regular-season game and three playoff games before retiring.
When Housley hung up his skates, he was the highest-scoring American-born player of all time with 1,232 points in 1,495 games, thanks to 338 goals and 894 assists. Since his retirement, his totals have been surpassed only by Patrick Kane (1,400), Brett Hull (1,391), and Mike Modano (1,374).
What About the Draft Picks?
The deal between the Flames and Blues included two draft picks, a second-round pick in 1996 and 1997, which Calgary used to select Steve Begin and John Tripp. As the 40th overall pick, Begin would have a 13-year NHL career, including six with the Flames, who tallied 56 goals and 108 points in 524 games.
Initially drafted by the Colorado Avalanche at the 1995 Draft, Tripp re-entered the draft, where the Flames took him 42nd overall in 1997. He never dressed for the club; instead, he made his NHL debut with the New York Rangers and later suited up for the Los Angeles Kings. In 43 games, he scored two goals and nine points.
Historical Perspective
It goes without saying that the MacInnis for Housley trade is one of the most memorable trades in both franchises' history. Although Housley didn't have the same impact in Calgary as MacInnis did, it goes without saying that his two stints with the Flames had a significant impact on his path to the Hall of Fame. Meanwhile, in St. Louis, MacInnis carved out an untouched legacy that led to his jersey retirement in 2006.
Bobrovsky said he and McKenna spoke on Thursday about the number.
"He gave that number to me, we had a little chat," Bobrovsky said. "He's a bright guy. He's got really positive energy. And I'm excited to watch him develop into the big superstar, honestly."
In the meantime, McKenna can't even use the two fallback options as his number, because No. 27 and No. 9 are both in the rafters. So, what number will McKenna wear for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL next season? Here are three suggestions.
There are a couple of reasons why McKenna could wear the No. 12 for the Maple Leafs in the upcoming campaign.
The No. 12 is the closest McKenna can get to wearing No. 72 in terms of the numbers looking similar.
But the more meaningful reason behind wearing No. 12 is in relation to how the Maple Leafs landed the 2026 first overall pick in the first place.
At the NHL's draft lottery, Toronto had an 8.5 percent chance of winning the first pick. The first three lottery balls were Nos. 7, 2 and 11. And to officially win the NHL draft lottery, out came the ping-pong ball that was labelled with the No. 12. Without that number on the ball, McKenna's life would've played out differently.
The last player on the Maple Leafs to wear this number was Zach Aston-Reese in 2022-23.
It would certainly generate plenty of reactions from hockey fans, but what if McKenna decided to wear No. 16, previously worn by Mitch Marner?
Marner wore No. 16 throughout his entire tenure with the Maple Leafs from 2016-17 to 2024-25, scoring 741 points in the process, putting him sixth among all-time leaders in franchise history. He was known for his playmaking and chemistry on the ice, regularly setting up Auston Matthews.
In a sense, McKenna has similarities to Marner in his game, particularly in his ability to see the ice, his vision, and his playmaking. Also, the 18-year-old may get a spot on the top line with Matthews, just like Marner did for a chunk of his career.
It would be a bold choice to wear No. 16, but McKenna has shown he is a confident individual.
Marner is an example of a player choosing a number to match an idol. Though he wore No. 16 with the Leafs, he wore No. 93 with the London Knights, and now for the Vegas Golden Knights because of his hockey hero, Doug Gilmour.
McKenna has also revealed another hockey hero of his to be Patrick Kane, but his famous No. 88 is already taken by William Nylander.
Therefore, it wouldn't be completely out of the ordinary if McKenna went on to choose No. 86. In fact, he'd become the first player to ever wear that number in franchise history.
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