Panthers sign veteran defenseman Jeff Petry to 1-year deal, per report

The Florida Panthers have been busy as the new league year began on Tuesday.

With their latest move, Florida has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with veteran defenseman Jeff Petry.

According to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, the deal is worth $775,000 and can include some performance bonuses.

Petry has spent the past two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, racking up four goals and 28 points in 117 games in Hockeytown.

Throughout his career, Petry has been valuable both on the power play and the penalty kill.

While Florida may call on him to join their PK unit, Petry will probably be far down the depth chart when it comes to the power play, behind the likes of Aaron Ekblad, Seth Jones and Gus Forsling.

While the Panthers have been busy signing players to extensions, Petry is the first unrestricted free agent to ink a deal with Florida.

Over the past several days, the Panthers have extended Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, Brad Marchand and Tomas Nosek while signing restricted free agent Daniil Tarasov to a new deal as well.

Florida is now $2.95 million over the salary cap, which they can exceed by 10% ($9.5 million) until Opening Night.

As it stands, they have 13 forwards, seven defensemen and two goaltenders under contract.

We’ll see what other moves the Cats have up their sleeve as we get deeper into the free agency period.

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Photo caption: Nov 18, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jeff Petry (46) skates with the puck during the second period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. (Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images)

Blue Jackets Sign Defenseman Christian Jaros

The Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Christian Jaros to a one-year, two-way contract today. 

Jaros played the last three seasons in the KHL after playing a season with the New Jersey Devils. 

Jaros has played 94 NHL games has 14 points. In the AHL, he's played 90 games and has 34 points. 

The signing of Jaros is no doubt for depth with the Cleveland Monsters. The Jackets didn't QO a couple defenseman and needed to bring in some guys to fill those gaps. 

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Former Blue Jackets Defenseman Jordan Harris Signs With BostonFormer Blue Jackets Defenseman Jordan Harris Signs With BostonFormer Blue Jackets defenseman Jordan Harris will sign with the Boston Bruins per Elliotte Friedman. BREAKING NEWS: Columbus Blue Jackets Sign Ivan Provorov To A Seven-Year DealBREAKING NEWS: Columbus Blue Jackets Sign Ivan Provorov To A Seven-Year DealThe Columbus Blue Jackets have announced they have signed defensemen Ivan Provorov to a seven-year deal that carries an AAV of $8.5 million per season.

REPORT: Oilers Now Linked To Controversial Young Goalie

Carter Hart (Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)

EDMONTON – Silly season is as silly season does.

The Edmonton Oilers are on the heels of a second consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final in as many years.

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest newsgame-day coverage, and more

As part of his postseason debrief, Stan Bowman identified two areas of growth: goaltending and forward depth. Part of the forward depth issue, Bowman identified as needing to get “faster and younger.”

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Apparently, getting younger might also extend to goaltending.

It’s no secret that the Oilers' goaltending wasn’t elite in 2024-25. However, reports indicate that the Oilers have mutual interest in Carter Hart.

NHL insider Kevin Weekes, noted for being very connected with goalie news around the league, speculated about the Oilers having interest in Hart

Obviously, this all hinges on several details. The first being, Hart would need to be found innocent regarding the 2018 Hockey Canada Sexual Assault Trial. Additionally, he would need to undergo whatever discipline the league decides to impose on the five players who are defendants in the case.

My Take

Insiders connecting the Oilers to a young, good goaltender like Hart makes sense, at least from an insider’s perspective. He grew up around Edmonton and is friends with Stuart Skinner (another local kid). 

However, it is nothing short of a PR nightmare if the Oilers consider signing him. It’s one thing for the Oilers to hire Bowman, considering the part he played in the Kyle Beach situation with the Chicago Blackhawks; it’s another thing for the team to sign a player who has been accused of a group sexual assault.

Hart last played in the NHL in the 2023-24 season. He started 25 games, producing a record of 12-9-3, with a 2.80 goals against average (GAA), a .906 save percentage (SV%), and one shutout. He has played 227 games in his career, boasting a 2.94 GAA and a .906 SV%

Regardless of how he was performing before needing to step away from the NHL, the Oilers would be best served by staying away and pursuing other options.

This is all speculation, so we will need to wait to see how the summer unfolds.

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'My Favorite Player Growing Up Was Mats Sundin' Nicolas Roy Reacts To Be Traded To Maple Leafs In Mitch Marner Deal

Nic Roy was on a trip with family and friends when he found out that he was being traded from the Vegas Golden Knights to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The forward is a couple of weeks away from getting married, so it's an exciting time for the newest Leaf, who was part of the trade that saw the end of Mitch Marner's tenure with the blue and white.

"It was a good feeling. Obviously, shocked a little bit at first, but kind of learned about it a couple of days ago. So now I feel really good about it. I've got time to reflect and look at everything and really excited to join the Leafs for sure."

The newest Maple Leafs met the media via Zoom where he discussed the new opportunity to play in Toronto and even revealed that he grew up cheering for the Maple Leafs, despite growing up in Quebec.

Report: Maple Leafs Trade Mitch Marner To Vegas Golden Knights, Agrees To Eight-Year Deal Worth $12 Million AAVReport: Maple Leafs Trade Mitch Marner To Vegas Golden Knights, Agrees To Eight-Year Deal Worth $12 Million AAVMitch Marner is on his way to Las Vegas.

Q: What excites you the most about the Leafs? What stands out about this team?

Roy: I want to be part of a team that's winning and obviously watching just the playoffs last year. I think for the (Florida) Panthers, their biggest challenge was the Leafs. And I think this group is ready to win right now. And that's why I want to be part of a team like that for sure.

Q: You played a pretty pivotal role on a Stanley Cup-winning team in 2023. What was it about that run and that experience that you think you can bring to Toronto?

Roy: I think just the full experience. Every time you win with a team, you know what it takes. There's always going to be ups and downs. Just the pressure of the moment. I think it's really what I enjoy. I really like to play in those big moments. That's what we play for as hockey players. So obviously I'm bringing the Stanley Cup experience that I got with me, but I got a lot of experience in the playoffs as well.

Golden Knights Trade Nic Hague To Predators: What It Means For Maple Leafs And Mitch Marner Trade TalksGolden Knights Trade Nic Hague To Predators: What It Means For Maple Leafs And Mitch Marner Trade TalksAs speculation intensifies around a potential trade of Mitch Marner's negotiating rights from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Vegas Golden Knights, one potential trade piece is now off the table. Early Monday morning, multiple reports surfaced that Golden Knights defenseman Nic Hague was being dealt to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Jeremy Lauzon and forward Colton Sissons. Hague is also expected to sign a four-year extension worth $5.5 million per season.

Q: I'm just wondering about your run to the Stanley Cup. Is there a specific aspect that you can point to that is absolutely crucial for a team to have in order to get to that point?

Roy: I mean, there's a lot of things that come to mind, but I think everybody has to accept their role, whatever it is. I think obviously you've got their skilled players, you've got the guys that are going to play eight to ten minutes and got to be willing to play those physical minutes. So wherever you are in the lineup, or even if you're not in the lineup, you've got to be ready to jump in when you're getting asked. So I think I would say it's probably the biggest thing. Be there for your teammates and be ready to play any roles you're asked to play.

Q: I know it's a more complicated deal than a straight up one for one, but what did you think when you heard you were being traded so that for Mitch Marner, basically? How did you take the trade?

Roy: Well, obviously, knowing what Mitch has been in this league for a long time, what he means to the organization. Like I said, he's been a big part of this group. I played with Mitch on Team Canada when we were younger. He's an awesome player. So obviously brings a little bit of pressure knowing obviously what is meant to the team. But at the same time, there's only one thing I can control, and it's getting ready for a season, getting ready this summer, working out and skating and getting ready for a season. So that's what I'm focusing on right now.

'Leaving Isn't Easy': Mitch Marner Pens Goodbye Message To Maple Leafs Fans After Joining Golden Knights'Leaving Isn't Easy': Mitch Marner Pens Goodbye Message To Maple Leafs Fans After Joining Golden KnightsMitch Marner has officially departed the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Q: What are your impressions of playing with guys like Auston Matthews and William Nylander?

Roy: I mean, two dynamic players. Obviously, really fun to watch both of them. Really excited to see what they do on a daily basis, what their routine is, and learning from them. So, yeah, pretty exciting to see them and work with them.

Q: A bit of a two-parter. First, growing up in Quebec. Who was the team you grew up watching? And secondly, what have the conversations been like for you with management about the role? I know it's a little bit early, but have you had any of those discussions?

Roy Well, first of all, it's kind of funny because growing up, I was actually, until I was maybe 11 or 12, I was actually a Leafs fan because my favorite player growing up was Mats Sundin. So I was cheering for the Leafs until I was 11 or 12 and then he signed with Vancouver. So I kind of switched to Montreal. But I guess we don't have to think about that second part. But as far as the role, I mean, it's been pretty quick, right? I've talked to a coach in GM in discussions, but mostly just welcoming me to the team and really excited to have me. So yes, it's we haven't really talked about a role or anything like that.

(Photo Credit: David Alter/THN)

Report: Maple Leafs Sign Former Canadiens Forward Michael Pezzetta To Two-Year, $1.575 Million ContractReport: Maple Leafs Sign Former Canadiens Forward Michael Pezzetta To Two-Year, $1.575 Million ContractThe Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly made their first free-agent signing. Former Maple Leafs Star Mitch Marner To Wear No. 93 With Golden KnightsFormer Maple Leafs Star Mitch Marner To Wear No. 93 With Golden KnightsThe Toronto Maple Leafs made their trade of Mitch Marner official on Tuesday morning. 'I Would Love To Play My Whole Career Here': Inside Steven Lorentz's Three-Year Extension With The Maple Leafs'I Would Love To Play My Whole Career Here': Inside Steven Lorentz's Three-Year Extension With The Maple LeafsToronto Maple Leafs forward Steven Lorentz is staying at home.

Islanders Sign Goaltender David Rittich & Defenseman Ethan Bear On Day One Of NHL Free Agency

On Tuesday, the New York Islanders announced that they signed goaltender David Rittich and right-shot defenseman Ethan Bear to one-year deals.

The AAV on Rittich's deal is $1 million annually, per PuckPedia with Bear signing a two-way deal with an NHL AAV of $775,000, with a minor salary of $325,000. 

Rittich, 32, posted a 2.84 GAA and a .887 SV% in 34 games with the Los Angeles Kings last season. The Czech goaltender earned a record of 16-14-2 as backup to Darcy Kuemper.

The signing comes in the wake of Semyon Varlamov’s rehab, which has seen no setbacks since undergoing lower-body surgery.

Rittich will likely fight with goalie Marcus Hogberg, who struggled with consistency towards the end of last season. 

Rittich projects as a strong third string or decent backup option, seeing as the goaltender has experience with 230 NHL games over 10 seasons.

In 2024-25, Bear logged 10 goals with 36 assists for 46 points in 62 games with the Hershey Bears of the AHL.

The 28-year-old defenseman most recently played in the NHL with the Washington Capitals, scoring one goal with three assists for four points in 24 games in 2023-24.

Bear suffered a significant shoulder injury in 2023 and entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program a year later, cutting his 2023-24 season short. Washington then sent Bear down and did not give the defenseman a qualifying offer.

As a right-shot defenseman, Bear will serve as solid depth for the Islanders after losing Noah Dobson.

PHOTO:  Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Kai Russell contributed to this story. 

NHL Free Agency: Flyers Quickly Knock Out 3 Big Needs

Christian Dvorak immediately improves the Flyers' depth at center. (Photo: Eric Hartline, Imagn Images)

The Philadelphia Flyers are on a crusade to start NHL free agency, quickly signing multiple players, including Christian Dvorak, to address some big team needs.

The biggest - literally - and perhaps the most important piece of business from the Flyers Tuesday was signing 6-foot-5 goalie Dan Vladar, who is now the only non-prospect to be contracted beyond the upcoming 2025-26 season.

Vladar, 27, should provide some semblance of stability to a position that has had none for the Flyers in recent years, even if he's not quite good enough to elevate the Flyers as a whole.

On the more surprising side, the Flyers also went out and added versatile forward Christian Dvorak on a one-year deal worth $5.4 million.

This was, for all intents and purposes, and overpayment, even in this free agent market, but this was probably the cost the Flyers needed to pay to pry Dvorak away from Stanley Cup contenders.

The 29-year-old played for new Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet during their time together with the Arizona Coyotes and has six 30-point seasons to his name at the NHL level. Oh, and he's won more than 55% of his faceoffs in each of the last two seasons.

The Flyers needed a reliable replacement for the departed Scott Laughton and Ryan Poehling while they wait for Jett Luchanko and Jack Nesbitt to develop, and signing Dvorak buys them another year for that.

Additionally, with the salary retained in the Andrei Kuzmenko trade now off the books, the Flyers have one more salary retention available to use this season.

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Assuming Dvorak has a good season in Philadelphia, the Flyers can retain half his salary and move him at the NHL trade deadline. Then, if Luchanko's season ends early, he can then replace Dvorak and join the Flyers at the end of the season.

Two moves that made less sense were the additions of journeymen defensemen Noah Juulsen (RHD) and Dennis Gilbert (LHD).

These players could very well be brought in simply to breed competition for NHL roster spots, but fans won't be happy about the possibility two ineffective veterans with limited skillsets block prospects like Emil Andrae and Helge Grans from playing time.

Including Cam York and excluding Grans, the Flyers now have nine defensemen on their NHL roster, so something is going to have to give a few months from now.

It's worth noting that Juulsen was a favorite of Tocchet's on the Vancouver Canucks and is highly regarded for his shot blocking and penalty kill work, but he also didn't record a point in 35 games last season and is coming off a season-ending injury.

If the Flyers really wanted veterans to push for ice time, why not try Adam Ginning, a 25-year-old prospect on an expiring contract running out of time to crack the NHL? Hunter McDonald, Grans, and Louie Belpedio are there, too.

The Flyers also added a depth forward in Lane Pedersen, who briefly played for Tocchet in the past, as well.

With Tuesday's proceedings seemingly coming to a halt with a decision from Maxim Shabanov looming, the Flyers have $5.49 million in cap space with, hopefully, enough room to re-sign York and add Shabanov.

Kraken Sign Ryan Lindgren To A Four-Year Contract

New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren (55) advances the puck while chased by Seattle Kraken right wing Jordan Eberle (7) during the second period at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

The Seattle Kraken have signed defenseman Ryan Lindgren to a four-year, $4.5 million AAV contract. 

The 27-year-old is a defensive defenseman who's played 405 games in the NHL, scoring 14 goals and 188 points with the New York Rangers and the Colorado Avalanche. Lindgren was traded from the Rangers to the Avalanche at the trade deadline as a pending unrestricted free agent.

Prior to the trade to the Avalanche, Lindgren was paired with Adam Fox, providing him stability and allowing him to be one of the best defensemen in the NHL.

“Ryan’s a heart-and-soul player who competes every shift,” said general manager Jason Botterill. “He does whatever it takes to win and has been a key fixture on the penalty kill throughout his career. We’re excited to welcome him to the team.”

Lindgren, a left-handed joins a Kraken defence core that consists of Vince Dunn, Ryker Evans, Jamie Oleksiak and Josh Mahura as left-handed defenders. Brandon Montour and Adam Larsson remain the right-handed defensemen. With the addition of Lindgren, the Kraken will likely explore a trade for Oleskiak to free up space on what's becoming a crowded blue line.

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Blues Sign Center Nick Bjugstad To Two-Year, $3.5 Million Contract

The St. Louis Blues signed center Nick Bjugstad (second from right) to a two-year, $3.5 million contract. (Jeff Le-Imagn Images)

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- The St. Louis Blues dipped into the center pool on the first day of free agency by inking veteran Nick Bjugstad to a two-year contract for $3.5 million ($1.75 million average annual value).

The 32-year-old played in 66 regular-season games with the Utah Mammoth last season and had 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists).

Bjugstad is a big body (6-foot-5,, 205-pounds) and had 330 points (157 goals, 173 assists) in 760 NHL regular-season games that's including stints with the Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild, Arizona Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers and Mammoth.

With Bjugstad's signing, it's a fair assumption that the Blues will not be bringing back Radek Faksa, who became an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday.

In addition to signing Bjugstad, the Blues made a very interesting trade in a swap of young players when they traded forward Zack Bolduc to the Montreal Canadiens for defenseman Logan Mailloux.

NHL News: Penguins Sign Former Bruins Defenseman

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Pittsburgh Penguins are signing defenseman Parker Wotherspoon to a two-year, $2 million contract.

Wotherspoon spent this past season with the Boston Bruins. In 55 games with the Original Six club, the 6-foot-1 blueliner recorded one goal, seven points, 75 hits, and a minus-10 rating. This was after he had eight assists and a plus-6 rating in 41 games with Boston during the 2023-24 season.

With the Penguins needing help on the left side of their blueline, it makes sense that they are taking a shot on Wotherspoon. When looking at their roster, he should compete for a spot on their bottom pairing. He also offers versatility, as he can play the right side if needed, too. 

Penguins Should Take Shot On Recently Bought Out ForwardPenguins Should Take Shot On Recently Bought Out ForwardEarlier this month, the Chicago Blackhawks traded forward Joe Veleno to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for Andre Burakovsky. However, Veleno's time with the Kraken quickly came to an end, as he was bought out by Seattle a few days after the trade. With this, he is now an unrestricted free agent (UFA).

Photo Credit: © Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Rangers Reportedly Working On Trading K'Andre Miller To Hurricanes

James Guillory-Imagn Images

The New York Rangers are reportedly working on trading K’Andre Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes. 

This comes shortly after the Rangers signed Vladislav Gavrikov to a seven-year, $49 million contract. 

The details of the trade have still not been revealed as of right now. 

Miller is a restricted free agent and this potential trade stems from the Rangers being unwilling to give the young defenseman a long-term contract extension. 

According to Vince Z. Mercogliano of USA Today, there may still be some ironing out to do regarding this deal.

Chris Johnston of TSN reports that the Hurricanes are working on a contract extension with Miller. 

This past season, the 25-year-old recorded seven goals, 20 assists, and 27 points in 74 games while averaging 21:57 minutes per game.

Report: Maple Leafs Sign Former Canadiens Forward Michael Pezzetta To Two-Year, $1.575 Million Contract

The Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly made their first free-agent signing.

According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, the Maple Leafs and forward Michael Pezzetta have agreed to a contract. TSN's Pierre LeBrun added to McKenzie's report, saying it's a two-year deal with an annual average value of $787,500.

The 27-year-old played just 25 games with the Montreal Canadiens last season, not registering a single point. In 61 games the year prior with Montreal, Pezzetta scored three goals and nine assists. He’s played 200 career NHL games over four seasons, tallying 15 goals, 23 assists, and 241 penalty minutes in that span.

Pezzetta, born in Toronto, Ontario, will likely join the Maple Leafs in a depth role, replacing Alex Steeves and Nick Abruzzese (both Group 6 UFAs), plus unrestricted free agent Alex Nylander, who signed a one-year, $775,000 deal with Toronto in mid-November.

'Leaving Isn't Easy': Mitch Marner Pens Goodbye Message To Maple Leafs Fans After Joining Golden Knights'Leaving Isn't Easy': Mitch Marner Pens Goodbye Message To Maple Leafs Fans After Joining Golden KnightsMitch Marner has officially departed the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Maple Leafs have had a busy last 24 hours, moving a conditional third-round pick to the Utah Mammoth in exchange for Matias Maccelli. Toronto general manager Brad Treliving also locked up Matthew Knies and Steven Lorentz to long-term deals.

Knies' deal came in at six years with a $7.75 million AAV, and Lorentz's contract has a $1.35 million AAV. They also sent Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade and acquired Nicolas Roy, who has two more years at a $3 million AAV.

'I Would Love To Play My Whole Career Here': Inside Steven Lorentz's Three-Year Extension With The Maple Leafs'I Would Love To Play My Whole Career Here': Inside Steven Lorentz's Three-Year Extension With The Maple LeafsToronto Maple Leafs forward Steven Lorentz is staying at home.

According to PuckPedia, the Maple Leafs have $5,008,081 in cap space after the two-year signing of Pezzetta.

More to come...

(Top photo of Pezzetta: David Kirouac / Imagn Images)

Flyers Get Their Goalie, Sign Dan Vladar in Free Agency

The Flyers signed Dan Vladar to a two-year deal Tuesday. (Photo: Sergei Belski, Imagn Images)

The Philadelphia Flyers found their goalie reinforcements, signing free agent netminder Dan Vladar to a two-year deal to kick off the opening of NHL free agency.

Vladar, 27, has signed a two-year deal with the Flyers worth $6.7 million ($3.35 million AAV), making him the only goalie in the organization with pro experience signed beyond the upcoming 2025-26 season.

With Vladar now in the fold, it would appear Philadelphia will platoon him and incumbent Sam Ersson as the new goalie tandem.

It had previously been reported that Ivan Fedotov will start the season in the AHL as the Flyers’ No. 3 goalie.

Flyers Can Find the Perfect Ryan Poehling Replacement in Joe VelenoFlyers Can Find the Perfect Ryan Poehling Replacement in Joe VelenoAfter losing Ryan Poehling in the Trevor Zegras trade, the Philadelphia Flyers need another reliable two-way center.

Vladar has spent the last four seasons with the Calgary Flames, primarily serving as the backup to Jacob Markstrom and, later, Dustin Wolf.

The 6-foot-5 Prague native appeared in 30 games for the Flames this season, posting a 12-11-6 record, a 2.80 GAA, a .898 save percentage, and two shutouts.

By extension, this was also Vladar’s best season as a Flame since his first, when he went 13-6-2 with a 2.75 GAA, a .906 save percentage, and two shutouts back in 2021-22.

Still on the younger side and relatively experienced, the Flyers hope the 27-year-old Vladar (soon to be 28) can establish himself as a reliable rotational piece between the pipes and, presumably, as their backup goalie of the future with a successful stint in Philly.

Hurricanes Ink Russian Netminder To One-Year Deal

The Carolina Hurricanes have reportedly signed KHL netminder Amir Miftakhov to a one-year deal.

The deal is a two-way contract that will pay Miftakhov $775,000 at the NHL level and $100,000 at the AHL level, with a $240,000 guarantee.

The Russian goalie had a 13-11-3 record with Ak Bars Kazan last season with a 0.927 save percentage.

"Amir has put together a number of solid seasons in the KHL and is ready to return to professional hockey in North America," said Carolina general manager Eric Tulsky." It’s important to have goaltending depth, and we look forward to having him in our organization.”

The 25-year-old was drafted in 2020 by the Tampa Bay Lightning and spent just one season in North America before returning to Russia.

Over the last three seasons, Miftakhov has had a 0.927 save percentage, 0.930 and a 0.917.

It provides the Canes with additional goaltending depth, a position that they were severely lacking in.

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BREAKING: Brock Boeser Re-Signs Long-Term With Vancouver Canucks

The Brock Boeser era is officially back on the table for the Vancouver Canucks, as the forward has signed a seven-year, $7.25M AAV contract with the team. This comes after a long season of speculation that Boeser would not be remaining with the team after 2024–25, including a trade deadline that nearly saw the decade-long Canuck depart from the team. 

Boeser was drafted 23rd overall by the Canucks during the 2015 NHL Draft, meaning his tenure with the organization just hit 10 years. The forward made his NHL debut for the Canucks on March 25, 2017, against his hometown Minnesota Wild. He also scored his first NHL goal this day — one of 204 total that he scored with Vancouver. In his first full NHL season, Boeser scored 29 goals and 26 assists in 62 games played, earning him a Calder Memorial Trophy finalist bid. He was also named to the 2018 NHL All-Star Game and earned the title of MVP. 

Initially, many saw Boeser as a 30-goal scorer in the NHL, though he didn’t hit the milestone for the first seven seasons of his career. In 2023–24, Boeser had a breakout year, tallying 40 goals and 33 assists in 81 games — the most he has played in a single season. He kicked that season off with a monster four-goal performance against the Edmonton Oilers. 

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site

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Boeser's long-term return to the Canucks will keep him within the organization until 2032. 

Apr 2, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser (6) during pre game warm up against the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

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The Hockey News

Sabres Deal Lafferty Back To Hawks

The Buffalo Sabres have appeared to have budgetary reasons on their mind with their trades leading into free agency on Monday. On the second day of the NHL Draft, they traded a second round pick and defenseman Connor Clifton to the Pittsburgh Penguins for defenseman Conor Timmins and minor leaguer Isaac Belliveau, shedding Clifton’s $3.33 million cap hit for next season. On Monday, the Sabres dealt forward Sam Lafferty to the Chicago Blackhawks for a 2026 sixth-round pick. 

The 30-year-old was part of a flurry of bottom-six signings made by GM Kevyn Adams on free agent day one year ago, agreeing to a two-year, $4 million contract after a 13-goal season with the Vancouver Canucks, but as with many of those additions, Lafferty’s signing was a disappointment. He scored just seven points (4 goals, 3 assists) in 60 games.  

 

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The deal sends Lafferty back to the Hawks, where he played 97 games over two seasons before being dealt to Toronto along with former Sabre Jake McCabe in February, 2023. With the deal, the Sabres save $2 million on the salary cap for next season, giving them nearly $23 million in available cap space.

Buffalo has restricted free agents Ryan McLeod, Tyson Kozak, Conor Timmins, Bowen Byram, and Devon Levi to sign, but there is still an expectation that Adams will deal Byram if he can get a significant return for the 23-year-old. That is something that he may have to wait until the blueline market gets sorted out, as rearguards like Vladislav Gavrikov hit free agency, and veterans like Rasmus Andersson and RFA K’Andre Miller get signed or traded. 

 

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