NHL Player News

Staal signed a one-year, $4.9 million contract extension with the Hurricanes on Tuesday.

Staal's current contract covers 2026-27, but the extension will keep him in Raleigh an additional year. The 38-year-old center can earn up to $5.1 million in performance bonuses in 2027-28. Staal figures to remain a key part of the Hurricanes' defensive structure from the third line heading into the upcoming season as the team looks to defend its Stanley Cup title from June.

Newhook signed a four-year, $22.2 million contract extension with Montreal on Tuesday.

Before his new deal kicks in, Newhook has one more campaign remaining on his four-year, $11.6 million contract. He generated 13 goals, 25 points, 61 shots on net and 48 hits over 42 appearances during the 2025-26 regular season. The 25-year-old forward also led the Canadiens with seven goals in 19 games during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Zary (undisclosed) has been cleared to participate in Calgary's training camp, per Pat Steinberg of QR Calgary 770 AM.

Zary was held out of the Flames' season finale in April due to an undisclosed injury. The issue appeared to be minor, as he has been cleared for training camp, where he will battle for a role in the team's top six. In the 2025-26 campaign, the 24-year-old winger took a slight step back with 12 goals, 25 points, 110 shots on net and 45 hits across 74 outings. He offers higher upside than most of Calgary's wingers, but he'll have to earn his role with the Flames if he's to take a jump to fantasy relevance this season.

Ostlund (lower body) signed an eight-year, $52.8 million contract extension with Buffalo on Monday.

Ostlund generated 11 goals, 27 points, 60 shots on net and 30 blocked shots across 60 regular-season appearances with the Sabres in 2025-26. He missed the final eight games of Buffalo's postseason run because of a lower-body injury, but he expressed optimism in May that he would be fine in a couple of weeks. Assuming he didn't suffer any setbacks during the offseason, Ostlund should be available for the start of training camp.

Horvat was named the Islanders' captain Monday.

Horvat was limited to 68 regular-season appearances last year, but he remained efficient with 31 goals, 26 assists, 51 hits, 40 PIM and 38 blocked shots while averaging 20:46 of ice time. The 2026-27 campaign will be his fourth full season with the Islanders, and he's set to take on a leadership role for the team. Prior to the 2025-26 season, Horvat had appeared in 81 regular-season games in back-to-back campaigns, and he should remain a strong source of offensive production if he can remain healthy this year.

Samanski is expected to compete for a checking-line center role during training camp, Derek Van Diest of NHL.com reports Sunday.

Samanski flashed his skills as a reliable two-way forward last campaign. He contributed two goals, four points, nine shots on net, 14 blocked shots and 27 hits over 24 regular-season appearances with the Oilers in 2025-26. Samanski should get a long look at training camp, as Mattias Janmark (undisclosed) continues to recover from surgery. Janmark underwent the procedure in March, and it remains unclear when he will be ready to return.

Bolduc signed a four-year, $16.8 million contract with Montreal on Sunday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Bolduc compiled 12 goals, 30 points, 101 shots on net, 43 blocked shots and 170 hits over 78 games for the Canadiens during the 2025-26 regular season. The 23-year-old forward will battle for a bottom-six role at training camp ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Misa will play in the 2026 Rookie Faceoff despite logging 45 NHL games in the 2025-26 regular season, per Max Miller of Sharks Hockey Digest on Friday.

While his participation in the mini-tournament is surprising, it could help him get into a groove before San Jose's training camp opens. Misa should receive an elevated role in the 2026-27 campaign. He will compete for a second-line role with the Sharks during camp.

McTavish is projected to serve as the Blues' second-line center in the 2026-27 season, according to Lou Korac of The Hockey News on Friday.

St. Louis acquired McTavish from Anaheim at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft in June. He notched 17 goals and 41 points over 75 regular-season games for the Ducks in 2025-26. The 23-year-old forward could return to the 50-point mark for the second time in his NHL career in his first campaign with the Blues if he makes the most of his opportunities.

Fisker Molgaard told reporters Friday he primarily worked on building strength and size in the offseason.

Fisker Molgaard is a long shot to make the Kraken's roster, but that could change with an impressive camp. He produced 34 points in 49 regular-season outings for AHL Coachella Valley last year, and he also racked up two assists in his first 13 NHL games. The 21-year-old likely needs a bit more time in the AHL before getting a chance to be a full-time option for Seattle.