NHL Player News

Lowry (hip) was on the ice Tuesday, per the team's X account.

Lowry had hip surgery May 27, and he was anticipated to be out for 5-6 months at that time. It remains to be seen if Winnipeg's captain is ahead of schedule in his recovery process, but his presence on the ice Tuesday is a positive sign. Jonathan Toews and Vladislav Namestnikov are expected to fill middle-six center roles while Lowry is on the shelf.

Dach (knee) participated in an informal skate with his teammates Monday, Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette reports.

After undergoing knee surgery Feb. 28, Dach missed the final 25 games of the 2024-25 regular season and all five of Montreal's playoff outings. Barring a setback in his recovery, he should be available for the start of the 2025-26 campaign, though his participation in training camp could be limited. Dach will be in the mix for a middle-six role with the Canadiens this season, and he will have decent value in banger leagues if he stays healthy.

Kunin signed a one-year contract with Florida on Friday.

Kunin contributed 11 goals, 18 points, 112 shots on net, 77 blocked shots and 187 hits across 75 regular-season appearances between San Jose and Columbus in 2024-25. He will compete for a depth role with the Panthers during training camp, but he may not play regularly in the 2025-26 campaign.

Rossi inked a three-year, $15 million contract with Minnesota on Friday, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Rossi was a restricted free agent and signed a bridge deal that will take him to within one year of free agency once this contract expires. The 23-year-old had career highs in goals with 24 and assists with 36 across 82 regular-season games with the Wild in 2024-25. He is slated to center the second line in 2025-26, alongside Marcus Johansson and Mats Zuccarello.

Nazar signed a six-year, $46.1 million contract extension with the Blackhawks on Thursday.

Nazar is entering the final year of his entry-level deal, and his extension will begin in the 2026-27 campaign. The 21-year-old made 53 appearances with Chicago last year and racked up 12 goals, 14 assists, 35 blocked shots, 30 hits and 24 PIM while averaging 15:52 of ice time. He should be in the mix for a top-six role once again during the 2025-26 campaign.

Martin signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Nashville on Wednesday.

Martin, who was selected by the Preds with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, figures to spend another year with OHL Soo, furthering his long-term development. Last year, the 18-year-old center notched an impressive 33 goals and 39 assists in 57 regular-season contests before adding four points in five playoff tilts. With his contract in place, Martin could get a look during training camp before returning to juniors.

General manager Bill Armstrong said Thursday that Desnoyers underwent successful wrist surgery and is expected to miss approximately 12 weeks.

Desnoyers was selected by the Mammoth with the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, but his procedure means that he'll get a delayed start to his NHL career. The 18-year-old will presumably be sidelined until at least late October, and it seems unlikely that he'll join the Mammoth once he's healthy. Desnoyers has spent the past two seasons with QMJHL Moncton, recording 55 goals and 85 points over 116 regular-season appearances.

Bemstrom is set to sign a one-year deal with Swiss club SC Bern, per AHL Insider Tony Androckitis on Tuesday.

Bemstrom played in 14 games for the Penguins last season in which he notched one assist, 12 hits and three blocks while averaging just 8:20 of ice time. At 26 years of age, it's not impossible that the Swede makes an eventual return to the NHL, though he'd need to impress while in Europe.

Vrana signed a two-year contract with Linkoping HC of the SHL on Friday.

Vrana has bounced around three different teams over the last three years. In 2024-25, he posted a total of 14 points over 39 games between the Capitals and the Predators. Considering he went over a month of free agency without finding a two-way deal or tryout agreement, it makes sense the winger will look to continue his career overseas. While unlikely, Vrana could give the NHL another go if he plays well with Linkoping over the next two seasons.

McQueen committed to Providence College ahead of the 2025-26 season.

McQueen was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, so it's hard to imagine he will spend a full four seasons in the NCAA. Still, it's a strong addition for the Friars as long as the 18-year-old center can avoid any additional back problems. When healthy, McQueen offers strong offensive upside, racking up 10 goals and 10 assists in just 17 regular-season games for WHL Brandon last year.