NHL Player News

The Capitals didn't extend a qualifying offer to Alexeyev on Monday, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Alexeyev appeared in just eight regular-season games for the Capitals in 2024-25 after making at least 32 appearances for the club in each of the previous two seasons. He was held without a point last year while recording 14 blocked shots and nine hits over his limited action in the NHL. He'll seek out other opportunities ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

Clayton didn't receive a qualifying offer from the Blue Jackets on Monday, making him an unrestricted free agent, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports.

Clayton hasn't yet made his NHL debut, and he spent the last four seasons with AHL Cleveland. He logged a goal, 14 assists and 37 PIM over 63 AHL appearances last year and will now be free to seek out other opportunities.

Chisholm inked a two-year, $3.2 million contract with Washington on Monday, PuckPedia reports.

Chisholm ended the 2024-25 season mired in a 34-game goal drought during which he managed just two helpers for the Wild. Despite his end-of-year slump, the 25-year-old blueliner still managed to set career highs in assists (10) and points (12). Washington's blue line is fairly crowded, so Chisholm is far from a lock to play on a nightly basis.

Bouchard agreed to terms on a four-year, $42 million contract with Edmonton on Monday, Chris Johnston of The Athletic reports.

Bouchard becomes the fourth-highest-paid defenseman in the NHL behind Erik Karlsson, Drew Doughty and Rasmus Dahlin heading into next season. The 25-year-old Bouchard has missed just two games over the past four seasons, showing strong durability along with plenty of offensive upside. With his role on the Oilers' No. 1 power-play unit, Bouchard should continue to offer elite-level fantasy value.

Ekblad signed an eight-year, $48.8 million contract extension with Florida on Monday, Pierre LeBrun of TSN reports.

Ekblad would have been a hot commodity on the open market as an unrestricted free agent, but he will remain with the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. Since being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, he has played for the Panthers for 11 straight years. In the 2024-25 regular season, he contributed three goals, 33 points, 106 shots on net, 64 blocked shots and 90 hits across 56 appearances. Ekblad will return to Florida's top pairing in the 2025-26 campaign, and he should see plenty of time on the power play.

Smith was not given a qualifying offer by the Hurricanes on Monday.

Smith spent the bulk of the 2024-25 campaign playing in the minors, suiting up with Carolina only eight times. In those appearances, the 25-year-old defenseman managed one goal, one assist and 14 shots while averaging a mere 13:40 of ice time. The best Smith can likely hope for this offseason is a two-way deal, but he may have to settle for a minor-league-only contract.

Johansson signed a two-year, $2.25 million contract with Detroit on Monday.

Johansson compiled three goals, nine points, 48 shots on net, 83 blocked shots and 70 hits across 61 regular-season appearances with the Red Wings in 2024-25. The 24-year-old defender should receive a chance to lock down a regular role in the lineup in 2025-26, which could lead to him topping 100 blocks.

Harris is not expected to receive a qualifying offer Monday, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

With no offer in hand, Harris will become an unrestricted free agent when the market opens up Tuesday. The 24-year-old blueliner never seemed to find his footing in Columbus and served as a healthy scratch more often than not. When he did play, the Massachusetts native was not particularly effective, generating just five points in 33 regular-season outings.

Brisebois signed a one-year, two-way contract with Vancouver on Monday.

Brisebois had two goals and five points in 48 regular-season appearances with AHL Abbotsford in 2024-25 before adding three points in 24 playoff outings en route to winning the Calder Cup. He also suited up in three NHL contests with Vancouver in January, contributing two shots on goal, two hits and four blocked shots. If Brisebois fails to land a depth spot with the big club at training camp, he could spend most of the 2025-26 campaign in the minors.

Romanov signed an eight-year, $50 million contract with the Islanders on Monday.

Romanov's deal will make him the highest-paid blueliner on New York's roster, coming in just ahead of veteran Ryan Pulock. In terms of fantasy value, Romanov won't impress offensively, having failed to reach the 25-point mark at any point in his five-year NHL career, but he can produce in banger formats. The 25-year-old Russian dished out 147 hits while adding 165 blocks in just 64 regular-season games last year and should continue to produce in those categories.