NHL Player News

Vilmanis signed a two-year, $1.85 million contract extension with the Panthers on Wednesday.

Vilmanis will play on the last year of his entry-level contract in 2026-27 before the extension kicks in for 2027-28. Both years of the extension are one-way deals. Vilmanis had five points in 19 NHL games as well as 38 points in 48 regular-season outings for AHL Charlotte last season.

Beecher signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Panthers on Wednesday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Beecher had three goals, four assists, 37 shots on net, 23 hits, 31 blocked shots and 31 PIM over 35 regular-season games between the Bruins and the Flames in 2025-26. The 25-year-old was not tendered a qualifying offer by Calgary on Monday. He'll compete for fourth-line minutes in Florida, but he may find himself on waivers prior to the start of the season if he doesn't impress in training camp.

Ferraro signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the Jets on Wednesday, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports.

Ferraro will bolster the Jets' blue line in a big way as a shutdown defender. The 27-year-old put up career highs in goals (seven) and points (23) in 82 regular-season games with the Sharks in 2025-26. He's also logged at least 125 blocked shots in five straight years and at least 120 hits in each of his seven campaigns. Keep an eye on Ferraro in banger leagues, as he should be a candidate for top-four minutes in Winnipeg.

Bjornfot signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Panthers on Wednesday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Bjornfot had four points in 19 games with the Panthers last year, as well as 12 points in 33 regular-season outings for AHL Charlotte. The defenseman could stick around the NHL as a seventh blueliner, but there's a decent chance he spends at least some of 2026-27 in the AHL again.

Joseph signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Oilers on Wednesday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Joseph had 11 points, 36 shots on net, 115 hits, 34 blocked shots and a minus-7 rating over 51 regular-season outings between the Blues and the Kings in 2025-26. The 29-year-old forward will be on his fifth NHL team in his career. If Joseph makes the Oilers' roster in training camp, he'll likely fill a bottom-six role.

Gawdin signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Rangers on Wednesday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Gawdin spent the last two years in the Kings' organization but didn't make an NHL appearance. He totaled 42 goals and 71 assists over 143 AHL regular-season contests with Ontario. Gawdin could compete for bottom-six minutes with the Rangers, but he'll more than likely spend most of his time with AHL Hartford if he's able to clear waivers at the start of the campaign.

Stromgren signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Flames on Wednesday.

Stromgren produced 11 goals and 36 assists over 66 regular-season games with AHL Calgary in 2025-26. He was tendered a qualifying offer Monday, and the Flames wasted no time in getting him under contract. Stromgren has just three NHL games to his name, but if he continues to score at the AHL level, he'll likely be in contention for a call-up.

Sillinger signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Blue Jackets on Wednesday.

Sillinger made his NHL debut with the Blue Jackets in 2024-25 against Seattle on Jan. 9. That has been his only NHL appearance, but he will remain under contract with the organization for at least one more year. He played in 69 regular-season outings with AHL Cleveland in 2025-26, recording 14 goals, 20 assists and 50 PIM.

Jones signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Mammoth on Wednesday.

Jones didn't get into an NHL game while under contract with the Sabres last year. He produced a stellar 10 goals and 52 assists over 60 regular-season games with AHL Rochester in 2025-26. Jones should be considered a long shot to make the Mammoth's roster, but he could be in contention for a call-up if he remains productive offensively in the AHL in 2026-27.

Englund signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Flames on Wednesday.

Englund made just three regular-season appearances with Nashville last year after spending a considerable amount of time at the NHL level in the three prior campaigns. Across 52 regular-season games with AHL Milwaukee in 2025-26, he recorded three goals, 10 assists and 65 PIM. Englund will likely have a chance to compete for an NHL roster spot ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, but he could have to settle for a role in which he plays primarily in the minors.