NHL Player News

Kuzmenko signed a one-year, $5 million contract with Pittsburgh on Wednesday, Pierre LeBrun of TSN reports.

Kuzmenko's deal is pretty much the Kyle Dubas standard at this point -- a one-year deal that won't impact the team long term and could have value at the trade deadline. The 30-year-old winger logged 52 regular-season games with the Kings last year, producing 13 goals, including eight with the man advantage. He could find himself paired up with fellow Russian Evgeni Malkin on the second line, though Kuzmenko's hold on that potential spot could be tenuous at best.

Bjorkstrand signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Rangers on Wednesday, per Mollie Walker of the New York Post.

Bjorkstrand had 12 goals, 32 points, 16 PIM and 85 hits in 80 regular-season appearances in 2025-26. That ended his run of five straight regular seasons in which he recorded over 40 points. The 31-year-old is likely to serve in a middle-six capacity with the Rangers in 2026-27.

Kahkonen signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Canadiens on Wednesday.

Kahkonen spent the entire 2025-26 season with AHL Laval, going 21-9-7 with a 2.73 GAA and .895 save percentage across 38 regular-season appearances. He'll remain in the organization for the 2026-27 campaign but could have to settle for a minor-league role once again.

Marchment agreed to terms on a five-year, $33.75 million deal with San Jose on Wednesday, Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Marchment ended the 2025-26 season on a high note, tallying two goals and seven assists in his last eight games with the Blue Jackets. Overall, the 31-year-old winger compiled 19 goals and 45 points in 68 games between Columbus and Seattle. He figures to slot into a middle-six role for San Jose, but he could push further up the depth chart as the season progresses.

Smith signed a three-year, $9 million contract with the Blackhawks on Wednesday.

Smith had eight goals, 12 points, 40 PIM and 173 hits in 63 regular-season appearances between Nashville and Vegas in 2025-26. Smith is likely to serve primarily on Chicago's fourth line and should continue to help fantasy managers when it comes to PIM and hits.

Brodzinski signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with the Capitals on Wednesday, Peter Baugh of The Athletic reports.

Brodzinski made at least 50 regular-season appearances for the Rangers in each of the past three campaigns. He recorded six goals, 10 assists, 47 hits, 19 blocked shots and 12 PIM while averaging 11:10 of ice time across 55 outings in 2025-26. He will compete for a depth role with the Capitals during training camp.

Copley signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with the Blue Jackets on Wednesday.

Copley had a 2.59 GAA and a .901 save percentage in 33 regular-season outings with AHL Ontario in 2025-26. The 34-year-old netminder also has a 44-17-8 record, 2.85 GAA and .898 save percentage in 78 career regular-season NHL games. Copley is likely to start 2026-27 in the minors, but he should be summoned to the Blue Jackets if Jet Greaves or Elvis Merzlikins suffer an injury at any point during the campaign.

Blueger signed a two-year, $5 million contract with the Maple Leafs on Wednesday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

After appearing in all 82 regular-season games with the Canucks during the 2024-25 campaign, Blueger missed most of the first half of the 2025-26 season due to injury. Overall, he made 35 appearances last year while recording nine goals, eight assists, 55 hits, 22 PIM and 16 blocked shots while averaging 16:31 of ice time.

Laczynski signed a three-year, $2.7 million contract with the Golden Knights on Wednesday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Laczynski had five assists in 10 regular-season outings with Vegas in 2025-26. He also had 22 goals and 64 points in 62 regular-season appearances with AHL Henderson last campaign. The 29-year-old managed to secure a one-way contract, so he'll earn the same amount regardless of whether he plays in the NHL or minors, but it still wouldn't be surprising if he ends up starting 2026-27 in the AHL.

Anhorn secured a one-year, two-way contract with Chicago on Wednesday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Anhorn was undrafted out of St. Cloud State and spent the last three seasons with AHL Manitoba. The 27-year-old blueliner notched three goals and 14 assists in 46 regular-season games for the Moose before adding three points in seven postseason contests. Anhorn figures to spend the bulk of his 2026-27 campaign in the minors with AHL Rockford.